Erin★★★★★4 months agoI feel so fortunate that Merrill Gardens Is in Anthem Arizona. It is the best and exact right spot for my parents. It is independent living with some Assistance. It has a country club vibe with activities and tons of helpful resources. Initially, my parents moved in and were driving, now they are more often working with the Merrill Gardens Uber type of service. They are encouraged to go to get ready for the day and go to the dining room to eat, and it is like social hour! Of course, if they want a meal in their room, they can do that as well, and they have full kitchens in the apartments and the Casitas.
I love that they connect with people at each meal. Speaking of people, the people that work at Merrill are outstanding. They care about each and every resident. You can see it in their words and actions. If have time to check out this place, you will see that it is wonderful. Highly recommend!
I truly cannot say enough wonderful things about Merrill Gardens. My mom absolutely loves living there, and knowing how happy, safe, and cared for she is gives me tremendous peace of mind.
She has made so many wonderful friends and is engaged every day with activities, social events, and field trips. I’m continually impressed by how thoughtful and varied the activities are—there is always something fun and interesting happening.
The staff is exceptional. Everyone is warm, kind, caring, and genuinely treats the residents like family. Just as special is the community they have created among the residents themselves. They look out for one another, enjoy each other’s company, and truly feel like a family.
The dining is also fantastic, with an amazing variety of choices at every meal. From the food to the activities to the beautiful sense of community, every detail feels thoughtfully considered.
As a daughter, I honestly couldn’t have imagined a better place for my mom. Knowing she is surrounded by people who care about her, while living such a full, active and happy life, is priceless. Most importantly, my mom loves her life at Merrill Gardens—and that says everything.
After searching for assisted living facilities my siblings and I and my parents choose Merrill Gardens at Anthem about two years ago, we made a list of the pros and cons of the different facilities, still it was a difficult decision moving them from their home, they of course didn't think it was necessary yet. My mom was 92 and my dad was 95, she was doing pretty good but my dad was not, he has since gotten much better, and my mom has made many new friends, The staff at Merrill Gardens are excellent and keep us informed when it is necessary. Wouldn't hesitate recommending Merrill Gardens to anyone, may not work for everyone but has been wonderful for my parents.
Two years ago we decided it was time for our parents to look into independent/assisted living. We had previously checked one other option before making an appointment with Merrill Gardens. I think we all knew immediately it was going to be the right choice, from the friendly welcome to the bright and well appointed rooms. 2 years later we have zero regrets on our choice. Our initial impression has only been confirmed. While mom is still currently in independent living, so not eligible for additional support, the staff has been so good to her and we feel so much better knowing she is there. Her casita is bright, new and well laid out and she as a lovely community with the other "Cottagers."
Our family will always be grateful for the care and compassion shown by Merrill Gardens. The facility is beautiful and there are so many fun activities and events for the residents to partake in. After moving from Washington State in 2021 to be closer to us, my mother and father-in-law spent a couple years in the independent living cottages. When my mother-in-law suffered a stroke, we made the transition to the assisted living. The support from the caregivers and staff she received there made an incredibly difficult time much more manageable.
Before my father-in-law passed in December 2025, we were able to bring him back to Merrill Gardens on hospice to one of the memory care units. Although it was a short time before he passed, it allowed my mother-in-law the chance to be close to him and say her goodbyes in a familiar and caring environment. That gift is something we will never forget. The compassion and support shown our entire family during that time was truly a blessing. The staff and community didn't just care for residents, they surrounded us with kindness, empathy and understanding. After losing her husband of 67years, my mother-in-law has been navigating a very difficult new chapter. The way the entire community has rallied around her has made all the difference. Adjusting to this new normal would have been far more challenging without the love and support of Merrill Gardens staff and residents. We are deeply thankful to be part of such a caring community.
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