Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill

December 2022

Google

Charles Tamburo

We relocated our Mom about 4 years ago from her lifetime home in New Orleans to Merrill Gardens Bankers Hill, as my sister and I both live in Southern California. Moving from her home of more than 90 years would seem like a challenging transition, but Lori and her team at MG were so welcoming that Mom immediately felt at home. The facility is impeccably designed and maintained, with numerous open spaces, balconies, and patios. Most importantly, the staff is always helpful, pleasant, and compassionate. There are numerous activities for the residents, from daily movies, lectures, and parties. The dining room is open all day with food to order as you like. Mom is now 96 and requires additional assistance. The Care Director has been very helpful in developing her care plan, which has been critical in maintaining Mom's quality of life. Merrill Gardens is a family owned business, and the family values shine brightly at Bakers Hill. Should you be looking for a home for your loved one, you owe it to yourself to visit.

September 2022

Google

Kristen Medina

BEST company to exist. Lori and Dayna are one of the sweetest and compassionate people I have ever met. Their sincere and genuine care for their residents is what makes Merrill Gardens a business of value. Wonderful people, would recommend everyone I know. Thank you, thank you for everything.

March 2022

Google

Joanna Pearson

My family visited many retirement communities in the San Diego area and Merrill Gardens was our #1 choice. My parents moved in 7 months ago and are so very happy there. The staff is extremely kind, thoughtful and caring and you can tell they truly do care about the residents' well being. There's lots of activities and celebrations and the food is absolutely delicious. Led by the manager Lori, everyone I've met on staff has gone above and beyond to make my parents feel safe, respected and comfortable. Merrill Gardens is an amazing place to live and I highly recommend it - you need to look no further!

March 2022

Google

Lora allen

I would like to let everyone know about my home at Merrill Gardens. We have the most incredible director which leads an unbelievable caring staff. They continuously go above and beyond showing how much they care for all the residents. When I inquired of a resident prior to move in about the director they said “she is the best we have had.” I have been here going on four years and the care and food etc has remained at the same level. She makes it very evident that she loves her job and I truly feel at home. Thanks to her and her staff. '

March 2022

Google

Amy Lockwood

I can't say enough wonderful things about Merrill Gardens! My dad moved in when it because clear he could no longer live alone. During the isolation of Covid he became lonely, he was not eating well and he needed to stop driving. At Merrill Gardens, he immediately made friends to dine with in the warm and inviting atmosphere. He was thrilled with the food, the beautiful facilites and his apartment was the perfect size for him. The staff could not have been more patient, kind and respectful. They always seem to know how each of the residents is doing and it just feels like a big extended family. I always felt like someone was there if he ever needed help or just someone to talk with. One of my dad's favorite activities was to go up on the roof every day to enjoy the view and watch the planes land. This place is amazing.

June 2021

Google

Mike Pearson

We toured several senior communities with our parents in the San Diego Metro area and knew when we entered Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill that this was the place. Our parents have now moved in and are extremely happy. The entire staff has been beyond accommodating and friendly. Monico is my parents favorite. Thats a hard one as each and every staff member follows what I call the Ritz Carlton-Chick-fil-A customer service model. Google these companies to find their core customer service and training values which will be akin to those of Merrill Gardens. Bottom line, Monicos kindness and attentiveness to two 86 year olds makes us all smile.

April 2021

Google

linda

January 2021

Google

Julie Auger

There take such good care of my mom. Shes always busy doing something, playing cards, taking a music lesson, etc

December 2020

Google

Larry Calder

It is with great pleasure that I write this 5 STAR review!!! Ten months ago, after extensive research of all the assisted living facilities in SD County, just before San Diego went into its 1st lockdown, I moved my 94 year old uncle into Merrill Gardens. We have been so pleased, on so many points!!! Of course the sales process was simple and professional. But, the proof is in the pudding. Lori, the General Manager, and her staff have been so thoughtful, caring, outgoing and proactive in safeguarding the residents, while providing a nourishing and happy environment during this terrible pandemic. There have been ZERO incidents of any COVID virus among the residents and staff!! While there wasnt any visitation during the first 90-120 days of the lockdown, they since have instituted strict protocols and measures to insure the continued safety and well-being of all who live or work-visit the facility. For a while, all meals were brought to the individual residents unit. Now, all meals are again served in the dining room. The Executive Chef is most accommodating to provide the special foods and diets that residents crave. My uncle has gained weight from all the good food. There are limited activities during this time, but a fair amount of sociability provides a good diversion for the residents. I am so relieved that my uncle is here. If I had to be somewhere when Im his age, this is the kind of place where I would want to be.

