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4.1 from 89 reviews
5 stars
43
4 stars
25
3 stars
13
2 stars
4
1 stars
4
Merrill Gardens At Willow Glen Costs & Pricing
Merrill Gardens At Willow Glen offers a range of monthly costs that reflect both the quality of its amenities and the local market conditions. For a studio apartment, residents can expect to pay $4,500, which is notably more affordable than the county average of $5,155 but slightly higher than the statewide average of $4,145. The semi-private room option is priced at $5,200, coming in above Santa Clara County's average of $3,943 and California's state average of $3,333. In the one-bedroom category, Merrill Gardens charges $5,400 - again exceeding both county ($5,861) and state averages ($4,340). Finally, a two-bedroom unit is available for $7,400; this figure aligns closely with Santa Clara County's average of $7,339 while significantly surpassing California's state average of $5,270. Overall, Merrill Gardens At Willow Glen positions itself competitively within both the local and state markets while offering an enriching living experience for its residents.
Floor plans
Merrill Gardens At Willow Glen
Santa Clara County
California
Studio
$4,500
$5,155
$4,145
Semi-Private
$5,200
$3,943
$3,333
1 Bedroom
$5,400
$5,861
$4,340
2 Bedrooms
$7,400
$7,339
$5,270
Overall Review of Merrill Gardens At Willow Glen
common20 reviews mention this
Friendly staff and responsiveness
Residents and families repeatedly describe staff as friendly, caring, and attentive to concerns.
A large number of reviewers highlight staff who are warm, respectful, and accommodating, including managers and caregivers who take time to talk and respond. Several families also describe smooth communication or feeling supported when questions come up. Even in reviews that criticize other areas, there are multiple comments that the people working there are still kind and professional.
common14 reviews mention this
Activities keep residents engaged
Many reviews emphasize the variety and availability of resident activities.
Residents and visitors frequently mention ongoing activities such as fitness classes, games, puzzles, live entertainment, and scheduled day-to-day programming. Some reviewers call out specific moments like parties and weekly events, and others say they received activity calendars during the transition. A few notes add that activities can thin out during staffing challenges or schedule changes, so the experience may vary over time.
common15 reviews mention this
Dining is a consistent focus
Dining quality and service are a recurring topic across reviews.
Many reviewers describe the food as good, healthy, and well prepared, with staff supporting dietary needs and meal delivery or dining-room service. Several specifically mention restaurant-style dining, an attentive wait staff, or meals that residents enjoy. At the same time, other reviewers say the food is only okay, repetitive, or not consistently excellent, and a few mention chef turnover affecting quality.
caveat10 reviews mention this
Pricing feels high for some families
Multiple reviews raise concerns about the cost relative to expectations.
Several reviewers directly call the community expensive or out of their price range, including comments about rent increasing and value feeling only “okay.” Others add that the total cost could rise with additional care needs or changes in services provided. A review also notes the pricing tied to unit type and the challenge of getting the preferred layout.
caveat6 reviews mention this
Staffing changes affect consistency
Some reviews say staffing turnover or shortages led to gaps in day-to-day consistency.
A handful of reviewers describe constant staff or management changes, short staffing, or trouble following through on operational details. In those accounts, concerns include missed notifications during an emergency, inconsistent care coverage, and reduced activity offerings. Other reviews counter with strong experiences, but the negative themes center on reliability when staffing is stretched.
How we summarize
Counts show how many written reviews mention each theme; a review can touch several themes, and only frequently mentioned themes are displayed.
Features
Housing
150 resident community capacity
1-bedroom apartments
2-bedroom apartments
Studio apartments
Types of Care
Assisted Living
Independent Living
Memory Care
Pets
Cats allowed
Dogs allowed
Amenities
Activities off-site
Activities on-site
Air-conditioning
Beautician on-site
Beauty salon
Cable or satellite TV
Computer center
Devotional services off-site
Dining room
Fitness room
Full kitchen
Fully furnished
Gaming room
Garden
Ground floor units
Housekeeping services
Indoor common areas
Kitchenette
Move-in coordination
Outdoor common areas
Outdoor space
Private bathrooms
Resident parking
Respite or short term stays offered
Restaurant-style dining
Small library
Telephone
Wellness center
Wheelchair accessible showers
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available
Transportation
San Jose International (4 miles away)
Community operated transportation
Transportation & parking
Transportation arrangement
Transportation arrangement (non-medical)
Transportation to doctors appointments
Care Services
12-16 hour nursing
24-hour call system
24-hour supervision
Activities of daily living assistance
Ambulatory care
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Coordination with health care providers
Dementia waiver
Diabetes diet
Hospice waiver
Incontinence care
Meal preparation and service
Medication management
Mental wellness program
Mild cognitive impairment
Special dietary restrictions
Specialized memory care programming
Transportation arrangement (medical)
Transportation to doctors appointments
Dining
Anytime dining
Diabetes diet
Guest meals
International cuisine
Low / no sodium
Meals provided
No Sugar
Professional chef
Restaurant style dining
Room service
Special dietary restrictions
Special dining programs
Vegetarian
Activities
Art classes
Brain fitness
Community-sponsored activities
Concierge services
Day trips and outings
Devotional activities offsite
Educational speakers / life long learning
Fitness programs
Happy hour
Live dance or theater performances
Live musical performances
Live well programs
Planned day trips
Resident-run activities
Scheduled daily activities
Stretching classes
Tai Chi
Yoga / chair yoga
Languages Spoken
English
Nearby Places of Interest
This part of San Jose, California offers a convenient and diverse array of amenities for senior living. With several pharmacies, hospitals, and physicians within close proximity, accessing healthcare services is easily manageable. Additionally, the area boasts a variety of dining options ranging from Pacific Catch to King's Fish House, providing seniors with plenty of choices for meals out. Transportation options are also readily available with the nearby San Jose Diridon Station and Santa Clara Caltrain Station, making travel in and around the city accessible. For leisure activities, there are cafes like Philz Coffee and theaters such as Pruneyard Cinemas in the vicinity. Parks like Frank M Santana Park and San Jose Municipal Rose Garden offer tranquil spaces for outdoor recreation. Lastly, places of worship like Calvary United Methodist Church provide opportunities for spiritual engagement within the community. Overall, this part of San Jose provides a well-rounded environment suitable for senior residents looking for convenience and varied lifestyle amenities.
