Merrill Gardens at Rockridge

My 86-year-old mother, my brother, and I had a tour on 8/20/23 with staffperson Laurabelle. We spent about an hour and 15 minutes with Laurabelle, who was very welcoming and informative. This is our first tour of any senior living facility, so we knew very little. We felt very comfortable talking with Laurabelle, who was attentive and thoughtful in every moment. At the end of the tour, we had learned a lot not only about Merrill Gardens, which really impressed me as wonderful, but also we learned valuable general information that will help us in our search overall for a facility that is a good match for Mom. For example, Laurabelle explained that the state form, Physician's Report for Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE), is a requirement not only for applying for Merrill Gardens, it is a requirement for any facility that you apply to. Therefore, she suggested that it is a good idea, in general, to get this form filled out early in our search, whether or not we actually wind up applying for Merrill Gardens or not. Ok, back to Merrill Gardens: we three really liked it a lot! All throughout, the premises were in very good, modern condition (this facility is only six years old). The activity and dinning areas have lots of windows and natural light; the apartments that we saw also had lots of natural light and wonderful views. I really loved the rooftop outdoor patio, it has gorgeous, 360 views of the SF skyline and the Bay on one side, and the Oakland/Berkeley Hills on the other. I wish I could live here! Prices start at $4500 for a 480-sq ft studio for without medical care, but inclusive of housecleaning, meals, transportation, activities, etc. (that price is standard for this area, according to my internet search that I did on my own before the tour) My mother is a sports fan and she was very interested in the movie room where people gather to watch sporting events. I felt that Laurabelle was sincere and honest, showing us the offerings of Merrill Gardens and also wanting us to make a decision that would make our mom happiest and that we can afford. For example, when I asked about rent increases, Laurabelle replied that at every 12 months, rent increases 5 - 10%. I appreciate that she was direct and clear; she didn't try to evade the question with a vague answer. We did not partake in a meal at Merrill Gardens, but perhaps later we will, as Laurabelle's invitation to do so still stands. We are early in our search so we haven't decided on Merrill Gardens, one way or other. But if you want a tour of a wonderful place with a staff person who is welcoming, informed, and a clear communicator, spend an hour with Laurabelle at Merrill Gardens. It is an hour well-spent.

I moved into Merrill Gardens on October 9, 2020 after being on the Wait List since they opened in September 2016. Although, Merrill Gardens was always my preferred Senior Living Facility, I had bypassed other vacancy offers over the years as I was not quite ready to move. But, this time the Apartment that was offered along with promotional incentives was just too good to refuse. I have a beautiful one bedroom Apartment on the second floor on the Bay Side of the building with a large Patio and a wonderful view of Oakland, San Francisco, and the Bay! The Apartment is well lighted with overhead lights in every room and wonderful natural light coming in from the Patio makes for a very uplifting and comforting environment. All of the personnel I have interacted with so far including the General Manager, Customer Service personnel, Maintenance and Service staff, have been outstanding! Each has been welcoming, kind, patient, understanding, helpful and professional and have made me really feel "At Home!" I am also getting spoiled not having to prepare my meals anymore, and there is a good menu of meals, and the food is well prepared and tasty. I am so pleased that I finally moved to Merrill Gardens! I look forward to a long, joyful, peaceful, nurturing and supportive environment in the years to come.

My mother spent two very good years at Merrill Gardens at Rockridge. It is a physically lovely facility. It was brand new when she moved in and there were some start-up issues in the early months. Management and Caregiving worked on them and made noteworthy improvements. Mom loved so many people at Merrill Gardens who cared for her—and did her hair. The food was very good. Impressive entertainment. Thank you so much.

Merrill Gardens is a very nice place to live, as a resident here you are located in a quiet clean area where the residence can go on safe long walks with many beautiful sceneries. And a wonderful shopping center just one block across the street. Merrill Gardens has a wonderful team of staff. Every one is extremely nice and friendly And attentive to the residents.