I toured the community and was impressed - staff were friendly, helpful and knowledgeable, and the tour was informative and reassuring. The facility is clean, well-maintained and modern, with bright common areas, a pleasant courtyard, and roomy studios with kitchenettes and large walk-in baths. Residents looked happy and engaged with daily activities, live music and a solid activity schedule, and the dining room offered varied, appealing meals. Overall I feel confident recommending this caring, organized community.
Loved one of resident
Jul 2026
Pricing
Prices shown are estimates and subject to change. Contact your senior living advisor for current pricing.
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Amenities
Healthcare services
Activities of daily living assistance
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Medication management
Mental wellness program
Healthcare staffing
24-hour call system
24-hour supervision
Meals and dining
Diabetes diet
Meal preparation and service
Special dietary restrictions
Room
Air-conditioning
Cable
Fully furnished
Housekeeping and linen services
Kitchenettes
Private bathrooms
Telephone
Wifi
Memory care community services
Mild cognitive impairment
Specialized memory care programming
Transportation
Community operated transportation
Transportation arrangement
Common areas
Beauty salon
Computer center
Dining room
Fitness room
Gaming room
Garden
Outdoor space
Small library
Wellness center
Community services
Concierge services
Fitness programs
Move-in coordination
Activities
Community-sponsored activities
Planned day trips
Resident-run activities
Scheduled daily activities
Reviews
4.42·(126)
Overall rating
5
4
3
2
1
Care
4.0
Staff
4.3
Meals
3.9
Amenities
3.8
Value
2.7
Pros
Compassionate, attentive caregiving staff
Responsive nursing and administrative staff in many instances
Engaging activities program (bingo, crafts, live music, outings)
Nutritious meal offerings with entrée choices and salad bar
Well-maintained, attractive common areas and entrance foyer
Spacious studio rooms with kitchenettes and large closets
Accessible bathrooms and walker-friendly room layouts
Included services (meals, linens, laundry, transportation)
Active social atmosphere with frequent entertainers
Memory-care unit availability
Regular housekeeping and room maintenance in many units
Pet-friendly, family-oriented visitation policies
Cons
Inconsistent staffing levels and slow response times
Variable sanitation and pest-control management
Maintenance and perimeter-security vulnerabilities
Inconsistent management responsiveness and communication
Variable dining consistency and limited menu variety at times
Opaque pricing structure and ancillary-charge practices
Gaps in medication-management procedures and documentation
Uneven memory-care staffing and supervision
Front-desk and weekend staffing inconsistencies
Administrative and records-handling process gaps
End-of-life and hospice coordination shortcomings
Deferred exterior and outdoor-area maintenance
Summary of reviews
Pacifica Senior Living Merced elicits a strongly mixed but specific pattern of strengths and operational weaknesses. Many families and residents describe a warm, hotel-like environment with an impressive entrance and well-kept common areas, and they highlight compassionate, attentive caregiving from aides and nursing staff. The community offers a broad activities program (including bingo, crafts, live music, movie nights and outings), multiple on-site amenities (hair salon, chapel, library, private dining), and apartment-style rooms with kitchenettes, large closets and accessible bathrooms. Several reviewers noted that core services such as meals, linens, laundry and transportation for appointments are included in the base fee, and others praised the food quality and healthy, low-salt options.
Care and staffing present the clearest area of variability. Positive comments emphasize kind, responsive caregivers and personalized attention, and some families say residents adjusted well. At the same time, there are recurring concerns about inconsistent staffing levels, slow call responses, and uneven oversight in the memory-care unit. These issues manifest as delayed assistance, gaps in bedside attention, and variable performance across shifts (including weekend staffing inconsistencies). End-of-life and hospice coordination was identified as a weakness in a subset of accounts, with families describing delays or communication gaps during high-acuity periods.
Dining receives generally favorable remarks for taste and healthy choices, including entree options and a salad bar, but reviewers also described variability in menu breadth and adherence to dietary guidelines. A related operational issue is billing transparency: some families reported ancillary charges (for example, medication-management fees) that were not clearly explained at intake. Prospective residents should verify which services are included in the base rate and which carry additional fees.
