Merrill Gardens At Santa Maria

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  • Interior

    A well-lit, modern restaurant dining area featuring neatly arranged tables and chairs, with decorative wall art.
  • Outdoors

    A spacious hotel entrance with a covered driveway.
  • Decor

    A well-decorated dining room with a set table and elegant chairs, viewed through open French doors.
  • Living Room

    A cozy living room with a stone fireplace and comfortable seating.
  • Building

    A building with landscaped grounds and a large American flag waving in the parking area.
  • Architecture

    A spacious building surrounded by a well-maintained lawn and trees on a clear, sunny day.
  • Trees

    A large building with multiple floors surrounded by landscaped gardens and pathways.
  • Windows

    A cozy dining room featuring a fireplace and elegant seating arrangement.
  • Dining

    A well-appointed dining room with elegant furnishings and ambient lighting.
  • Landscaping

    A peaceful suburban neighborhood with houses, green lawns, and a winding pathway at sunset.
  • Lighting

    An inviting dining area with tables, chairs, and framed artwork on the walls.
  • Garden

    A peaceful courtyard with a fountain, surrounded by benches and landscaping in front of a building.
  • Entrance

    An exterior view of a hotel building with a parking area and main entrance.
  • Seating Area

    A cozy outdoor patio with a stone fireplace and comfortable seating at dusk.

Merrill Gardens At Santa Maria

1220 Suey Road, Santa Maria, CA 93454

For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973

4.5 from 70 reviews
5 stars
45
4 stars
18
3 stars
5
2 stars
1
1 stars
1

Assisted Living Independent Living Memory Care

Pricing

Merrill Gardens At Santa Maria offers competitive pricing for its residents compared to the broader context of Santa Barbara County and California overall. For instance, studio apartments are priced at $2,850 per month, significantly lower than the county average of $4,147 and the state average of $4,145. One-bedroom units also reflect this trend, with a monthly cost of $3,450 - again more affordable than both local and state averages. Interestingly, semi-private rooms are priced at $3,700, which is higher than the county's average but remains below the statewide figure. Lastly, two-bedroom accommodations at Merrill Gardens are available for $3,950 monthly, closely aligning with county rates while presenting a stark contrast to the higher state average of $5,270. Overall, Merrill Gardens At Santa Maria provides a strategic balance of quality living at remarkably lower costs relative to its surrounding market.

Room TypeMerrill Gardens At Santa MariaSanta Barbara CountyCalifornia
Studio$2,850$4,147$4,145
1 Bedroom$3,450$4,114$4,340
Semi-Private$3,700$3,007$3,333
2 Bedrooms$3,950$3,945$5,270

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    Overall Review

    Pros

    • pro The overall cleanliness of Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria is commended, with no odors or unpleasant smells reported.
    • pro Staff members are consistently described as friendly, polite, and informative, providing good service to residents.
    • pro Residents appreciate the variety of accommodations available, including well-sized apartments with useful amenities like a washing machine and dryer.
    • pro The facility offers a range of enjoyable activities and amenities, including a beauty salon, movie theater, craft room, and comfortable dining area.
    • pro Many visitors noted that the grounds are clean and well-maintained, contributing to a pleasant living environment.
    • pro The flexibility in meal times and the quality of food served have received positive remarks from several residents.
    • pro The community has an appealing layout with various options for independent living alongside assisted living services.
    • pro The memory care unit is recognized for its friendly staff and secure environment designed for residents’ safety.

    Cons

    • pro The staff is not given enough time to change water for mopping between apartments, leading to dirty water if one isn't first on the cleaning route.
    • pro Management appears corporate and assumes residents have memory issues, resulting in a lack of personal attention.
    • pro The meals offered are repetitive, with no real variety or imagination in the menu.
    • pro The cost for guest meals is high, considering the average quality of the food and subpar service.
    • pro There are complaints about hallways needing better cleaning and a lack of staff presence at the front desk during certain hours.
    • pro Residents expressed that there weren't many activities offered, contributing to a less vibrant atmosphere.
    • pro Some visitors felt that the facility lacked a lively feeling and resembled a typical nursing home rather than an engaging community.
    • pro COVID protocols were described as excessive by some, impacting the overall experience and activity levels within memory care.

