Merrill Gardens at Ballard

Merrill Gardens at Ballard is an Assisted Living Home in Washington

Merrill Gardens at Ballard is an Assisted Living Home in Washington

Merrill Gardens at Ballard

2418 NW 56th St, Seattle, WA 98107 View Map

Merrill Gardens at Ballard is an Assisted Living Home in Washington

Merrill Gardens at Ballard is an Assisted Living Home in Washington

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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.

+1 206-494-4954

Capacity and availability

Smaller home

May offer a more intimate, personalized care environment.

Total beds 50
Bed community size
50-bed community
A moderately sized community that may balance personal attention with shared amenities and social activities.
Walk Score
Walk Score: 97 / 100
Walker's paradise. Daily errands do not require a car, with many shops and services nearby.

About this community

License Status
Operating
Facility Type
Boarding Home
License Expiration
December 31, 2025

Additional licensing details

License number: 2507
County: King

Staffing

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

Leadership

Contact: Lisa L. Palm

What does this home offer?

Pets allowed icon
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Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

Room sizes icon
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Room Sizes: 458 / 675 / 1049 sq. ft

Housing options icon
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Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Building type icon
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Building Type: Mid-rise

Transportation services icon
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Transportation Services

Fitness and recreation icon
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Fitness and Recreation

Types of Care at Merrill Gardens at Ballard

Assisted Living Independent Living Memory Care
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.

Inspection Report Summary for Merrill Gardens at Ballard

The most recent inspection report dated March 20, 2025, found no deficiencies at Merrill Gardens at Ballard. However, the prior fire safety inspection on October 12, 2022, identified multiple deficiencies including missing fire drill documentation, unsafe multi-plug adapters, incomplete hood cleaning records, fire wall penetrations, missing fire/smoke damper inspections, sprinkler maintenance issues, and lack of documentation for fire alarm and carbon monoxide detector maintenance. Additionally, oxygen tanks were improperly stored, and annual fire door inspections were not documented. These issues were serious enough to result in a disapproved fire safety status at that time, but the latest report shows improvement with all deficiencies corrected. There were no fines, immediate jeopardy findings, or license suspensions listed in the available reports.

The inspection on September 26, 2023, revealed several deficiencies related to resident care, food safety, and environment/safety. These included failure to monitor and document residents' well-being properly, inadequate plans for managing residents' medical devices, poor food temperature control risking foodborne illness, and failure to maintain proper garbage disposal and ventilation systems. The facility was cited for not maintaining hot water temperatures within required ranges, which could affect resident care. The report noted that 32 residents were at risk due to these issues. The facility submitted plans to correct these deficiencies by October 13, 2023. No enforcement actions such as fines or license suspensions were mentioned in this report. The trend shows that while the facility had significant issues in late 2023, the most recent 2025 inspection found no deficiencies, indicating improvement over time.

Comparison Chart

The information below is reported by the Washington Department of Social and Health Services, Residential Care Services.
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SNF

Nursing Homes 24/7 care needed

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Independent Living For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.

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Merrill Gardens at Ballard
AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

IL

Independent Living For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.

MC

Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.

Seattle
50
Yes
97
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
West Seattle Adult Family Home
AL

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Private Rooms

Living Spaces & Floor Plans

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Places of interest near Merrill Gardens at Ballard

Address 5.8 miles from city center

Address 2418 NW 56th St, Seattle, WA 98107

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Guides for Better Senior Living

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Understanding Senior Living Costs: Pricing Models, Discounts & Financial Assistance

Claim What’s Yours: Financial Aid for Washington Seniors

Program
State Program Name
Eligibility
Benefits
Community Options Program Entry System (COPES)
WA Medicaid COPES
  • General: Age 65+ or disabled, 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 Specifics: High demand in urban areas (e.g., Seattle).
  • Services: 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
  • General: Caregiver of someone 60+ (or with dementia), Washington resident.
  • Income Limits: No strict limit; prioritizes low-income.
  • Asset Limits: Not applicable.
  • WA Specifics: High urban demand; rural outreach.
  • Services: 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
Official government program page
  • General: Age 65+ (or disabled 18+), 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 Specifics: Broader than COPES; serves ~20,000; self-directed option.
  • Services: Personal care (4-6 hours/day), respite (~240 hours/year), assistive devices, training, transportation.
Older Americans Act (OAA) Services
Washington OAA Services
  • General: Age 60+, WA resident; no income/asset limits.
  • Income Limits (2025): None; donations encouraged.
  • Asset Limits: Not assessed.
  • WA Specifics: 13 AAAs; includes Meals on Wheels; rural focus.
  • Services: Meals (~$5-$7/meal), transportation, homemaker services (~4 hours/week), respite (~5 days/year), legal aid.
Medicare Savings Program (MSP)
Washington Medicare Savings Program
Official government program page
  • General: Age 65+ or disabled, 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 Specifics: Includes Extra Help for Part D; no waitlist.
  • Services: Covers Part B premiums ($174.70/month), deductibles ($240/year), copays (~20%).
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Washington LIHEAP
  • General: Age 60+ prioritized, WA resident, low-income household.
  • Income Limits (2025): ~$3,970/month (185% FPL).
  • Asset Limits: Not assessed.
  • WA Specifics: Covers gas, electric, wood; emergency aid available.
  • Services: Heating/cooling aid ($300-$1,000/season), crisis aid ($500 max).
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)
Washington SCSEP
  • General: Age 55+, unemployed, low-income, WA resident.
  • Income Limits (2025): ~$1,983/month (125% FPL).
  • Asset Limits: Not specified.
  • WA Specifics: Priority for veterans, rural residents; AARP partnership.
  • Services: Paid training (~20 hours/week at ~$7.25/hour), job placement.
VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Benefits
Washington VA Aid and Attendance/Housebound
  • General: Age 65+ or disabled veteran/spouse, 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 Specifics: High veteran use; supports rural/urban needs.
  • Services: Cash (~$1,433-$2,642/month veteran, ~$951-$1,318 spouse) for care costs.
Senior Citizens Property Tax Exemption
Washington Senior Property Tax Exemption
Official government program page
  • General: Age 61+ or disabled retiree, 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 Specifics: Saves ~$500-$1,500/year; offered statewide.
  • Services: Tax exemption (~$500-$1,500/year depending on county).
Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)
  • General: Age 60+, WA resident, low-income.
  • Income Limits (2025): ~$2,322/month (185% FPL).
  • Asset Limits: Not assessed.
  • WA Specifics: Vouchers (~$80/season); serves ~20,000 via AAAs.
  • Services: Vouchers (~$80/season) for produce at farmers’ markets.

