Truewood by Merrill, Vancouver

Truewood by Merrill, Vancouver is a 55+ senior living community in Vancouver, WA, close to Portland, and offers a mix of independent living, assisted living, memory care, adult day care, and nursing services, which means folks with different needs can find support and make their home there. The community has maintenance-free apartments in a range of layouts like studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom homes, with some called "The Bedford" and "suite-3," and these apartments come with kitchens, white cabinetry, stainless steel refrigerators, walk-in closets, gas fireplaces, and plush carpets, with some units featuring patios. Apartments are pet-friendly and have Wi-Fi, cable TV, and housekeeping every week, and they look comfortable with blue and yellow bedding, sheer blue curtains, and soft carpet, while living rooms show off big sofas, coffee tables, and easy access to the kitchen and dining area.

The outdoor spaces are set up for folks to sit under blue umbrellas, by white columns, at tables with potted flowers, while the gardens have walking and hiking paths if you want to stretch your legs or enjoy the fresh air. Inside, folks can use the heated swimming pool, hot tub, game room with billiards, media room with a big-screen TV and Nintendo Wii, and a cozy library with a fireplace, and there are rooms for arts and crafts, computer work, and other hobbies. The large, elegant dining room serves chef-prepared meals, with options for room service, and guest meals too, and there's a salon on site for haircuts or other beauty needs.

Staff are friendly and trained, and they help with personal care like dressing, bathing, or managing medicine for those who need it, and there's support for those with Alzheimer's or dementia in secure areas that help reduce confusion and worry about wandering. The community also offers nursing and rehab services, and home health care can come from outside providers if needed, with transportation for errands and outings available for residents.

There's always something happening, like devotional services, Tai Chi, stretching and yoga classes, outings, literary activities, education programs, music, games, gardening, and plenty more, so you get a full calendar without having to leave the community unless you want to. The place feels safe, with gates and security measures in place, and there's lots of parking for residents and guests. Folks who like to travel can join the exclusive travel program to visit any of over 300 partner retirement communities for up to a week at no extra charge.

The whole setup focuses on helping people stay active, social, and independent, but with the right amount of help when it's needed, and the overall feeling is relaxed, lively, and welcoming, with a friendly staff that gets to know the residents. Residents come from different backgrounds and can find comfort in knowing English and American Sign Language are spoken. Whether someone wants an easygoing independent lifestyle, help with daily needs, memory care, or skilled nursing, Truewood by Merrill, Vancouver tries to make sure there's a good fit for many seniors looking for a comfortable place to call home.

Truewood by Merrill, Vancouver 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.