    Review

    Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria has garnered mixed feedback from residents and their families, highlighting both positive attributes and areas needing improvement. One of the most frequently praised aspects is the cleanliness of the facility. Many reviews commend the overall maintenance of the community, describing it as tidy, well-kept, and devoid of unpleasant odors. The staff's friendliness also receives accolades; many reviewers describe them as polite, helpful, and genuinely caring for the residents' well-being. This rapport between staff and residents greatly contributes to a welcoming atmosphere that others noted positively.

    Despite these commendations regarding cleanliness and hospitality, some criticisms have emerged concerning staffing practices. Reviewers have pointed out that while the cleaning staff does a commendable job, there are instances where they do not have time to change water between apartments during mopping routines. This can lead to the use of dirty water if one is not first in line on cleaning routes. Additionally, some found management to be too corporate in their approach; communication from management often seemed convenient rather than proactive or engaging with resident concerns.

    Another point of contention revolves around meal options and pricing structure. While some families felt that the food was average but acceptable, others were dissatisfied with a lack of variety in meal choices—reportedly offering only two primary meals for lunch and dinner without significant variation over time. Furthermore, guests dining fees have escalated to relatively high prices as compared to similar communities: $17 for breakfast and $20 for lunch or dinner have drawn attention regarding value for money. Such increases came under scrutiny; one reviewer noted that although promised annual price increases would be capped at 3%, they experienced a steep hike of 10% in their first year.

    The amenities offered at Merrill Gardens receive praise for catering toward an active lifestyle. Residents can enjoy various facilities such as a beauty salon, craft room, movie theater with individual seating arrangements, large balconies ideal for pet owners, a pool area, game area, and weekly social activities including bingo games. However, complaints about activity offerings imply that some residents feel limited engagement opportunities exist compared to other retirement facilities where more interactive programs might take place.

    Regarding specific care services like memory care facilities within Merrill Gardens, feedback shows numerous positive reflections about how strict COVID protocols might seem excessive yet understandable due to safety concerns during times of heightened health risks. Residents commented on high security measures intended to protect those needing higher levels of care while ensuring ample outdoor space for walking within enclosed gardens.

    Ultimately, potential residents considering Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria should weigh all aspects carefully before deciding on placement based on personal preferences regarding environment and amenities versus costs associated with living there. The facility is described as clean with attentive staff who engage warmly with residents; however improper management oversight raises questions about responsiveness while dining prices remain contentious among reviewers frustrated by diminished meal selections over time amid an appealing array of services offered throughout this sizeable property dedicated towards enriching lifestyles within communal settings tailored primarily toward senior living needs.

    Features

    Housing

    • 330 resident community capacity 330 resident community capacity
    • 1-bedroom apartments 1-bedroom apartments
    • 2-bedroom apartments 2-bedroom apartments
    • Detached homes Detached homes
    • Studio apartments Studio apartments

    Types of Care

    • Assisted Living Assisted Living
    • Independent Living Independent Living
    • Memory Care Memory Care

    Pets

    • Cats allowed Cats allowed
    • Dogs allowed Dogs allowed

    Amenities

    • Activities off-site Activities off-site
    • Activities on-site Activities on-site
    • Air-conditioning Air-conditioning
    • Bath tubs Bath tubs
    • Beautician on-site Beautician on-site
    • Beauty salon Beauty salon
    • Cable or satellite TV Cable or satellite TV
    • Computer center Computer center
    • Devotional services off-site Devotional services off-site
    • Devotional services on-site Devotional services on-site
    • Dining room Dining room
    • Fitness room Fitness room
    • Full kitchen Full kitchen
    • Fully furnished Fully furnished
    • Gaming room Gaming room
    • Garden Garden
    • Ground floor units Ground floor units
    • Guasts at mealtime Guasts at mealtime
    • Handicap accessible Handicap accessible
    • Housekeeping services Housekeeping services
    • Indoor common areas Indoor common areas
    • Kitchenette Kitchenette
    • Laundry Laundry
    • Move-in coordination Move-in coordination
    • Outdoor common areas Outdoor common areas
    • Outdoor space Outdoor space
    • Private bathrooms Private bathrooms
    • Resident parking Resident parking
    • Restaurant-style dining Restaurant-style dining
    • Small library Small library
    • Swimming pool Swimming pool
    • Swimming pool / hot tub Swimming pool / hot tub
    • Telephone Telephone
    • Wellness center Wellness center
    • Wheelchair accessible showers Wheelchair accessible showers
    • Wi-Fi/high-speed internet Wi-Fi/high-speed internet

