Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria sits on Suey Road in Santa Maria, California, and offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care in a campus-style setting, and folks can choose from studios, one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartments, or cottages called Modern Apartments & Cottages, all with kitchenettes, basic cable, emergency call systems, and easy access for those who might need it, and prices start at $2,900, based on what's available. The community features cozy fireplaces and gathering spots, a welcoming lobby, a well-stocked library, a computer room, and centrally located laundry, so residents can relax or meet with visitors. There's an outdoor patio and landscaped gardens with paved walkways, and some sitting spots and umbrellas where folks can step outside and breathe in the fresh air or just watch the day pass by, and the pool and spa give a place to swim or soak. For meals, the Anytime Dining service provides restaurant-style dining with flexible hours, and menus often include grilled sandwiches, oven-roasted herb chicken, potatoes, broccoli, and other fresh options, so residents can pick what sounds good without worrying too much about food plans.
Memory Care, known here as the Garden House, offers special areas like a cozy library, sitting areas, outdoor patio spots, a grand piano, and inviting little cafes, all designed for folks who need extra support with memory loss or dementia, and the area has safeguards to help avoid confusion and wandering. Assisted living offers help with things like bathing, dressing, grooming, medication reminders, eating, and safety checks, and licensed nurses are on site or on call around the clock for any health needs that pop up. Independent living suits residents who don't need daily help, and the apartments and grounds are built so folks can come and go, socialize, or just keep their own routines, with scheduled rides to appointments or errands if someone's got to get out for awhile, plus weekly housekeeping, linen services, and on-site maintenance keep things running smooth so there's less to manage. The community offers plenty to do, with an activities calendar, outings, and a focus on an Active Living program with events, groups, and chances to keep moving, whether it's theater with plush seats and a popcorn machine, book clubs in the library, or field trips for a change of scene, and there's a wellness center and salon and barber services for everyday needs.
Residents are welcome to have small pets within rules, and visitor or guest parking is on site. Some apartments come with kitchen appliances, and everyone has access to common spaces like meeting areas and an elegant dining room, plus a private dining space for family gatherings. Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria is owned and operated by Merrill Gardens, which has offered retirement communities since 1993, and the staff's known for being friendly and helpful, always available 24 hours if someone needs a hand, so residents can focus on enjoying the balance of community living, social time, and personal independence, close to dining, shopping, and medical care in town.
