The Academy - A Merrill Gardens Community sits on over 16 acres of park-like grounds in Spokane's South Hill area, right by the Spokane River and the Centennial Trail, close to a university, downtown, medical offices, and local wineries. The historic building has been fully renovated, and some apartments have high ceilings and panoramic views, which some people really enjoy because it lets in a lot of natural light and you can see the gardens and park nearby. The community serves seniors 60 years and older and has a medium size with room for up to 25 residents, offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, hospice, and respite care.
Residents can bring their own belongings to make their space feel more like home, and the rooms are available furnished or unfurnished, with wheelchair accessible showers and ground-floor or handicap accessible units if needed. The Academy supports active lives with amenities like wide walking paths outside, gardens, and spaces for outdoor relaxation, plus indoor areas like a book room, art room, library, spa, beauty salon, and places for games or crafts. There are pets allowed, but only according to the community's policy.
Meals are served restaurant-style with flexible hours from 7 AM to 7 PM; three homemade meals are provided daily, and there are options for dietary needs, including for those with diabetes or allergies, or anyone needing gluten-free, vegetarian, or low sodium food. Residents have access to snacks and drinks, and there are regular activities, including movie nights, Bible study, art and cooking classes, exercise five times a week, music therapy, craft plans, and both resident-run and community-sponsored events. Staff also help with housekeeping, laundry, grooming, medication management, bathing, dressing, and transfers for those that can't walk or need help moving from bed to a wheelchair.
The staff focuses on kind, personalized care, and there's always someone available, with nurses on call 24 hours a day and regular visits from a physical therapist, occupational therapist, podiatrist, and a dentist. Memory care residents receive extra supervision, with security features and technology like bracelets to prevent wandering, and alarms to keep the building safe. The community also has a respite program for short-term stays and plenty of care for those who are aging in place or need palliative or hospice services.
Residents get transportation for doctor's appointments, shopping trips, church, social outings, and walks in the park, plus there's a bus line nearby and resident parking for those who drive. The environment really centers on keeping seniors active and engaged, with a focus on both mental and physical wellness-there's a Connections Program where seniors can use computers and get email training for free, and group outings and activities that make it easy to stay in touch with friends or meet new people. The Academy's grounds are well-kept, the atmosphere is welcoming, and staff are helpful and attentive, known for listening and responding to what people need. With everything from exercise and craft rooms to aid with daily tasks and meals, this community supports seniors who want a safe, supportive place to live as independently as possible.