    Transportation

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

    Care Services

    • 12-16 hour nursing 12-16 hour nursing
    • 24-hour call system 24-hour call system
    • 24-hour supervision 24-hour supervision
    • Activities of daily living assistance Activities of daily living assistance
    • Ambulatory care Ambulatory care
    • Assistance with bathing Assistance with bathing
    • Assistance with dressing Assistance with dressing
    • Assistance with transfers Assistance with transfers
    • Coordination with health care providers Coordination with health care providers
    • Dementia waiver Dementia waiver
    • Diabetes diet Diabetes diet
    • Diabetic care Diabetic care
    • Hospice waiver Hospice waiver
    • Incontinence care Incontinence care
    • Meal preparation and service Meal preparation and service
    • Medication management Medication management
    • Mental wellness program Mental wellness program
    • Mild cognitive impairment Mild cognitive impairment
    • Special dietary restrictions Special dietary restrictions
    • Specialized memory care programming Specialized memory care programming
    • Transportation arrangement (medical) Transportation arrangement (medical)
    • Transportation to doctors appointments Transportation to doctors appointments

    Dining

    • Anytime dining Anytime dining
    • Diabetes diet Diabetes diet
    • Guest meals Guest meals
    • Meals provided Meals provided
    • Professional chef Professional chef
    • Renal Renal
    • Restaurant style dining Restaurant style dining
    • Room service Room service
    • Special dietary restrictions Special dietary restrictions

    Activities

    • Activities off-site Activities off-site
    • Art classes Art classes
    • Catholic services Catholic services
    • Community-sponsored activities Community-sponsored activities
    • Concierge services Concierge services
    • Day trips and outings Day trips and outings
    • Devotional activities offsite Devotional activities offsite
    • Devotional activities on-site Devotional activities on-site
    • Fitness programs Fitness programs
    • Happy hour Happy hour
    • Live dance or theater performances Live dance or theater performances
    • Live musical performances Live musical performances
    • Other religious services Other religious services
    • Planned day trips Planned day trips
    • Protestant services Protestant services
    • Resident-run activities Resident-run activities
    • Scheduled daily activities Scheduled daily activities
    • Visiting chaplain or priest Visiting chaplain or priest
    • Wine tasting Wine tasting

    Languages Spoken

    • English English

    Description

    Merrill Gardens At Santa Maria in Santa Maria, CA offers a range of housing options to meet the needs and preferences of residents. They provide 2-bedroom apartments, detached homes, and studio apartments for individuals or couples looking for independent living. Additionally, they offer memory care for those with specialized needs.

    The community provides numerous amenities to enhance the residents' quality of life. These include activities on-site to keep residents engaged and entertained, air-conditioning for comfort, bath tubs for relaxation, and a beautician on-site for personal grooming needs. There is also a beauty salon where residents can receive professional services. Residents can enjoy their favorite shows with cable or satellite TV in their own units. Transportation services are available to help residents get around the area if needed.

    Merrill Gardens At Santa Maria also focuses on supporting the physical and mental well-being of its residents. They have a fitness room that encourages exercise and promotes an active lifestyle. The community has fully furnished units with full kitchens or kitchenettes to allow residents to prepare meals if desired. Housekeeping services ensure that living spaces are kept clean and tidy.

    Outdoor common areas and gardens provide opportunities for residents to enjoy nature and socialize with fellow community members. For relaxation and leisure, there is a gaming room as well as a swimming pool/hot tub where residents can unwind. A small library provides reading materials for those who enjoy books.