Merrill Gardens At Willow Glen offers a range of monthly costs that reflect both the quality of its amenities and the local market conditions. For a studio apartment, residents can expect to pay $4,500, which is notably more affordable than the county average of $5,155 but slightly higher than the statewide average of $4,145. The semi-private room option is priced at $5,200, coming in above Santa Clara County's average of $3,943 and California's state average of $3,333. In the one-bedroom category, Merrill Gardens charges $5,400 - again exceeding both county ($5,861) and state averages ($4,340). Finally, a two-bedroom unit is available for $7,400; this figure aligns closely with Santa Clara County's average of $7,339 while significantly surpassing California's state average of $5,270. Overall, Merrill Gardens At Willow Glen positions itself competitively within both the local and state markets while offering an enriching living experience for its residents.
Merrill Gardens At Willow Glen offers a range of features designed to enhance the quality of life for residents with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. The 24-hour supervision ensures constant safety and security, while assistance with activities of daily living, including bathing and dressing, fosters dignity and personal hygiene. Support during transfers further aids mobility, contributing to overall physical health. Engaging in brain fitness and specialized memory care programming stimulates cognitive function, tailored specifically for various stages of memory impairment. Coordination with healthcare providers ensures that medical needs are met promptly, complemented by medication management that reduces errors and promotes adherence. Incontinence care is handled discreetly to maintain comfort and dignity, while expertly prepared meals cater to dietary needs, promoting nutrition. Additionally, a mental wellness program supports emotional health, and transportation arrangements facilitate access to necessary medical appointments, thereby creating a holistic approach to memory care that addresses both physical and emotional well-being.
Merrill Gardens At Willow Glen on seniors.fyi includes 24 photos including images showing interior, floor plan, dining, living room, seating area, bookshelves, lighting, artwork, and more.
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Medicaid coverage for assisted living varies by state and is primarily available to low-income individuals, with eligibility dependent on strict income and asset limits. Some states offer HCBS waivers for specific services in assisted living, but families must generally cover room and board costs, and should verify facility acceptance of Medicaid while considering potential waiting lists.
Medicaid waivers for assisted living services provide vital support for seniors and individuals with disabilities in need of long-term care, with varying state-specific eligibility criteria and benefits. These waivers cover personal care and case management but often do not fully cover room and board, leading to waiting lists for many applicants.
The article compares assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, detailing their differing levels of assistance, medical support, cost structures, and day-to-day experiences. It emphasizes that assisted living is for those needing help with daily activities while maintaining independence, whereas skilled nursing facilities provide intensive medical care with 24-hour staff supervision.
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150 resident community capacity
1-bedroom apartments
Assisted Living
Independent Living
Memory Care
Cats allowed
Dogs allowed
Activities off-site
Air-conditioning
Beautician on-site
Cable or satellite TV
Computer center
Devotional services off-site
Dining room
Fitness room
Full kitchen
Fully furnished
Gaming room
Garden
Ground floor units
Housekeeping services
Indoor common areas
Move-in coordination
Outdoor common areas
Private bathrooms
Resident parking
Respite or short term stays offered
Restaurant-style dining
Small library
Telephone
Wellness center
Wheelchair accessible showers
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available
San Jose International (4 miles away)
Community operated transportation
12-16 hour nursing
24-hour call system
Ambulatory care
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Diabetes diet
Hospice waiver
Incontinence care
Medication management
Mental wellness program
Special dietary restrictions
Transportation arrangement (medical)
Art classes
Brain fitness
Concierge services
Day trips and outings
Educational speakers / life long learning
Happy hour
Live dance or theater performances
Live musical performances
English
Fully furnished studios with kitchenette and restaurant-style dining, plus 24?hour supervision.
How and When Medicaid May Cover Assisted Living Costs
A Detailed Exploration of Assisted Living Medicaid Waivers Across the United States
Exploring the Contrasts Between Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing
