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Assisted Living

Merrill Gardens at Kirkland

Families consistently rate this highly — reviewers highlight prime, walkable downtown kirkland location. Schedule a visit to confirm the fit.

14 Main St S, Moss Bay · Kirkland, WA 9803340 bedsLicensed & Active
Source: WA DSHS — view official record
Google rating
4.5/5

based on 31 Google reviews

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Merrill Gardens at Kirkland Assisted Living in Kirkland, WA — Street View
Street View

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What this means for your family

Merrill Gardens at Kirkland is an excellent choice for active seniors who value a vibrant, walkable location and a highly engaged, compassionate staff. However, families should be aware of consistent feedback regarding the quality of dining services; we recommend scheduling a meal during your tour to see if it meets your loved one's expectations.

Google Reviews

Google Reviews

31 reviews on Google
Merrill Gardens at Kirkland is highly regarded for its prime downtown location, vibrant community atmosphere, and exceptionally caring staff who are frequently praised for their personalized attention. While families appreciate the facility's cleanliness and active social calendar, some residents and family members have expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of dining services and occasional challenges with maintenance and staffing levels.

Quality Themes

Tap a score for details
Food4.0Staff9.0Clean8.0Activities9.0MedsN/AMemoryN/AComms6.0Value5.0

Strengths

  • Prime, walkable downtown Kirkland location
  • Warm, attentive, and compassionate staff
  • Strong, active social and activity calendar
  • Clean and well-maintained facility

Concerns

  • Poor or declining food quality (mentioned by 3 reviewers)
  • Staffing levels perceived as low (mentioned by 2 reviewers)
  • Difficulty scheduling or accessing maintenance (mentioned by 2 reviewers)

Rating Trends

Tap a year to see what changed

234'17(3)'19(1)'22(9)'24(5)'26(1)

Distribution · 37 analyzed

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How They Respond to Reviews

100%response rate

This facility actively engages with reviewer feedback.

Questions for Your Tour

  • 1Given the facility's prime location in downtown Kirkland, what opportunities are there for residents to safely explore the local shops and parks with staff or family?
  • 2I noticed your team is very responsive to online feedback; how do you incorporate resident and family input into your dining program to ensure the menu meets everyone's preferences?
  • 3Could you walk me through how your culinary team manages dietary needs and how you ensure consistent quality in the daily meal service?
  • 4With your focus on an active social calendar, what are some of the most popular group activities that help new residents build friendships quickly?
  • 5How do you manage maintenance requests to ensure that residents' living spaces remain in top condition and that repairs are addressed promptly?
  • 6Could you explain your staffing structure and how you ensure that residents receive attentive, personalized care throughout the day and night?

Personalized based on this facility's data


Key Review Excerpts

The staff genuinely cares and looks out for the residents and goes above and beyond to form relationships with them and their visiting family members.

Family member · 2022★★★★★

The staff rates 5 stars, but the staffing level is a shade low.

Family member · 2024★★★★

The food is not great. My suggestion would be to skip the ‘gourmet’ title and go for good, basic home cooking.

Family member · 2023★★★☆☆
Source: 31 Google reviews

State Inspection History

State Inspections

Source: WA Dept. of Social & Health Services

8total
68deficiencies
Mar 23, 2026Fire

Initial inspection on 02/17/2026 resulted in disapproval. Follow-up inspection on 03/23/2026 confirmed all previous violations were corrected.

Appliance Connection to Building PipingIFC 606.4 2021

Gas appliances on casters in the kitchen are not limited by a restraining device.

Inspection, Testing and MaintenanceIFC 907.8 2021

Facility unable to provide documentation for monthly single station smoke alarm testing.

Fire DrillsGroup I/E/R2

Missing documentation for 12 planned/unannounced fire drills; missing specific shift drills; no participant list for Nov/Dec 2025; counting alarms as drills.

Owner's ResponsibilityIFC 701.6 2021

Facility is unable to provide documentation that the annual fire resistance rated construction material inspection has been completed.

Smoke Detector SensitivityIFC 907.8.3 2021

Facility unable to provide documentation for required smoke detector sensitivity testing.

Duct and Air Transfer OpeningsIFC 706.1 2018

5 fire and smoke dampers failed testing; deficiencies noted in 6/21/2023 testing have not been corrected.

Internally Illuminated Exit SignsIFC 1013.5 2021

Internally illuminated exit signs near 221 failed to illuminate during testing.

Door OperationIFC 705.2.4 2021

The fire rated door from the elevator near 324 to the corridor would not close and latch from a fully open position.

Emergency Power for IlluminationIFC 1008.3.1 2021

Emergency egress light 32N near 406 failed to illuminate during testing.

Obstructed LocationsIFC 903.3.3 2021

Sprinkler head in the walk-in freezer is obstructed by boxes and food.

Power TestIFC 1031.10.2 2021

Facility unable to provide documentation for annual 90-minute power test of emergency lights.

