Merrill Gardens at Ballard
Assisted Living, Independent Living & Memory Care · Seattle, WA

Merrill Gardens at Ballard

Assisted Living, Independent Living & Memory Care · Seattle, WA
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Merrill Gardens at Ballard accepts Medicaid.

Overview of Merrill Gardens at Ballard

Experience quality senior living at Merrill Gardens at Ballard, an exceptional senior living community in Seattle, WA, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Residents can choose from 101 studio, one, and two-bedroom apartments, memory care options, and enjoy access to concierge services, scheduled transportation, 24-hour monitoring, and weekly housekeeping. Close to the downtown core, the community is an urban paradise with eclectic shops and restaurants, with close proximity to landmarks such as Salmon Bay and the famous Ballard Locks and Gardens.

Designed to promote independence, the community provides plenty of opportunities for exploring passions or discovering new hobbies with their wide array of activities and programs. Merrill Gardens at Ballard is modern yet intimate with a ton of amenities including a theater, library, bistro, and large private apartments with a washer/dryer and full kitchen. Residents stay nourished with restaurant-style meals served 7 days a week. With its comprehensive services, and stimulating activities and programs, Merrill Gardens at Ballard encourages a fulfilling and well-supported lifestyle.

By The Numbers

Community insights.

Bed count Info A moderately sized community that may balance personal attention with shared amenities and social activities. 50 Rank #284 / 356Bed count — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 284th out of 356 homes we track in Washington for bed count. Shows this facility's certified or reported bed count compared to other Washington facilities. Larger communities may offer more amenities, programs, and on-site services for residents and families.Communities with the same value for a metric share the same rank. Rankings cover every community we track in Washington that reports data for that category. Communities without available data are excluded, so the pool size varies from metric to metric.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.

Smaller home · May offer a more intimate, personalized care environment.

Walk Score Info Walker's paradise. Daily errands do not require a car, with many shops and services nearby. Rank #12 / 619Walk Score — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 12th out of 619 homes we track in Washington for walk score. Shows how walkable this facility's neighborhood is compared to the average walk score across Washington facilities. Higher scores benefit residents, families, and staff.Communities with the same value for a metric share the same rank. Rankings cover every community we track in Washington that reports data for that category. Communities without available data are excluded, so the pool size varies from metric to metric.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
97 / 100

About this community

Awards

Sensight Resident Satisfaction Award 2025
Great Place to Work 2024-2025
2017 Gold Nugget Award
2017 Argentum Award

License Details

Facility TypeBoarding Home
StatusOperating
ExpirationDecember 31, 2026
CountyKing
License Number2507

Safety & Compliance

Safety FeaturesResident Call System

Staffing

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

Leadership

ContactPalm, Lisa L. (per state records, record updated Jul 2026)

Staffing & Medical

2 services
Licensed Nurses/CNAs
24-Hour Staffing

Additional Policies & Features

HousekeepingYes

Amenities & Lifestyle

Transportation
Dining
Housekeeping
Fitness Center
Pet Friendly
Wellness Center

Pricing & Financial Information

Starting Price$3,995 per month

Contact Merrill Gardens at Ballard

Inspection History

In Washington, the Department of Social and Health Services, Residential Care Services conducts unannounced inspections and issues reports on the quality of care in all licensed settings.

Since 2022 · 4 years of data These figures come from state-published and/or federal inspection records. The period covered can vary depending on document availability. 14 deficiencies 3 inspections

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

Since 2022 vs. Washington state average
Overall vs. WA average 1 Worse Metrics worse than Washington average:
• Deficiencies per inspection (4% above)
1 Better Metrics better than Washington average:
• Total deficiencies (55% below)

Deficiencies Info Deficiencies are formal regulatory issues recorded during state inspections.

This FacilityWA Averagevs. WA Avg
Total deficiencies Info Formal regulatory issues recorded by inspectors across all inspection types. 1431 This facility has 55% fewer total deficiencies than a typical Washington assisted living residence (14 vs. WA avg 31).↓ 55% better
Deficiencies per inspection Info Average deficiencies per inspection. 4.74.51 This facility has 4% more deficiencies per inspection than a typical Washington assisted living residence (4.7 vs. WA avg 4.51).↑ 4% worse

Inspections Info State inspections evaluate whether the facility meets health and safety standards.

This FacilityWA Averagevs. WA Avg
Total inspections Info Combined count of all inspections conducted at this facility. 39 This facility has had 67% fewer total inspections than the Washington average (3 vs. WA avg 9). More inspections can mean more regulatory scrutiny rather than worse care.↓ 67% fewer

What does this home offer?

