Truewood by Merrill, New Bern

August 2026

Google

Paula Carmean

Very nice staff. We were contacted when we were at our wits end. Tyler called and offered us a 2 bdrm at a price we could afford. He did everything for my parents. I honestly don’t know what we would have done. Tyler is an angel in disguise. The staff takes good care of my parents. It is nice to know they are cared for, since I live so far away. I cannot wait to meet Tyler in person. Thank you to everyone taking care of my parents when I am unable too. ’–°

July 2026

Google

Cristle Gaskins

I just wanted to share a note of gratitude. From our very first interaction, Tyler has shown nothing but warmth and curiosity and a genuine concern for our situation. His high level of professionalism was unexpectedly cloaked in a refreshing, down-to-earth grace that quickly and effectively began to relieve my anxiety. The facility itself is bright and cheerful and I love the shade trees and gazebo! But the best part is the attention to detail that he and the rest of the staff have consistently and cheerfully shown to us. (I never feel like a bother when I have questions. Quite the contrary!) I’m so pleased at how they have gone above and beyond in helping us relocate my mother-in-law. I couldn’t be happier!

July 2026

Pat Sipes

If you happen to notice, most your listed reviews are from years ago. This may be due to the fact that this facility has been consistently going downhill in recent years. My mother moved in almost 7 yrs. ago, this was a WONDERFUL facility for her Independent living. Now the only thing rising is the rent every 3-4 months. The food quality worsens constantly- poor choices (unless corporate is visiting!), poor preparation/cooking(raw meats!!), there is NO allowances/accommodations for dietary restrictions-there is no professional chef, if your mother feels being preyed upon by noted sexual predators-told her imagination, activity programs for Independent living -you are mostly on your own-they used to schedule a wide range of things but no more! Maintenance is poor to non existent on weekends-these 90-100 degree days and no AC in units x days-they hand you a fan and you are on your own!! IF you try to bring these issues up, you are reciprocated against often in view of other residents. The administrator, WHEN she is present, feels free to make private use of facility van- when it's working- so don't count of having it to transport you anywhere for anything!!! Like I started with- this WAS a wonderful place but since Truewood by Merrill took over- it's downhill except for raising the rent frequently for less and less services. Housekeeping services are a joke as well- hope your loved one can clean since IF they clean, it's light and please don't leave anything of value out- it will disappear!! I'm surprised diseases haven't run rampant as I truly question they're not using same devices to clean each apartment toilet/shower/sink when they happen to do so. My mother cleans herself to ensure no further diseases are transmitted to her. There is no one to answer the phone off hours and no security- a wandering dog attacked a gentleman one morning while he was awaiting to be admitted to main facility for breakfast(doors are locked)- he eventually succumbed to his injuries from being attacked. No outside phone or way to call for help exists. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS FACILITY!!

July 2026

Google

Tiffany Johnson

My staff and I were invited to Truwood by Tyler for their "Meet Me at the Pit" 4th of July celebration. The facility was beautiful, the staff was so welcoming and all the residents seemed to be really enjoying themselves. The staff was very attentive to the residents. We loved seeing them put on such a great event for the residents & family members. They had sno cones, cotton candy station, popcorn station, music, live entertainment and more. I look forward to going back for a tour soon to see the full facility and all it has to offer.

July 2026

Google

Patty Edens

Great experience. My Husband recently placed his Dad at Truewood. Very friendly, professional staff and very clean. The chef and dining staff as well as the food served is excellent. Tyler has been remarkable at answering all of our questions. We are confident this is the right fit for his Dad.

June 2026

Google

John Riggle

Truewood has been an excellent transition for my Dad to be closer to family while maintaining his independent living with the optional care levels provided. The staff is very friendly and always helpful. Truewood offers additional services like weekly cleaning and laundry for reasonable rates. The dining hall is really fancy and the food options are well planned. They have good walking paths for exercise as well as a fitness room and clubhouse where they offer and encourage fun activities for the residents. Tyler Beaman has made us feel confident and assured in the care given at Truewood.