Dec 2, 2025Investigation

Investigation involved allegations of a bruise during transfer, fear of staff, and threatened discharge. Only the documentation deficiency regarding the bruise was substantiated.

Content of resident recordsWAC 388-78A-2410-1Corrected Jan 12, 2026

The facility failed to document an investigation, assessment, and monitoring of a resident's bruised arm despite the resident being on blood thinners.

Oct 20, 2025Inspection

Consultation was also provided for WAC 388-78A-2474 (First-aid training) and WAC 388-78A-3040 (Laundry ventilation), which were corrected by the exit conference.

Tuberculosis One testWAC 388-78A-2483Corrected Nov 30, 2025

Facility failed to ensure 2 of 3 sampled staff (Staff B and Staff C) completed a TB test within three days of hire, despite prior two-step testing.

Tuberculosis Two step skin testingWAC 388-78A-2484Corrected Nov 30, 2025

Facility failed to ensure 1 of 3 sampled staff (Staff A) completed an initial TB skin test within three days of hire.

Background checksWAC 388-78A-2466Corrected Nov 30, 2025

Facility failed to ensure valid Washington state background checks were completed every two years for 12 of 12 sampled staff.

Jan 29, 2025Fire

There is also a separate page indicating an 'Approved' status on 06/23/2025, but the detailed inspection report provided is for a 'Disapproved' inspection on 01/29/2025.

Frequency of emergency drillsIFC 405.2 2021

Facility must perform one fire drill per shift within 30 days.

Owner's Responsibility (Fire-resistance-rated construction)IFC 701.6 2021

Facility needs to identify and establish a schedule for annual inspection of fire-resistance-rated construction.

Fire Alarm Inspection, Testing and MaintenanceIFC 907.8 2021

Report dated 9/12/2024 shows 6 deficiencies; system found in 'supervisor' mode.

Emergency Lighting MaintenanceIFC 1032.10 2021

Monthly activation test report and annual 90-minute test report (with 5 deficiencies) not provided.

Modified or damaged electrical equipmentIFC 603.2.1 2021

Kitchen #K-1-15 receptacle shows signs of wear.

Door OperationIFC 705.2.4 2021

5th floor double doors by room 512 will not latch.

Smoke Detector SensitivityIFC 907.8.3 2021

Sensitivity testing report not provided.

Fire Door Inspection and TestingNFPA 80

Facility lacks established schedule for annual fire door inspections.

Extension CordsIFC 603.6 2021

Multiple instances of multi-plug or extension cord misuse in Wellness center, Laundry storage, and Front desk.

Sprinkler Testing and MaintenanceIFC 903.5 2021

Missing 5-year internal pipe and FDC hydro testing reports; missing escutcheon in hallway by employee bathroom.

Carbon Monoxide DetectionIFC 0915.1 2021

Monthly testing and maintenance schedule for CO alarms not documented.

Hood CleaningIFC 606.3.3 2021

First semi-annual hood cleaning report not provided.

Extinguishing System ServiceIFC 904.13.5.2 2021

Second semi-annual service report not provided.

Emergency Lighting Power TestIFC 1031.10.2 2018

#75 emergency light by room 215 fails to activate when test button is pushed.

Apr 23, 2024Inspection

Follow-up inspection on 06/18/2024 found all previously listed deficiencies from 04/23/2024 were corrected.

Background checksWAC 388-78A-2466Corrected Jun 15, 2024

1 of 2 staff (Staff F) lacked a valid WA state name/DOB background check updated every 2 years and documentation of national fingerprint check.

Water supplyWAC 388-78A-2950Corrected Jun 15, 2024

Hot water temperatures in 4 of 4 sampled resident apartments and 12 of 12 facility sinks were measured above the 120-degree Fahrenheit limit.

Training and home care aide certification requirementsWAC 388-78A-2474 / WAC 388-112A-0200 / WAC 388-112A-0611 / WAC 388-112A-0710 / WAC 388-112A-0720Corrected Jun 15, 2024

3 of 5 direct care staff did not meet training requirements (orientation, specialty training, 70-hour training, or First Aid/CPR).

VentilationWAC 388-78A-3000Corrected Jun 15, 2024

14 of 14 rooms tested showed non-functioning ventilation systems, failing to provide air exchange to the outside.

Tuberculosis testingWAC 388-78A-2484Corrected Jun 15, 2024

3 of 3 newly hired caregivers did not complete required two-step TB skin testing.

Food worker cardsWAC 246-215-02120 / WAC 388-78A-2305Corrected Jun 15, 2024

3 of 7 staff responsible for food service did not maintain valid food handler's cards.

Infection controlWAC 388-78A-2610Corrected Jun 15, 2024

2 of 2 housekeeping staff were observed handling soiled laundry against their clothing, contrary to infection control standards.

