10 Best Nursing Homes in Home Gardens, CA

The public bathrooms weren't cleaned enough and not enough attention to details (corners of the floor etc). Some of the staff went above and beyond to be helpful. My mom needed a little more assistance toward the end and they weren't allowed to help with bandages. They did help her with laundering some larger items such as blankets. The dining room was very nice but my mom often complained that the food was never hot. They had lists of activities daily even though my mom wouldn't participate in them. She only liked to go to a weekly Deals and Steals event. I visited several places before choosing Merrill Gardens, and my mom had the same basic cost (other than adding additional assistance in the last 6 months) as when she initially moved in. They were raising their prices when she passed. The management was accommodating with my mom's request to host a few friends for Happy Hour in the common space living room on Fridays (outside guests). I hosted a staff lunch when she passed to thank them.

My mothers experience was good. She did have to stay on the second floor due to her diagnosis of dementia and that was not present for her...felt like a prisoner. The staff were very attentive and most of all she was safe so we could feel like we had a break from 24x7 care givers. She doesn't show signs of dementia most of the time but the doctor gave the word and Atria had no choice but to put her on memory care floor. We plan an another trip next April and will need some help then.

The front of the door/reception area staff and staff who work directly with clients/residents are wonderful. Great communication, caring, helpful. The staff who applicants work with initially to sign up are wonderful too - communicate quickly and helpful. However, once we signed up there was zero communication. Follow-ups that were promised were not fulfilled. It was disappointing- felt that once we were in the door that level of communication dropped. Administrative staff had poor communication and follow through. When my mother passed and we were trying to wrap up the contract and get a check on the credit her account had, we'd have to call and email multiple times. Phone calls were not returned, emails were unanswered. Housekeeping was consistent and the facility was well stocked. The facility was visually appealing and looked clean and well kept. Move in process: staff members readily available and attentive to answer questions and sign contract. Post contract signing there isn't a dedicated person or department to go to with questions. When we reached out to the employees who worked with us when we initially sign up, emails and phone calls were unanswered. Meals were good and accommodated varying nutritional/dietary needs. Alternative meals available if residents could not or did not like a menu item. An improvement to suggest would be to communicate with families in a timely manner and have a contact point person post initial registration.