Merrill Gardens at Monterey
Merrill Gardens at Monterey is an Assisted Living Home in California
Merrill Gardens at Monterey is an Assisted Living Home in California
Merrill Gardens at Monterey
Merrill Gardens at Monterey is an Assisted Living Home in California
Merrill Gardens at Monterey is an Assisted Living Home in California
A distinct senior living community situated in the quiet lands of Iris Canyon Road, Monterey, CA, Merrill Gardens at Monterey provides assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Featuring a selection of 110 cozy and spacious studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom residences, the community aims to provide a welcoming abode for seniors to live in comfort and elegance. A competent and highly skilled team delivers top-tier care and assistance around the clock for seniors to enjoy their best years without worries.
With a jam-packed calendar of fun activities and exciting programs, seniors discover new interests and reignite old hobbies for leisure and wellness. Merrill Gardens at Monterey fosters a bright and welcoming environment, ensuring seniors maintain an active and well-engaged lifestyle. Committed to enhancing seniors’ well-being, the community serves well-balanced meals for dietary satisfaction. Surrounded by a serene courtyard, Merrill Gardens at Monterey is a good place to live a wondrous retirement.
Capacity and availability
Medium-capacity home
Offers a balance of services and community atmosphere.
This home usually has availability
Lower occupancy suggests more openings may be available.
About this community
California average: 72%
LICENSEDAdditional licensing details
Ownership & operating entity
Merrill Gardens at Monterey is legally operated by MERRILL GARDENS AT MONTEREY; MERRILL GARDENS LLC.
What does this home offer?
Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed
Room Sizes: 313 / 489 / 683 / 1043 / 1350 sq. ft
Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Building Type: 3-story
Transportation Services
Fitness and Recreation
Types of Care at Merrill Gardens at Monterey
Inspection History
In California, the Department of Social Services (for assisted living facilities) and the Department of Public Health (for nursing homes) conduct inspections to ensure resident safety and regulatory compliance.
13 visits
California average: 14 visits
Breakdown by visit type
10 total complaint visits
3 other visits
Other visits include regulatory visits that are not routine inspections or complaint investigations, such as administrative check-ins, follow-up reviews, or licensing-related visits.
California average
12 total complaint visits
7 other visits
Show Inspection Reports
9 complaint investigations
Investigations can have many visits.
California average: 10 complaint investigations
4 official inspections
California average: 4 official inspections
6 total citations
Citations indicate regulatory violations. A higher number implies the facility had several areas requiring improvement.
California average: 9 citations
2 serious citations
A violation that poses an immediate risk to resident health or safety, or represents a substantial failure to comply with licensing requirements.
California average: 3 serious citations
4 moderate citations
A violation that does not pose an immediate risk to resident health or safety but requires correction to remain in compliance.
California average: 4 moderate citations
Inspection Report Summary for Merrill Gardens at Monterey
Merrill Gardens at Monterey, a 740‑type assisted‑living facility located at 200 Iris Canyon Rd, has consistently demonstrated compliance with California’s health and safety regulations, as evidenced by multiple unannounced inspections. In 2021, Licensing Program Analyst Marybeth Donovan conducted an infection‑control review on May 24 and found all fire exits, medication storage, and PPE usage to be in order, issuing no citations. A similar 2023 annual inspection by LPA D. Ayers also noted clean, well‑lit common areas, functioning grab bars, adequate food supplies, and properly stored medications, again resulting in no deficiencies. The 2024 annual inspection, also led by LPA D. Ayers, confirmed continued compliance with fire and emergency protocols, reinforcing the facility’s safe environment.
Despite these positive findings, the facility faced specific regulatory concerns. On May 9, 2022, a case‑management visit by LPA Shawna Doucette identified a medication administration lapse: Resident R1 did not receive their prescribed medication on April 22, receiving the wrong medication instead. This violation of Section 87465, which requires accurate self‑administered medication assistance, prompted a citation and required a corrective plan. More recently, a November 15, 2023 complaint led to a 2024 case‑management inspection in which LPA D. Ayers cited two deficiencies. The first involved an incomplete reappraisal on November 19, 2023 that omitted the resident’s responsible party, contravening Section 87463. The second deficiency addressed a failure to provide written notice of a rate increase within two business days after a change in the resident’s level of care, violating Health and Safety Code § 1569.657. The facility was mandated to submit plans of correction by January 12, 2024, with the risk of civil penalties for non‑compliance.
Overall, Merrill Gardens has maintained strong operational standards in infection control, fire safety, and resident care, as reflected in its repeated “no deficiencies” findings. However, the medication lapse in 2022 and the reappraisal and billing notice issues uncovered in early 2024 highlight areas requiring ongoing attention. The facility’s ability to correct these deficiencies promptly will be essential to sustaining its license and ensuring the continued safety and well‑being of its residents.
Comparison Chart
The information below is reported by the California Department of Social Services and Department of Public Health.Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
Independent Living For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.
Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.
Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
Independent Living For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.
Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.
Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
Independent Living For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.
Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.
Nursing Homes 24/7 care needed
Independent Living For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.
Independent Living For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.
Living Spaces & Floor Plans
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Places of interest near Merrill Gardens at Monterey
1.8 miles from city center
200 Iris Canyon Rd, Monterey, CA 93940
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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 California Seniors
- General: Age 65+, California resident, Medi-Cal eligible, nursing home risk.
- Income Limits (2025): ~$2,829/month (300% FBR, individual).
- Asset Limits: $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).
- CA Specifics: County-managed; waitlists possible.