Pets allowed icon
Pets allowed icon

Pets Allowed

Room sizes icon
Room sizes icon

Room Sizes: 458 / 675 / 1049 sq. ft

Housing options icon
Housing options icon

Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Building type icon
Building type icon

Building Type: Mid-rise

Transportation services icon
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Transportation Services

Fitness and recreation icon
Fitness and recreation icon

Fitness and Recreation

Living Spaces & Floor Plans for Merrill Gardens at Ballard

Floor plan 1
Floor plan 2
Floor plan 3

Places of interest near Merrill Gardens at Ballard

Address 5.8 miles from city center Info Estimated distance in miles from Seattle's city center to Merrill Gardens at Ballard's address, calculated via Google Maps.

Calculate Travel Distance to Merrill Gardens at Ballard

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Address

Compare Assisted Living around Seattle

Info below is compiled from the WA Dept. of Social & Health Services (DSHS), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest to lowest based on our ranking methodology.

Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment.
City and state of the facility. Used for mapping and state-average comparisons.
Licensed bed capacity (maximum allowed). Not the same as how many beds are currently filled.
Indicates whether residents are allowed to have pets in the facility.
Third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100). Convenience/context metric, not a healthcare quality measure.
Description of bed or unit types offered (e.g. assisted living, memory care), as reported in state or facility disclosures.
Reported or derived occupancy for the facility—typically how fully licensed capacity is utilized. Compare across peers in the same market.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
Count of regulatory inspections in the reporting window. Higher volume can reflect more oversight visits, complaint-driven surveys, or routine licensure cycles.
Inspection events categorized as complaint-related by the state regulator.
Total count of deficiencies (cited regulatory issues) recorded in the selected reporting period. Read alongside inspection counts for context.
The average number of deficiencies this facility receives each time it's inspected, calculated as total deficiencies ÷ total inspections. A lower number suggests more consistent compliance with safety and care standards.
Murano Senior Living
AL
IL
MC
Seattle
130
Facility 130
WA AVG 81
Rank #28 / 356
Yes
98
Facility 98
WA AVG 51
Rank #7 / 619
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
60.0%
Facility 60.0%
WA AVG 75%
Rank #228 / 276
-5
3
Facility 3
WA AVG 8
Rank #204 / 282
11
Facility 11
WA AVG 31
Rank #54 / 279
2.2
Facility 2.2
WA AVG 3.4
Rank #46 / 279
Horizon House
AL
IL
MC
RC
Seattle
90
Facility 90
WA AVG 81
Rank #127 / 356
Yes
98
Facility 98
WA AVG 51
Rank #7 / 619
1 Bed / 2 Bed / Penthouse
73.3%
Facility 73.3%
WA AVG 75%
Rank #157 / 276
-6
0
Facility 0
WA AVG 8
Rank #1 / 282
24
Facility 24
WA AVG 31
Rank #131 / 279
4.0
Facility 4.0
WA AVG 3.4
Rank #127 / 279
Aegis Living West Seattle
AL
HOS
MC
RC
Seattle (North Admiral)
84
Facility 84
WA AVG 81
Rank #152 / 356
Yes
76
Facility 76
WA AVG 51
Rank #107 / 619
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
81.0%
Facility 81.0%
WA AVG 75%
Rank #115 / 276
F10
3
Facility 3
WA AVG 8
Rank #204 / 282
41
Facility 41
WA AVG 31
Rank #198 / 279
4.1
Facility 4.1
WA AVG 3.4
Rank #137 / 279
Quail Park Memory Care Residences of West Seattle
AL
MC
Seattle (Junction)
66
Facility 66
WA AVG 81
Rank #212 / 356
No
97
Facility 97
WA AVG 51
Rank #12 / 619
330 / 369 / 372 / 376 / 446 / 480 sq. ft
86.4%
Facility 86.4%
WA AVG 75%
Rank #67 / 276
-7
0
Facility 0
WA AVG 8
Rank #1 / 282
19
Facility 19
WA AVG 31
Rank #110 / 279
2.7
Facility 2.7
WA AVG 3.4
Rank #65 / 279
Merrill Gardens at Ballard
AL
IL
MC
Seattle (Adams)
50
Facility 50
WA AVG 81
Rank #284 / 356
Yes
97
Facility 97
WA AVG 51
Rank #12 / 619
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed--3
0
Facility 0
WA AVG 8
Rank #1 / 282
14
Facility 14
WA AVG 31
Rank #74 / 279
4.7
Facility 4.7
WA AVG 3.4
Rank #160 / 279

Financial Assistance for
Assisted Living in Washington

Merrill Gardens at Ballard is located in Seattle, Washington State.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in Washington State.