Apr 19, 2024Investigation

Follow-up inspection on 07/17/2024 confirmed no further deficiencies (Compliance Determination 44271).

Other requirementsWAC 388-78A-2040Corrected Apr 23, 2024

Facility failed to ensure 100 residents resided in an environment approved by the State Fire Marshal; multiple fire safety violations identified including missing fire drills, no annual fire-rated construction inspection, fire door/latching issues, non-functional emergency lighting, and lack of required maintenance documentation.

Feb 20, 2024Fire

The inspection report includes cumulative data from multiple visits (2023-12-18, 2024-01-17, and 2024-02-20). Several items previously noted as deficiencies were marked as 'Corrected' in the final inspection on 02/20/2024.; Facility Approval Status: Disapproved. Next inspection scheduled on or after 01/17/2024.

Record KeepingIFC 0405.5 2018

Missing 3rd shift emergency evacuation drills for Quarters 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Inspection, Testing and MaintenanceIFC 907.8 2018

Fire alarm system found in 'Trouble' status.

Extension CordsIFC 604.5 2018

Extension cord in use in 2nd floor med room.

Penetrations - Maintaining ProtectionIFC 703.1 2018

Issue identified in 3rd floor telephone/data room.

Carbon Monoxide Detection - GeneralIFC 0915.1 2015, 2018 WAC 51-54A

Missing carbon monoxide alarm in commercial laundry room near fossil fuel burning appliance.

Owner's ResponsibilityIFC 701.6 2018 WAC 51-54A

Facility lacks established schedule and records for annual inspection of fire-rated construction.

Smoke Detector SensitivityIFC 907.8.3 2012, 2015, 2018

Required sensitivity testing paperwork not provided.

Unapproved conditionsIFC 604.6 2018

Open junction box found in kitchen office.

Door OperationIFC 705.2.4 2018

Multiple doors failed to latch or close, including fire doors on various floors, elevator doors, and wellness/theater doors.

Emergency Lighting Equipment Inspection and TestingIFC 1031.10 2018

Seven instances of non-functional emergency lighting found throughout the building.

Penetrations - Maintaining ProtectionIFC 703.1 2018

Fire-rated construction breach observed in the 3rd floor telephone/data room.

Emergency Lighting Equipment Inspection and TestingIFC 1031.10 2018

Emergency lighting units not functional at various locations (e.g., 5th floor, 3rd floor, 2nd floor, parking garage).

CleaningIFC 607.3.3 2018

Second semi-annual hood cleaning documentation not provided.

Inspection, Testing and MaintenanceIFC 907.8 2018

Fire alarm system found in trouble state.

Circuit identification and AccessibilityNFPA 72 10.6.5.2

Fire alarm circuit breaker in electrical room is missing required locking device.

Door OperationIFC 705.2.4 2018

Multiple fire doors throughout the facility are failing to latch or close automatically.

Fire Door Inspection and TestingNFPA 80

No record of annual fire door inspections; resident door 410 has a gap on top.

Owner's ResponsibilityIFC 701.6 2018 WAC 51-54A

Facility lacks a schedule/inventory for annual inspection of fire-resistance-rated construction.

Smoke Detector SensitivityIFC 907.8.3 2012, 2015, 2018

Sensitivity testing documentation not provided.

NFPA 80 Fire Door Inspection and TestingNFPA 80 5.2.1

Missing annual inspection schedule for resident doors; resident door 410 has a gap on top.

Sep 1, 2023Fire

The facility was initially 'Disapproved' due to multiple deficiencies identified on 03/09/2023, followed by a formal warning letter on 06/07/2023, and was marked 'Approved' on 09/01/2023.

Hood cleaningIFC 607.3.3

Could not produce second hood cleaning record within 6 months of May 2022.

Door operationIFC 705.2.4

4th floor cross corridor fire doors did not close/latch from open position.

Fire alarm inspectionIFC 907.8Corrected Jul 12, 2023

Annual fire alarm inspection did not include entire building.

Fire-resistance-rated constructionIFC 701.6Corrected Jun 14, 2023

Could not produce annual fire wall inspection.

Duct and air transfer openingsIFC 706.1Corrected Jul 10, 2023

Could not produce fire and smoke damper report.

Emergency drillsIFC 405.2

Facility could not produce records for 3rd quarter (swing shift) and 4th quarter (all shifts) drills.

Opening protectivesIFC 705.2

Could not produce annual fire door inspection.

Sprinkler systemsIFC 903.5

Missing 5-year internal inspection, 3-year dry system trip test, forward flow test, and full building annual inspection.

Working space and clearanceIFC 604.3

Storage found within 36 inches of electrical panels in 4th floor electrical room and 2nd floor electrical room.

Hold-open devicesIFC 705.2.3

Resident rooms 410 and 317 held open with door stops.

Commercial cooking systemsIFC 904.12.5

Could not produce a heat survey.

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References & Resources

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