Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community
Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community is an Assisted Living Home in California
Sunshine Villa, A Merrill… is an Assisted Living Home in California
Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community
Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community is an Assisted Living Home in California
Sunshine Villa, A Merrill… is an Assisted Living Home in California
Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community, is a senior living community situated in the vibrant heart of Santa Cruz, within walking distance of the Santa Cruz Wharf, beach, and boardwalk. With individualized care services catered to each resident’s needs and preferences, this historic landmark provides high-quality assisted living and memory care. Since 1990, Sunshine Villa has been a dependable member of the Santa Cruz community, offering top-notch care in a lovely, idyllic environment.
Sunshine Villa’s goal is to provide its residents with a satisfying and rewarding lifestyle, and it is committed to meeting and beyond their expectations. The community offers a number of amenities, such as chef-prepared meals, elegantly furnished common rooms, a library, landscaped gardens with courtyards, private dining room, on-site RNs/LPNs, and a Victorian sunporch, ensuring a comfortable and engaging living experience.
Inspection Report Summary for Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community
In its 07/22/2021 annual inspection, Sunshine Villa Assisted Living and Memory Care was found in violation of California’s hot‑water temperature regulation, with several resident bathrooms recording temperatures exceeding 120 °F. The Licensing Program Analyst, Ryker Heberle, noted the absence of posted social‑distancing signage and recorded a deficiency under 809‑D, requiring a corrective plan by 07/30/2021. Despite a strong vaccination campaign—only two residents and five staff remained unvaccinated—the facility had otherwise maintained a 30‑day PPE stock, clear emergency exits, and adequate sanitation supplies.
A year later, the 07/20/2022 inspection, conducted by the same analyst, revealed no deficiencies. All staff were masked, the facility’s visitor policy was posted, and water temperature was within acceptable limits (109.7 °F). The report highlighted full staff vaccination, a sufficient supply of perishable and non‑perishable food, and a fire‑extinguisher inspection from November 2021. This audit indicated that Sunshine Villa had addressed many of the 2021 concerns, maintaining a high level of compliance in health‑and‑safety practices.
In the subsequent incident reviews, a pattern emerged in resident safety. The 05/12/2023 case‑management visit investigated an elopement on 02/24/2023, finding that staff failed to redirect the resident and that the facility had not installed delayed‑egress devices. A deficiency was cited under 809‑D, with corrective action directed toward installing such devices. A similar incident on 10/01/2023 prompted the 10/24/2023 visit, which noted that the resident left without notice and was not promptly returned until after 6:00 p.m. The licensing evaluator, Chihhsien Chang, cited a personnel‑requirements deficiency, emphasizing the need for adequate staffing to prevent unsupervised exits. Across all reports, Sunshine Villa demonstrated improvements in infection control but continued to face challenges in ensuring the physical security of residents, prompting ongoing corrective measures.
This is the number of people who can stay here (Facility Capacity).
Community Stability & Environment
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Current Availability
109 of 132 beds occupiedAt average
Occupancy rate of 82.6%.
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Licensed Since
Date when the facility's license was first issued by California
July 30, 2020 Avg operating age
The facility has been operating for roughly the same duration as comparable communities statewide.
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Walk Score
Walk Score in senior living communities measures how easy it is for residents to access essential services and amenities—like grocery stores, parks, pharmacies, and transit—without needing a car.
93 / 100 Walker's Paradise
Daily errands do not require a car. Most errands are within a 5-minute walk. Dense, urban, highly connected sidewalks. Frequent transit and strong pedestrian infrastructure.
Safety, Compliance & Inspections Overview
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All Visits
Total number of inspections, complaint visits, and administrative visits conducted by California regulators.
21 visits Above state average
These are formal California state inspections. More visits than the statewide average indicate the facility required additional checks or follow-up from regulators.
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Complaint Visits
Inspections triggered by official complaints filed with the state.
21 complaints 100% of visits
These are state investigations triggered by complaints. More than average means families raised concerns that required official review.
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Other Visits
Administrative or follow-up visits not related to complaints or inspections.
11 visits 52% of visits
These are extra inspections by state authorities. More than average suggests issues arose outside routine inspections.
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Citations
Number of deficiencies or violations identified during inspections conducted by California regulators.
16 citations Above state average
Citations document regulatory violations. More than average suggests the facility had multiple areas needing correction.
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Inspection Reports
Opens the facility's official licensing and inspection record as maintained by the California transparency or regulatory portal.
View Inspection Reports
Facility & Licensing Details
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County
County in California where the facility is located.
SANTA CRUZ
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Facility Type
Indicates the state-regulated license category used in California (e.g., Residential Care Facility for the Elderly).
RESIDENTIAL CARE ELDERLY
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License Status
Shows whether the facility is currently licensed, closed, or pending renewal in California.
LICENSED
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Licensee / Operator
Entity or organization legally responsible for managing this facility under California regulations.
MG SANTA CRUZ SUBTENANT LLC; MERRILL GARDENS LLC
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Regional Office
State regional office responsible for overseeing this facility.
26
What does this home offer?
Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed
Room Sizes: 320 / 490 - 576 sq. ft
Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed
Building Type: 3-story
Transportation Services
Fitness and Recreation
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Types of Care at Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community
Floor Plans
Places of interest near Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community
1.1 miles from city center
80 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone:
831-291-4601
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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.
24/7 care needed
For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
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.
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:
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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:
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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.
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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:
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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:
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General:
Caregivers of California residents 60+ needing help with 3+ daily activities; no caregiver age limit.
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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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