Truewood by Merrill, Charlotte Center

    18400 Cochran Blvd, Port Charlotte, FL 33948
    • Independent Living
    • Assisted Living
    • Memory Care

    Kind, safe, clean memory-care community

    I'm very pleased with my mom's experience - the staff are kind, attentive and knowledgeable, and the memory-care neighborhood feels safe and homey. The building is clean and bright, rooms are comfortable with handy kitchenettes, and activities (live music, outings, bingo) keep residents engaged. Administration and maintenance were helpful during move-in and communication has been responsive. I'd recommend this community to other families.

    Loved one of resident
    Jul 2026

    Pricing

    Prices shown are estimates and subject to change. Contact your senior living advisor for current pricing.

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    Amenities

    Healthcare services

    • Activities of daily living assistance
    • Assistance with bathing
    • Assistance with dressing
    • Assistance with transfers
    • Coordination with health care providers
    • Hospice waiver
    • Medication management
    • Mental wellness program

    Healthcare staffing

    • 12-16 hour nursing
    • 24-hour call system
    • 24-hour supervision

    Meals and dining

    • Diabetes diet
    • Meal preparation and service
    • Special dietary restrictions

    Room

    • Air-conditioning
    • Cable
    • Fully furnished
    • Housekeeping and linen services
    • Kitchenettes
    • Private bathrooms
    • Telephone
    • Wifi

    Memory care community services

    • Dementia waiver
    • Mild cognitive impairment
    • Specialized memory care programming

    Transportation

    • Community operated transportation
    • Transportation arrangement
    • Transportation arrangement (medical)
    • Transportation arrangement (non-medical)
    • Transportation to doctors appointments

    Common areas

    • Beauty salon
    • Computer center
    • Dining room
    • Fitness room
    • Gaming room
    • Garden
    • Outdoor space
    • Small library
    • Wellness center

    Community services

    • Concierge services
    • Fitness programs
    • Move-in coordination

    Activities

    • Community-sponsored activities
    • Planned day trips
    • Resident-run activities
    • Scheduled daily activities

    Reviews

    4.14·(204)

    Overall rating

    1. 5
    2. 4
    3. 3
    4. 2
    5. 1
    • Care

      4.1
    • Staff

      4.2
    • Meals

      3.5
    • Amenities

      4.0
    • Value

      3.2

    Pros

    • Attentive, compassionate caregiving staff
    • Neighborhood-style floorplan with per-neighborhood dining
    • Clean, well-maintained interiors and grounds
    • Active, varied activity program including outings
    • Secure, structured memory-care unit
    • Onsite nursing and physical-therapy availability
    • Housekeeping and laundry services
    • Private and family-friendly dining options
    • Helpful admissions and transition assistance
    • Comfortable, well-sized apartments with kitchenettes
    • Regular transportation for errands and appointments
    • Renovated, light-filled common areas and outdoor spaces
    • Affordable pricing options for some residents
    • Engaged activities leadership and entertainment

    Cons

    • Inconsistent management and family communication
    • Staffing shortages and high staff turnover
    • Gaps in clinical oversight and medication administration
    • Variable dining quality and menu consistency
    • Unclear fee structure and unexpected rate increases
    • Inconsistent memory-care staffing and programming
    • Maintenance delays and incomplete repairs
    • Occasional sanitation and odor concerns in some common areas
    • Limited RN coverage and intermittent clinical leadership presence
    • Workplace-culture concerns affecting staff conduct
    • Congested parking and limited visitor parking availability

    Summary of reviews

    Truewood by Merrill, Charlotte Center presents a mixed but generally positive picture. Many families and residents praise the staff for being caring, attentive and personable; admissions and transition personnel receive repeated positive mention for facilitation and follow-through. The facility’s neighborhood-style design with per-neighborhood dining rooms, smaller household dining experiences, and private dining options for couples is a consistent strength, as are the clean, renovated common areas, light-filled rooms, and accessible outdoor spaces.