Claim What’s Yours Financial Aid for Washington Seniors

WA Medicaid COPES

Community Options Program Entry System (COPES)

Requirements:
  • General:
    Age 65+ or disabled, 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 Specifics:
    High demand in urban areas (e.g., Seattle).
Benefits without Contact:
  • Services: Personal care (5-7 hours/day), respite (240 hours/year), adult day care ($70/day), home modifications ($1,500 avg.).
WA NFCSP

Washington Family Caregiver Support Program

Requirements:
  • General:
    Caregiver of someone 60+ (or with dementia), Washington resident.
  • Income Limits:
    No strict limit; prioritizes low-income.
  • Asset Limits:
    Not applicable.
  • WA Specifics:
    High urban demand; rural outreach.
Benefits without Contact:
  • Services: In-home respite (4-6 hours/day), adult day care (~$70/day), short-term facility care (up to 5 days).
Washington Community First Choice

Community First Choice (CFC)

Requirements:
  • General:
    Age 65+ (or disabled 18+), 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 Specifics:
    Broader than COPES; serves ~20,000; self-directed option.
Benefits without Contact:
  • Services: Personal care (4-6 hours/day), respite (~240 hours/year), assistive devices, training, transportation.
Washington OAA Services

Older Americans Act (OAA) Services

Requirements:
  • General:
    Age 60+, WA resident; no income/asset limits.
  • Income Limits (2025):
    None; donations encouraged.
  • Asset Limits:
    Not assessed.
  • WA Specifics:
    13 AAAs; includes Meals on Wheels; rural focus.
Benefits without Contact:
  • Services: Meals (~$5-$7/meal), transportation, homemaker services (~4 hours/week), respite (~5 days/year), legal aid.
Washington Medicare Savings Program

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

Requirements:
  • General:
    Age 65+ or disabled, 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 Specifics:
    Includes Extra Help for Part D; no waitlist.
Benefits without Contact:
  • Services: Covers Part B premiums ($174.70/month), deductibles ($240/year), copays (~20%).
Washington LIHEAP

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Requirements:
  • General:
    Age 60+ prioritized, WA resident, low-income household.
  • Income Limits (2025):
    ~$3,970/month (185% FPL).
  • Asset Limits:
    Not assessed.
  • WA Specifics:
    Covers gas, electric, wood; emergency aid available.
Benefits without Contact:
  • Services: Heating/cooling aid ($300-$1,000/season), crisis aid ($500 max).
Washington SCSEP

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

Requirements:
  • General:
    Age 55+, unemployed, low-income, WA resident.
  • Income Limits (2025):
    ~$1,983/month (125% FPL).
  • Asset Limits:
    Not specified.
  • WA Specifics:
    Priority for veterans, rural residents; AARP partnership.
Benefits without Contact:
  • Services: Paid training (~20 hours/week at ~$7.25/hour), job placement.
Washington VA Aid and Attendance/Housebound

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

Requirements:
  • General:
    Age 65+ or disabled veteran/spouse, 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 Specifics:
    High veteran use; supports rural/urban needs.
Benefits without Contact:
  • Services: Cash (~$1,433-$2,642/month veteran, ~$951-$1,318 spouse) for care costs.
Washington Senior Property Tax Exemption

Senior Citizens Property Tax Exemption

Requirements:
  • General:
    Age 61+ or disabled retiree, 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 Specifics:
    Saves ~$500-$1,500/year; offered statewide.
Benefits without Contact:
  • Services: Tax exemption (~$500-$1,500/year depending on county).
Washington SFMNP

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

Requirements:
  • General:
    Age 60+, WA resident, low-income.
  • Income Limits (2025):
    ~$2,322/month (185% FPL).
  • Asset Limits:
    Not assessed.
  • WA Specifics:
    Vouchers (~$80/season); serves ~20,000 via AAAs.
Benefits without Contact:
  • Services: Vouchers (~$80/season) for produce at farmers’ markets.
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