Merrill Gardens at Columbia

As I said my mom went in for assisted living . She was not involved in any community . She stayed in her room . Ate by herself . She was left alone, she fell multiple times and broke her teeth and bones. It was not a good fit to say the least. The staff were not very attentive or kind. Except one nurse assistant. I don't think they knew what they were doing. It was not organized for an elderly client who needs assistance.

Our family has been very happy with the facility and we had a great first impression. It did not seem like a "nursing home" - it is clean, it smelled nice and there are a lot of open spaces. The residents who live there also seemed happy to be there.

Friendly people and they take care of you. The people are so well taken care of and are happy. You definitely do not go hungry.

I had a great experience with Merrill Gardens before my dad decided to move he was in two places that weren’t mentally healthy or social. He loved the atmosphere and people off the bat. There are still many things yet to come with Merrill Gardens and the area surrounding it. I love the grounds and their historical background. The people there are wonderful, although I do know seniors can get a bit grumpy. To be honest if I could move in today at 40 I definitely would but I have to wait another dang 22 years and hopefully Merrill Gardens being a family owed and operated and focused they will still be great when I come of age.

My friend is reasonably happy there. She picked this place because of ts proximity to friends, and church, and they allowed her to keep her dog with her.

It was amazing! Great staff, food, and the apartments are beautiful. I'd highly recommend.

We of course love everything about Merrill Gardens at Columbia. The place itself and all the things they offer the best senior home in Columbia and surroundings in S.C. Thank you so much for helping me get a place there

The only issue we had was with the initial intake paperwork. It was not clear what was needed from us and the timing of those items. We did a lot of unnecessary scrambling around for paperwork and medical documents on that could have been handled more efficiently. We'd never done this before so we just didn't know and we got conflicting information from the staff. A checklist and a timeline of expectations for new residents and families would have been extremely helpful. Beyond that, my father-in-law is very happy there and seems to be adjusting well.

It is in a 'hot ' area of Downtown...The Bull Street District. The biggest complaint is about the food being cold and/or too fancy .... everyone complains. But on the plus side the menu offers many options and one can eat anytime from 11 to 7. Continental breakfast in the morning. Washer and dryer in room, 2 burner stove and microwave. Staff is very patient and kind, listening to residents ask the same questions over and over. Studio through 2 bedroom available. Rent goes up every year. Free cleaning once a week but very 'light'. Utilities and meals included in rent as well as transportation to Dr. Appointments. Good security. Nicer than any other places I've seen.

My husband and I recently toured, looking for a place for his mom. We loved the location because it’s close to everything! When we walked in the doors we were met with a huge open, high end hotel feel. Huge windows with tons of natural light and modern fixtures and architecture! The sales lady was sharp and personable and spent a lot of time finding out about my mother in laws needs and what was important to us. She took us all over the gorgeous community and the people that lived there greeted us and seemed so friendly and happy. We enjoyed an unexpected invitation for lunch and it was so good. They had choices! Unfortunately they were full with a waiting list and we needed something immediately so we had to move on. They need more apartments!!

My dad has been very happy at Merrill Gardens at Columbia so far. The food served is great! He does say that he would like a church service or transportation to a local church on Sundays if possible. I would recommend this facility to others who are looking.

My friend had to wait for room cleaning before moving in to her room because "the housekeeper was on vacation"..... That seemed to indicate that they did not have enough or did not manage well the duties of cleaning staff.

They are amazing! Such a beautiful place! It's a wonderful place to live. It was the nicest, had the best amenities, it didn't feel like a nursing home and great price and food is amazing.

The food was okay. The place was not a good fit for my loved one. They did not live up to my expectations, and what they promised. The place is beautiful, and I loved it. They are very pricey, and a bit on the high scale. It's better for Independent Living.

Merrill Gardens at Columbia gets all 5 stars, they were the best. All of the staff were what really stuck out to us. The manager, cooks, cleaning staff, receptionist, everyone was absolutely wonderful and they offered our family a lot of support.

They get all 5 stars except for the food. I'd put that at a 3 - but the friendliness of the dining staff takes the edge off. All the folks I've met here love it. I have nothing but praise for Merrill Gardens at Columbia.