    Direct care quality is often described as compassionate and individualized: caregivers are noted to know residents by name, engage residents in activities (Wii, music, painting, group games), and provide laundry and light housekeeping services. The community offers onsite nursing and physical therapy presence and a secure memory-care unit that many families find reassuring. Activity programming is broad, with routine on-campus events and regular outings (restaurant lunches, bus rides, movie nights) that support social engagement.

    At the same time, recurring operational concerns appear across reviews. Many families describe inconsistent communication from management and front-office staff, creating uncertainty about clinical issues, billing, and care changes. Staffing levels and turnover are flagged repeatedly; reviewers cite periods of understaffing that coincide with slower call-button response times, gaps in clinical attention, and variability in how consistently personal care and medication administration are handled. Several reviews reference limited RN coverage and uneven clinical leadership presence, which some families connected to delays or inconsistencies in medication and care follow-through.

    Dining receives mixed feedback: presentation and dining-room ambiance are often praised, but menu variety, portion temperature, and taste quality are noted as inconsistent. Financial transparency is another theme — some families describe flexible or affordable pricing options, while others experienced rapid rate increases, additional fees, or confusing level-of-care definitions. Maintenance and facilities management also show variation: while grounds and many interiors are well kept, there are reports of outstanding repairs, hurricane-related work still pending, and occasional sanitation or odor concerns in certain corridors or shared spaces.

    Notable patterns for prospective families: staff capacity and managerial consistency are the two most frequent drivers of both positive and negative experiences. Admissions and certain long-tenured staff members are highlighted as strong points; conversely, leadership responsiveness, billing clarity, and ongoing staffing stability are areas to confirm during a tour. Recommended due diligence includes asking for current staffing ratios, RN coverage schedule, written explanations of fees and level-of-care triggers, examples of recent activity calendars (including memory-care programming), and documentation of maintenance timelines. Overall, the community has clear strengths in person-centered atmosphere and neighborhood design, but prospective residents and families should verify operational details that affect daily care continuity and costs.

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    Location

    Map showing location of Truewood by Merrill, Charlotte Center

    Truewood by Merrill, Charlotte Center is located at 18400 Cochran Blvd, Port Charlotte, FL, 33948.

    About Truewood by Merrill, Charlotte Center

    Truewood by Merrill, Charlotte Center sits in Port Charlotte, Florida, and offers many choices for senior living, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care for those with Alzheimer's or other dementias, all on one campus so folks don't have to move as their needs change, which can be a comfort as years go by. The staff stays on site around the clock to help with daily needs or give extra care when someone's health changes, and the facility holds a specialty license for limited nursing services, which can be helpful for medical needs that come up, while folks on Medicaid can find support here too. Residents pick from private or semi-private rooms, and the whole place is arranged to feel comfortable, with greenery in the courtyard, walking paths, and spots outside to sit and get fresh air, while large windows let in sunlight in the traditional design, which can make things feel brighter during the day. The community provides meals, housekeeping, and offers an activity program with lots of chances to join in, like onsite or offsite events, group social times, educational classes, and even transportation to medical appointments or nearby outings if someone doesn't drive anymore. There's a beautician available on site for hair and grooming, and devotional services are set up offsite for those who want to take part. Hospice and respite care are available when families need extra support, and folks can age in place to avoid a move when care needs grow, which is often a relief for residents and their loved ones. Reviews from families are available, and the apartments start at $3,200 depending on what's open, though the exact price and availability can vary. Community events aim to promote friendship and help people feel welcome, and the staff emphasizes personalizing care and creating a home where confidence and comfort matter, so the environment suits different needs, from active seniors to those who need memory care.

    About Merrill Gardens

    Truewood by Merrill, Charlotte Center is managed by Merrill Gardens.

    Founded in 1993 with a single community in Seattle, Merrill Gardens has grown into one of the nation's most respected senior living providers, operating 65 communities across 17 states. As a fifth-generation family-owned company with roots extending back to the 1890s, Merrill Gardens is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, and maintains the values of integrity, compassion, and excellence that have defined the Merrill family for generations. The company has expanded strategically through both organic growth and selective acquisitions, recently adding five new communities in 2024 including locations in South Carolina, Missouri, and Oregon, while maintaining its commitment to quality over quantity in expansion decisions.