Get Financial aid guidance

Community Options Program Entry System (COPES)

WA Medicaid COPES

Age 65+ or disabled
General Washington 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).
WA

High demand in urban areas (e.g., Seattle).

Benefits
Personal care (5-7 hours/day) Respite (240 hours/year) Adult day care ($70/day) Home modifications ($1,500 avg.)

Washington Family Caregiver Support Program

WA NFCSP

Age Caregiver of someone 60+ (or with dementia)
General Washington resident.
Income Limits No strict limit; prioritizes low-income.
Asset Limits Not applicable.
WA

High urban demand; rural outreach.

Benefits
In-home respite (4-6 hours/day) Adult day care (~$70/day) Short-term facility care (up to 5 days)

Community First Choice (CFC)

Washington Community First Choice

Age 65+ (or disabled 18+)
General WA resident, Medicaid-eligible, need help with 2+ ADLs/IADLs.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month; QIT optional.
Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).
WA

Broader than COPES; serves ~20,000; self-directed option.

Benefits
Personal care (4-6 hours/day) Respite (~240 hours/year) Assistive devices Training Transportation

Older Americans Act (OAA) Services

Washington OAA Services

Age 60+
General WA resident; no income/asset limits.
Income Limits (2025) None; donations encouraged.
Asset Limits Not assessed.
WA

13 AAAs; includes Meals on Wheels; rural focus.

Benefits
Meals (~$5-$7/meal) Transportation Homemaker services (~4 hours/week) Respite (~5 days/year) Legal aid

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

Washington Medicare Savings Program

Age 65+ or disabled
General WA resident, Medicare Part A/B.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,510/month (QMB), ~$3,380/month (SLMB), ~$3,598/month (QI)—individual.
Asset Limits $9,430 (individual), $14,130 (couple).
WA

Includes Extra Help for Part D; no waitlist.

Benefits
Covers Part B premiums ($174.70/month) Deductibles ($240/year) Copays (~20%)

VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Benefits

Washington VA Aid and Attendance/Housebound

Age 65+ or disabled veteran/spouse
General WA resident, wartime service, ADL help (A&A) or homebound.
Income Limits (2025) Net income < ~$1,984/month (veteran with dependent, A&A); pension offsets income.
Asset Limits ~$155,356 net worth
WA

High veteran use; supports rural/urban needs.

Benefits
Cash (~$1,433-$2,642/month veteran, ~$951-$1,318 spouse) for care costs

Senior Citizens Property Tax Exemption

Washington Senior Property Tax Exemption

Age 61+ or disabled retiree
General WA resident, homeowner, income-based.
Income Limits (2025) ~$45,000-$70,000/year varies by county, e.g., King: $70,000
Asset Limits Not assessed; home value cap varies ~$250,000-$400,000
WA

Saves ~$500-$1,500/year; offered statewide.

Benefits
Tax exemption (~$500-$1,500/year depending on county)

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

Washington SFMNP

Age 60+
General WA resident, low-income.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,322/month 185% FPL
Asset Limits Not assessed.
WA

Vouchers (~$80/season); serves ~20,000 via AAAs.

Benefits
Vouchers (~$80/season) for produce at farmers’ markets

Frequently Asked Questions about Merrill Gardens at Ballard

What neighborhood is Merrill Gardens at Ballard in?

Merrill Gardens at Ballard is in the Adams neighborhood of Seattle.

Is Merrill Gardens at Ballard in a walkable area?

Merrill Gardens at Ballard has a walk score of 97. Walker's paradise. Daily errands do not require a car, with many shops and services nearby.

What is the license number of Merrill Gardens at Ballard?

According to WA state health department records, Merrill Gardens at Ballard's license number is 2507.

When does Merrill Gardens at Ballard's license expire?

According to WA state health department records, Merrill Gardens at Ballard's license expires on December 31, 2026.

Are pets allowed at Merrill Gardens at Ballard?

Yes, Merrill Gardens at Ballard allows residents to bring their pets.

How many beds does Merrill Gardens at Ballard have?

Merrill Gardens at Ballard has 50 beds.

Has Merrill Gardens at Ballard had any deficiencies?

Merrill Gardens at Ballard has had 14 reported deficiencies since 2022 according to records from WA Dept. of Social and Health Services (DSHS).

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