Facilities and safety are another mixed area. Many reviews praise cleanliness, recent painting, attractive decor, and secure indoor/outdoor spaces. Conversely, other reviews describe sanitation concerns, pest-control issues in particular units, and deferred maintenance items (exterior lighting, door locks and some outdoor areas) that can create security vulnerabilities. While some residents and families feel the community is secure and well supervised, these maintenance and safety inconsistencies warrant targeted inquiry during a tour.
Management and administration receive highly polarized feedback. Several reviewers commend prompt problem resolution, helpful admissions staff and clear tours; others describe slow follow-up, missing documentation, and unclear record-keeping. Communication between staff and families appears uneven: in some cases management responds quickly to concerns, while in others families perceived a lack of accountability or documentation gaps.
Notable patterns: the community appears to deliver a positive day-to-day experience for many residents, especially those with lower acuity needs who benefit from social programming and attractive facilities. However, families of residents with higher care needs — particularly in memory care or during end-of-life transitions — should be cautious and evaluate staffing ratios, after-hours response times, medication-management protocols, pest-control practices, and maintenance history. A recommended approach for prospective families is to tour during different times of day, ask for current staffing ratios and incident/maintenance logs, confirm billing inclusions and ask about hospice coordination and memory-care supervision. This will help assess whether the facility’s operational consistency matches the positive aspects many reviewers describe.
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Location
Pacifica Senior Living Merced is located at 3420 R St, Merced, CA, 95348.
About Pacifica Senior Living Merced
Pacifica Senior Living Merced sits in Merced, California, and has a warm, home-like feeling with several choices for older adults, whether someone needs a little help each day or more focused care for memory loss or medical problems. The Craftsman-style building stands out with a turret and a covered entrance with white pillars and benches, and it's got walkways and green landscaping that make the outdoors welcoming for taking a stroll or sitting with friends. Inside, the décor feels cozy and stylish, with fireplaces, comfortable chairs, tasteful artwork, and soft lighting in common areas. Memory Care spaces have special touches, like a coffee bar, elegant staircase, and sitting areas with big windows and lots of natural light. The studio rooms in Memory Care feel safe, with big windows and simple comfort for those who live there.
The dining rooms look a bit different for each type of care, with an elegant room for Memory Care that's both cheerful and stylish, and restaurant-style dining and comfy seats for those in Assisted Living, so meals often feel like a special occasion. There are well-lit hallways, handrails for safety, elevators for easy access, and artwork on the walls to brighten the building. Pacifica Senior Living Merced has indoor and outdoor spaces for relaxing, a fitness area, coffee bars, and courtyards where residents can socialize or enjoy quiet time. Every resident has choices between studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom apartments, all with traditional furnishings and thoughtful amenities to make it easier to live independently or with help.
The staff are known for being welcoming, helpful, and attentive. Nurses and caregivers support residents 24/7, and they tailor care to each person's needs, including for memory impairment, Alzheimer's, dementia, and chronic medical issues like diabetes or stroke. Memory Care uses unique programs and fewer hallways, so residents don't get confused, and special activities help keep minds active. There's also a DayOut Adult Day Health Care option where seniors can get hot meals, therapy, nursing, and social services, with transportation provided during the week. For those who need a short stay after surgery or if a caregiver takes a break, respite care is available, as well as hospice services.
Residents get help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, and there are housekeeping and transportation services. The community doesn't allow indoor smoking, welcomes pets, and offers vegetarian meals. Activities happen daily, from social and recreation programs to entertainment and devotional services, to help people stay connected and engaged. Residents can use onsite beauty services and take part in group or individual activities. Pacifica Senior Living Merced has a relaxed Californian lifestyle, and while things look elegant, the real focus is making everyone feel safe and comfortable. The building is kept clean, even at the back doors, and the facility stays open all day and night to help when needed. A dedicated shuttle helps residents get around town, and the goal is always to support health, happiness, and independence, whatever level of care a resident might want.
Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Redding, California, Northstar Senior Living has established itself as one of the premier providers of senior living management and consulting services in the United States. Under the leadership of President and CEO Rick Jensen, who co-founded the company, Northstar has built a reputation for excellence in senior care management through its commitment to setting industry gold standards. The privately owned company operates approximately 40-51 communities across nine states, offering comprehensive management services that span the full spectrum of senior living operations.
People often ask...
Pacifica Senior Living Merced offers competitive pricing, with rates starting at a cost of $5,094 per month.