    Merrill Gardens offers a comprehensive continuum of senior living services including independent living, assisted living, and specialized memory care programs. Their innovative Anytime Dining program provides restaurant-style meals seven days a week, while their assisted living services include personalized care plans covering bathing, dressing, medication management, and safety checks. The company's memory care communities utilize a Montessori approach designed specifically for residents with Alzheimer's and dementia, creating environments that promote independence and well-being. Through their Inspire Connection program, Merrill Gardens focuses on connection and community, ensuring residents can engage in meaningful activities that bring a sense of belonging and purpose to their daily lives.

    The company's philosophy centers on their "Yes You Can" mentality, believing that life should be defined by possibilities rather than limitations. Merrill Gardens emphasizes person-centered care that celebrates each resident as a whole person, honoring their individuality and supporting their ability to make their own decisions. As innovators in the industry, they invest in technology and data-driven operations to enhance resident care while maintaining the personal touch that comes from their family-owned heritage. Their approach focuses on treating residents like family, with staff who are passionate about senior care rather than simply collecting a paycheck, creating environments where residents can live their fullest lives.

    Merrill Gardens has earned significant recognition for their excellence, including being ranked #6 in the nation by Fortune Magazine as a Best Workplace in Aging Services and receiving Great Place to Work certification for three consecutive years. The company has been honored as Family Business of the Year by both the Puget Sound Business Journal and Seattle Business Magazine, recognizing their longevity, community commitment, and long-term vision. With over 2,500 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5 stars, multiple communities have received Best of Senior Living Awards, demonstrating their consistent delivery of high-quality care and services. Their commitment to innovation and excellence has established Merrill Gardens as a leader in the senior living industry, with a satisfaction guarantee that reflects their confidence in providing exceptional lifestyle experiences for seniors and their families.

    People often ask...

    Truewood by Merrill, Charlotte Center offers competitive pricing, with rates starting at a cost of $4,384 per month.

    Truewood by Merrill, Charlotte Center offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care.

    There are 60 photos of Truewood by Merrill, Charlotte Center on Mirador.

    Yes, Truewood by Merrill, Charlotte Center allows residents to age in place and adjust their level of care as needed.

    The full address for this community is 18400 Cochran Blvd, Port Charlotte, FL 33948.

    No, Truewood by Merrill, Charlotte Center does not offer respite care. Respite care in assisted living communities provides temporary, short-term relief for primary caregivers by offering professional care for their loved ones. It allows individuals to stay in an assisted living community for a limited time, giving caregivers a break while ensuring residents receive necessary support and assistance with daily activities.

    Safety & Compliance

    In Florida, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) licenses assisted living facilities and publishes the results of its standard, complaint, and monitoring inspections.

    License number11964729
    StatusActive
    Facility typeAssisted Living Facility
    Capacity114 residents
    View the official license record

