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Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria

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1220 Suey Road, Santa Maria, CA 93454

For pricing & availability:
(866) 374-4058
7.9
Review score
40 reviews
Add review
7.9
Review score
40 reviews
5 star
57%
4 star
35%
3 star
8%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
8.8
Review score
2689 reviews
64 facilities
Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
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Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
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1313 Floor plans available
Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria in google map
street view of Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria

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Anonymous
-
Child of resident/client
4.0
Caring staff. Nice facility. Great events.
What we like about Merrill Gardens is the overall cleanliness and staff and I would recommend this community to other families based on the experience I have had.

About the facility
Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria

In the heart of Santa Maria, you’ll find the perfect paradise for retirement. This community offers resort-like amenities within a home-like environment. Neutral colors and stone hearths are throughout the community, providing a comforting and inviting atmosphere for residents. Nearby, residents can visit various parks, restaurants, and easily accessible health care services at the local medical campus. Their prime location enables residents to do everything they’d like.

This beautiful community is a proud member of Merrill Gardens — a fifth-generation family company that understands the importance of providing a family-like atmosphere for retirement. With roots dating back to the 1890s, you can trust them to care for you or your loved one. Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria offers a variety of retirement options to meet your unique needs and lifestyle. Choose from independent living, assisted living, and memory care options.

Community Amenities and Services

The goal is to help residents lead fulfilling lives built around each individual’s pleasures and hobbies. That is exactly why the incredible activities calendar is driven by residents’ interests. From fitness classes and game nights to TED talks and cooking classes, the community is dedicated to keeping residents active and engaged in every way. With the...

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Senior living options offered

Assisted Living

Memory Care

Independent Living

Pricing
for Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria

Total monthly costs depend on room type, select services, and the level of care needed.

Base fees by care type

Assisted Living

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Studio
Starting at $XXXX/mo
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1 Bedroom
Starting at $XXXX/mo
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2 Bedrooms
Starting at $XXXX/mo

Memory Care

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Studio
Starting at $XXXX/mo

Independent Living

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Studio
Starting at $XXXX/mo
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1 Bedroom
Starting at $XXXX/mo
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2 Bedrooms
Starting at $XXXX/mo
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Detached Cottages / Bungalows
Starting at $XXXX/mo
*Prices quoted are monthly rental charges and are provided by the communities themselves. Actual prices may differ due to one-time fees, timing and care services required. Speak with your Senior Living Advisor to learn more.

Tours
at Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria

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Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria

1220 Suey Road, Santa Maria, CA 93454

Amalia's Residence II
Amalia's Residence II

1206 Kensington Avenue, Santa Maria, CA 93454

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Santa Maria Terrace
Santa Maria Terrace

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7.9
Review score
40 reviews
7.9
Review score
40 reviews
5 star
57%
4 star
35%
3 star
8%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
9.8
Review score
12 reviews
9.8
Review score
12 reviews
5 star
67%
4 star
25%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
8%
8.9
Review score
15 reviews
8.9
Review score
15 reviews
5 star
66%
4 star
20%
3 star
7%
2 star
7%
1 star
0%
8.5
Review score
24 reviews
8.5
Review score
24 reviews
5 star
33%
4 star
25%
3 star
34%
2 star
4%
1 star
4%
Studio
Starting at $X,XXX/mo
Studio
--
Studio
Starting at $X,XXX/mo
Studio
Starting at $X,XXX/mo
1 bedroom
Starting at $X,XXX/mo
1 bedroom
--
1 bedroom
Starting at $X,XXX/mo
1 bedroom
Starting at $X,XXX/mo
2 bedrooms
Starting at $X,XXX/mo
2 bedrooms
--
2 bedrooms
Starting at $X,XXX/mo
2 bedrooms
--

Active promotion

No

Active promotion

No

Active promotion

No

Active promotion

No

Pet friendly

Yes

Pet friendly

Yes

Pet friendly

Yes

Pet friendly

Yes

Care types offered

3

Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living

Care types offered

2

Memory Care, Residential Care Home

Care types offered

3

Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living

Care types offered

2

Assisted Living, Memory Care

Amenities
at Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria

Healthcare Services

  • Staffing & Ancillary Services
  • Memory Care
  • Incontinence Care
  • Medication Management
  • Non-Ambulatory Care
  • Diabetic Care

Meals & Dining

  • Guest Meals
  • Professional Chef
  • Meals Provided
  • Anytime Dining
  • Room Service
  • Restaurant Style Dining

Room Amenities

  • Full kitchen
  • Bath Tubs
  • Ground Floor Units
  • Kitchenette
  • Handicap Accessible
  • Cable or Satellite TV
  • Air Conditioned
  • Wi-Fi/high-speed internet
  • Wheelchair Accessible Showers
  • Private patio, deck, or balcony

