Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill

My mother-in law has lived at Merrill Gardens for the past 3 years, and based on her experience, we can very strongly recommend it. While the apartments and common spaces are very nice, clean and very well maintained, it's the staff that continues to positively surprise us. Their genuine concern for the residents is unlike anything I've seen at any other senior residence. They combine professionalism with a sense of real warmth. Even during the covid pandemic, when senior centers were under terrific stress, they found ways to keep their residents safe and comfortable. Really impressive!

I'm a frequent visitor to Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill. As a health care professional and a retired employee of a State Agency that regulates health care facilities, I can honestly say Merrill Gardens is without doubt an exceptional facility. I firmly believe their excellence in the provision of care and services is largely due to the outstanding leadership abilities of their General Manager coupled with the commitment to excellence of her very capable and dedicated staff. There's a reasonable expectation that the day will come when I will need the services of a multifunctional senior living facility. When that day arrives I will not hesitate to relocate to Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill.

After visiting many assisted living facilities, my mother chose Merrill Gardens, Bankers Hill, and was there for five years. The manager there, Lori Hansen, is extraordinary. It's not just me saying that - she has many "Best of the Year" awards on her wall, for good reason. She screens and hand picks each staff member carefully, for competence and caring, then continues to maintain a community environment founded on mutual respect, appreciation, and high standards of care. Because of this, residents are treated very well by staff members who feel appreciated and care about their work. My mother was always wanting me to write letters of appreciation about different caregivers. Even the night personnel were notably particularly loving and cheerful with her. For example, one time my mother thought that she had hung up the phone when a caregiver came to help her, but she hadn't. She hadn't been there long, so I stayed on the line, to monitor what care she was getting. I was beyond pleased when the caregiver came in and cheerfully greeted her and encouraged conversation with her. There was no hint of a rush to get in and out, but rather a focus on a comfortable, pleasant, caring, cheery interaction with my mother. Over time she truly felt loved which meant so much to my brother and I. And I must also mention how wonderful it is that the residents can eat from an extensive menu that changes daily, anytime all day long. The chef there, Aaron, is incredibly dedicated to high standards and is "above and beyond" accommodating. He even solicits the residents for favorite recipes of theirs that he can make for them! Each meal is individually prepared to the resident's liking. Some residents like to hang out in the cafeteria area, talking over coffee and dessert for hours, and that is fine. If a resident sits at a table alone, she/he can expect that another resident will likely come over and ask if she/he would like company, because it is a very friendly, supportive community. It is an understatement to say that Lori goes all out on all the holidays with props and special guests! At a western-themed holiday last year, she even brought in a horse! I don't know if you can find a youtube of that event on the internet, but if you can, be prepared to LOL! Many of the staff became dear to us and I strive to stay in touch with them. They are special, loving, deserving souls who made my mother's final years some of her best. I could never thank them enough.

I am breaking my no-review policy to review Merrill Gardens because I want to acknowledge their excellence. My mother has been a resident for about two years and began her stay in Independent Living. I appreciate Merrill Gardens for the many and varied social activities, the appealing food offerings, as well as the caring staff and genial residents. The facility is clean and welcoming. Merrill Gardens makes a point to celebrate holidays and special events in grand style. Their decorations are amazing, and special food is prepared to match the holiday being celebrated. Staff is attentive and responsive to the needs of their residents. Recently my mother has needed Assisted Living care. She has told me that the staff is very good to her. She really appreciates their cheerfulness and willingness to help. I feel great comfort in knowing that she is being so well cared for. Lori Hansen, the General Manager does an excellent job of managing the facility. Without hesitation, I recommend Merrill Gardens for Independent Living as well as Assisted Living.