February 2026

Google

Lynn Weyerhaeuser

The moment I walked in the front door at Truewood I knew it was a place I would be happy to live! Tyler Beaman the director gave me a tour of the facility and answered all my questions with sincerity and kindness. Very positive!

January 2026

Google

Lorraine Bellmer

Long review but worth the read- My Mom has been slowly declining as she ages, just as any other parent does. I live a little over an hour away from New Bern, and I can’t move closer to her because of work. I began looking at communities for her to go to. I looked up Truewood and saw it has wonderful reviews. After doing some more research on the building and the staff, I decided to give them a call last week. I talked with the director, Lara and she answered all of my concerns and reassured me that this would be a very smooth transition process for mom. Mom is living independently but with her recent decline I think she needs more support and hiring someone in home just isn’t what I want to do. I want her to be surrounded by community and other people she can relate to. Lara told me about the wonderful activity programs they have available, the dining room for the community, and the staff around the clock 24/7. I thought about all of this over the weekend, and wanted to leave a review so that others know that this is truly a great place to move your parents. Lara was very responsive, very knowledgeable and helpful in addressing my concerns about moving my mom in. So excited to see how this process turns out, I know I’m making the right choice for mom!

November 2025

Google

Kim Aldridge

Truewood by Merrill in New Bern has been an excellent place for my mother. The staff is so caring and attentive and the activities are just what my mother needed.

October 2025

Google

Dorian Moore

Had a great phone chat with Lara Williams when looking for a place for my mom. Her marketing team is outstanding, and she is a very knowledgeable lady. She answered all my questions, and made the process a lot smoother so I wasn't nervous. Highly recommend moving your parents here if possible!

October 2025

Google

Scott Haning

I extremely please with my mom's care and living conditions. She is very happy at Truewood. Every time I call her it seems like she is off to go to another activity (she likes cards). I am so happy for her and thank Tyler and his wonderful team!

September 2025

Google

Lisa Williams

I am so pleased with the Memory Care Unit at Truewood. My mom has been there for a few weeks after living in house with my family for over 5 years and is making a pretty smooth transition because of the their staff. This has been an adjustment on both myself and my mom. However, we have both received the support we've needed. I've had assistance from the beginning working through paperwork and all the administrative items and she is in a safe, caring environment. Each time I visit, I discover more positive aspects from engaging activities to outside areas where we can visit. I appreciate all Truewood is doing on behalf of my mom.

August 2025

Google

John Posey

We, at Home Instead, think a lot of the Truewood staff. Quality facility. Great staff.

August 2025

Google

John Mcclain

Mom has been a resident in both independent and assisted living. The staff is super friendly and helpful, meals are great, and there are frequently scheduled activities. Mom loves it!

August 2025

Google

Regina Green

My mom came to ENC two years ago. About 6 months ago, we started researching local ALFs that would be a good fit for her. Truewood always came out on top as the right choice; it is centrally located to medical facilities, shopping and me. We wanted a place where she could maintain her independence, but also have some oversight and community. Tyler and the staff were so helpful in making it happen. She has been there a little over a month and is like a new person—socializing and feeling so much better. If you are looking for a caring, family-oriented environment, schedule a tour at Truewood.

July 2025

Google

Pj Long

June 2025

Google

Transmission2u

The staff at Truewood are very caring people with a heart for service. I visit Truewood monthly and am always impressed with how clean and neat the common areas and property are. The grounds are beautiful and i can tell that the people who work in direct support really care for the people who reside there. In addition, the staff have always treated me well. Thank you Truewood staff!!!

March 2025

Google

Cindy Jones

Very happy with the place for my Mom. Super nice staff, lots of activities and you can’t beat the food.

February 2025

Google

Tyler

February 2025

Google

Thomas Toombs

Clean facilities and reasonable rates. Conveniently located.

February 2025

Google

Douglas Haan

We moved to New Bern 14 years ago and love it. So when my father in law who's 92 had to look for a senior living facility we fell in love with Truewoods. The staff is super nice, facility is very clean and all meals are included. Truewood's is a caring and well managed senior living facility. They go out of there way to make him feel at home.

