Merrill Gardens at Rockridge

Pros

• The staff at Merrill Gardens at Rockridge are professional and go above and beyond expectations.
• The facility is very nice and the dining room is as nice as any country club.
• The neighborhood is pleasant with shopping and restaurants close by.
• The social aspect at Merrill Gardens made residents blossom, especially during meal times.
• The restaurant staff were friendly, personable, and accommodating.
• The location, cleanliness, and overall building of Merrill Gardens were reasons for choosing it.
• The staff at Merrill Gardens are caring, responsive, and interactive with residents.
• Despite some delays in answering calls for aides, the experience at Merrill Gardens was positive overall.
• The monthly cost of living at Merrill Gardens may be high but it is worth it for the quality of care provided.
• Although there were some issues during move-out after a resident's passing, overall the experience at Merrill Gardens was enjoyable.
• Residents found the rooftop terrace and dining area at Merrill Gardens very appealing.
• The tour experience at Merrill Gardens was pleasant with helpful staff answering all questions.
• Residents felt that the building at Merrill Gardens felt like a home rather than a facility.
• While there were some downsides mentioned by prospective residents such as downscale finishes and delays in assistance from staff, the rooftop gardens and overall atmosphere impressed them positively.
• One person found their apartment at Merrill Gardens to be modern, spacious, and dog-friendly with a great location.
• Staff members at Merrill Gardens were described as extremely nice, friendly, attentive to residents' needs.
• Residents enjoyed living in a quiet clean area with beautiful scenery around Merrill Gardens and appreciated the attentive staff members.
• Some statements have been condensed or paraphrased for brevity.

Cons

• The delays in answering calls for aides were discouraging.
• The move-out process after the passing of a resident was handled poorly by the manager at the time.
• Some residents mentioned that the meals were dreadful.
• There were complaints about the knowledge and expertise of a staff member during an in-person tour.
• It was mentioned that if assistance was needed, it could take hours for staff members to respond.
• The finishes in some areas of the facility were considered downscale and not impressive.
• There were start-up issues and improvements needed in the early months after opening.

Review

Merrill Gardens at Rockridge has proven to be a highly satisfactory and fortunate choice for many residents. Previous experiences with other senior living facilities were less appealing, making the availability of space at Merrill Gardens a stroke of luck. The layout of the facility is well-liked, with the dining room being compared to that of a country club. Additionally, the neighborhood surrounding Merrill Gardens offers pleasant amenities such as nearby shopping and restaurants.

The staff at Merrill Gardens receives high praise from residents and their families. They are described as professional, exceeding expectations, and providing more than just basic care services. The variety of activities offered and the welcoming community atmosphere contribute to a positive experience for residents. The staff's responsiveness and dedication to interacting with residents are key factors in creating a valued environment. Overall, it is evident that Merrill Gardens places importance on valuing their residents.

One aspect that particularly stood out during previous experiences was how the social aspect positively affected residents. The presence of friends during meals created an appealing dynamic for individuals like one resident's mother who never missed a meal due to the enjoyable company. Furthermore, the restaurant staff were commended for their friendly and accommodating demeanor.

Although there were positive aspects, some concerns arose regarding delayed responses to calls for aides. While measures such as call buttons were in place, there were occasions when delays occurred, causing discouragement among residents. Another consideration was the cost associated with living at Merrill Gardens, which started at a significant amount but increased over time.

Moving out after a loved one's passing was an area where improvement was needed according to one reviewer's experience. The lack of assistance and condolences from management during this difficult time left them shocked by the lack of support.

Merrill Gardens at Rockridge was compared favorably to other facilities visited, being their second-choice option due to its two-bedroom apartments and desirable rooftop terrace. However, feedback from existing residents indicated dissatisfaction with the meals provided and potential delays in receiving assistance.

During a tour of the facility, the staff was helpful in answering questions, although the substitute guide lacked knowledge. The finishes of Merrill Gardens were also mentioned as being less impressive, but the rooftop gardens left a positive impression. Residents' feedback regarding meal quality and response time for assistance should be taken into account.

Personable and friendly directors contribute to the overall positive experience at Merrill Gardens. The modern, bright atmosphere aligns well with residents' preferences, and the facility's dog-friendly policy is an additional advantage. With caring staff and amenities like a bistro and library, it is a recommended option for those seeking senior living.

