Everest at Oceanside

March 2026

Google

Allan Dean

My family is not new to this. Between my parents and my mother-in-law, we have navigated four different memory care communities over the course of this journey. We know what good looks like ” and what it doesn't. Everest at Oceanside is excellent! Last year it became clear Mom's dementia was progressing. We had some scares, a couple of ER visits. Then she stabilized ” but at a new level. I wasn't sure memory care was necessary. After stepping back, looking at the data, and listening to her nurses and caregivers, it became clear that a simpler, tailored routine would actually comfort her. Memory care wasn't a step down. It was the right environment for this stage. The transition, led by Jill and Yadi, was the smoothest we've experienced ” clear, organized, everything went exactly as they said it would. Oliver conducted Mom's assessment and continues to direct her memory care plan and experience with real attentiveness. The med tech was immediately fluent in her care plan from day one. The memory care floor is thoughtfully designed: a loop that naturally returns residents to a large common area ” bright, peaceful, and clean. Smooth floors, no trip hazards, tasteful furnishings and art. Mom's favorite spot is a table near a large painting of a shady tree, where she eats meals with friends she's already made. There's secure outdoor access too, so we can walk or sit outside together. We set up her room nearly identical to her previous one, and she felt at home on day one. Sundowning is real with Mom. The evening hours can bring anxiety and confusion. The team handles it with patience and genuine skill ” calm redirects, real comfort, no frustration. No emergency family assistance visits requested. Watching how they respond to her in those moments told me everything I needed to know about this community. Now I can visit Mom weekly, sometimes daily. I can call and hear her voice ” even when we circle through the same pleasantries a few times before saying goodnight. That is enough. That is everything. My mother-in-law is also a resident at Everest, which says everything about our confidence in this team. Every interaction ” with Mom and with our family ” carries dignity, empathy, and understanding of who she is. The team at Everest are good people. Mom is in good hands. I needed that, and Everest is helping all of us navigate this journey.

February 2026

Google

Marco Leyva

January 2026

Google

chris carll

We moved my 95 year old uncle to Everest about a year ago and we couldn't be happier. The personal care and attention he's received has been a big relief for me and my relatives and Everest has well earned our trust. Special thanks to Cee Cee his housekeeper and now dear friend. Also thanks to director Jill for going above and beyond to make sure my uncle feels welcome and safe. And finally, thanks to all the rest of the very caring staff for providing his meds, showers, meals, laundry and for texting me whenever I need to be made aware of any of their concerns about my uncle's health.

November 2025

Google

Debbie Farr

My brother has been here a year now and loves it. The staff is incredible and so caring. Can't say enough good things about Everest at Oceanside. He is in the best facility I have ever seen!

September 2025

Google

Kari Liane Granger

My father spent the past 4 months being exceptionally well cared for at Everest at Oceanside. He absolutely loved his room there and looked forward to mealtime. He wasn't a particularly social person, but he was welcomed with politeness by the other residents and was always treated with kindness and respect by each of the staff. This final phase of my father's life was a particularly sensitive time for our family and the staff at Everest truly made this a beautiful experience for us. From our initial tour with Yadi, and Gio's visit to our home to evaluate my dad prior to move-in, I knew Everest would be the ideal fit for our family. We are so grateful for each of the hard-working caregivers, the med techs who were always on-point, the sweet welcome team at the front desk, the efficient dining and cleaning staff, Karie bringing added joy to the community with new activities, plus Sydney and Jill's kind and experienced leadership. I can't imagine being better supported by a team of professionals who welcomed us into their sweet family. We will always cherish our fond memories at Everest at Oceanside. Thank you all for everything you do each day.

September 2024

Google

Marcos Valencia Vargas

My grandmother moved in and she loved the facility, the staff are all so welcoming and make the community feel like home. I would Definitely recommend this facility to anybody. Special thanks and shout out to Edgar Ayala, he made the process so easy.

September 2024

Google

Allison Schneider

The staff at Everest is outstanding. My family has learned that a community is only as good as the management and ultimately the owners of the community. As management, Ferlina and Theresa do a fabulous job making sure the community runs efficiently yet have time to talk to you about any issues or concerns that may come up. They emphasize quality care and atmosphere. There is a warm and welcoming feeling when you enter Everest and that lasts if you choose to move your loved one there. Edgar is often near the front door and helps you in any way he can. Many events are planned daily and staff quickly learn new residents names and interests and encourage participation. Med techs and nursing staff take their jobs seriously yet always bring a caring attitude when working with residence. We were very happy to have our dad stay at Everest.