- Services: In-home support (4-6 hours/day), respite care (14 days/year), meals (~$6/meal), transportation (8 trips/month), care management.
- General: Age 65+, California resident, Medicaid-eligible or low-income.
- Income Limits: ~$1,732/month (individual, Medi-Cal threshold).
- Asset Limits: $2,000 (individual).
- CA Specifics: Can hire family as caregivers.
- Services: Personal care (up to 283 hours/month), homemaker services, respite (varies).
- General: Age 65+, California resident, Medi-Cal-eligible, nursing home-eligible but community-capable.
- Income Limits: ~$2,829/month (300% FBR, individual).
- Asset Limits: $2,000 (individual).
- CA Specifics: Available in 38 counties; waitlists common.
- Services: Case management, respite care (up to 10 days/year), minor home mods (avg. $500), adult day care (~$50/day).
- General: Age 62+, California resident, own and live in home, 40% equity.
- Income Limits (2025): ~$51,500/year (household, adjusted annually).
- Asset Limits: Equity-based; no strict asset cap.
- CA Specifics: Deferred taxes accrue interest (5% as of 2024); repaid upon sale/death.
- Services: Property tax deferral (avg. $1,000-$3,000/year, varies by county).
- General: Age 65+ or disabled, California resident, Medi-Cal-eligible, nursing home-eligible.
- Income Limits: ~$2,829/month (300% FBR, individual).
- Asset Limits: $2,000 (individual).
- CA Specifics: Available in 15 counties (e.g., LA, Sacramento); waitlists common.
- Services: Personal care in ALFs (5-7 hours/day), medication management, social services.
- General: Caregivers of California residents 60+ needing help with 3+ daily activities; no caregiver age limit.
- Income Limits: No strict limit; cost-sharing above ~$2,500/month threshold.
- Asset Limits: Not applicable; need-based.
- CA Specifics: High demand in urban areas; complements IHSS respite.
- Services: Respite care (up to 10 days/year), counseling (4-6 sessions/year), training (2-3 workshops/year), supplies (~$200/year).
- General: Age 60+ priority, California resident, low-income, utility/heating need.
- Income Limits (2025): ~$2,510/month (200% of poverty level, individual).
- Asset Limits: Not applicable; income-focused.
- CA Specifics: High demand in inland/coastal extremes; weatherization capped at $5,000/home.
- Services: Utility payments (avg. $500-$1,000/year), weatherization (e.g., insulation, avg. $1,000-$3,000 savings).
Claim What’s Yours Financial Aid for California Seniors
Multipurpose Senior Services Program
Requirements:
General:Age 65+, California resident, Medi-Cal eligible, nursing home risk.
Income Limits (2025):~$2,829/month (300% FBR, individual).- Asset Limits:$2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).
CA Specifics:County-managed; waitlists possible.
Benefits without Contact:
- Services: In-home support (4-6 hours/day), respite care (14 days/year), meals (~$6/meal), transportation (8 trips/month), care management.
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)
Requirements:
- General:Age 65+, California resident, Medicaid-eligible or low-income.
- Income Limits:~$1,732/month (individual, Medi-Cal threshold).
- Asset Limits:$2,000 (individual).
- CA Specifics:Can hire family as caregivers.
Benefits without Contact:
- Services: Personal care (up to 283 hours/month), homemaker services, respite (varies).
Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP)
Requirements:
- General:Age 65+, California resident, Medi-Cal-eligible, nursing home-eligible but community-capable.
- Income Limits:~$2,829/month (300% FBR, individual).
- Asset Limits:$2,000 (individual).
- CA Specifics:Available in 38 counties; waitlists common.
Benefits without Contact:
- Services: Case management, respite care (up to 10 days/year), minor home mods (avg. $500), adult day care (~$50/day).
Property Tax Postponement Program (PTP)
Requirements:
- General:Age 62+, California resident, own and live in home, 40% equity.
- Income Limits (2025):~$51,500/year (household, adjusted annually).
- Asset Limits:Equity-based; no strict asset cap.
- CA Specifics:Deferred taxes accrue interest (5% as of 2024); repaid upon sale/death.
Benefits without Contact:
- Services: Property tax deferral (avg. $1,000-$3,000/year, varies by county).
Assisted Living Waiver (ALW)
Requirements:
- General:Age 65+ or disabled, California resident, Medi-Cal-eligible, nursing home-eligible.
- Income Limits:~$2,829/month (300% FBR, individual).
- Asset Limits:$2,000 (individual).
- CA Specifics:Available in 15 counties (e.g., LA, Sacramento); waitlists common.
Benefits without Contact:
- Services: Personal care in ALFs (5-7 hours/day), medication management, social services.
California CARES Program
Requirements:
- General:Caregivers of California residents 60+ needing help with 3+ daily activities; no caregiver age limit.
- Income Limits:No strict limit; cost-sharing above ~$2,500/month threshold.
- Asset Limits:Not applicable; need-based.
- CA Specifics:High demand in urban areas; complements IHSS respite.
Benefits without Contact:
- Services: Respite care (up to 10 days/year), counseling (4-6 sessions/year), training (2-3 workshops/year), supplies (~$200/year).
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Requirements:
- General:Age 60+ priority, California resident, low-income, utility/heating need.
- Income Limits (2025):~$2,510/month (200% of poverty level, individual).
- Asset Limits:Not applicable; income-focused.
- CA Specifics:High demand in inland/coastal extremes; weatherization capped at $5,000/home.
Benefits without Contact:
- Services: Utility payments (avg. $500-$1,000/year), weatherization (e.g., insulation, avg. $1,000-$3,000 savings).
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