Merrill Gardens at ChampionsGate

Overview of Merrill Gardens at Championsgate

Formerly known as Merrill Gardens at Championsgate, The Glades at ChampionsGate offers a luxurious senior living experience with 114 independent living, 73 assisted living, and 36 memory care residences in the heart of Four Corners, FL. Known for its science-based memory training, powered by the UCLA Longevity Center and EngageVR virtual reality program, the community provides immersive digital experiences that help improve residents’ senses and cognitive abilities.

The Glades at ChampionsGate is committed to offering plenty of amenities and carefree living. Residents have all they need for an active lifestyle, including four eating options, a movie theater, a fitness facility, and a swimming pool. The community’s goal is to provide residents with interesting activities that are catered to their interests by providing Watermark University with award-winning programs and classes.

(863) 588-3242

Types of Care at Merrill Gardens at ChampionsGate

Independent Living Assisted Living Memory Care

224-bed community

A large-scale community that may provide a wide range of amenities, services, and structured programs.

Walk Score: 34 / 100

Somewhat walkable. A few nearby services may be reachable on foot, but most trips require transportation.

About this community

Facility TypeAssisted Living Facility

StatusLicensed

IssuanceApril 1, 2026

ExpirationMarch 31, 2028

CountyPolk

License Number13104

Merrill Gardens at ChampionsGate is legally operated by Cref3 Championsgate Owner Llc, and administrated by Linda Wiley.

Management CompanyAGEWELL SOLVERE

Profit StatusFor-Profit

Private

224 units

Total beds

224 units

Staffing

Key information about the people who lead and staff this community.

Creole English Spanish

Since 2017 · 9 years of data 30 citations 28 inspections 4 fines $7.3K fined

Inspection Score

Near the Florida average for assisted living residences.

Florida assisted living residences benchmark: C+ 77/100

Legal Actions Formal stipulations and orders filed by Florida regulators against this facility, including fines and total monetary penalties.

This Facility FL Average vs. FL Avg

Fines Total number of fines issued.
4
vs 5 avg
↓ 20% fewer than FL avg
Total amount fined Total dollar amount of fines issued.
$7.3k
vs $11.6k
↓ 37% lower than FL avg

Data reflects the most recent 9 years (since 2017).

Inspection Scorecard This scorecard compares key inspection, citation, and complaint metrics at this facility against the Florida state average. Metrics rated ≥15% worse than average are highlighted in red; those ≥15% better are highlighted in green.

Since 2017 vs. Florida state average

Overall vs. FL average

Latest Inspection October 22, 2025 Complaint Investigation

Citations Citations are formal regulatory issues recorded during state inspections.	This Facility	FL Average	vs. FL Avg
Total citations Formal regulatory issues recorded by inspectors across all inspection types.	30	33	This facility has 9% fewer total citations than a typical Florida assisted living residence (30 vs. FL avg 33).↓ 9% better
Citations per year Average citations per year since 2017.	3.3	3.7	This facility has 11% fewer citations per year than a typical Florida assisted living residence (3.3 vs. FL avg 3.7).↓ 11% better
Citations per inspection Average citations per inspection.	1.1	1.3	This facility has 15% fewer citations per inspection than a typical Florida assisted living residence (1.1 vs. FL avg 1.3).↓ 15% better

Inspections State inspections evaluate whether the facility meets health and safety standards.	This Facility	FL Average	vs. FL Avg
Total inspections Combined count of all routine and focused inspections. Excludes complaint investigations.	28	26	This facility has 8% more total inspections than a typical Florida assisted living residence (28 vs. FL avg 26).↑ 8% worse
Inspections with citations Inspections that resulted in at least one regulatory citation.	13	16	This facility has 19% fewer inspections with citations than a typical Florida assisted living residence (13 vs. FL avg 16).↓ 19% better
Inspection citation rate Percentage of inspections that resulted in at least one citation.	46%	62%	This facility has 16 percentage points lower inspection citation rate than a typical Florida assisted living residence (46% vs. FL avg 62%).↓ 16% better

Inspection Reports Summary An editor-reviewed summary of the themes and findings across this facility's recent inspection reports.

THE GLADES AT CHAMPIONSGATE was last inspected on 2025-10-22, with no deficiencies cited. During the reporting period from 2017-11-22 to 2025-10-22, a total of 26 inspections were conducted, with all but one resulting in deficiencies. The facility accumulated 28 line-item deficiencies across these inspections, which fell under various categories including complaint-driven and standard inspections. Common themes identified during this time included records and documentation, resident care and rights, and emergency planning. Following the identification of deficiencies, the facility implemented corrections to address these issues, ultimately achieving a status of No Deficiencies in its latest inspection.

Read the full inspection reports for this facility, including detailed findings and corrective actions.

Show Inspection Reports

What does this home offer?

Pets Allowed

Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Building Type: 3-story

Fitness and Recreation

Activities in this home

Arts and Crafts
Cooking Classes
Dancing
Exercise Classes
Games & Cards
Gardening
Music Programs
Shopping
Social Events & Outings
Theater & Movies
Yoga

Living Spaces & Floor Plans for Merrill Gardens at ChampionsGate

Merrill Gardens At Championsgate 3

Merrill Gardens At Championsgate3

Merrill Gardens At Championsgate2

Merrill Gardens At Championsgate1

48.8 miles from city center Estimated distance in miles from Four Corners's city center to Merrill Gardens at ChampionsGate's address, calculated via Google Maps. — 6.93 miles to nearest hospital (Celebration Family Care)

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Long-Term Care Waiver

Florida Medicaid LTC Waiver

Age 65+ or 21+ disabled

General Florida resident, Medicaid- eligible, nursing home-level care need.

Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, individual

Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).

High demand; waitlists common.

Benefits

In-home care (6-8 hours/day) Assisted living Respite (240 hours/year) Case management

Community Care for the Elderly (CCE)

Florida CCE

Age 60+

General Florida resident, at risk of nursing home.

Income Limits ~$2,000/month varies

Asset Limits $5,000 individual

Limited funding; regional variation.

Benefits

Homemaker services (3-5 hours/week) Adult day care (~$60/day) Respite (up to 10 days/year)

Home Care for the Elderly (HCE)

Florida Home Care for the Elderly

Age 60+

General Florida resident, at risk of nursing home placement; caregiver must be approved.

Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month individual, aligned with Medicaid thresholds

Asset Limits ~$2,000 (individual); varies by case manager discretion.

Limited funding (~3,500 served annually); prioritizes low-income frail seniors.

Benefits

Basic subsidy (~$160/month) for housing/medical costs; special subsidies for supplies/services (e.g., incontinence supplies, ~$50-$200/month)

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

Florida Medicaid PACE

Age 55+

General Florida resident, nursing home-level care need, safe with PACE support.

Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month 300% FBR

Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).

Limited to specific counties (e.g., Hillsborough, Miami-Dade); ~10 sites statewide.

Benefits

Personal care (5-7 hours/day) Medical care Meals Transportation Therapy

Optional State Supplementation (OSS)

Florida Optional State Supplementation

Age 65+ or disabled

General Florida resident, living in approved facility, receiving SSI or low-income.

Income Limits (2025) ~$1,004/month individual, including SSI

Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).

Limited to specific facility types; ~$78.40/month max supplement.

Benefits

Cash payment (~$78.40/month) for room/board or personal needs in facilities

Compare Assisted Living around Lakeland

The information below is reported by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA).

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Merrill Gardens at ChampionsGate	AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.	Four Corners (Championsgate)	224	Yes	34	Cref3 Championsgate Owner LLC	28	46.4% Facility 46.4% FL AVG 52.9% Rank #314 / 918	30 Facility 30 FL AVG 34.4 Rank #481 / 918	1.1 Facility 1.1 FL AVG 1.3 Rank #330 / 918	For-Profit	$7,300	Linda Wiley	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed	-
Lake Morton Plaza	AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.	Lakeland (Downtown)	126	Yes	81	Lake Morton Senior Living, LLC	42	57.1% Facility 57.1% FL AVG 52.9% Rank #469 / 918	43 Facility 43 FL AVG 34.4 Rank #656 / 918	1.0 Facility 1.0 FL AVG 1.3 Rank #166 / 918	For-Profit	$13,127	Debra M. Mathewson	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed	-
Brookdale Highlands	NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care). AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.	Lakeland	105	Yes	6	Ahc Southland-Lakeland, LLC	42	42.9% Facility 42.9% FL AVG 52.9% Rank #260 / 918	45 Facility 45 FL AVG 34.4 Rank #680 / 918	1.1 Facility 1.1 FL AVG 1.3 Rank #330 / 918	For-Profit	$12,000	Lisa Paul	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed	A+
The Canopy at Waldenwoods	AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.	Plant City (Walden Woods)	80	Yes	44	Walden Woods Fl Tenant, LLC	11	36.4% Facility 36.4% FL AVG 52.9% Rank #186 / 918	23 Facility 23 FL AVG 34.4 Rank #359 / 918	2.1 Facility 2.1 FL AVG 1.3 Rank #859 / 918	For-Profit	$500	Brittany Esposito	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed	-
Grace Manor Suites	NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care). AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.	Lakeland (North Socrum Loop Road)	77	Yes	37	Grace Manor Suites LLC	24	50% Facility 50% FL AVG 52.9% Rank #340 / 918	31 Facility 31 FL AVG 34.4 Rank #491 / 918	1.3 Facility 1.3 FL AVG 1.3 Rank #556 / 918	For-Profit	$1,952	Barry Sanders	Studio / Suite / 1 Bed	-

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What neighborhood is Merrill Gardens at ChampionsGate in?

Merrill Gardens at ChampionsGate is in the ChampionsGate neighborhood of Four Corners.

What languages are spoken at Merrill Gardens at ChampionsGate?

The team at Merrill Gardens at ChampionsGate speaks Creole, English, and Spanish.

Who is the owner of Merrill Gardens at ChampionsGate?

The legal owner and operator of Merrill Gardens at ChampionsGate is Cref3 Championsgate Owner Llc.

Is Merrill Gardens at ChampionsGate in a walkable area?

Merrill Gardens at ChampionsGate has a walk score of 34. Somewhat walkable. A few nearby services may be reachable on foot, but most trips require transportation.

What is the license number of Merrill Gardens at ChampionsGate?

According to FL state health department records, Merrill Gardens at ChampionsGate's license number is 13104.

When does Merrill Gardens at ChampionsGate's license expire?

According to FL state health department records, Merrill Gardens at ChampionsGate's license expires on March 31, 2028.

Does Merrill Gardens at ChampionsGate operate as a for-profit or non-profit?

Merrill Gardens at ChampionsGate is registered as a for-profit in FL.