Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
Highlighting seniors’ needs and aspirations, Merril Gardens at Santa Maria is a respected senior living community situated on the serene grounds of Suey Road, Santa Maria, CA, that offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care. The community features over 200 snug and sophisticated accommodations in various studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring seniors experience unmatched comfort and convenience. With a dedicated and highly qualified team delivering top-tier care and assistance, seniors ease their minds and experience a glorious retirement.
Mingle with people from different backgrounds and learn new things through enjoyable events and exciting activities. Treat yourself to a lifetime vacation with the luxurious spaces of Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria. Available at every time of the day, seniors enjoy delicious and healthy meals for dietary satisfaction. Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria is ideal for seniors aiming to optimize their independence while keeping their peace of mind.
Inspection Report Summary for Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria consistently demonstrates a high level of compliance with California’s regulatory standards across multiple annual reviews. In the 2021 pre‑licensing evaluation, the facility’s two three‑story assisted‑living buildings and three one‑story memory‑care buildings met all core safety requirements: functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, adequate lighting, fully charged fire extinguishers, locked medication and toxin storage, and appropriate temperature controls. The evaluator noted only minor furniture deficiencies—dressers and nightstands in first‑floor resident rooms—and the absence of rubber bathroom mats, both of which were earmarked for completion before licensure.
The 2022 infection‑control visit focused on the facility’s COVID‑19 mitigation plan, which had been approved by the Department. The evaluator observed a rigorous entry protocol, temperature checks, symptom questionnaires, and a documented testing requirement for all new residents and staff. The facility maintained a 30‑day PPE stockpile, isolated rooms for suspected cases, and a comprehensive emergency response plan. No deficiencies were recorded, and the evaluator praised the staff’s adherence to non‑punitive sick‑leave policies and ongoing training.
In 2023 the two required annual reviews—one focused on records and the other on case‑management continuation—found the facility’s documentation complete, including admission agreements, medical assessments, TB results, staff personnel files, and insurance certificates. Kitchen equipment and food supplies were adequate, and medications were securely stored and properly labeled. Physical plant inspections confirmed that common‑area furniture remained in good condition and that fire safety equipment was current. Overall, Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria has consistently maintained compliance with safety, infection‑control, and record‑keeping mandates, with only minimal, easily remediable items identified over the review period.

Facility Overview
-
Current Occupancy
Shows the current occupancy rate and estimated residents versus total licensed beds. 59.7% (197/330)
-
Facility Type
Indicates the state license category — e.g., RCFE (Residential Care Facility for the Elderly). RESIDENTIAL CARE ELDERLY
-
License Status
Shows whether the facility is currently licensed, closed, or pending renewal. LICENSED
-
Licensed Since
Date when the facility’s license was first issued by the state. September 10, 2021
-
Licensee / Operator
Entity or organization legally responsible for managing this facility. MG AT SANTA MARIA, LP ; SHI-IV MERRILL GP, LLC ; M
-
County
The county where the facility is located. SANTA BARBARA
-
License Details
License information registered with the Better Business Bureau.
- California Department of Social Services (#425850140)
Inspection & Compliance
-
All Visits
Sum of inspections, complaint visits, and other administrative visits. 13 visits
-
Inspections
Formal inspections conducted by the state’s licensing division. 4 inspections
-
Other Visits
Administrative or follow-up visits not related to complaints or inspections. 5 visits
-
Complaint Visits
Inspections triggered by official complaints filed with the state. 6 complaints
-
Citations
Number of deficiencies or violations found during inspections. 2 citations
-
BBB Rating
BBB ratings (A+ to F) reflect how reliably a business handles customer interactions and complaints. They're based on complaint history, transparency, licensing, and time in business — not on customer reviews. NR (No Rating) means the BBB doesn't have enough information yet or the business is under review. Rated A+
-
Inspection Reports
View archived inspection reports for this facility. View Inspection Reports
What does this home offer?
Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed
Room Sizes: 410 / 426 / 436 / 449-557 / 552-654 / 577 / 619 / 665 / 932 / 779 / 982 / 1071 / 1289 sq. ft
Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Building Type: 3-story
Transportation Services
Fitness and Recreation
Touring Checklist for Senior Living
Touring a community? Use this expert-backed checklist to stay organized, ask the right questions, and find the perfect fit.
Location
Community Spaces and Overall Environment
Services
Staffing
Accommodations
Finances
Other Notes
Send Checklist to Your Email
We'll send you a PDF version of the touring checklist.
Types of Care at Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
Places of interest near Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
2.5 miles from city center
1220 N Suey Rd, Santa Maria, CA 93454
[email protected]
+1 805-322-3349
[email protected]
+1 805-322-3349
Calculate Travel Distance to Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
Add your location
Join Our Online
Senior Community!
Connect, laugh, and explore — all from the comfort of your home.
Guides for Better Senior Living
From costs to care, explore the most important topics to make informed decisions about your future.
Comparison Chart
For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.
Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer’s, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.
For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.
Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer’s, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.
24/7 care needed
For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.
Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer’s, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.
24/7 care needed
For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.
Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer’s, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.
For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.
Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer’s, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.
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).
Contact Us

Beds shows the number of beds currently filled in each community agianst the total number of beds. Higher occupied beds usually indicates strong demand and reputation, while lower occupancy may suggest more availability for new residents.
What questions do you have about Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria?
We’ll help you with pricing, availability, and anything else you need.
Your Senior Care Partner, Every Step of the Way
We help families find affordable senior communities and unlock same day discounts, Medicaid, and Medicare options tailored to your needs.
Contact us Today
Homes near Santa Maria, CA





