Pacifica Senior Living Merced offers assisted living and memory care.
There are 39 photos of Pacifica Senior Living Merced on Mirador.
The full address for this community is 3420 R St, Merced, CA 95348.
No, Pacifica Senior Living Merced does not offer respite care.
Respite care in assisted living communities provides temporary, short-term relief for primary caregivers by offering professional care for their loved ones. It allows individuals to stay in an assisted living community for a limited time, giving caregivers a break while ensuring residents receive necessary support and assistance with daily activities.
Safety & Compliance
In California, the Department of Social Services' Community Care Licensing Division licenses residential care facilities for the elderly, conducting inspections and investigating complaints.
License number
247206921
Status
Licensed
Facility type
Residential Care Elderly
Capacity
93 residents
Licensee
NORTHSTAR SENIOR LIVING INC; NORTHSTAR SNR LVG MGT
Observed a disaster plan addressing transporting residents downstairs, and that the elevator was not operational due to ongoing repairs.
Type B87303(a)
29 Apr 2026Inspection
29 Apr 2026Inspection
Observed overall safety and care standards were met; no deficiencies were cited.
29 Apr 2026Complaint
29 Apr 2026Complaint
Investigated allegations that staff could not implement a fire safety plan, the kitchen was not kept clean, and meals were not of good quality. Found that a fire safety plan existed with staff training and quarterly drills, the kitchen appeared clean, and meals met regulation expectations.
09 Apr 2026Complaint
09 Apr 2026Complaint
Found that the allegation about food service, bathroom cleanliness, and dignity were unsubstantiated, and the allegation about restricting a resident to their bedroom was unfounded.
10 Dec 2025Complaint
10 Dec 2025Complaint
Investigated a resident's facial injury and related staff supervision; records showed the injury and a staffing deficiency was cited, while other concerns were reviewed and not clearly supported by evidence.
Type B87411(a)
20 Nov 2025Complaint
20 Nov 2025Complaint
Investigated an allegation that staff did not provide adequate supervision, resulting in a resident falling on multiple occasions.
Type B87463(a)
Type B87463
18 Aug 2025Complaint
18 Aug 2025Complaint
Investigated allegations that staff were unqualified, call buttons were not responded to promptly, residents were admitted not in the plan, and rent was inappropriately increased; findings did not establish a preponderance of evidence to prove violations.
27 Jun 2025Complaint
27 Jun 2025Complaint
Investigated a complaint that staff did not ensure residents could receive personal phone calls. The evidence did not establish whether the allegation occurred.
17 Apr 2025Inspection
17 Apr 2025Inspection
Identified delays in responding to residents' calls and outdated physician reports for one resident.
Type B87468.2(a)(4)
Type B87506(a)
17 Apr 2025Inspection
17 Apr 2025Inspection
Identified noncompliance with obtaining and evaluating a recent medical assessment before admitting residents.
Type B87456(a)(3)
17 Apr 2025Complaint
17 Apr 2025Complaint
Investigated an allegation that staff did not follow infection control requirements and found that infection control measures were in place.
20 Mar 2025Inspection
20 Mar 2025Inspection
Observed residents having breakfast and others resting. About 20 residents were receiving hospice services.
12 Mar 2025Complaint
12 Mar 2025Complaint
Investigated allegation that staff did not provide an updated reappraisal after a resident's condition changed.
Type B87507(e)
26 Nov 2024Complaint
26 Nov 2024Complaint
Identified that an insect issue in a resident's room was not being properly addressed. A cockroach infestation was observed in the resident's room.
Type A87303(a)
17 Oct 2024Inspection
17 Oct 2024Inspection
Identified that a staff member was excluded from being present on the property and that updated personnel records and a Guardian account were requested. No deficiencies were observed.
23 Apr 2024Inspection
23 Apr 2024Inspection
Observed an expired medication in the central medication cart with other meds and several bathroom waste containers without tight-fitting covers.
Type B87465(i)
Type B87303(f)(3)
20 Mar 2024Complaint
20 Mar 2024Complaint
Investigated found that staff response times to assist residents were long due to staffing shortages, several medications were not given as scheduled, care plans were not followed, a resident fell multiple times due to delayed transfers, and the authorized representative did not receive a copy of the care plan.
