Frequently Asked Questions 

The community offers upscale studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments and two-bedroom villas with attached garages. Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care options are all available.  

All apartments are designed for comfort, privacy and convenience.

Yes. Residents bring their own furnishings and are encouraged to add sentimental items and personal touches to make their apartment feel like home. Small pets are also welcome, subject to community policies.

Merrill Gardens at Monterey offers comfortable, contemporary, private residences in a variety of floor plans. Designed for comfort and convenience, apartments include washers and dryers, and many units include fully equipped kitchens and private patio space. Features vary by floor plan.  Contact the community for current apartment options and availability.

Yes. The community is designed specifically to support active, older adults and includes thoughtfully designed residences and shared spaces intended to promote accessibility, convenience, and comfort.

Residents enjoy maintenance-free living, including weekly housekeeping, allowing them more time to focus on activities, wellness, and social engagement rather than household responsibilities.

Residents enjoy freshly prepared, restaurant-style meals through Merrill Gardens’ signature Anytime Dining program between 7am to 7pm. This flexible dining model allows residents to choose not only when, but how often they would like to dine during available dining hours. 

Yes. The dining team works to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences. The program features nutritious, well-balanced meals prepared with quality ingredients. Prospective residents should consult the dining team about specific dietary needs before moving in.

Residents enjoy restaurant-style dining in an upscale setting with hospitality-focused service. The dining experience is designed to be social, comfortable, and flexible.

Yes. Residents may prepare meals in their apartments depending on the features included in their selected floor plan. Apartment options vary, and details can be reviewed during a tour.

Merrill Gardens at Monterey offers a warm, welcoming, family-like atmosphere where connection, belonging, and freedom of choice are central to daily life. The community combines a modern, yet intimate setting with wooded grounds, inviting gathering spaces, and outdoor patios. Residents are encouraged to live on their own terms, enjoying friendships, enriching activities, and flexible dining while maintaining their independence.

Residents enjoy a full social calendar of engagement including fitness classes, volunteer opportunities, games, creative activities, events, and outings. Programming is designed to support social activity, personal growth, recreation, intellectual stimulation, physical movement, and fulfilling daily routine.

Take a look at our current calendar!

Yes. The community’s shared gathering spaces and social programming, restaurant-style dining, organized activities, outings, games, and volunteer opportunities are designed to create regular ways to meet neighbors and build friendships.

Merrill Gardens at Monterey offers a theater, library, bistro, indoor swimming pool, community courtyard, and comfortable gathering spaces surrounded by wooded grounds. Residents also enjoy Anytime Dining, an Active Living calendar of enriching activities, a wellness program, weekly housekeeping, on-site maintenance, transportation options, a resident call system, 24-hour staffing, and pet-friendly living. Together, these amenities and services support an active, connected, and convenient lifestyle.

Yes. Transportation services are offered at Merrill Gardens at Monterey.  Prospective residents should contact the community directly regarding scheduled transportation services available.

Living at Merrill Gardens at Monterey puts coastal scenery, arts, and waterfront dining close to home. Highlights include the Monterey Museum of Art on Pacific Street, featuring California paintings, photography, and contemporary art; Cannery Row, with waterfront restaurants, specialty shops, and wine-tasting options; and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where residents and families can explore marine-life exhibits. Nearby parks offer additional outdoor options including El Estero Park Complex, with a path around Lake El Estero, picnic areas, and Dennis the Menace Playground for visits with grandchildren; and Veterans Memorial Park, with forested hiking trails, bay views, picnic areas, and a bocce ball court.  

Family and friends are welcome to visit, helping residents maintain important relationships and connections. Specific visitation guidelines can be obtained directly from the community.

Yes. Merrill Gardens at Monterey is pet friendly. Residents should contact the community for current guidelines regarding pet type, size, number, required documentation, and any applicable fees or restrictions.

The community offers professional care services, supportive staff, and specialized Memory Care programming designed to support resident well-being.  

