1. Facility Overview and Services

Golden Living Center Merrillville is a large-scale senior living facility offering a wide range of care options. The center features:

• 164 comprehensive care beds
• 96 resident rooms
• Fully sprinklered facility with battery-operated smoke detectors

Core Services:

1. Skilled Nursing Care: 24/7 medical supervision and support
2. Rehabilitation Services: Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
3. Long-term Care: For residents needing ongoing assistance
4. Memory Care: Specialized care for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients
5. Hospice and Palliative Care: End-of-life care and comfort
6. Short-term Respite Care: Temporary relief for family caregivers

Specialized Medical Services:

• IV therapy
• Wound care
• Diabetes management
• Cardiac care
• Dental, audiology, dialysis, and podiatry services

2. Amenities and Daily Life

Golden Living Center Merrillville offers a variety of amenities to enhance residents’ quality of life:

Living Spaces:

• Private and semi-private rooms
• Communal dining areas
• Outdoor gardens and walking paths

Wellness and Recreation:

• Fitness center with tailored exercise programs
• Rehabilitation gym
• Activity center for social gatherings
• Library and computer lounge

Additional Features:

• Pet-friendly environment
• Housekeeping and laundry services
• WiFi access throughout the facility
• On-site maintenance personnel

3. Daily Activities and Programs

The facility provides a diverse range of activities to keep residents engaged:

1. Physical Wellness:
   • Chair yoga sessions
   • Walking clubs
   • Tailored exercise classes
2. Creative Arts:
   • Arts and crafts workshops
   • Music therapy sessions
3. Social Events:
   • Weekly bingo nights
   • Movie screenings
   • Themed parties and holiday celebrations
4. Community Integration:
   • Outings to local attractions
   • Participation in community events
5. Educational Programs:
   • Guest speakers
   • Lifelong learning opportunities

4. Resident Experiences and Testimonials

Golden Living Center Merrillville has received mixed reviews from residents and their families. The facility currently holds a rating of 2.8 out of 5 based on 8 reviews.

Positive Feedback:

“My mom has been in this facility for a year now. I can honestly say at first the care was basic. Now they have definitely upped the ante in her care. They watch out for her, especially taking the time and effort to make sure she is eating, bathing, and getting her meds.”

Areas of Concern:

“I have tried to be good to the staff at golden living, my father is there I want him to be taken care of!! I go in, the staff is not at the desk half the time.”

These testimonials highlight both improvements in care quality over time and ongoing challenges with staff availability and responsiveness.

5. Pricing Information and Comparison

Golden Living Center Merrillville offers a range of pricing options based on the level of care required:

Market Comparison:

The local market average for assisted living in Merrillville is approximately $4,570 per month, placing Golden Living Center Merrillville slightly above average in terms of pricing.

6. Management Quality and Staff Responsiveness

While specific management awards for Golden Living Center Merrillville are not directly mentioned in recent sources, the facility demonstrates:

1. Commitment to Improvement: Reviews indicate enhanced care quality over time.
2. Personalized Care Approach: Staff focuses on individual resident needs.
3. Comprehensive Service Delivery: Wide range of medical and support services available.

However, some reviews highlight concerns about staff availability and responsiveness, suggesting areas for potential improvement in management oversight and staffing levels.

7. Unique Features and Programs

1. Continuum of Care: Offers a wide range of services from assisted living to skilled nursing, allowing residents to age in place.
2. Specialized Memory Care: Dedicated programs for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.
3. Rehabilitation Services: On-site therapy and rehabilitation programs for recovery and maintenance.
4. Pet-Friendly Environment: Recognizes the importance of pet companionship for seniors.

8. Reputation and Recognition

Golden Living Center Merrillville has faced some challenges in maintaining a strong reputation:

• Medicare Rating: 1 out of 5 stars
• Health Inspection Grade: A-
• Reported 54 complaints and 24 deficiencies

While these metrics indicate areas for improvement, the facility has shown commitment to enhancing care quality and addressing concerns.

Conclusion

Golden Living Center Merrillville offers a comprehensive range of services and amenities for seniors requiring various levels of care. The facility’s strengths lie in its wide array of medical services, rehabilitation programs, and diverse activity offerings. However, the below-average resident reviews and Medicare ratings suggest there is room for improvement in care quality and staff responsiveness.

For families considering Golden Living Center Merrillville, it’s important to weigh the comprehensive services and amenities against the mixed reviews and higher-than-average pricing. We recommend scheduling a tour, speaking directly with current residents and staff, and carefully reviewing all care options and associated costs before making a decision.

Remember, the right senior living facility should provide not just care, but a supportive and engaging environment that enhances quality of life. While Golden Living Center Merrillville offers many essential services, potential residents and their families should carefully consider their specific needs and preferences in light of the facility’s strengths and areas for improvement.