    Inspection Reports

    55

    Reports

    0

    Type A Citations

    0

    Type B Citations

    29

    Complaints

    14

    Years

    26 May 2026Standard
    Verified that a prior deficiency was corrected during the follow-up survey.
    12 Mar 2026Standard
    Found that required staff training was not completed and documentation was missing, including no evidence of the mandated 1-hour DOEA training video.
    • Class 3ZZ875ALZHEIMER DISEASE/DEMENTIA; TRAINING
    30 Jul 2025Complaint
    Investigated an unannounced complaint and emergency power plan monitoring; found no deficiencies.
    31 Jan 2025Complaint
    Investigated and found that previously identified deficiencies were corrected and no new deficiencies identified.
    22 Oct 2024Complaint
    Investigated deficiencies in residents' health documentation, including missing or undated medical examinations and health assessments.
    • Class 3A0008ADMISSIONS - HEALTH ASSESSMENT
    01 Sept 2023Standard
    Concluded that deficiencies identified earlier were corrected as of 7/14/23 after a desk-review follow-up conducted on 9/1/23.
    14 Jun 2023Standard
    An inspection identified deficiencies involving staff background checks, medication management, and staff training related to resident care.
    • Class 3A0052MEDICATION - ASSISTANCE WITH SELF-ADMIN
    • Class 3A0056MEDICATION - LABELING AND ORDERS
    • Class 3A0078STAFFING STANDARDS - STAFF
    • Class 3A0086TRAINING - ADRD
    • Class 4CZ814BACKGROUND SCREENING CLEARINGHOUSE
    03 Feb 2021Standard
    Concluded that no deficiencies were found; one complaint was substantiated without citation and another was unsubstantiated.
    21 Dec 2020Monitor
    Concluded that no deficiencies were found after a focused infection control survey.
    27 Oct 2020Monitor
    Found no deficiencies after an unannounced focused infection control and related survey.
    • A0004LICENSURE - REQUIREMENTS
    03 Sept 2020Complaint
    Investigated an unannounced complaint survey; the complaints were unsubstantiated; no deficiencies found.
    03 Jun 2020
    Investigated an infection control focused visit conducted on 2020-06-03 in Port Charlotte, Florida.
    07 Oct 2019Complaint
    Investigated an unannounced complaint and found no deficiencies.
    02 May 2019Standard
    Concluded previous deficiencies were corrected and no new deficiencies were identified. An unannounced revisit confirmed continued compliance.
    07 Feb 2019Standard
    Found deficiencies in medication management, staff training, and emergency preparedness. Noted failures to timely refill and label medications, incomplete staff documentation and training, and inadequate on-site fuel storage.
    • Class 3A0025RESIDENT CARE - SUPERVISION
    • Class 3A0056MEDICATION - LABELING AND ORDERS
    • Class 3A0078STAFFING STANDARDS - STAFF
    • Class 3A0081TRAINING - STAFF IN-SERVICE
    • Class 3A0082TRAINING - HIV/AIDS
    • Class 3A0090TRAINING - DO NOT RESUSCITATE ORDERS
    • Class 3A0091TRAINING - DOCUMENTATION & MONITORING
    • Class 3A0200EMERGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
    04 Jan 2019Complaint
    Identified a deficiency from a prior complaint and corrected it.
    24 Sept 2018Complaint
    Identified a deficiency for not having an approved Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. Noted multiple areas of noncompliance.
    • Class 3A0181EMERGENCY PLAN APPROVAL
    19 Mar 2018Monitor
    Found no deficiencies during the visit.
    30 May 2017Standard
    Determined that prior deficiencies were corrected and no new deficiencies were identified.
    11 Apr 2017Standard
    Found deficiencies related to inadequate emergency food supply and unsafe floor conditions in memory care. These conditions posed risks to residents during emergencies and everyday movement.
    • Class 3A0093FOOD SERVICE - DIETARY STANDARDS
    • Class 3A0152PHYSICAL PLANT - SAFE LIVING ENVIRON/OTHER
    05 Jan 2017Complaint
    Found no deficiencies during the follow-up survey; earlier issues were corrected and no new deficiencies were identified.
