Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill

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.

Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill is truly an amazing place. I moved my 89 year old mother there in June. She was living alone and independent but I wanted her to be with other people, participate in games, art classes, events, field trips, etc. The facility is like a resort. The food is extremely good, there are lots of nice bright open areas to relax, listen to the piano or read a book in the library or go up to the garden overlooking San Diego bay. Lori, the director, is the nicest person you’ll ever meet. She treats all her residents as family. All of the staff truly cares about everyone there. Soon after moving in she fractured a vertebrae in her back and had to have a surgical procedure. I was out of the country so Lori went to the ER and stayed with her. After she returned from the hospital my mother needed full assistance for a couple of weeks while she recovered. Their care staff are absolutely the best in every way. They brought her meals, helped her eat, bathed her, gave her all her medications 3-4 times a day and kept me updated. Physical therapist came in to her apartment and worked with her regularly until she was better. Soon she was better and enjoying all the amenities at Merrill Gardens. Unfortunately after only 6 months she fell and suffered a severe head injury. After spending 9 weeks in hospitals and rehabs she passed away but we were able to get her back to her apartment for her last week on hospice. Again the care staff were outstanding. They worked with hospice to make sure she was comfortable as possible. We couldn’t recommend Merrill Gardens enough. Lori, Lupe, Alicia, and all the other staff are so nice and caring. Thank you.

On behalf of SYNERGY HomeCare of Central San Diego we just want to thank Dawn Breisch for contributing to our up and coming sim lab with the kind medical equipment donation. We are so thankful and we enjoy the ongoing partnership with you and your community! Thanks for all you do.

Management seems ignorant and undereducated while being also very domineering. Noise of screaming children was all pervasive in back units. That, while house rules cautioned against playing the radio too loud. Unbelievable. Not in sync with residents' needs. Billing is dishonest and non-transparent. We were told that 1 month would cost $7,000.00 After two weeks there, for the next month, we received a bill of $12,500.00. All that on top of an $8,000.00 entry fee! I feel that this place is dishonest and money grabbing.