Merrill Gardens at Lafayette

At 69, I moved my 96-year-old mother to Merrill Gardens in Lafayette. One of the criteria when looking for a place for her was that I needed to feel good about the place myself, knowing I was going to be spending a lot of time with my mother when visiting. Of course, her experience was primary in my search too. After 6 months, I can say that this was the perfect place for both of us. One of the most important concerns I had was staffing; everyone at Merrill Gardens is superior in every capacity, from the director on down. The facility itself is beautiful with rooftop gardens and modern interiors. My mother's room is full of light and has simple, but appropriate appointments, including a small stovetop and a washer and dryer, a safe walk-in shower, and a large closet. I feel that we have made the best choice. Again, I can't say enough great things about all of the staff; they make the place sing !

I moved here 6 months ago from Houston, Texas. My grandkids live in Oakland which is only 20 minutes away. The staff is friendly and nice. My apartment meets all of my needs with a washer & dryer plus a small kitchen if I want to make something but why should I when I can get breakfast, lunch and dinner in the dining room. Love meeting all of the residents and finding out about their lives. Most everyone is friendly. Of course I participate in the activities so I have gotten to know many of the residents. Juliane, the activity director is open to the suggestions about what we would like to do. Whether it is visiting a restaurant, museum or seeing a certain movie, we are able to make our wishes known. My life is very busy with activities that I enjoy like Bingo and Rummikub. Every Friday, we have happy hour with great music and a beverage. Love having the kids come in to entertain us with their talents. My life is interesting and fun and Lady, my 20 lb rescue loves it too. I can also enjoy quiet time in my apartment when want.

I moved to Merrill Gardens 4 months ago, and it has continually proven to be the right choice for me. I was looking for a senior community that was a part of a city, not separate from it, and that offered three levels of care: independent, assisted, and memory care. Our location makes strolling and shopping so convenient and pleasant. I was seeking a facility where I could meet people, and the size of ours is just right - it's not overwhelming. I am in a delightful studio apartment with a balcony for my flowers. With the weather warming up, taking my meal up to our roof-top deck to eat, to read a book, to relax, or to check out the planter beds that our residents have started is a real bonus. I have dietary concerns, and the staff here has been wonderful in providing delicious options for me to eat. Our Activities Director provides us with many activities from field trips to exercise classes to various crafts, live music, weekly Happy Hours, and seasonal celebrations. There is always something to do. In our communal spaces, residents can gather to play games, work on puzzles, and meet with family and friends. There are also quieter spaces to read or relax. We also have a workout area, and a Beauty Salon, so residents may benefit from these services without leaving our building. Medical staff is available 24 hours a day, which gives me peace of mind. I'm saving the most important until last: Our staff entire is top notch! They are positive, helpful, and knowledgeable. This is so important to me, since I rely on them to help keep me safe and happy.

About 7 years ago, my mother's health condition became life-threatening and she was told to move closer to sea level (she and my dad lived at 8,000+ ft in Mammoth Lakes, CA) within 2 weeks or she could die. I'd heard of and driven by Merrill Gardens, so I toured it, loved it, and found, thankfully, that there was one vacancy! We moved my parents (and their pup) into a sunny, lovely MG apartment, thinking it would be a nice, temporary landing spot till they decided where they'd go next. Well, it didn't take long for MG to feel like home. Over time, my mother's health declined and MG, particularly Troy, was invaluable in helping to navigate her changing hospital, skilled nursing, and hospice needs, the most difficult of which was during the height of COVID. Troy was amazing. Since my mother passed, MG has embraced my father (and me), making him feel cared for and valued, such that much of his vitality, sassiness, and humor has been restored. A LOT of that is thanks to Julianne, Activities Director extraordinaire! She really listens to residents and curates a wide variety of activites (twice daily movies, clubs, games, parties, field trips, weekly happy hours with live music, and so much more!)--her sincerity, energy, and creativity is boundless. She is a treasure. Shout outs also to the always-on, cheerful front desk managers, including Danielle and Patty, who set a tone of vibrancy and good humor. A huge part of the MG Lafayette experience is provided by Chef Max and his team, who cook up delectable meals every day, and then really pull out all the stops for holidays and special occasions! My dad loves the food so much there that he now prefers that we eat there rather than go out to a restaurant! Thanks also to Kamal Singh who fairly recently became Director at MG Lafayette and, in short order, has expanded upon the warm, family-feeling culture, taking it to the next level! The history, the present, and future are all bright at MG Lafayette! THANK YOU!