    01 Nov 2016Complaint
    Found a deficiency in resident social and leisure activities. Observed six residents out of six sampled did not receive activities in the common area, and 21 residents in memory care were not encouraged to attend activities.
    • Class 3A0026RESIDENT CARE - SOCIAL & LEISURE ACTIVITIES
    11 Aug 2016Complaint
    Confirmed that all deficiencies previously reported were corrected during the follow-up visit.
    07 Jun 2016Complaint
    Determined that no deficiencies were found and the two allegations were unsubstantiated.
    12 May 2016Complaint
    Investigated medication storage and discharge procedures; found residents did not receive their medications upon discharge.
    • Class 3A0055MEDICATION - STORAGE AND DISPOSAL
    01 Feb 2016Complaint
    Concluded that previous deficiencies were corrected and no new deficiencies were identified. An unannounced revisit survey followed a prior complaint survey.
    • A0054MEDICATION - RECORDS
    • A0056MEDICATION - LABELING AND ORDERS
    • A0160RECORDS - FACILITY
    01 Feb 2016Monitor
    Found no deficiencies during a limited nursing service survey conducted on 2/1/2016.
    22 Dec 2015Complaint
    Investigated the complaint and found deficiencies in medication records, including missing documentation of missed doses for one resident. Both allegations were substantiated with deficiencies.
    • Class 3A0054MEDICATION - RECORDS
    • Class 3A0056MEDICATION - LABELING AND ORDERS
    03 Nov 2015Standard
    Identified deficiencies were corrected as of 10/30/2015 after follow-up.
    • A0010ADMISSIONS - CONTINUED RESIDENCY
    • A0025RESIDENT CARE - SUPERVISION
    • A0052MEDICATION - ASSISTANCE WITH SELF-ADMIN
    • A0057MEDICATION - OVER THE COUNTER (OTC) PRODUCTS
    • A0093FOOD SERVICE - DIETARY STANDARDS
    15 Oct 2015Standard
    Identified deficiencies in medication administration, labeling of OTC meds, health assessments, and posting of meal menus.
    • Class 3A0010ADMISSIONS - CONTINUED RESIDENCY
    • Class 3A0025RESIDENT CARE - SUPERVISION
    • Class 3A0052MEDICATION - ASSISTANCE WITH SELF-ADMIN
    • Class 3A0057MEDICATION - OVER THE COUNTER (OTC) PRODUCTS
    • Class 4A0093FOOD SERVICE - DIETARY STANDARDS
    07 Oct 2015Complaint
    Determined no deficiencies were found; the previously cited deficiency was corrected on the day of the revisit.
    20 Aug 2015Complaint
    Observed deficiencies in the physical environment with poor cleanliness and maintenance, including stained areas, damaged furnishings, and other environmental concerns.
    • Class 3A0152PHYSICAL PLANT - SAFE LIVING ENVIRON/OTHER
    20 Aug 2015Complaint
    Investigated a complaint and confirmed the previously reported deficiencies were cleared after the follow-up.
    • Class 3A0152PHYSICAL PLANT - SAFE LIVING ENVIRON/OTHER
    • A0008ADMISSIONS - HEALTH ASSESSMENT
    • A0028RESIDENT CARE - ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING
    24 Jun 2015Complaint
    Concluded that the previously cited deficiency was corrected during a follow-up revisit.
    20 May 2015Complaint
    Investigated and found deficiencies in resident care and supervision, and failure to respond to call lights.
    • Class 3A0025RESIDENT CARE - SUPERVISION
    23 Feb 2015Complaint
    Found the previously cited deficiencies were corrected on the day of the revisit.
    22 Jan 2015Complaint
    Identified non-compliance due to an insufficient three-day emergency food supply for residents.
    • Class 4A0093FOOD SERVICE - DIETARY STANDARDS
    22 Jan 2015
    Found no deficiencies cited during an unannounced survey conducted on January 22, 2015.
    30 Sept 2014Complaint
    Investigated a complaint and substantiated one allegation of noncompliance related to health assessments and activities of daily living documentation.
    • Class 3A0008ADMISSIONS - HEALTH ASSESSMENT
    • Class 3A0028RESIDENT CARE - ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING
    30 Sept 2014Complaint
    Found no deficiencies identified during the follow-up visit; the previously cited deficiency was corrected.
    • Class 3A0008ADMISSIONS - HEALTH ASSESSMENT
    • Class 3A0028RESIDENT CARE - ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING
    • A0084TRAINING - ASSIS SELF-ADMIN MEDS & MED MGMT
    • A0167RESIDENT CONTRACTS
    29 Jul 2014Complaint
    Identified a deficiency in medication administration records; MOR records were not accurate or up to date for several residents.
    • Class 3A0052MEDICATION - ASSISTANCE WITH SELF-ADMIN
    28 Jul 2014Complaint
    Found no deficiencies cited; prior citations were corrected.
    28 Jul 2014Monitor
    Investigated an unannounced nursing service survey and found no deficiencies or citations.
    12 May 2014Complaint
    Investigated a complaint and identified a deficiency for failure to provide a 30-day written notice of a rate increase to Resident #1, one of three sampled residents.
    • Class 3A0167RESIDENT CONTRACTS
    12 May 2014Standard
    Verified that previously cited deficiencies were corrected and no new deficiencies were cited during the follow-up survey.
    18 Mar 2014Standard
    Found multiple deficiencies in supervision, resident rights and facility procedures, medication handling, and staff training.
    • Class 3A0025RESIDENT CARE - SUPERVISION
    • Class 3A0030RESIDENT CARE - RIGHTS & FACILITY PROCEDURES
    • Class 3A0052MEDICATION - ASSISTANCE WITH SELF-ADMIN
    • Class 3A0055MEDICATION - STORAGE AND DISPOSAL
    • Class 3A0081TRAINING - STAFF IN-SERVICE
    • Class 3A0082TRAINING - HIV/AIDS
    • Class 3A0090TRAINING - DO NOT RESUSCITATE ORDERS
    • Class 3A0093FOOD SERVICE - DIETARY STANDARDS
    08 Oct 2013Standard
    Concluded that previously cited deficiencies were corrected on the day of the revisit.
    04 Sept 2013Standard
    Found deficiencies in staffing health documentation; two of four staff lacked annual documentation of required health clearances (chest X-ray and TB skin test).
    • Class 3A0078STAFFING STANDARDS - STAFF
    • Class 3A0089ALZHEIMER'S/OTHER DISORDERS - SPECIAL CARE
    05 Mar 2013Complaint
    Investigated a complaint and found deficiencies in supervision of residents and in medication labeling and ordering.
    • Class 3A0025RESIDENT CARE - SUPERVISION
    • Class 3A0056MEDICATION - LABELING AND ORDERS
    • A0008ADMISSIONS - HEALTH ASSESSMENT
    26 Feb 2013Monitor
    Found no deficiencies during the February 26, 2013 limited nursing service survey.
    26 Nov 2012Monitor
    Concluded that previously cited deficiencies were corrected during the revisit.
    • AN276LNS - NURSING SERVICES
    26 Nov 2012Complaint
    Investigated a complaint survey and found no deficiencies.
    01 Oct 2012Monitor
    Investigated safety and nursing care deficiencies related to oxygen equipment; three unsecured mini tanks were found and some residents could not adjust their concentrator flow.
    • Class 3A0030RESIDENT CARE - RIGHTS & FACILITY PROCEDURES
    • Class 3AN276LNS - NURSING SERVICES
    • AN277LNS - RESIDENT CARE STANDARDS
    01 Oct 2012Complaint
    Investigated a complaint and determined the three allegations lacked supporting evidence.
    05 Jul 2012Standard
    Verified prior deficiencies were corrected and found no new deficiencies.
    • A0025RESIDENT CARE - SUPERVISION
    • A0030RESIDENT CARE - RIGHTS & FACILITY PROCEDURES
    • A0055MEDICATION - STORAGE AND DISPOSAL
    • A0056MEDICATION - LABELING AND ORDERS
    • A0081TRAINING - STAFF IN-SERVICE
    • A0082TRAINING - HIV/AIDS
    • A0093FOOD SERVICE - DIETARY STANDARDS
    • A0090TRAINING - DO NOT RESUSCITATE ORDERS
    • A0091TRAINING - DOCUMENTATION & MONITORING
    • A0092FOOD SERVICE - GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

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    Mirador Living is not affiliated with the owner or operator(s) of Truewood by Merrill, Charlotte Center. The information above has not been verified or approved by the owner or operator. For exact information, please contact Truewood by Merrill, Charlotte Center directly. There is no cost for this service. We are compensated by the community you select.

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