Pros: Great people. Excellent facility. Surprisingly good food…read more Cons: None The twilight of life is often not an easy time. In late April 2018, my wife and I moved from Silicon Valley which we called home for more than 35 years to Nipomo, about 210 miles to the south. My mother relocated from Pennsylvania to San Jose in February 2015 and took up residence in a nice retirement facility (part of the Brookdale group). When we moved, there was little choice for her but to go with us. The Central Coast of California between San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria is a remarkably happy place. The weather is tough to beat. Vineyards cover many of the hills. The Pacific Ocean is never far away. People seem to be content...whether fellow shoppers in the stores, neighbors or drivers(!). Still, finding the appropriate place for an aging parent is not a simple job. If moving is one of life's toughest jobs for a person in good health and sound mind, it's a treacherous task for a 90 year old with many ailments, both real and imagined. A few minutes after arriving at Merrill Gardens, my wife and I turned to each other and said "this is it". My mother moved there 3 weeks after we settled into our new home. Any transition is hard, especially for an elderly person who established a life in one city and didn't really want to try it again in another. She only lived 5 weeks in Merrill Gardens before succumbing to a variety of medical issues, but the staff and people in that residence made our lives as sweet as possible, both before and after her passing. - Location: Convenient. Merrill Gardens is in the northern part of Santa Maria, about 3 minutes east of Highway 101 off the Donovan Road exit. - Exterior: Very attractive. There are 2 large 3 story buildings...one built in the early 2000s and the other around 2010 (I believe)...plus a circle of cottages to the north and east. Attention has obviously been given to the landscaping which gives the complex a residential appeal. You might say it's the nicest part of the neighborhood. - Interior (of the newer building where my mother lived): Bright and cheerful. The receptionist and concierge are just inside the entrance with a "great room" to the left. It's warm, colorful and cozy. The initial feeling you get is "they take care of things at this place". The dining room remains open from early morning to late evening since Merrill Gardens has a policy of "anytime dining". It's large and airy with tables spaced far enough apart to permit privacy yet allow conversation among friends. The hallways are more spacious and inviting than at similar facilities. There are several rooms for meetings and movies, the largest library I've seen in such places and a very active pool table nearby. - Apartments: Generous. My mother had a one bedroom unit on the 2nd floor with about 600 square feet plus a balcony of 100 square feet. When she arrived, there had only been one occupant since the facility opened. It was cleaned and painted with a bigger kitchen than she had in San Jose...including a large refrigerator, microwave and stove. Maybe not all the amenities of a real home (such as a lack of good storage), but not too shabby either. - Dining: Really good. My mother was a picky eater, but definitely enjoyed her meals at Merrill Gardens. While we were sometimes dragged to dinner in San Jose, we went willingly here. The food was tasty and the servers friendly and patient. - Senior Staff: The best. We can't say enough good things about the Chief Executive, Audie Sherberg and Community Managers Kim Adams and Gary Gross, but I'll try. Kind, accommodating, informative and willing to listen to a family's tales of woe. It was like having friends on the inside. The receptionists were always helpful, especially Barbara during the week. - Caretakers and Other Staff: More of the best. Kind, supportive and patient. They're not the most highly paid, but their jobs are tough. - Other Residents: Very friendly. It's as if the happy atmosphere of the Central Coast extended to the residents. Older age did not deter these people from smiling. - Cost: Reasonable. We paid $3,250/month for the one bedroom apartment which was roughly the same as in San Jose, but for a nicer facility. However, it can get expensive if you need ancillary services, including management of medicines and specialized care. NOTE: The initial "community fee" of $4,000 covers the facility's move-in costs. If your family member leaves within the first 4 months, you'll get a pro-rated amount back. Mr. Sherberg was very helpful in getting us the largest possible refund. - Value: Excellent. The best money spent in quite a while. I hesitated writing this review for a few months after my mother's death because I wanted to make sure the long process ended as well as it began. It did. There are no "ifs, ands or buts" to the 5 stars awarded to Merrill Gardens in Santa Maria.

Beautiful facility, kind and friendly people, and nice staff. Can't ask for more unless a…read moregood-looking young man comes with the deal.