The community surrounding Merrill Gardens provides an attractive environment for residents. Cleanliness is highly valued, and residents can enjoy safe walks among beautiful scenery while having convenient access to a nearby shopping center.

Merrill Gardens is described as wonderful, open, clean, bright, peaceful, and caring by residents who have moved in. The staff has been consistently praised for their intelligence and helpfulness. Furthermore, the range of activities offered caters to a variety of interests while maintaining an atmosphere that meets personal needs.

For residents in need of dementia care, Merrill Gardens offers Garden House with its own rooms and a quiet environment where family members are welcome to visit. Activities are provided to keep residents engaged, and meals mirror those served in the main dining room. The attached garden space offers opportunities for outdoor strolls among blooming plants.

One recent resident expresses great satisfaction with finally moving into Merrill Gardens after being on the waitlist since its opening. A spacious apartment with delightful views creates an uplifting ambiance. The personnel encountered thus far have been exceptional in terms of welcoming behavior and professionalism.

Lastly, one reviewer highlights their transition to Merrill Gardens as being smoother thanks to extra help provided by their assigned caregiver. This individual's attentiveness has made the daunting prospect of transitioning from one's own home to a new environment much easier.

In summary, Merrill Gardens at Rockridge has proven to be a positive and fortunate choice for residents. The facility's layout, dining options, and neighborhood amenities contribute to its appeal. The staff is highly regarded for their professionalism, responsiveness, and care. While some concerns regarding delays in assistance and costs have been raised, overall experiences at Merrill Gardens have been positive, creating an environment that feels like home for residents.

This part of Oakland, California, offers a variety of amenities that cater to senior living needs. The proximity to cafes like Blue Bottle Coffee and Fentons Creamery provides opportunities for socializing and enjoying delicious treats. Residents have access to several pharmacies such as Walgreens and Kaiser Permanente Pharmacy for their medication needs. Nearby hospitals like Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center and Sutter Alta Bates Summit Medical Center ensure convenient healthcare services. Easy access to public transportation options like MacArthur BART Station and Emeryville Amtrak makes it convenient for seniors to get around the city. Additionally, the abundance of parks like Morcom Rose Garden and Grove Park provide opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. Overall, this area of Oakland provides a comfortable and convenient living environment for seniors looking to enjoy their retirement years.

Cafes

• Blue Bottle Coffee (0.3 miles)
• Highwire Coffee Roasters (0.6 miles)
• Caffe Strada (2.3 miles)
• Bicycle Coffee (3 miles)
• Hal's Office (4.5 miles)
• Si Si Caffe (6.6 miles)

Restaurants

• Fentons Creamery (0.5 miles)
• Bakesale Betty (0.6 miles)
• McDonald's (0.6 miles)
• Cato's Ale House (0.8 miles)
• Dona Tomas (0.9 miles)
• Drake's Dealership (1.8 miles)
• Mezzo (2.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Pharmacy - Main Building (0.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• CBCB GFTCRD (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Farmacy Berkeley (1.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center (0.8 miles)
• Kaiser OB-GYN (0.8 miles)
• Sutter Alta Bates Summit Medical Center: Summit Camps (1.2 miles)
• Highland Hospital (2.8 miles)

Transportation

• MacArthur BART Station (0.9 miles)
• Emeryville Amtrak (2.1 miles)
• Lake Merritt BART Station (2.8 miles)
• West Oakland BART Station (3.2 miles)
• 20/21 Bus Stop (3.3 miles)
• Fruitvale BART Station (4.4 miles)
• El Cerrito Plaza BART Station (5.2 miles)

Parks

• Mosswood Park & Recreation Center (1 miles)
• Morcom Rose Garden (1.2 miles)
• Temescal Creek Park (1.4 miles)
• Temescal Regional Park (1.4 miles)
• Willard Park (1.8 miles)
• Grove Park (1.8 miles)
• Snow Park (2.1 miles)

Physicians

• Kaiser Permanente Medical Center - Mosswood Building (1 miles)
• One Medical (1.3 miles)
• Sutter Urgent Care: Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation (2.2 miles)
• Berkeley Pediatrics (3 miles)
• Kiwi Pediatrics Medical Group (4.1 miles)
• Urology: Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation (4.8 miles)
• Sutter East Bay Medical Center (5.1 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Bay Street 16 (2.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley (5.9 miles)