July 2024

Google

BingYen Tsai

June 2024

Google

Annmarian Pedersen

My mother lived at Everest from 2011-2024. The turn around time of Managers and Nurses was horrible, but for a a while now since Everest purchased the original company (Merrill Gardens) It has been great! The manager and the nurse are super amazing! Their attitude towards the residents is one of belonging, caring and just plain human decency. The nurse especially has helped me tremendously these past two years during my mother's decline. I really don't know what else to say about this facility accept it is the best Assisted Living Care facility around North County, because of the nurse! Theresa Robert!

January 2024

Google

Robyn

My aunt recently moved into Everest at Oceanside, and I am beyond impressed with the community. At our tour, and every visit since, the warmth and care we felt was profound compared to other places visited, made so by the friendly staff and cozy aesthetic. My aunt's transition wasn't an easy one - she was very much against the move initially, not feeling she was ready for assisted living. Edgar Ayala, the Director who guided our journey, made her feel so welcomed and comfortable, and helped her come to her own realization of the benefits of a new lifestyle at Everest. Cecilia, the housekeeper on her floor, Tee, her nurse, and front desk and maintenance personnel, all played a huge role in welcoming her and smoothing out the rough parts of her transition. Multiple staff members, and especially Edgar, have gone above and beyond my expectations, and have shown just how passionate they are for caring for their residents, and my aunt. I also feel great about the value my aunt is getting for her money. I'm so grateful she landed here.

October 2022

Google

Kelly Cullen

My father has been at this facility for more than ten years. It's a great place.

August 2021

Google

David Portener

After an exhaustive search, we selected Merrill Gardens at Oceanside for my wife's mother. From our very first meeting, the staff was outstanding! They are very professional and compassionate, making our family feel very welcomed. Now, my mother-in-law is flourishing! She's more active than she's been in years and has made many new friends. We couldn't be happier!

May 2021

Google

Jan M

Our 97-year-old widower father fell three times at his home within a 24-hour period in mid-March and spent five days in the ICU at Tri-City Medical Center. We knew then that Dad - who'd lived in his home alone (with our part-time assistance) since Mom died in October 2018 - needed a safe new place to live. This was going to be difficult, we thought, because Dad had lived in his Vista home since 1963. Leaving it would be one of the hardest things he'd ever have to face. Jeff Chapman, of Chapman Senior Solutions, was recommended by Tri-City as the person who could help us find an assisted-living home. The third of three places he took us was Merrill Gardens. We were greeted by Veronica (Community Relations Director), who listened carefully to everything we had to say about our father and his immediate needs, his history, his likes and dislikes. She is smart and kind and family-oriented - not pushy and "into selling" as some places might be. This wasn't a car that we were buying - it was a safe haven for Dad. We toured the facility, which is clean and orderly. The chef and his assistant were introduced to us in the cafeteria. On tap that afternoon was a filet mignon burger. We passed, but it certainly looked good. The one-bedroom that we chose was the best for Dad because it allowed him two rooms. Veronica explained that we could bring his furniture from his Vista home to make the transition more comfortable for him. We did that and made the rooms look familiar, "homey" and warm. David, the handyman, can fix and do anything it seems - and with a smile. The nursing and med tech staff is very friendly (albeit young...a bit more seasoning and training will help them) and available at the push of a button on the pendant that Dad was given. They respond to requests quickly and are there when you need them. One thing we noticed was how friendly and happy the residents who live there are. They may be the biggest advertisement Merrill Gardens has going! The cost of the facility is on a par with the other two places that Jeff took us. We found the pricing to be very fair for the benefits and care provided. When Dad was taken into Hospice of the North Coast in his final weeks at Merrill Gardens, the hospice nurses and Merrill Gardens nurses worked seamlessly to make Dad comfortable. Sadly, Dad passed away on the 15th of May, surrounded by family. We are so grateful to Veronica, to Mariano (the delightful, kind and considerate General Manager), and the caring staff who help make the place special. Maybe Dad said it best. Two days before his death, he could barely stay awake. At one point he looked up at me as I sat next to his bed and said, "This is a nice little place." This from a man who NEVER wanted to leave his Vista home of 58 years. I'm with you, Dad, it truly is a nice little place.