    For care services, Merrill Gardens At Santa Maria offers a variety of support options. They have 24-hour call systems in place, ensuring that assistance is always available when needed. Trained staff are present round-the-clock to provide supervision and assistance with activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, and transfers. Medication management is provided along with coordination with healthcare providers. Specialized memory care programming caters to those with cognitive impairments.

    Dining at Merrill Gardens At Santa Maria is catered by professional chefs who provide delicious meals for residents. They accommodate dietary needs such as diabetes diets, renal diets, and special dietary restrictions. There is a dining room where residents can enjoy restaurant-style dining or they can opt for room service if preferred. Guest meals are available for visitors to enjoy a meal with their loved ones.

    Engaging in various activities is encouraged at Merrill Gardens At Santa Maria. Residents can participate in art classes, fitness programs, and community-sponsored activities. They also have the opportunity to attend day trips and outings organized by the community. Devotional services are offered both on-site and off-site for those who wish to engage in religious activities.

    Located in Santa Maria, CA, Merrill Gardens At Santa Maria benefits from its proximity to various amenities within the surrounding area. There are cafes, parks, pharmacies, restaurants, places of worship, theaters, hospitals, and physicians nearby for residents' convenience and accessibility.

    Overall, Merrill Gardens At Santa Maria provides a comprehensive assisted living community that offers various housing options, an array of amenities and care services suited to individual needs and preferences. The community fosters a supportive and engaging environment where residents can thrive and enjoy their golden years.

    Nearby Places of Interest

    This part of Santa Maria, California is a convenient and accessible area with various amenities and services nearby. The neighborhood offers easy access to healthcare facilities such as orthopedic surgery centers, retina consultants, and the Veterans Clinic. There are also several dining options including popular fast-food chains like Subway, Burger King, Jack in the Box, Denny's, and IHOP. For recreation and entertainment, residents can visit the Regal Edwards Santa Maria & RPX theater or enjoy the green spaces at Preisker Park and Oakley Park. Additionally, there are pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens within a short distance for any medication needs. Overall, this area provides a mix of essential services along with leisure activities making it a suitable choice for senior living.

    Physicians

    • Orthopedic Surgery Foot-Ankle (0.7 miles)
    • Pearson Steven W MD (0.8 miles)
    • California Retina Consultants (0.8 miles)
    • Zachary P VandeGriend, MD (0.8 miles)
    • Benipal Feldmand Md Barrry Feldman Md Pj Benipal Md Santa Maria (0.8 miles)
    • Sleep Disorder Center of Santa Maria (0.8 miles)
    • Gastroenterology Medical Group (0.8 miles)

    Hospitals

    • SM Veterans Clinic (0.8 miles)
    • Marian Medical Center (0.9 miles)

    Restaurants

    • Subway (0.8 miles)
    • Burger King (0.9 miles)
    • Jack In The Box (0.9 miles)
    • Denny's (0.9 miles)
    • IHOP (0.9 miles)
    • Little Caesars Pizza (1.3 miles)
    • Wienerschnitzel (1.4 miles)

    Pharmacies

    • CVS Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
    • Walgreens (1.6 miles)
    • Rite Aid (1.9 miles)
    • La Joya Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
    • J & D Health Systems (2.6 miles)
    • Pain Management Pharmacy (3.1 miles)
    • Walmart Pharmacy (3.1 miles)

    Places of Worship

    • St Mary Of The Assumption (1.5 miles)
    • General Conference Of Seventh-Day Adventists (3 miles)

    Cafes

    • Starry Sky Coffee Company (1.5 miles)
    • Dutch Bros Coffee (1.6 miles)

    Transportation

    • Transit Center (1.7 miles)

    Theaters

    • Regal Edwards Santa Maria & RPX (1.8 miles)
    • Regal Edwards Santa Maria (2.1 miles)

    Parks

    • Preisker Park (2.2 miles)
    • Oakley Park (2.4 miles)

    Frequently Asked Questions

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