October 2024

Google

Nick Edwards

This place is incredible! I was so worried about my Mom's living situation before she moved to Truewood. She was 45 minutes away from living alone with no neighbors. I am no longer worried! She now has a secure, clean, affordable place to live with 3 hot meals a day and no cleaning up! ALL the staff make everyone feel like they belong. They are incredibly kind and patient. She is living in luxury!

October 2024

Google

Kimberly Christner

When we were looking for a place for my mother after my father passed away, we researched and interviewed several properties. We settled on Truewood by Merrill in New Bern for several reasons. The staff there was just wonderful - from the beginning. Tyler, Carrie, Nancy, Paula - all fabulous! Not to mention the other staff members who assist daily! We chose an independent living, 2-bedroom unit, which allowed room for mom's personal furnishings and all of the items she wanted to bring. We like the layout of the property and how the buildings connect easily through easy to walk pathways. We also liked that everything was on one level. And the grounds are beautiful. Also, the meals and all of the activities they offer for the residents are great. Mom has been a resident for 3 months now and she is fully engaged in the community and activities and loving it! She constantly tells us how much she loves the staff and the food. It's very reassuring for us that she is there and that she's happy! Would highly recommend Truewood by Merrill.

September 2024

Google

Adrienne Matthews

Putting a loved one into Memory Care can be a scary thought, but Truewood by Merrill makes this transition so much easier. You cannot put a price tag on the piece of mind you get from knowing that the person you love is being so well taken care of. No matter how you look at it, it is a sad day when you have to move someone out of their home or yours but rest assured you cannot find a better place than Truewood.

July 2024

Google

Spirit Wanderer

July 2024

Google

Linda Hollowell

My mom moved into Truewood's Independent Living a few months ago, and I can honestly say I don't worry about her a bit. With all the services that are provided, Mom can truly live "independently." The food is excellent and they serve three nutritious meals every day. The activity calendar is stacked with options. The transportation services enable Mom to come and go at will. The staff and residents are all very kind. And the daily check-in phone call means the world to my Mom. Highly recommend!

July 2024

Google

Cheryl DesRoche

Truewood has truly been a blessing for our family. We needed a place for Mom where she could maintain her independence but have some oversight and community. Tyler and his staff were so helpful in making it happen. She is like a new person—socializing and feeling so much better. If you need care for a loved one, look no further than Truewood.

May 2024

Google

Tim Wiscarva

Enjoyed entertaining the residents with some old songs. All the smiles and singing along made it great. Activities director always makes us feel welcome. Thanks, Old Time Music Machine

April 2024

Google

Amy Greene

My siblings and I had been searching for a senior facility for our mom and stepfather for quite some time. I recently moved to New Bern and drove past Truewood daily. I set up an appointment with Tyler Beaman to tour. Tyler spent a significant amount of time answering my questions and showing me the grounds. A week or so later my family came down to visit and tour as well. My parents had been apprehensive about making a move from their home in MD, however at 87 and 81, although still in very good shape, the house was becoming too much. Once they visited Truewood, met some of the residents and seen all that the facility has to offer, they were ready. They move at the end of April. My parents will now be down the street in lieu of 5 hours away. My mom will have help with cleaning and meals will be prepared; no more cooking 3 times per day. Truewood has tons of activities, transportation and is close to doctors, hospitals, shopping and restaurants. The landscaping is beautiful, and my mom loved the gazebo. Tyler was fantastic with the residents, and when he met with my mom, was so kind and thoughtful! I am relieved to have them close and also living in a place where the staff really cares! Amy Greene

April 2024

Google

Tracy Derby

I cannot say enough good things about this facility. Overall the grounds are very homelike, safe, and with the smaller spaced out grounds one always feels like they're special. It never gets too crowded feeling like some cruises I've been on! The personnel are very attentive and I can't say enough about all those I have met. They are amazing! They all seem to care for the welfare of others, and I greatly appreciate. My mom started in independent living, but as her needs changed and she needed assistance - my brothers and I moved her a couple hundred feet into assisted living. What an easy transition it was for all of us! There are daily activities, transportation is provided, and the dining facilities are great - and so is the food. Even though this facility is older -- it's a SOLID FIVE STARS.