Type A87411(a)
Type A87465(a)(4)
Type B87464(d)
Type B87468.2(a)(4)
Type B87457(a)(3)
28 Dec 2023Inspection
28 Dec 2023Inspection
Observed no deficiencies cited during the case management health checks visit.
04 May 2023Inspection
04 May 2023Inspection
Identified safety and housekeeping deficiencies, including unsecured cleaning products, missing non-skid mats in a shower, debris in common areas and resident rooms, and lack of quarterly emergency drills documentation.
Type B87303(e)(5)
Type B87309(a)
Type B1569.695(c)
Type B87303(a)
03 May 2023Inspection
03 May 2023Inspection
Identified inoperable signal system devices in memory care areas and staff not using pagers, relying on 30-minute checks, posing safety risk to residents.
Type B87303(a)
03 May 2023Complaint
03 May 2023Complaint
Investigated two allegations about call bell response times and notifying an authorized representative; found no evidence supporting the allegations.
02 Mar 2023Complaint
02 Mar 2023Complaint
Identified expired foods in refrigerators and insects in multiple resident rooms.
Type A87555(b)(8)
Type B80087(a)(1)
29 Sept 2022Inspection
29 Sept 2022Inspection
Identified a supervision lapse that allowed a memory care resident to go AWOL, prompting police involvement and a hospital transport, and noted an egress door in memory care was out of service.
Type A1569.312(a)
26 Apr 2022Inspection
26 Apr 2022Inspection
Identified health and safety risks from unlocked storage areas and maintenance issues, including clutter near the service entrance and an outdoor tree branch in a storage area. Also noted a memory care resident's room with a strong urine odor.
Type A87309(a)
Type B87303(a)
20 Apr 2022Complaint
20 Apr 2022Complaint
Investigated allegations that a resident was left on the floor for an extended period and that staff did not respond to a call button in a timely manner.
Type A87411(d)(3)
20 Apr 2022Complaint
20 Apr 2022Complaint
Investigated complaints about turning bedridden residents, delays in incontinence assistance, and roach presence; found no evidence to support these allegations.
20 Apr 2022Inspection
20 Apr 2022Inspection
Identified a death report for a resident and requested the resident's records be submitted by 4/21/2022; no deficiencies were cited.
20 Apr 2022Complaint
20 Apr 2022Complaint
Investigated allegations that staff behaviors posed a risk to residents, that residents sustained falls, that residents were left soiled for extended periods, and that medications were stolen; found insufficient evidence to prove the allegations.
20 Apr 2022Complaint
20 Apr 2022Complaint
Investigated a complaint alleging failure to follow COVID-19 protocol; found no evidence to support the allegation.
20 Apr 2022Complaint
20 Apr 2022Complaint
Investigated allegation of inadequate staffing to meet residents' needs and concluded it was unfounded.
08 Feb 2022Inspection
08 Feb 2022Inspection
Identified concerns about governance accountability and administrator qualifications and duties. Related issues included personnel requirements and operations, basic services, incidental medical and dental care, personal rights, and maintenance.
Type B87101(c)(3)
Type B1569.2(c)
02 Feb 2022Inspection
02 Feb 2022Inspection
Identified that a new administrator had not been reported to the Department, and that a resident went AWOL and was later located; the physician's report indicated the resident could not leave unassisted.
Type A1569.312(a)
Type B87211(g)
28 Dec 2021Complaint
28 Dec 2021Complaint
Investigated a complaint alleging residents sustained pressure injuries and a staff odor issue; found the pressure injuries allegation unfounded and the odor allegation unsubstantiated.
01 Oct 2021Complaint
01 Oct 2021Complaint
Identified that staff did not regularly inform the resident's representative about care and that the resident's room was not kept clean.
Type B87468.1(a)(8)
Type B87303(a)
09 Aug 2021Complaint
09 Aug 2021Complaint
Identified that a prospective resident did not participate in the development of the pre-admission appraisal, and that a resident sleeps in a recliner at night due to not receiving appropriate assistance.
Type B87457(a)
Type B87466
14 Jul 2021Complaint
14 Jul 2021Complaint
Investigated allegation that staff did not respond promptly to call buttons. Review of call button records showed multiple delayed responses.
Type A87411(a)
14 Jul 2021Complaint
14 Jul 2021Complaint
Investigated a complaint about resident falls and medication management; the fall-related allegation was unfounded, while the medication issue led to a deficiency and a civil penalty.