Community Amenities

On-site dining options

  • Private Dining Room
  • Café or Bistro

Transportation & parking

  • Transportation at Cost
  • Uncovered Parking
  • Complimentary Transportation
  • Resident Parking Available
  • Property Convenient to Public Transit

Pets

  • Dogs Allowed
  • Weight Limit (lbs)
  • Cats Allowed

Common areas

  • Barber Shop
  • Outside Patio
  • Indoor Common Areas
  • Computer or Media Center
  • Meeting Room
  • Outdoor Common Areas
  • Beauty Salon
  • TV Lounge
  • Central Fireplace
  • Library

Recreational areas

  • Swimming Pool
  • Jacuzzi
  • Arts and Crafts Center
  • Piano or Organ
  • Movie or Theater Room
  • Game Room
  • Raised Garden Beds
  • Billiards Lounge

Services

  • Beautician
  • Grocery Shopping and Errands
  • Laundry Service / Drycleaning
  • Housekeeping

Languages spoken

  • Spanish
  • English

Activities

  • Stretching Classes
  • Devotional Activities Offsite
  • Protestant Services
  • Catholic Services
  • Dances
  • Activities Off-site
  • BBQs or Picnics
  • Gardening Club
  • Wine Tasting
  • Happy Hour
  • Other Religious Services
  • Pet-focused Programs
  • Activities On-site
  • Live Dance or Theater Performances
  • Trivia Games
  • Devotional Activities On-Site
  • Birthday Parties
  • Holiday Parties
  • Wii Bowling
  • Visiting Chaplain or Priest
  • Tai Chi
  • Live Musical Performances
  • Water Aerobics
  • Day Trips and Outings
  • Art Classes

