Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill

As we approached this very difficult process for my Dad we decided to research carefully on multiple levels each facility we considered. At the various sites visited, staff's knowledge of emergency and safety procedures were queried. How staff interacted with residents and where the residents were at the time of our visit became our focus. The dining room facilities and access to it, as well as the patience and attention of staff were observed. Cleanliness, along with a warm comforting atmosphere were considered. Inspection reports were read and most importantly my Dad's response to the facility was central. We queried how residents were assisted in adjusting to their new surroundings, activities offered and how residents, we encountered on our own described their experience. We found great variation among facilities. I had happened to drive by Merrill Gardens and decided to give it a try. My Dad wanted to be among his age peer group. After visiting a number of facilities and being both disappointed and concerned, Merrill Gardens was an absolute pleasure! Dayna was cordial, with a kind and compassionate way of showing us around. She answered each of the often difficult questions presented with competence and marvelous humor. My Dad was put at ease. We enjoyed a delicious meal, saw the apartments and decided this was the place, when my Dad was ready. Her appropriate continuing contact with us helped. When it was time to move, she was outstanding. We met Lori the General Manager and were impressed with her care, extensive experience and true concern for all of us. She put my Dad at ease and we began to feel this was do-able. Dawn, the Business Manager was extremely competent and patient with our questions and the explanations of what was needed on the business end. They have all been available for the important on going queries in the first month. The front desk staff, the teams that assist with daily care and safety, housekeeping and food service staff are simply wonderful. Maintenance with John and Monaco are responsive and patient. This review is long, but the process is hard in deciding the right care for an aging parent. My Dad has been at Merrill Gardens for a month and is truly happy! He is having a wonderful time, enjoying the staff and residents. He is engaged socially, attends exercise class daily with gifted instructors, enjoys the food and staff who serve it. He says it is like dining at an excellent restaurant three times a day at any point in the day he so chooses. The facility has met all of our expectations and more. The excellent staff morale and their responsiveness, profound care and compassion matter so much. This all matters so much. He feels safe, happy and deeply content.

My mother moved into Merrill Gardens nearly 2 years ago......not quite kicking and screaming, but with a great deal of trepidation. Within days she was happy about the move and now can't imagine being anywhere else. She was lonely living alone and at Merrill Gardens she never has to be unless she wants to be. She participates in the daily exercise classes, plays bridge, bingo and wii bowling several times a week. She can eat from a menu that varies daily and has gained a much needed 10 pounds on quality fresh cooked meals. On top of her being very happy there, I'm very happy knowing she has companionship and excellent care should she need it.

It has been almost a year since my stepmom moved into Merrill Gardens and we are so very pleased with the beautiful atmosphere and extremely friendly staff. Lori Hansen, the GM is amazing. She is such a caring person and she and her entire staff truly look out for all the residents as if they were their own family. I could not imagine a more caring environment. There are so many activities and lovely meals. It's truly a wonderful place to live, when some extra care is needed and living alone is not an option for loved ones. It's safe, pretty, friendly, professional and the rooftop deck is fantastic! We consider the staff like our family, as they look out for our sweet stepmom on a daily basis. Thank you, everyone, for all the blessing that you give.

I will recommend Merril Gardens for people who are looking for a place to retire. You can't not ask for a better location in San Diego, only a few minutes from the airport, Balboa Park, shops and hospitals.Merrill Gardens also provide to their residents a variety of entertainment, Trip's to many local spots in San Diego and also local artist who are willing to share their talents and time.Lori Hansen is the general manager of Merrill Gardens. Kind, thoughtful and professional are the words that better describe her. I recommend this place and invite you to take a look if you're looking for a place to retire.

The caveat to this review is that I've only visited for a tour, but my 84-year-old mother and I toured 6 facilities in and around San Diego in December 2017, and this outshined them all. The staff were all very friendly and professional, the residents were friendly and seemed happy, the decor is tasteful and warm, the building is beautiful and the location, 4 blocks from the western entrance to Balboa Park, is pretty close to ideal. The rooftop deck is a wonderful space with spectacular views and the food we had was excellent. The rooms are on the small side, but they are very nice, there is enough natural light and I think most have small balconies. And while they are far from inexpensive, similar but lesser facilities cost the same or more. My mom is very independent so isn't ready to take on the added cost for the services they provide, but it's on the top of our list when she is.