Merrill Gardens at Columbia in Columbia, South Carolina provides both Assisted Living and Independent Living. Licensed nurses are on site around-the-clock, coordinating care that includes diabetes monitoring, medication management and regular wellness checks. Residents can receive hospice care when needed, and rehabilitation professionals—physical, occupational and speech therapists—conduct sessions in the community. A podiatrist visits for foot and ankle needs, and an in-house massage therapist helps with pain management and flexibility. Ambulatory care, incontinence support and routine nursing oversight are part of the standard service package. The community does not run a specialized dementia program.

Personal care staff supply some physical assistance with bathing, dressing, eating and toileting, adjusting the level of help as a resident’s requirements change. Transfer support is available for individuals who use a walker or wheelchair, or who only need standby supervision. Care plans are reviewed regularly to keep services aligned with medical orders and resident goals.

Apartments vary in size and layout, and all include basic utilities. Weekly housekeeping and scheduled laundry services are provided, although not every accommodation has every available feature, such as walk-in showers or private patios.

Meals are prepared by a professional chef and served restaurant-style throughout the day, with an all-day dining program allowing residents to choose mealtimes. Menus rotate to include international dishes, vegetarian selections and standard favorites, and guests may purchase meals when visiting.

Amenities include a barber and beauty shop, exercise room, movie room, wellness center, communal gardens, library, bistro café, activity rooms and several enclosed courtyards. A 24/7 emergency response system is integrated throughout the property. Scheduled transportation is offered for medical appointments, shopping and community outings. Pets are allowed; it’s a good idea to check with the community during your visit to see if your pet will be allowed.

Residents and their families say:

This community has received largely positive feedback for its quality of life and comprehensive amenities. Residents and their families appreciate the beautiful, modern facilities and the variety of activities and amenities offered. Many reviewers highlighted the friendly and accommodating staff, the engaging activity programs, and the convenient Anytime Dining feature. The community is noted for providing a pleasant environment where residents feel welcomed and cared for, supporting their active and independent lifestyles. A number of reviews mention the facility's ideal location and attractive features, such as a rooftop deck and new, spacious apartments.

Despite these positives, there are some areas where the community could improve. Multiple reviews pointed out issues related to food quality and the complexity of initial paperwork processes. Several reviewers experienced challenges during intake, mentioning unclear instructions and a lack of organization. Some also expressed dissatisfaction with certain dining logistics, describing the location of the dining area as less than ideal for individuals with mobility issues. However, even with these criticisms, the reviews generally maintain that the positives, such as quality of care and overall living experience, outweigh these drawbacks.

In conclusion, this community is well-regarded for its excellent amenities, attentive staff, and vibrant resident life. It delivers a high standard of living that appeals to both residents and their families, making it a desirable choice for those seeking independent and assisted living options. While there are minor areas for improvement, many reviewers agree that the community provides a valuable and engaging environment, contributing positively to residents' lifestyles.

AI generated summary of real reviews