Truewood by Merrill, Riverchase

Truewood by Merrill, Riverchase is an assisted living community in Hoover for adults 55 and older, offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing in one place, and the building has a home-like feeling with friendly staff and neighbors who act like family, which makes moving in much easier for most people, since they've got a way about them that welcomes folks in and makes them feel less nervous about moving somewhere new, and the apartments have plenty of natural light, private bathrooms, good heating and cooling, and you can find both studio and one-bedroom options available, so people can pick what suits them best without the worry of too much upkeep either, because the place also handles the cleaning, laundry, maintenance, plus fresh meals served every day right in a nice dining room with a friendly atmosphere, and the food's nutritious, which most families appreciate, and the garden and outside spots give everybody a chance to sit outside, along with walks, and when it comes to being active, the facility puts on games, outings, hobbies, and exercise classes so people don't just sit around all day, because they want everyone to have a sense of purpose, and if someone likes to keep a pet, it's pet-friendly, with Wi-Fi and cable plans set up for those who want to use the internet, call friends, and keep up with news, and every apartment is easy to get around for those who use walkers or wheelchairs, since the whole place is handicap accessible. The care team-including nurses, a podiatrist, therapists, and even a dentist and doctor available for calls-manages a lot of health needs right onsite, and the staff is well-trained to help people with memory issues like Alzheimer's or other memory problems, keeping an eye out to stop wandering and reduce confusion whenever possible, while always treating everyone with dignity, respect, and some good humor, and if someone needs help with dressing, bathing, getting around, or remembering to take medicine, all that support is available any hour of the day. The facility has walk-in tubs, secure entry, medication dispensers, ID theft protection, and several medical alert systems reviewed for seniors' safety, including Bay Alarm, Medical Guardian, and ADT alerts. There's a hair salon onsite, plus entertainment areas, a pub, social rooms, and even devotional services, while transportation can be arranged for outings or shopping, and people with special care needs can get skilled nursing, hospice, or just temporary respite care when families need a break. They let residents bring their own cars and have guest parking, and provide home care support for those wanting to stay home instead of moving, with caregivers available for both companionship and non-medical help. Truewood by Merrill, Riverchase also offers resources for seniors looking into hearing aids, cell phones, or internet plans, and even has information to help people understand funding through house sales, insurance, veterans benefits, or how Medicare and Medicaid might help, so it's a place where older adults and their families can get guidance and lots of little supports that add up, and the main idea is to let people live active, safe, social lives with as little or as much help as they need, and to do so in an environment where people can be themselves, keep up with friends, and stay as independent as possible for as long as possible, and the staff really do try to keep the mood lively and make sure everyone is looked after with kindness, so while no place is perfect, many families do find it a comfortable and reliable home for elders who want both some fun and proper care.

Truewood by Merrill, Riverchase is managed by Merrill Gardens.

Founded in 1993 with a single community in Seattle, Merrill Gardens has grown into one of the nation's most respected senior living providers, operating 65 communities across 17 states. As a fifth-generation family-owned company with roots extending back to the 1890s, Merrill Gardens is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, and maintains the values of integrity, compassion, and excellence that have defined the Merrill family for generations. The company has expanded strategically through both organic growth and selective acquisitions, recently adding five new communities in 2024 including locations in South Carolina, Missouri, and Oregon, while maintaining its commitment to quality over quantity in expansion decisions.

Merrill Gardens offers a comprehensive continuum of senior living services including independent living, assisted living, and specialized memory care programs. Their innovative Anytime Dining program provides restaurant-style meals seven days a week, while their assisted living services include personalized care plans covering bathing, dressing, medication management, and safety checks. The company's memory care communities utilize a Montessori approach designed specifically for residents with Alzheimer's and dementia, creating environments that promote independence and well-being. Through their Inspire Connection program, Merrill Gardens focuses on connection and community, ensuring residents can engage in meaningful activities that bring a sense of belonging and purpose to their daily lives.

The company's philosophy centers on their "Yes You Can" mentality, believing that life should be defined by possibilities rather than limitations. Merrill Gardens emphasizes person-centered care that celebrates each resident as a whole person, honoring their individuality and supporting their ability to make their own decisions. As innovators in the industry, they invest in technology and data-driven operations to enhance resident care while maintaining the personal touch that comes from their family-owned heritage. Their approach focuses on treating residents like family, with staff who are passionate about senior care rather than simply collecting a paycheck, creating environments where residents can live their fullest lives.

Merrill Gardens has earned significant recognition for their excellence, including being ranked #6 in the nation by Fortune Magazine as a Best Workplace in Aging Services and receiving Great Place to Work certification for three consecutive years. The company has been honored as Family Business of the Year by both the Puget Sound Business Journal and Seattle Business Magazine, recognizing their longevity, community commitment, and long-term vision. With over 2,500 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5 stars, multiple communities have received Best of Senior Living Awards, demonstrating their consistent delivery of high-quality care and services. Their commitment to innovation and excellence has established Merrill Gardens as a leader in the senior living industry, with a satisfaction guarantee that reflects their confidence in providing exceptional lifestyle experiences for seniors and their families.