Reviews

for Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria

7.9Review score40 reviews
7.9
Review score
40 reviews
5 star
57%
4 star
35%
3 star
8%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
Merrill Gardens
8.8
Review score2684 reviews64 communities
Write a review
A Place for Mom has scored Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria with 7.9 out of 10 using our proprietary review score based on 5 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time, Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria has 40 reviews with an average "overall experience" of 4.5 out of 5.
Overall Rating
4.5
Cleanliness
4.5
Friendliness
4.6
Care Services
4.5
Staff
4.5
Meals & Dining
4.3
Activities
4.5
Value for Cost
4.3
A Place for Mom has scored Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria with 7.9 out of 10 using our proprietary review score based on 5 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time, Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria has 40 reviews with an average "overall experience" of 4.5 out of 5.
Parent company
Merrill Gardens
8.8
Review score2684 reviews64 communities
Logo for Merrill Gardens
Filters
Overall Experience
Date Submitted
Reviewer
Care Received
Verified Review
A Place For Mom has verified the person writing the review and their connection to the community.
1-20 of 40 reviews
Anonymous - Family/friend
Assisted Living
August 20, 2024
4.0
Verified Review
Caring staff. Nice facility. Great events.
What we like about Merrill Gardens is the overall cleanliness and staff and I would recommend this community to other families based on the experience I have had.
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
5
Care Services
4
Staff
5
Meals & Dining
5
Activities
5
Value for Cost
4
Anonymous - Family/friend
Independent Living
April 2, 2024
4.0
Verified Review
Our experience with Merrill Gardens Santa Maria
Overall cleanliness is very good however the staff is not given the time to change water for mopping in between apartments so if your not first on the route you have dirty water. Staff seem very good however management is very corporate and get around to you at their convenience and seem to assume that the residents all have some memory issues. Same two main meals for lunch and dinner and the other choices never change. The cost for a guest is now $17 for breakfast and $ 20 for both lunch and dinner. The food is average at best the service is sub par. She really doesn't participate they are the same as any retirement facility no real imagination. When entering she was told there would be increases annually but never have they been more then 3% - her first year increase was 10%.
Cleanliness
3
Friendliness
4
Care Services
4
Staff
4
Meals & Dining
3
Value for Cost
4
Richard D - Resident/client
Independent Living
February 23, 2024
5.0
Verified Review
Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
Everything is working out pretty well so far. Staff is doing a good job and are very friendly.
Response from Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
February 27, 2024
Hi Richard, thank you for taking the time to leave us this review! Please let us know if we can do anything else moving forward.
Anonymous - Toured community
Assisted Living
July 10, 2023
5.0
Verified Review
Tour experience
We toured with Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria. We thought that it was an amazing property that offered a lot of great amenities to the residents. Unfortunately, they did not offer respite care which is what we needed at the time.
Anonymous - Family/friend
Independent Living
March 14, 2023
3.0
Verified Review
My review of Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
The hallways need better cleaning. Their 'in house' transportation is mostly the city. I was there over the winter holidays and there were several days where there was no one at the front desk of the "newer" building. I understand people need time off but not having anyone at the front desk and leaving it as an honor system is extremely poor as most any resident will open their door if knocked on.
Cleanliness
4
Friendliness
5
Staff
4
Meals & Dining
3
Activities
4
Value for Cost
4
Erin S - Family/friend
Independent Living
May 25, 2022
4.0
Verified Review
A good community with friendly staff and friendly people
I would highlight the friendly staff and friendly people that live there. They do offer weekly housekeeping services, and transpiration to appointments and outings (at a cost). They don't offer a bunch of activities, but there is a good staff to resident ratio. My loved one likes the food; and overall I would recommend Merrill Gardens at Santa Monica to other people.
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
5
Care Services
4
Staff
5
Meals & Dining
5
Activities
3
Value for Cost
3
Response from Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
June 3, 2022
Hi Erin, thank you for taking the time to leave us this review. We appreciate it greatly.
anonymous - Family/friend
Assisted Living
February 11, 2022
5.0
Verified Review
Highly recommend
We chose Merrill Gardens because they had available space at the time we needed it and also I could see it was very clean, it smelled good, and all of the staff who helped us were extremely friendly and helpful. We really appreciated how upfront and honest they were with us. They have different tiers of care, they have independent living, assisted living, as well as memory care. So as needs change, you are able to increase the amount of help you are getting without having to move. I would recommend to others who are looking.
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
5
Care Services
5
Staff
5
Meals & Dining
5
Activities
5
Value for Cost
5
Response from Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
June 3, 2022
Hi there, thank you for taking the time to leave us this review. We are happy to hear that you would recommend it to others.
Susan R - Family/friend
Independent Living
October 1, 2021
5.0
Verified Review
A wonderful experience
Everything has been great so far, and even though we have not been able to have a meal there ourselves we do know our loved one is really enjoying them. She also really enjoys the activities going on. The value for cost is great
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
4
Staff
4
Meals & Dining
5
Activities
5
Value for Cost
5
Response from Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
June 3, 2022
Hi Susan, thank you for taking the time to leave us this review. It's great to hear that your loved one is enjoying Merrill Gardens.
Anonymous - Family/friend
Memory Care
November 10, 2018
5.0
Tour Merrill Gardens, Santa Maria to appreciate the option.
My family member is doing well at Merrill Gardens, Santa Maria. The entire building is immaculate. The food services are great. Great effort is made to provide stimulating and enjoyable activities. The grounds are lovely...quiet, secure, and beautiful with numerous places to sit out in the fresh air. There is a pool; aquatic exercise is offered. There are two libraries, and there is computer access for those who do not have a personal computer. Every effort is made to create and upbeat and welcoming environment. It is not inexpensive, but the cost is less than half the cost of any facility in Santa Barbara or Santa Ynez. Fresh coffee, warm cookies, and bags of freshly popped popcorn are waiting in the lobbies all day!
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
5
Value for Cost
3.5
Care Services
5
Activities
5
Response from Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
November 15, 2018
Hi There, thank you for taking the time to leave us this review.
Anonymous - Toured community
Memory Care
May 26, 2018
5.0
Clean, welcoming, happy residents, very accommodating staff. Price difference between a studio and 1 bedroom seems disproportionate.
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
5
Value for Cost
5
Care Services
5
Activities
5
Response from Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
March 15, 2024
Hi There, thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this review! Please don't hesitate to reach out if you ever need anything.
Anonymous - Toured community
Memory Care
March 10, 2018
5.0
Merrill Gardens is a terrific facility. Beautiful grounds, professional staff. It is a welcoming, friendly facility. My contact [name removed] was excellent. He was very helpful, informative and answered my questions. The price was high for our budget but would be well worth it for others looking for a home.
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
5
Value for Cost
5
Care Services
5
Activities
5
Response from Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
March 15, 2024
Hi There, thank you for taking the time to leave us this review.
Anonymous - Toured community
Memory Care
January 24, 2018
5.0
We couldn't find a fault with what we saw. We have always heard how expensive Merrill Gardens is, but all we saw was value for our money!
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
5
Value for Cost
5
Care Services
5
Activities
5
Response from Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
January 29, 2018
Thank you for providing us with this review! We are so pleased to hear that you saw the value that is offered at Merrill Gardens.
Anonymous - Toured community
Memory Care
October 5, 2017
4.0
This the best of the communities that we have looked at and it seems to be within our budget.
Cleanliness
4
Friendliness
4
Value for Cost
4
Care Services
4
Activities
4
Anonymous - Toured community
Memory Care
August 21, 2017
3.0
Verified Review
Just to big for my dad
This community was really nice they did a great job with my tour and they were able to answer all my question, I just felt my dad would be better off in a smaller more home like atmosphere.
Cleanliness
3
Friendliness
3
Value for Cost
3
Care Services
3
Activities
3
Anonymous - Family/friend
Memory Care
August 17, 2017
5.0
Verified Review
Mom's Care
We like the care at this for my mom. We like the staff and the attentiveness. The menu is wonderful. My mom is offered to do the activities with the other residents. We like the location for the family that lives close by. We would recommend this community for many positive reasons. We are happy knowing that mom is in great community.
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
5
Value for Cost
5
Care Services
5
Activities
5
KELLY MERRITT - Family/friend
Memory Care
April 12, 2017
5.0
Verified Review
Great value and care
We compared assisted living options in Santa Barbara and were not able to find the value and quality that we found at Merrill Gardens. They have been very supportive, caring, flexible and genuinely concerned for our fathers comfort and safety. We feel grateful to have found them. He loves his unit with rolling hills in view and trees with a sun porch that he really enjoys!
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
5
Value for Cost
5
Care Services
5
Activities
5
Response from Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
April 20, 2017
Thank you for taking the time to write this positive review for us. We are so glad that your father loves his apartment!
Anonymous - Family/friend
Memory Care
March 28, 2017
5.0
Verified Review
Outstanding Care for dad
We are happy with the care here for my father. They keep me updated on his care. The community is very clean and taken care of. We are happy with the meals and he is happy with the variety and the portions. He is offered to get involved in some of the activites, and hopefully he will want to get more involved with the other residents. I like the feeling of this community. I would reccomend this community for the good care and value
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
5
Value for Cost
5
Care Services
5
Activities
5
Response from Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
April 2, 2017
We are so pleased to hear that you are happy with the care your father is receiving at Merrill Gardens. It is great that he is enjoying our Anytime Dining program and getting involved with the activities.
Anonymous - Resident/client
Memory Care
January 17, 2017
4.0
Verified Review
Enjoy Our Beginning
It is all going well for me and my husband since moving. We are waiting for a bigger room until it becomes available. Everything from the meals to how clean it is has been good.
Cleanliness
4
Friendliness
4
Value for Cost
4
Care Services
4
Activities
4
Response from Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
January 20, 2017
Thank you for sharing this feedback with us. We are glad that you and your husband are enjoying Merrill Gardens. We are proud of our Anytime Dining program, so this review is great to receive.
Anonymous - Toured community
Memory Care
December 6, 2016
4.0
This facility was very clean and friendly. We were impressed with the staff and with the administrator. All of our questions were answered satisfactorily and even some we hadn't thought of. This is a strong possibility for our loved one.
Cleanliness
4
Friendliness
4
Value for Cost
4
Care Services
4
Activities
4
Response from Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
December 16, 2016
Hi There, thank you for taking the time to leave us this review.
Anonymous - Toured community
Memory Care
October 2, 2016
4.0
Just beginning my search, this is a nice place. Well maintained inside and out. Staff seems to know everyone by name, plenty of activities. At the top of my list so far.
Cleanliness
4
Friendliness
4
Value for Cost
4
Care Services
4
Activities
4
Response from Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
October 5, 2016
Hi There, thank you for taking the time to leave us this review.
Viewing 1-20 out of 40 reviews