Team members are on-site 24/7. Staffing levels are based on applicable state requirements, and care is provided according to each resident’s individualized care plan.

Yes, background checks are conducted on team members in accordance with applicable state requirements.

Resident well-being is supported through care planning, wellness programming, on-site staffing, a resident call system, wellness checks and coordination around changing care needs. Families should ask how changes in appetite, mobility, medication use, mood, or cognition are documented and communicated. 

Garden House memory care provides a secure setting with trained team members available on-site.

Residents can enjoy a variety of services and amenities included in their monthly rent, such as chef prepared dining, weekly housekeeping, utilities, scheduled transportation, a robust activities program, and more. Care fees may vary depending on the level of support needed.

Merrill Gardens at Monterey starts at $5,500 though actual costs vary depending on apartment type, care level and selected services.

Move-in fees and deposits vary. We are proud to offer a month-to-month rental option with no long-term commitment. The community can provide current pricing and specific financial details.

Residents and families may explore long-term care insurance, veterans' benefits, and other financial resources. Community representatives can provide guidance and referrals.

Families should contact the community directly to discuss available resources and eligibility requirements for outside assistance programs.

Our community offers a month-to-month rental structure, giving residents flexibility and avoiding long-term commitments. The community will guide residents throughout the transition, including apartment selection, move-in preparation, and settling in.  

Please contact the community for current move-in requirements. Specific move-out and notice requirements are outlined in the residency agreement and can be reviewed with the community team.

Merrill Gardens at Monterey offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care through its dedicated Garden House neighborhood. For residents that are seeking greater independence, we also offer two-bedroom villas. 

Residents can choose from flexible living and care options designed to support changing needs while preserving autonomy, privacy, and connection to community life.

Assistance with daily living begins with an individually tailored service plan. Support is adjusted to the residents’ needs while emphasizing privacy, choice, and independence.

Merrill Gardens at Monterey provides supportive care services. Depending on a resident’s assessed needs and service plan, trained team members may assist with bathing, dressing, grooming, medication management, wellness checks, and other activities of daily living. Residents and families should ask the community team which services are delivered on-site.

Assisted Living and Memory Care residents receive assistance with personal care, daily living activities, medication management, wellness monitoring, coordination of care services, wellness checks and 24/7 supportive services in memory care. Trained team members help residents maintain health, comfort, and dignity.

The community has emergency response procedures in place, with trained team members available to respond quickly and coordinate emergency services when needed.

Senior medication management services are available through trained staff, helping residents take medications as prescribed and according to their individualized care plans.

Yes, our community offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care, allowing residents to access additional support as their needs change. Garden House provides a dedicated setting for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of memory loss. Care plans are adjusted as needs evolve, allowing residents to age in place whenever possible.

Merrill Gardens at Monterey’s focus is on residential living, personal choice, hospitality, and an active lifestyle, with assistance available for daily tasks when needed. Residents live in private apartments and can enjoy Anytime Dining, housekeeping, maintenance, wellness programming, activities, outings, and shared amenity spaces.

Residents are supported through meaningful social connections, engaging activities, creative programs, physical wellness opportunities, personalized care, and a welcoming environment that encourages purpose, belonging, connection, and emotional well-being. 

Garden House memory care uses a Montessori-informed Inspire Connection approach built around people, place, and purpose.

Absolutely. Prospective residents and families are encouraged to schedule a personalized tour to meet team members, explore the community and learn more about available services and experience the community firsthand. You can also call to speak with someone directly.

Residents and families describe Merrill Gardens at Monterey as a warm, welcoming community with friendly, supportive team members. The community is also praised for engaging activities with a variety of choices, and for its amenities, an upscale, comfortable setting, and attentive support that can help residents feel cared for and at home.

Moving to senior living is a significant transition, and adjustment takes time. The Merrill Gardens at Monterey team strives to create a welcoming environment where residents can build friendships, participate in activities, and enjoy a lifestyle tailored to their interests and needs. Personalized support helps make the transition into senior living more comfortable and successful.