Type A87465(c)(2)
14 Jul 2021Inspection
14 Jul 2021Inspection
Offered technical assistance during a case management visit and recommended providing residents' personal belongings and immediate items (dentures, glasses, hearing aids, medication lists and/or medications) when residents were transported to the hospital.
23 Jun 2021Complaint
23 Jun 2021Complaint
Investigated allegations that a medical assessment wasn’t signed before admission and that current resident records weren’t maintained; concluded the complaint unfounded and dismissed.
09 Jun 2021Inspection
09 Jun 2021Inspection
Identified that a resident went AWOL on two occasions, creating an immediate risk to residents' health and safety.
Type A1569.312
Type A1569.2
09 Jun 2021Inspection
09 Jun 2021Inspection
Identified an incident where a resident with dementia left the premises without staff approval, posing an immediate safety risk. A deficiency related to basic care and supervision was noted.
Type A1569.312(a)
09 Jun 2021Inspection
09 Jun 2021Inspection
Investigated an incident in which one resident struck another on the jaw; staff intervened and the injured resident was transported to the hospital. Both residents were doing well, and no other incidents were reported.
26 May 2021Inspection
26 May 2021Inspection
Investigated an incident and followed up on a health and safety check for a resident; requested medical records, a reappraisal/assessment, and an admission agreement.
26 May 2021Inspection
26 May 2021Inspection
Investigated an unusual incident involving a resident and followed up on a health and safety check. Requested the physician's report, reassessment, and admission agreement.
05 May 2021Inspection
05 May 2021Inspection
Identified a lapse in incidental medical care after a resident's prescribed medication was misplaced, causing a missed dose. A civil penalty was assessed.
Type A87465(c)(2)
05 May 2021Inspection
05 May 2021Inspection
Investigated a health and safety check for two residents and requested the admission agreement, physician's report, narratives, and staff contact information.
05 May 2021Inspection
05 May 2021Inspection
Observed a follow-up on a health and safety check after an unusual incident; requested documentation included admission agreement, physician documentation, facility narratives, and staff contact information.
23 Apr 2021Inspection
23 Apr 2021Inspection
Investigated a health and safety concern after an unusual incident report and requested documents to review a resident's change of condition.
23 Apr 2021Inspection
23 Apr 2021Inspection
Investigated a medication error reported on 03/23/2021, followed up on health and safety checks, and requested documents by 04/27/2021.
25 Mar 2021Inspection
25 Mar 2021Inspection
Investigated a case where a staff member gave a double dose of a resident's medication due to improper administration. A deficiency related to incidental medical care was cited and a civil penalty was assessed.
Type A87465(c)(2)
04 Mar 2021Inspection
04 Mar 2021Inspection
Identified a violation of residents' personal rights due to punishment, humiliation, or other actions interfering with daily living.
Type B87468.1(a)(3)
28 Jan 2021Inspection
28 Jan 2021Inspection
Investigated health and safety concerns after an unusual incident on 1/21/2020, requested the admission agreement, LIC602A, staff contact information, and police report case number, and conducted an exit interview with the administrator.
17 Nov 2020Complaint
17 Nov 2020Complaint
Found that the allegation that residents' medications were not dispensed correctly in March was supported by records and interviews, with the inquiry conducted by telephone due to COVID-19 precautions.
30 Apr 2020Complaint
30 Apr 2020Complaint
Found allegations were unfounded after discussion with facility staff, as resident's family chose to move them out and regular staff checks were conducted.
08 Apr 2020Complaint
08 Apr 2020Complaint
Investigated allegations regarding the facility; determined no sufficient evidence to prove violations occurred. Conducted interviews and records review, and communicated findings via telephone and email.
Type A87465
11 Mar 2020Inspection
11 Mar 2020Inspection
Reviewed incidents involving two residents on 03/03/20, no deficiencies were found in the resident's records.
Type B87468.1(a)
21 Jan 2020Inspection
21 Jan 2020Inspection
Found no deficiencies in relation to an incident involving a resident leaving the facility.
01 Nov 2019Inspection
01 Nov 2019Inspection
Inspection found no hazards, medications were properly stored and administered, and staff had necessary clearances.
Type A87465(c)(2)
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