March 2024

Google

Kate Castle

While looking at a place for my mother, we found Truewood and have been very happy with the process so far. While she hasn't moved in yet from NH, she was visiting with me in New Bern for an extended time and we made several trips to Truewood with many questions. We met with Tyler, the Community Relations Director, who although was fairly new to the job, was able to answer or get answers to our many questions. He is very personable and easy to work with and we felt right at home with each visit. Tyler took the time to meet with us each time we popped in and it made the decision to make Truewood my mom's new home an easy one. Tyler spoke to residents we saw along the way as if they were family. The whole atmosphere feels very welcoming and the residents all had glowing things to say, one even saying it was like a taking a cruise, but on land! Mom is very excited to make the move here and we can't wait to get her moved in and have her enjoying this wonderful lifestyle. Thank you Tyler for making the decision an easy one!

February 2024

Google

Pat Markowski

As a resident since 2018, I'm convinced there is no place as terrific as Truewood by Merrill, New Bern, N.C.. We are family and the love and life we share would be very difficult to match. No matter which of the 3 settings meet your requirements or lifestyle: care, safety, happiness, concern, satisfaction is met by a personable staff. Shortly after moving here, I described living here as "a cruise on land". This is my home full of family and love from different beginnings, backgrounds and parents. Come join the residents! Join in the love, happiness and laughter. "ALL ABOARD!!"

August 2023

Google

Jeffrey Knipple

My mother had been in the independent living area at Truewood and very much enjoyed her time there and I was pleased with that experience. Unfortunately her dementia situation has her now unable to function on her own but needs consistent reminders so I moved her into the Truewood Memory Care facility. Amazing. I just moved her in to the Memory Care Unit this Monday, just 4 days ago and there is a very noticeable difference with her. Her dementia is not gone, nor will it, but her awareness and overall demeanor is so much more positive. I can't help but to believe it is due to the care and interaction of the staff in the Memory Care Unit. I have yet to come across one who wasn't cheerful, helpful, upbeat, and very encouraging to my mother. I have visited three times this week, at different times of the day without the staff knowing that I was coming and every time my mother and others able were engaged in some type of activity that my mother was aware of what she was doing and was very much enjoying it. All of the staff have been great. But I want to personally acknowledge Ms. Chelsey Smith, who I believe is the Memory Care Activity Director. She keeps those able involved in a variety of activities and when I see them she is very caring with them and engaged with them. She alone is '5 star'. Having to make these difficult decisions can be hard, but just observing the first 5 days it was the best decision that could have been made for my mother in her dementia situation. I wish of course it wasn't as expensive as it is, but the monthly cost is comparable to other Memory Care Facilities in the area and I can't believe they would be providing the kind of care my mother is getting. Would recommend this Memory Care Facility to anyone.

August 2023

Google

Jan Chaney

My experience with Truewood by Merrill is amazing. After looking at several facilities in the area this is the one my mom felt most comfortable with. Alberta Novak gave us the tour with knowledge, compassion and care. She made my mom feel invited and included throughout the process. Smooth Transitions, then packed her up and set her up on the other end. The entire process was seamlessly completed with all parties satisfied beyond measure. What an incredibly positive experience. It could have gone so differently with these life changing experiences, but positive from beginning to end, is what we got. The staff came to visit in the first few days and introduce themselves. Friendly and accommodating during meals and learning her way. When I left after joining her there for 4 days, I felt she was safe, comfortable and in capable hands. Thank you for such a positive experience!!

August 2023

Google

susan henry

The TrueWood by Merrill, New Bern has exceptional staff. Alison and Alberta are the Community Directors. They can answer all your questions. They are wonderful. Debra the event coordinator always has something planned to entertain you. Carrie at the front desk, she always has a smile and very helpful. They are a great group to work with. The property at TrueWood is absolutely beautiful. I would recommend this community.

August 2023

Google

KC Dreams

When my mom finally realized she needed to do something about her living situation I jumped on the chance and went to my first choice for her, Truewood. I'd been researching communities for a couple of years and while not the newest in the bunch, it has always been the one that "felt" best. I meet up with Alberta and Allison who have both just been wonderful throughout this process. They worked with me to get everything settled in a very short amount of time. I ended up staying in the area for 6 weeks while I got mom paired down using a company that they knew of (great recommendation). They were honest with me in their concerns for the level of care I wanted to move her into and while the extra steps added uncertainty to an already stressful situation, it was for the best, and I appreciated that they did not want my mom to be in an unsafe situation. Mom's apartment is very comfortable and she feels safe. The grounds overall are well maintained and so many residents are very proud of their gardens that benefit everyone. There are activities, transportation, and a great dining room. We bought the independing living plus program which provided an extra level of care I was really happy to get for my mom. It offers delivered meals when she can't get to the dining room, laundry and cleaning service and has also helped with her dog that she would not have moved without! I think it's a newer program as there have been a number of details and schedules that are still being worked out. That being said, everyone has been very helpful and I believe they genuinely want to get it resovled. Finally, they have been great in communicating with me as various issues with mom come up. I very much appreciate that being 6 hours away! If you are looking for a warm and friendly community for your loved one(s) please visit here.

January 2023

Google

Melba Turner-Jones

August 2022

Google

Cheryl Huff

My parents came here pre-Covid and things have gone WAY down. They have raised rents, and taken away many services, do almost no maintenance or improvements on the old apartment - we have to do it or hire someone. When they started living there, they ate in the dining room and were served by cheerful staff, helpful as my mother was wheelchair bound. Now they claim they are working on the kitchen and the residents have to walk to the dining room for dinner and receive a messy Styrofoam box, meat gravy on the cake, etc. They no longer wait on tables at lunch, so even those with canes, crutches, walkers have to go up to get a tray. There are fewer options for meals. Residents smoke in the non-smoking areas and the management says they can't do anything about it, although it is very dangerous to the health of these vulnerable people. Very poor new ownership and management. I do hope they can turn it around again.

December 2021

Google

Ellen Jenkins

When I had my initial tour she was well informed, all questions answered. When I went back to make the arrangements, things went smoothly. My things are n my apartment. I will officially start staying there Monday, Dec 19, 2020. I'm excited about my move.

April 2021

Google

Shirley Arteaga

April 2021

Google

Traveling Mama 781

The staff here seem very friendly and caring. I love all the activities that they do

March 2021

Google

Marcie Kellum

1st time in year to see mom. Nice staff, clean facility

March 2021

Google

Jai Green

Very "Peaceful!". Workers were VERY HELPFUL!!

January 2021

Google

Amy Wilder

GREAT PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK

April 2019

Google

The Night Kiss Rose

Beautiful place for assisted living. My relative receives great care here and likes the food and activities. It's quiet and peaceful.

August 2018

Google

Karl Lathon

June 2018

Google

Lydia Tart

Under new management and is steadily going down hill and Food is terrible.

January 2018

Google

Joel Lynn

Excellently run facility with caring staff, and accommodations. The only complaint I have heard, is the food portions are too small for big eaters.

January 2018

Google

Ugonda Jones

November 2017

Google

Katherine Harms

We visited with a friend, taught a Bible study for residrntd, and led a sing-along in the Memory Unit. The staff is uniformly professional friendly, attentive, and professional.

October 2017

Google

Robert Olmedo

August 2017

Google

Lydia Tart

August 2017

Google

Nellie Phynon

August 2017

Google

Joe

July 2017

Google

Justin R Bradley

June 2017

Google

Lee Degnan

Thank you for being so good to my mother.

December 2016

Google

Mrs. Sabrina Gibson-Wilkins

October 2016

Google

Debra Johnson

I just moved a client into this facility. She is on the Independent Living side. The clientele here is amazing. Such nice people for her to meet and visit with. I have eaten with her and the food is pretty good. The staff is friendly and very knowledgeable. They are fast to fix an issue. We needed a light bulb changed and they were there within the hour. Lots of activities planned for the residents too. I will post pics when I get them. ’’’

June 2016

Google

Iam Poopoo