Merrill Gardens at Monterey

Assisted Living, Independent Living & Memory Care · Monterey, CA

Merrill Gardens at Monterey

Assisted Living, Independent Living & Memory Care · Monterey, CA

200 Iris Canyon Rd, Monterey, CA 93940 View map

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Overview of Merrill Gardens at Monterey

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.

(831) 718-9209

150-bed community

A larger shared setting that may offer more common spaces and organized community services.

9 years in operation

An established community with some operational experience and growing routines.

Walk Score: 53 / 100

Moderately walkable. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, with a mix of nearby amenities.

About this community

Occupancy

Occupancy rate

87%

Higher than the California average: 72.8%

Occupied beds

130 / 150

Average occupied beds in California homes 87 beds

AwardsGreat Place to Work 2024-2025

Facility TypeResidential Care Elderly

StatusLicensed

IssuanceMay 25, 2017

CountyMonterey

Merrill Gardens at Monterey is legally operated by Merrill Gardens At Monterey; Merrill Gardens Llc, and administrated by Jule May Estrellado.

Licensed Nurses/CNAs

24-Hour Staffing

HousekeepingYes

Resident Call System

Transportation Options

Anytime Dining

On-Site Maintenance

Weekly Housekeeping

Swimming Pool

Pets Welcome

Wellness Program

Starting Price$5,500 per month

Get floorplan photos & videos Schedule a home tour Get detailed pricing Check availability Get brochure

Since 2020 · 6 years of data 6 citations 18 total visits 10 complaint visits 4 official inspections 9 complaint investigations

Inspection Score

1 point above the California average for assisted living residences (81/100)

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

Since 2020 vs. California state average

Overall vs. CA average

Latest Inspection February 11, 2026

Citations Citations are formal regulatory issues recorded during state inspections.	This Facility	CA Average	vs. CA Avg
Total citations Formal regulatory issues recorded by inspectors across all inspection types.	6	10	This facility has 40% fewer total citations than a typical California assisted living residence (6 vs. CA avg 10).↓ 40% better
Serious citations (Type A) Violations that pose an immediate risk to resident health or safety. Type A citations are the most serious and typically require prompt corrective action.	2	3	This facility has 33% fewer serious citations (type a) than a typical California assisted living residence (2 vs. CA avg 3).↓ 33% better Rank #600 / 1164 Serious citations (Type A) — State benchmarked This home is ranked 600th out of 1164 homes in California. Shows this facility's # of serious citations compared to the California average among 1164 comparable communities in the ranking pool.
Moderate citations (Type B) Violations that do not pose an immediate risk but still represent a departure from required care or operational standards.	4	4	This facility has moderate citations (type b) in line with the California average (4 vs. CA avg 4).— At avg
Citations per year Average citations per year since 2020.	1	1.7	This facility has 41% fewer citations per year than a typical California assisted living residence (1 vs. CA avg 1.7).↓ 41% better
Citations per inspection Average citations per inspection.	0.3	3.3	This facility has 91% fewer citations per inspection than a typical California assisted living residence (0.3 vs. CA avg 3.3).↓ 91% better

Inspections & Visits State inspections evaluate whether the facility meets health and safety standards.	This Facility	CA Average	vs. CA Avg
Total visits Combined count of complaint visits, other regulatory visits, and official scheduled inspections.	18	16	This facility has 13% more total visits than a typical California assisted living residence (18 vs. CA avg 16).↑ 13% worse
Complaint visits On-site visits triggered by formal complaints filed by residents, families, or staff.	10	13	This facility has 23% fewer complaint visits than a typical California assisted living residence (10 vs. CA avg 13).↓ 23% better Rank #850 / 1397 Complaint visits — State benchmarked This home is ranked 850th out of 1397 homes in California. Shows this facility's # of complaint visits compared to the California average among 1397 comparable communities in the ranking pool.
Other visits Regulatory visits that are neither routine inspections nor complaint investigations — administrative check-ins, follow-up reviews, licensing-related visits.	4	7	This facility has 43% fewer other visits than a typical California assisted living residence (4 vs. CA avg 7).↓ 43% better
Official inspections Routine, scheduled inspections conducted by state regulators to evaluate whether the facility meets federal and state standards.	4	4	This facility has official inspections in line with the California average (4 vs. CA avg 4).— At avg
Complaint investigations On-site investigations triggered by complaints filed with California regulators.	9	10	This facility has 10% fewer complaint investigations than a typical California assisted living residence (9 vs. CA avg 10).↓ 10% better

Inspection Reports Summary An editor-reviewed summary of the themes and findings across this facility's recent inspection reports.

The most recent inspection on February 11, 2026, found no deficiencies during a case management visit reviewing resident care and facility operations.
The January 4, 2024 complaint investigation substantiated failure to assist residents with activities of daily living and deficiencies in resident reappraisal and rate increase notification.
The July 17, 2024 visit cited one deficiency for a medication error causing hospitalization, with staff retraining and removal from medication duties following the incident.

Show Inspection Reports

What does this home offer?

