Merrill Gardens at the University
Families consistently rate this highly — reviewers highlight warm, attentive, and professional staff. Schedule a visit to confirm the fit.
based on 60 Google reviews
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What this means for your family
Merrill Gardens at The University is highly regarded for its compassionate staff and vibrant social environment, making it an excellent choice for seniors seeking an active community. While the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, families should note that dining quality can occasionally fluctuate, so it is worth asking about current meal options during your tour.
Google Reviews
Google Reviews
60 reviews on Google“Merrill Gardens at The University is widely praised by families for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and highly attentive staff who facilitate smooth transitions for new residents. Reviewers frequently highlight the beautiful, well-maintained courtyard and the facility's convenient location near University Village. While the vast majority of feedback is glowing, a minor note on dining consistency suggests that food quality can occasionally vary.”
Quality Themes
Tap a score for detailsStrengths
- Warm, attentive, and professional staff
- Beautiful, well-maintained courtyard and grounds
- Smooth and supportive move-in/transition process
- Vibrant community with diverse social activities
Concerns
- Inconsistent food quality (mentioned by 2 reviewers)
Rating Trends
Tap a year to see what changed
Distribution · 64 analyzed
How They Respond to Reviews
This facility actively engages with reviewer feedback.
Questions for Your Tour
- 1I noticed your team is very active in responding to feedback online; how do you incorporate that kind of open communication into your daily relationship with families?
- 2The courtyard is beautiful and clearly a highlight for residents; what are some of the most popular social activities or gatherings that take place in that space?
- 3We understand that dining is a major part of community life; could you share how you are currently working to ensure the menu variety and food quality meet the high standards of your residents?
- 4Given the smaller, intimate size of this community with 45 residents, how does your staff ensure that each person receives personalized attention while still fostering a vibrant group atmosphere?
- 5Since the transition process is often a big step, could you walk us through how your team supports a new resident during those first few weeks to help them feel at home?
- 6With your focus on assisted living, what is your protocol for handling medical needs or emergencies after hours to ensure residents feel secure around the clock?
Personalized based on this facility's data
Key Review Excerpts
“The staff go out of their way to love and care for my parents in numerous ways. Naomi, for example, always knows where my parents are and anticipates their needs ahead of time, including their favorite coffee drinks!”
“The staff made the transition very easy. My uncle had lived alone for decades, yet the staff was so welcoming and friendly that he felt at home and comfortable right away.”
“The care staff has been supportive and kind to my parent who needs assisted living care. We are in regular communication with the nurse and the staff.”
State Inspection History
State Inspections
Source: WA Dept. of Social & Health Services
Jun 16, 2025Inspection
A follow-up inspection on 07/10/2025 (Compliance Determination 62362) indicated that the deficiencies for WAC 388-78A-2305-1, 2305-2, and 2483-1 were corrected.
Facility failed to ensure pets on the premises were certified by a veterinarian to be free of diseases transmittable to humans.
Facility lacked a system for labeling and dating food; 2 of 8 staff members lacked valid food handler's permits.
Facility failed to ensure 2 of 2 specified staff members completed the required one-step tuberculin skin test (TST).
Feb 27, 2024Investigation
Letter confirms that deficiencies for WAC 388-78A-2040, 2040-1, and 2040-2 (previously cited under compliance determinations 37057 and 35646) were corrected as of the 02/27/2024 inspection.
Jan 24, 2024Enforcement$1,000.00Report
Letter confirms the imposition of a $1,000.00 civil fine for an uncorrected deficiency. Mentions that 36 residents, staff, and visitors were put at risk.
The facility failed to ensure compliance with the Washington State Patrol Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) following their fourth follow-up Fire and Life Safety Inspection (LSI), which had been previously cited on September 8, 2023.
Dec 27, 2023Inspection
A follow-up letter dated 02/20/2024 states all listed deficiencies (WAC 388-78A-2450-2-e, 388-78A-2484, 388-78A-2484-1, 388-78A-2484-2) were corrected.
Facility failed to ensure 2 of 5 sampled staff completed two-step TB skin testing within the required regulatory time frames.
Facility failed to ensure 1 of 5 sampled staff had 12 hours of approved continuing education (CE) for 2022 and 2023.
—Fire16Report
Facility received multiple 'Disapproved' statuses across inspections conducted in March, April, and June 2023.
Extension cords in activity room are being daisy chained and lack proper overcurrent protection.
Facility unable to provide documentation that the annual fire door inspection has been completed.
Facility unable to provide documentation for semi-annual kitchen suppression system servicing.
Facility unable to provide documentation for monthly 30-second activation test.
Facility cannot provide documentation for the completion of twelve planned and unannounced fire drills in the previous 12 months.
Facility unable to provide documentation that the annual fire wall inspection has been completed.
Missing documentation for annual inspection, 5-year internal pipe inspection, 3-year dry trip test, quarterly inspections, and fire department connection hydrostatic test.
Emergency lights failed test/showed failure lights; exit sign functionality unknown.
Electrical room near apt 331 has a refrigerator blocking the panel; electrical room on parking level has storage blocking the panel.
Fire door in exercise room propped open/disabled; employee lounge door propped open; corridor door by room 419 not closing properly.
Missing documentation for annual fire alarm testing; fire alarm panel in trouble state; missing monthly smoke alarm testing.
Facility unable to provide documentation for annual 90-minute power test.
Facility unable to provide documentation for semi-annual hood cleaning.
Facility unable to provide documentation for the 4 year fire and smoke damper inspection.
Facility unable to provide documentation for monthly carbon monoxide detector testing.
Facility unable to provide an emergency plan with the required steps and documentation.
Contact
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References & Resources
Google Maps
Photos, directions & neighborhood info
Google Reviews
60 reviews from families & visitors
Official Website
Visit merrillgardens.com
Medicare data downloads
Original nursing home datasets
WA DSHS — View Official Record
Public-record source of inspection history and licensure data shown on this page
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