Frequently Asked Questions 

Merrill Gardens at Carolina Park offers modern studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, as well as independent living cottage homes. The cottages offer four floor plans with up to three bedrooms and three bathrooms, and include an attached garage, private patio space, and maintenance. All apartments are designed for comfort, privacy and convenience.

Yes. Residents can 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 Carolina Park offers comfortable, contemporary, private residences in a variety of floor plans. Apartments include washers and dryers, and some units may include a fully-equipped kitchen and private patio space. Independent living cottages offer up to three bedrooms and three bathrooms, an attached garage, a private patio, and included maintenance. 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 and 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 Carolina Park offers a welcoming, vibrant, and upscale community where residents can shape daily life around their own interests and routines. The culture emphasizes autonomy, choice, hospitality, social connection, and flexible support, with opportunities to enjoy dining, activities, fitness, outings, and time with neighbors.

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.

The community provides a fitness area, restaurant-style dining spaces, a library, barber shop/salon, card and gathering areas, and a community swimming pool with an accessible zero-entry option. Residents also have access to a wellness program, an Active Living calendar, transportation options, weekly housekeeping, on-site maintenance, and a resident call system.  

Garden House includes a secure outdoor courtyard, while independent living cottages offer private patio space.

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

A top neighborhood draw is convenient access to Mount Pleasant’s Lowcountry outdoor lifestyle. Carolina Park has its own recreation complex with lighted multipurpose fields, planned walking trails, and court amenities, while the broader area offers parks, golf, and water activities.  

Popular Mount Pleasant destinations include Shem Creek, known for its waterfront boardwalk, marsh and harbor views, creekside dining, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding; Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens, with its historic Avenue of Oaks, gardens, and Gullah and Black history programs; and Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum.  

Residents also benefit from access to Charleston-area culture and coastal recreation, making the combination of neighborhood convenience, outdoor activity, waterfront scenery, dining, and history a leading attraction of living here.

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 Carolina Park 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 help promote resident safety and well-being.

Yes, background checks are conducted on all team members.

Resident well-being is supported through care planning, wellness programming, 24-hour staffing, a resident call system, safety 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 24/7.

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 Carolina Park starts at $3,395 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 Carolina Park offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care through its dedicated Garden House neighborhood, along with independent living cottage homes for adults age 62 and older. 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 Carolina Park 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, safety 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, safety 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.

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 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 Carolina Park’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, cottage homes, or Garden House accommodations 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.

Current residents and families generally describe Merrill Gardens at Carolina Park as a friendly, welcoming community with engaging activities, appealing dining, and supportive team members. The community is praised for meals and dining, activities, friendliness, and overall senior living.

Moving to senior living is a significant transition, and adjustment takes time. The Carolina Park 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.