May 2021

Google

Harry Goings

March 2021

Google

deborah cook

My father has been in the Memory Care part of Merrill Gardens for two years. He has been treated very well by the caregivers and they know his likes and dislikes. The new supervisor is a good listener and works with you to solve any problems or concerns you have. The director Mariano is kind and caring and goes out of his way to be helpful. My family is very happy with the activities and my dad really loves the bingo games! We are glad we chose Merrill Gardens for our father and would highly recommend it if your loved one has memory issues and needs care! My father passed away last week-I want to thank Mariano, Teresa, Med techs, caregivers, and everyone at Merrill Gardens for treating him like family and showing him compassion while he was ill. We are grateful to all of you! Robert Cook's Family

January 2021

Google

Nenette Duncil

Went shopping

September 2020

Google

Liberty Sage Keeler-Edman

I genuinely wish I was writing a 5-star review. I had high hopes for Merrill Gardens and put a lot of sweat and tears into researching a good place for my mother who was battling Parkinson’s / Dementia at the time. My Mom is no longer with us and it’s taken me over a year to write this review but I felt that I should share my experience because I still have PTSD from this place. As I had to work full time to help support my mother’s rapidly declining state, taking care of her myself was unfortunately not an option so we moved her into MG Assisted Living. It was the hardest decision of my life. My mother lived in the assisted living for 1 year and memory care for 1 year. Assisted living was okay, decent caretakers and environment. We made it work! Memory care on the other hand was a total nightmare. In memory care, there were a few solid caretakers that were extremely overworked, underpaid, and understaffed. The majority of the caretakers were young, careless, and I can’t tell you how many times I walked in on neglect, falls, and truly heartbreaking situations. I remember walking into the building (unexpected) one afternoon and my Mom was being pulled backwards in a wheelchair, she was clearly uncomfortable, confused, and saying: please stop! Help! Help! Someone help! The caretaker said nothing to her until she wheeled her up to a table and said: SH! YOU’RE FINE. The caretakers eyes widened as she saw me walk around the corner and my Mom bursted into tears as I gave her a hug. There was nothing calming or comfortable about these frequent interactions ” Which is the golden rule of caring for dementia patients! The Garden House directors were constantly changing and rarely there. My Mom had numerous falls, no personal attention, and they charged us an INSANE amount for caretakers who would probably let her sit in her own urine for days if I didn’t check in on them. As an empath and caretaker at heart, this shook me to my core. Long story short, if you deeply care for your parent or loved one like I did, please do not place them in MG memory care. It will not be worth the money or constant stress of waking up everyday wondering if Your loved one is going to be cared for properly. My mother hated it and so did I. Merrill Gardens could and should do better. Sending love and healing to the existing residents and the few quality caregivers that they have left.

January 2020

Google

Karyn

Merrill Gardens is the right place for anyone who wants their loved one to be in an environment that is supportive and feels like home. The staff is professional and responsive. The facility and rooms are clean and welcoming. Memory care feels like senior living. We visited 10 other places that felt quite the opposite. This is a one of a kind gem. Everything can be tailored to ensure the residents get what they need and what makes them happy and thrive. It is a pleasure visiting my mom at Merrill Gardens. She loves her room, is making new friends, and really enjoys engaging with staff.

December 2019

Google

Tim Pedersen

October 2019

Google

Leah Firth

I've been a resident at Merrill Gardens since July 1,2019. The people and management and residents and food and activities and the price are great.

August 2019

Google

Jaime L

June 2019

Google

Julius Raymond Arellano

June 2019

Google

Mike Carlisle

My mother lived at Merrill Gardens for 8 years. It was a wonderful experience for her. She had many close friends and loved the exceptional staff. Every single person on the staff, starting with the manager Mariano, were caring and kind. We are so grateful for Merrill Gardens and what it means to our family.

April 2019

Google

Mary Alice Kiisel

Marie Kiisel loved the Italian 5-course dinner! Great food.

September 2018

Google

Pamela Graven

Understaffed. They haven’t done anything that they said they would do when I moved in. Otherwise everything is good, especially the food.

March 2018

Google

Judy Ferkel

Eloisa was patient, friendly and very efficient. She takes such good care of the residents, including my mom-in-law.

October 2016

Google

Steve Kwo San Diego

Top notch facility, home, retirement luxury. But it is especially excellent because of the people. Great staff from bottom up, top down, Francelyn the nursing director treats everyone like family and then some. And the residents truly enjoy their golden years there. Visit and you'll see, you'll know. Highly recommend!

September 2016

Google

Vikki Kozora

I can't say enough good things about Merrill Gardens!! I had toured many places in several surrounding communities, location was second to quality for me. I fell in love with this place the moment I stepped through the doors. I could see how well, loving, patient the staff was with the residents and most importantly, how happy the residents were. A beautiful facility and the people that work here are the best!! so loving and kind. They really do care about each and every person that lives in this facility. Luxury living for our seniors.