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

Living Spaces & Floor Plans for Merrill Gardens at Monterey

Merrill Gardens At Monterey 2

Merrill Gardens At Monterey1 2

Merrill Gardens At Monterey2 2

Merrill Gardens At Monterey3 2

1.8 miles from city center Estimated distance in miles from Monterey's city center to Merrill Gardens at Monterey's address, calculated via Google Maps. — 1.19 miles to nearest hospital (Radiation Oncology)

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Financial Assistance for
Assisted Living in California

Merrill Gardens at Monterey is located in Monterey, California.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in California.

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Multipurpose Senior Services Program

MSSP (Medi-Cal Waiver)

Age 65+

General 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).

County-managed; waitlists possible.

Benefits

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)

California IHSS

Age 65+

General California resident, Medicaid-eligible or low-income.

Income Limits ~$1,732/month individual, Medi-Cal threshold

Asset Limits $2,000 individual

Can hire family as caregivers.

Benefits

Personal care (up to 283 hours/month) Homemaker services Respite (varies)

Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP)

CA MSSP

Age 65+

General California resident, Medi-Cal-eligible, nursing home-eligible but community-capable.

Income Limits ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, individual

Asset Limits $2,000 individual

Available in 38 counties; waitlists common.

Benefits

Case management Respite care (up to 10 days/year) Minor home mods (avg. $500) Adult day care (~$50/day)

Property Tax Postponement Program (PTP)

CA PTP

Age 62+

General 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.

Deferred taxes accrue interest (5% as of 2024); repaid upon sale/death.

Benefits

Property tax deferral (avg. $1,000-$3,000/year, varies by county)

Assisted Living Waiver (ALW)

CA ALW

Age 65+ or disabled

General California resident, Medi-Cal-eligible, nursing home-eligible.

Income Limits ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, individual

Asset Limits $2,000 individual

Available in 15 counties (e.g., LA, Sacramento); waitlists common.

Benefits

Personal care in ALFs (5-7 hours/day) Medication management Social services

California CARES Program

CA CARES

Age —

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.

High demand in urban areas; complements IHSS respite.

Benefits

Respite care (up to 10 days/year) Counseling (4-6 sessions/year) Training (2-3 workshops/year) Supplies (~$200/year)

Compare Assisted Living around Monterey

The information below is reported by the California Department of Social Services and Department of Public Health.

Filter by care type


The Park Lane	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.	Monterey (Glenwood Circle)	160 Facility 160 CA AVG 103 Rank #289 / 1658	No	47 Facility 47 CA AVG 57 Rank #1423 / 2093	5	24 Facility 24 CA AVG 13 Rank #1187 / 1397	5 Facility 5 CA AVG 3 Rank #895 / 1164	16 Facility 16 CA AVG 13 Rank #475 / 1487	55.0% Facility 55.0% CA AVG 74.8% Rank #1171 / 1368	Pac Monterey Inc,Gp Of P Mont LP;Park Lane Mgr LLC	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Merrill Gardens at Monterey	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.	Monterey (Iris Canyon Road)	150 Facility 150 CA AVG 103 Rank #344 / 1658	Yes	53 Facility 53 CA AVG 57 Rank #1280 / 2093	4	10 Facility 10 CA AVG 13 Rank #850 / 1397	2 Facility 2 CA AVG 3 Rank #600 / 1164	9 Facility 9 CA AVG 13 Rank #703 / 1487	86.7% Facility 86.7% CA AVG 74.8% Rank #349 / 1368	Merrill Gardens At Monterey; Merrill Gardens LLC	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Ivy Park at Monterey	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. 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.	Monterey	112 Facility 112 CA AVG 103 Rank #634 / 1658	Yes	73 Facility 73 CA AVG 57 Rank #643 / 2093	2	14 Facility 14 CA AVG 13 Rank #995 / 1397	0 Facility 0 CA AVG 3 Rank #1 / 1164	2 Facility 2 CA AVG 13 Rank #1295 / 1487	94.6% Facility 94.6% CA AVG 74.8% Rank #195 / 1368	Transformer Opco LLC;Oakmont Management Group LLC	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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What neighborhood is Merrill Gardens at Monterey in?

Merrill Gardens at Monterey is in the Iris Canyon Road neighborhood of Monterey.

Who is the owner of Merrill Gardens at Monterey?

The legal owner and operator of Merrill Gardens at Monterey is Merrill Gardens At Monterey; Merrill Gardens Llc.

Is Merrill Gardens at Monterey in a walkable area?

Merrill Gardens at Monterey has a walk score of 53. Moderately walkable. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, with a mix of nearby amenities.

What is the occupancy rate at Merrill Gardens at Monterey?

Merrill Gardens at Monterey's occupancy is 87%.

Who is the administrator of Merrill Gardens at Monterey?

Jule May Estrellado is the administrator of Merrill Gardens at Monterey.

How many beds does Merrill Gardens at Monterey have?

Merrill Gardens at Monterey has 150 beds.

Has Merrill Gardens at Monterey had any recent deficiencies or citations?

Merrill Gardens at Monterey has had 6 recently reported deficiencies.

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Merrill Gardens at Monterey