Merrill Gardens at Ballard

I was looking for memory care for my mom and met with Ian Mackenzie, the Community Relations Director at Merrill Gardens Ballard. He did a thorough job providing me with the services and benefits of memory care at Merrill Gardens, but he also took the time to educate me on the various options open to my mom for her care, including adult family homes. Ian sincerely cared about my mom as an individual and me as someone who would have to put trust and expense in the care my mom received. He could have chosen to sell just Merrill Gardens to me, but instead, he listened to my requirements and concerns and encouraged me to look at a number of memory care facilities and options before I made a final decision. (In the end, I chose an adult family home for my mom because of the smaller scale and homey atmosphere it provided.) Ian also mentioned to me the long tenure of employees at MG Ballard and it shows in the level of engagement from the front desk receptionist, to the food service workers, to the caretakers and Ian himself and in the quality of the facility, which is clean, welcoming, spacious, and attractive. If you are looking for assisted living or memory care, I'd recommend visiting and considering Merrill Gardens Ballard.

Exceptional Independent Living Experience I couldn't be more impressed with Merrill Gardens and the entire team]! My father moved here 2 years ago and is thriving! His community network is strong, and thanks to the daily chair exercise classes, his balance seems better than ever. The staff here genuinely cares about creating a vibrant, engaging community for all residents. The facility is immaculately maintained, from the beautifully landscaped grounds to the spotless common areas. What stands out: Spacious, well-designed apartments with modern amenities Diverse calendar of activities (fitness classes, movie nights, game nights) Restaurant-quality dining with plenty of healthy options Responsive and professional staff available 24/7 Great location with easy access to shopping and medical facilities Strong sense of community among residents The activities director (shout out to Ashley!) does an amazing job organizing interesting events and outings, such as Jazz Alley, the Triple Door, restaurants, artistic events, etc. I particularly appreciate how the staff encourages independence while providing support when needed. Transportation services are reliable and always courteous. Safety and security measures are excellent, giving both residents and families peace of mind. The emergency response system is well-maintained and staff is trained to handle any situation. For anyone looking for an active, maintenance-free lifestyle in a welcoming community, I highly recommend Merrill Gardens. It truly feels like home

We moved our mom into Merrill Gardens in Ballard this summer after looking at a few local places and are so happy with our choice. Ian Mackenzie, the Community Relations Director, was so welcoming, and obviously well liked there. He answered our endless questions, and my mom's apartment was in great shape when we moved her in. The staff is so nice (especially Denise at the front desk). The building itself is so beautifully designed inside and is so cozy and different than other senior living residences. Plus, the rooftop deck is amazing! It's a great place for design-minded, intelligent, active seniors looking for a friendly, engaged community. Lots of programming and activities, too, and within walking distance of the library, a JoAnn's, Ballard Farmers market a gorgeous yarn shop, and many other lovely stops. I highly recommend you take a look at it if you want to move a parent or your parents closer to you in Ballard, especially.

For 2.5 months this past fall, I was actively considering moving into Merrill Gardens and was on the waiting list. During that time, Ian Mackenzie was so supportive and treated me almost as if I already lived there. He went out of his way to facilitate me meeting residents and viewing the different sizes and configurations of their apartments. The residents are friendly and welcoming. Even though I ultimately decided against assisted living, I cannot say enough good about Merrill Gardens.