December 2020

Google

Marisela Delosrios

August 2019

Google

Renetta Coe

As we approached this very difficult process for my Dad we decided to research carefully on multiple levels each facility we considered. At the various sites visited, staff's knowledge of emergency and safety procedures were queried. How staff interacted with residents and where the residents were at the time of our visit became our focus. The dining room facilities and access to it, as well as the patience and attention of staff were observed. Cleanliness, along with a warm comforting atmosphere were considered. Inspection reports were read and most importantly my Dad's response to the facility was central. We queried how residents were assisted in adjusting to their new surroundings, activities offered and how residents, we encountered on our own described their experience. We found great variation among facilities. I had happened to drive by Merrill Gardens and decided to give it a try. My Dad wanted to be among his age peer group. After visiting a number of facilities and being both disappointed and concerned, Merrill Gardens was an absolute pleasure! Dayna was cordial, with a kind and compassionate way of showing us around. She answered each of the often difficult questions presented with competence and marvelous humor. My Dad was put at ease. We enjoyed a delicious meal, saw the apartments and decided this was the place, when my Dad was ready. Her appropriate continuing contact with us helped. When it was time to move, she was outstanding. We met Lori the General Manager and were impressed with her care, extensive experience and true concern for all of us. She put my Dad at ease and we began to feel this was do-able. Dawn, the Business Manager was extremely competent and patient with our questions and the explanations of what was needed on the business end. They have all been available for the important on going queries in the first month. The front desk staff, the teams that assist with daily care and safety, housekeeping and food service staff are simply wonderful. Maintenance with John and Monaco are responsive and patient. This review is long, but the process is hard in deciding the right care for an aging parent. My Dad has been at Merrill Gardens for a month and is truly happy! He is having a wonderful time, enjoying the staff and residents. He is engaged socially, attends exercise class daily with gifted instructors, enjoys the food and staff who serve it. He says it is like dining at an excellent restaurant three times a day at any point in the day he so chooses. The facility has met all of our expectations and more. The excellent staff morale and their responsiveness, profound care and compassion matter so much. This all matters so much. He feels safe, happy and deeply content.

May 2019

Google

Tami Head

It has been almost a year since my stepmom moved into Merrill Gardens and we are so very pleased with the beautiful atmosphere and extremely friendly staff. Lori Hansen, the GM is amazing. She is such a caring person and she and her entire staff truly look out for all the residents as if they were their own family. I could not imagine a more caring environment. There are so many activities and lovely meals. It's truly a wonderful place to live, when some extra care is needed and living alone is not an option for loved ones. It's safe, pretty, friendly, professional and the rooftop deck is fantastic! We consider the staff like our family, as they look out for our sweet stepmom on a daily basis. Thank you, everyone, for all the blessing that you give.

May 2019

Google

Sue Cox

My mother moved into Merrill Gardens nearly 2 years ago......not quite kicking and screaming, but with a great deal of trepidation. Within days she was happy about the move and now can't imagine being anywhere else. She was lonely living alone and at Merrill Gardens she never has to be unless she wants to be. She participates in the daily exercise classes, plays bridge, bingo and wii bowling several times a week. She can eat from a menu that varies daily and has gained a much needed 10 pounds on quality fresh cooked meals. On top of her being very happy there, I'm very happy knowing she has companionship and excellent care should she need it.

May 2019

Google

Antonio Pena

I will recommend Merril Gardens for people who are looking for a place to retire. You can't not ask for a better location in San Diego, only a few minutes from the airport, Balboa Park, shops and hospitals. Merrill Gardens also provide to their residents a variety of entertainment, Trip's to many local spots in San Diego and also local artist who are willing to share their talents and time. Lori Hansen is the general manager of Merrill Gardens. Kind, thoughtful and professional are the words that better describe her. I recommend this place and invite you to take a look if you're looking for a place to retire.

August 2018

Google

Barney Mccomas

The caveat to this review is that I've only visited for a tour, but my 84-year-old mother and I toured 6 facilities in and around San Diego in December 2017, and this outshined them all. The staff were all very friendly and professional, the residents were friendly and seemed happy, the decor is tasteful and warm, the building is beautiful and the location, 4 blocks from the western entrance to Balboa Park, is pretty close to ideal. The rooftop deck is a wonderful space with spectacular views and the food we had was excellent. The rooms are on the small side, but they are very nice, there is enough natural light and I think most have small balconies. And while they are far from inexpensive, similar but lesser facilities cost the same or more. My mom is very independent so isn't ready to take on the added cost for the services they provide, but it's on the top of our list when she is.

August 2017

Google

Gilbert Lovato

I was there to visit a friend he was happy, clean, in a clean room the staff were nice and caring the food is great!