Merrill Gardens at Ballard

Assisted Living in Seattle

Merrill Gardens at Ballard

Assisted Living in Seattle

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.

(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 Details

Facility TypeBoarding Home
StatusOperating
ExpirationDecember 31, 2025
CountyKing
License Number2507
AwardsSensight Resident Satisfaction Award 2025, Great Place to Work 2024-2025, 2017 Gold Nugget Award, 2017 Argentum Award

Safety & Compliance

Safety FeaturesResident Call System

Staffing

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

Leadership

ContactLisa L. Palm

Staffing & Medical

2 services
Licensed Nurses/CNAs
24-Hour Staffing

Additional Policies & Features

HousekeepingYes

Amenities & Lifestyle

9 amenities
24-Hour Staffing
Resident Call System
Transportation Options
Anytime Dining
On-Site Maintenance
Weekly Housekeeping
Fitness Center
Pets Welcome
Wellness Program

Pricing & Financial Information

Starting Price$3,995 per month

Dining & Nutrition

Food DescriptionAnytime Dining program with fresh restaurant-style meals served throughout the day, seven days a week.
Meals IncludedYes

What does this home offer?

Pets allowed icon
Pets allowed icon

Pets Allowed: Yes, 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
Transportation services icon

Transportation Services

Fitness and recreation icon
Fitness and recreation icon

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.

3 visits/inspections Info Inspections are mandatory, regular evaluations conducted by state health departments or regulatory agencies. They ensure the community provides safe, compliant care, covering areas like resident health, staff and management.

Washington average: 8 complaint visits

Washington average: 9 inspections

Latest inspection

Date March 20, 2025
Annual Inspection

14 deficiencies

Deficiencies indicate regulatory issues. A higher number implies the facility had several areas requiring improvement.

Washington average: 31 deficiencies

Inspection Report Summary for Merrill Gardens at Ballard

The most recent inspection on March 20, 2025, found no deficiencies in the facility. Earlier inspections showed mixed results, with a follow-up inspection on December 1, 2023, also finding no deficiencies and confirming correction of prior issues. Prior reports, including an October 12, 2022 inspection by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, cited multiple deficiencies related mainly to fire safety documentation, maintenance of fire protection systems, and emergency equipment. No fines, enforcement actions, or substantiated complaints were listed in the available reports. The inspection history indicates improvement over time, with recent inspections showing compliance after earlier fire safety issues.

Compare Assisted Living around Seattle The information below is reported by the Washington Department of Social and Health Services, Residential Care Services.

Filter by care type
Cogir of Queen Anne
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.

Seattle (Uptown)115Yes 93 Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed 100.0% -12568
Brookdale West Seattle
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.

Seattle (Fairmount Park)60Yes 87 Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed 58.3% -6044
Brookdale Admiral Heights
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.

Seattle (North Admiral)55Yes 87 Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed 92.7% -4025
Merrill Gardens at Ballard
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.

Seattle (Adams)50Yes 97 Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed--3014
West Seattle Adult Family Home
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.

Seattle (South Park)-No 71 Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed--000

Living Spaces & Floor Plans

Merrill Gardens At Ballard
Merrill Gardens At Ballard1
Merrill Gardens At Ballard2

Financial Assistance for
Assisted Living in Washington

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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%)

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Washington LIHEAP

Age 60+ prioritized
General WA resident, low-income household.
Income Limits (2025) ~$3,970/month 185% FPL
Asset Limits Not assessed.
WA

Covers gas, electric, wood; emergency aid available.

Benefits
Heating/cooling aid ($300-$1,000/season) Crisis aid ($500 max)

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

Washington SCSEP

Age 55+
General unemployed, low-income, WA resident.
Income Limits (2025) ~$1,983/month 125% FPL
Asset Limits Not specified.
WA

Priority for veterans, rural residents; AARP partnership.

Benefits
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

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

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. — 0.44 miles to nearest hospital (Swedish Cancer Institute Medical Oncology - Ballard)

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