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Tips for evaluating your community options

Safety is a primary concern when seniors and their families look for Assisted Living. To ensure that a community meets your needs and expectations, we recommend that seniors and family members:

  • Tour the location: Touring allows you to speak to current residents and staff, and helps you confirm the accuracy of the community description and photos. Use our touring checklist to help guide your visit.

  • Confirm the availability of required services: Before you commit, make sure that the community offers all the services your senior needs, and that those services can be provided within your budget.

  • Know the California regulations for Assisted Living: Each state has its own laws and inspections processes to ensure seniors reside in a safe environment. Depending on your state, you may even be able to look up inspection reports for the community(ies) you’re considering. Learn more about California regulations for Assisted Living.

Frequently Asked Questions
about Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria

Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria offers Studio, 1 Bedroom and 2 Bedrooms. Learn more.

A Place for Mom has scored Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria 7.9 out of 10 using our proprietary review score.

 

We assign review scores to give a more reliable view into senior living communities and home care agencies. Our review scores prioritize reviews that are recent — the past 24 months — because we know families need current information when choosing senior care.

 

Those with many recent, positive reviews receive a high review score, while providers with few recent reviews — regardless of how positive — receive a lower review score. Communities with no recent reviews will not have a review score, even if older reviews are positive. The maximum A Place for Mom review score a community can receive is 10 points.

Call (805) 928-2662 to reach a resident at Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria.

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The features and amenities that are displayed on this page contain marketing information provided by the community. A Place for Mom has not confirmed the completeness of the provided information, and cannot guarantee its accuracy. If you become aware of any information that should be updated or noted, please contact A Place for Mom. A Place for Mom uses the term “assisted living” to indicate that the community provides some level of assistance with daily living activities. It does not indicate that the facility meets official state requirements for level of care.

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