The Merion

My mom recently moved into the Merion from her condo in nearby downtown Evanston. As we were going through the evaluation and visiting process, we found the Merion team to be personally engaging, empathetic, and prepared to answer all of our questions. Jayne and Maria made us feel welcome from the very beginning. The Merion's moving team was efficient and easy to work with. By choosing the Merion, my mother is able to maintain her relationships with her friends in the area and her interaction with the community as downtown Evanston is right outside the door. The Merions's activities and amenities are excellent and the food nutritious and good tasting. This type of transition is innately stressful, but we now have greater peace of mind at the Merion.

I was researching independent living facilities for my elderly father. One of them was the [Removed] as it was positively rated on various sites. Unfortunately, my experience was just the opposite. It definitely left a bad after taste. It started out typically enough. Upon calling in, I was connected with their marketing guy, [Removed]. Initially, he seemed eager to help (without being too cynical, I assume partly because he is on commission). In the first phone conversation, he provided some introductory remarks, gave his marketing spiel, described the facility, the services offered, etc., etc. And as would be expected, after the initial conversation and reviewing the information he gave, questions popped up which I proceeded to ask via email. We traded emails a couple of times including discussing a possible visit, and then, incommunicado - no response. I followed up with phone calls and left messages. Still no response. Given that jobs of this ilk have high turnover rates, I thought it's possible that he may have left for greener pastures. So, I called and asked to speak with the general manager. I was connected to one "[Removed]" (if memory serves) and left a voice mail. That was about 1 1/2 weeks ago. To this date, have not heard back. If this is the way they treat potential customers, I wonder how they would treat them once they become customers?

Very well run and well built facility. Food is excellent and fairly priced. Facilities are clean and very well maintained. Suites are like a luxury-near hotel. Staff is attentive and friendly and well dressed. Location is outstanding with downtown Evanston right out the front door. Not everyone can afford it - but it is very reasonably priced for what you get. Only downside is the limit on ability to escalate care to/thru end of life.