Merrill Gardens at ChampionsGate
Assisted Living, Independent Living & Memory Care · Lakeland, FL
Merrill Gardens at ChampionsGate
Assisted Living, Independent Living & Memory Care · Lakeland, FL
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.
224-bed community Rank #26 / 1074Bed count — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 26th out of 1074 homes in Florida. Shows this facility's certified or reported bed count compared to other Florida facilities. Larger communities may offer more amenities, programs, and on-site services for residents and families.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
A large-scale community that may provide a wide range of amenities, services, and structured programs.
Walk Score: 34 / 100 Rank #850 / 1486Walk Score — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 850th out of 1486 homes in Florida. Shows how walkable this facility's neighborhood is compared to the average Walk Score across Florida facilities. Higher scores benefit residents, families, and staff.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
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
Inspection History
In Florida, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) is the primary authority that conducts unannounced inspections and completes official health quality reports for all healthcare facilities.
Since 2017 · 9 years of data
30 citations
28 inspections
4 fines
$7.3K fined
Inspection Score
A composite 0–100 score combining this facility's inspections, citations, complaints, and enforcement actions relative to the Florida state average. The score below shows how many points this facility sits above or below the typical Florida assisted living residence score (the benchmark); higher is better.
A composite 0–100 score combining this facility's inspections, citations, complaints, and enforcement actions relative to the Florida state average. The score below shows how many points this facility sits above or below the typical Florida assisted living residence score (the benchmark); higher is better.
1 point above the Florida average for assisted living residences (83/100)
Rank #474 / 876 in Florida Inspection Score — State benchmarked This home is ranked 474th out of 876 homes in Florida. Shows this facility's inspection score compared to the Florida average among 876 comparable communities in the ranking pool. Inspection score: 84 out of 100. Letter grade B. 1 point above the Florida average for assisted living residences (83/100)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-
4vs 5 avg↓ 20% fewer than FL avg
-
$7.3kvs $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
1 Worse
Metrics worse than Florida average:
• Total inspections (8% above) 5 Better Metrics better than Florida average:
• Total citations (9% below)
• Citations per year (11% below)
• Citations per inspection (15% below)
• Inspections with citations (19% below)
• Inspection citation rate (26% below)
• Total inspections (8% above) 5 Better Metrics better than Florida average:
• Total citations (9% below)
• Citations per year (11% below)
• Citations per inspection (15% below)
• Inspections with citations (19% below)
• Inspection citation rate (26% below)
Latest Inspection
October 22, 2025
Complaint Investigation
Citations
| 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 Rank #482 / 919 Total citations — State benchmarked This home is ranked 482nd out of 919 homes in Florida. Shows this facility's total citations compared to the Florida average among 919 comparable communities in the ranking pool. |
|
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 Rank #331 / 919 Citations per inspection — State benchmarked This home is ranked 331st out of 919 homes in Florida. Shows this facility's citations per inspection compared to the Florida average among 919 comparable communities in the ranking pool. |
Inspections
| 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 Rank #315 / 919 Inspection citation rate — State benchmarked This home is ranked 315th out of 919 homes in Florida. Shows this facility's % of inspections with citations compared to the Florida average among 919 comparable communities in the ranking pool. |
Inspection Reports Summary
An editor-reviewed summary of the themes and findings across this facility's recent inspection reports.
- The most recent inspection on October 22, 2025, found no deficiencies and no complaints were substantiated.
- Deficiencies in staff training and staffing standards appeared intermittently from 2022 through early 2024 but were resolved by mid-2024.
- The October 26, 2022 inspection cited six deficiencies including resident care supervision, medication assistance, and risk management.
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
Places of interest near Merrill Gardens at ChampionsGate
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)
Calculate Travel Distance to Merrill Gardens at ChampionsGate
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Financial Assistance for
Assisted Living in Florida
Merrill Gardens at ChampionsGate is located in Four Corners, Florida.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in Florida.
Compare Assisted Living around Lakeland
The information below is reported by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA).
| 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
Facility
224
FL AVG
89
Rank
#26 / 1074 | Yes |
34
Facility
34
FL AVG
40
Rank
#850 / 1486 | Cref3 Championsgate Owner LLC | 84
Facility
84
FL AVG
83
Rank
#474 / 876 | 28 | 46.4%
Facility
46.4%
FL AVG
61.5%
Rank
#315 / 919 | 30
Facility
30
FL AVG
33
Rank
#482 / 919 | 1.1
Facility
1.1
FL AVG
1.3
Rank
#331 / 919 | 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
Facility
126
FL AVG
89
Rank
#235 / 1074 | Yes |
81
Facility
81
FL AVG
40
Rank
#95 / 1486 | Lake Morton Senior Living, LLC | 76
Facility
76
FL AVG
83
Rank
#641 / 876 | 42 | 57.1%
Facility
57.1%
FL AVG
61.5%
Rank
#470 / 919 | 43
Facility
43
FL AVG
33
Rank
#657 / 919 | 1.0
Facility
1.0
FL AVG
1.3
Rank
#167 / 919 | For-Profit | $13,127 | Debra M. Mathewson | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed | - |
| Brookdale Highlands |
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.
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).
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
Facility
105
FL AVG
89
Rank
#410 / 1074 | Yes |
6
Facility
6
FL AVG
40
Rank
#1343 / 1486 | Ahc Southland-Lakeland, LLC | 80
Facility
80
FL AVG
83
Rank
#573 / 876 | 42 | 42.9%
Facility
42.9%
FL AVG
61.5%
Rank
#261 / 919 | 45
Facility
45
FL AVG
33
Rank
#681 / 919 | 1.1
Facility
1.1
FL AVG
1.3
Rank
#331 / 919 | 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
Facility
80
FL AVG
89
Rank
#582 / 1074 | Yes |
44
Facility
44
FL AVG
40
Rank
#638 / 1486 | Walden Woods Fl Tenant, LLC | 90
Facility
90
FL AVG
83
Rank
#314 / 876 | 11 | 36.4%
Facility
36.4%
FL AVG
61.5%
Rank
#187 / 919 | 23
Facility
23
FL AVG
33
Rank
#360 / 919 | 2.1
Facility
2.1
FL AVG
1.3
Rank
#860 / 919 | For-Profit | $500 | Brittany Esposito | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed | - |
| Grace Manor Suites |
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.
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).
RC Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision. | Lakeland (North Socrum Loop Road) | 77
Facility
77
FL AVG
89
Rank
#608 / 1074 | Yes |
37
Facility
37
FL AVG
40
Rank
#787 / 1486 | Grace Manor Suites LLC | 89
Facility
89
FL AVG
83
Rank
#342 / 876 | 24 | 50%
Facility
50%
FL AVG
61.5%
Rank
#341 / 919 | 31
Facility
31
FL AVG
33
Rank
#492 / 919 | 1.3
Facility
1.3
FL AVG
1.3
Rank
#557 / 919 | For-Profit | $1,952 | Barry Sanders | Studio / Suite / 1 Bed | - |
Frequently Asked Questions about Merrill Gardens at ChampionsGate
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.
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