We moved my mom into The Oaks in March 2025. They advertise that they have Memory care. Whenever my…read moredad visited he saw nothing of the sort. They have no medical staff at all. They kick my mom out 2 days shy of a month. Three weeks after being kicked out she passed away. My dad and I blame this institution for the rapid decline of my mom. This is one place you need to stay away from.

We have recently moved our mother into the Oaks in Nipomo which is a beautiful facility and they…read moreseemed to meet every requirement that we needed for my mother. The staff is incredible friendly, welcoming and always have a smile on their face and willing to go above and beyond what is expected. They have care and compassion. The facility is gorgeous, clean and inviting and the people that live there are incredibly sweet, helpful and friendly. If you are looking for a wonderful facility for you parents than this is a fantastic option!

Food is just OK, I would say this is an independent living place with little assistance if you have…read moresome illness. Anytime there is anything but minor healthcare, they send you right off to a rehab or extended care. Meanwhile, they charge you your full amount for being at their facility even though you will not be getting any services. I would not recommend this place.

From the owner: Welcome to Santa Maria Terrace in Santa Maria, CA! Our senior living community provides exceptional…read moreaccommodations for those seeking independent or assisted living. Our compassionate and experienced staff is dedicated to providing personalized care plans and a secure living environment, ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents. Our services include assistance with activities of daily living, medication management, housekeeping, and delicious meals. Our community also offers a range of amenities and engaging activities, allowing our residents to live an active and fulfilling life. Come experience the comfort and care at Santa Maria Terrace.

My father spent 2 years at Villa Care Home II. The administration and staff were outstanding. He…read morehad his own bedroom in a small house (very clean) with other residents. The quality of care, physically and emotionally, were beyond met for my father. The communication between the care home and myself were always consistent. Any issues or concerns were always brought to my attention. My father enjoyed being at the home and enjoyed all staff members. The administrators and staff displayed genuine care and love for my father. I highly recommend Villa Care Home in Santa Maria.

From the owner: We are a residential care home for the elderly. read more

My Dad is currently a resident. I was able to travel to visit him. The facility is gorgeous and the…read morestaff was great. My step Mom has said the staff has been wonderfully supportive during the tough transition to having my Dad live there. You will get your money's worth at Casa Rosa.

Our family could not be more pleased with the quality care and support provided to our loved one by…read moreRoxandra, Fabiola, and the entire Casa Rosa team. The facility and grounds are beautiful and well-maintained. We are truly grateful for their services.

I placed my mother in Cypress Garden in the spring of 2017and was very happy with the care she…read morereceived. This facility is well appointed and very comfortable. More importantly, Gabriella and her staff are kind and caring individuals, who were most considerate of her needs. My family and I felt that she could not have received better care and attention. I read the other reviews before placing my mom, and I honestly was completely happy with my decision. Our experience was very positive and I would recommend Cypress Garden without reservation.

CONSIDER CAREFULLY BEFORE TAKING YOUR LOVED ONE TO CYPRESS GARDEN ELDER CARE in the Cypress Ridge…read morecommunity. My mother lived in Cypress Garden for over a year and I will always regret bringing her to this place. Cons: In my opinion, the owner-operator, Gabriela Soo, is controlling, mentally abusive and difficult to work with. For instance, Mother asked to be taken to the bathroom and Gabriela refused as "she had gone to the bathroom an hour ago." Luckily I was there to intervene. I many times wondered what happened and what personal considerations were denied while I was not there. My mother suffered three pressure sores within six months under Gabriela's care. Gabriela did not inform me about two of these pressure sores. I only learned about the existence of those two pressure sores when my Mother's nurse visited. Gabriela also refused to let me view my Mother's daily log. While my Mother was a resident, the residents' doors were usually closed and mingling was not encouraged. There were very few activities offered. When out of town family visited and Gabriela asked them to leave at 4:30 pm which was against our contract, my Mother's and family wishes. Pros: The house is beautiful, clean and immaculate. Most caregivers are great, particularly Monica and Robert. My advice - seek other alternatives.