Merrill Gardens at Brentwood (2025)

Merrill Gardens at Brentwood Overview & Living Options

• Levels of care

  • Independent Living focuses on vibrant, social-focused lifestyles with minimal assistance.

  • Assisted Living supports activities of daily living—bathing, medication, mobility—with personalized care.

  • Memory Care offers a secure, structured setting for residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia needs.

• Unit types & pricing
  The community offers studios, 1-bedroom, and 2‑bedroom apartments, each featuring full kitchens, washer/dryers, ample closets, and private bathrooms. Assisted Living rents begin around $2,899/month, potentially rising to $8,695 depending on care levels and unit selection.

• Campus layout & construction
  Set on nearly 7 acres, the campus includes 123 units across multiple wings with sustainable Kebony Clear shiplap wood exterior—blending elegance and durability

Amenities & Services

• 24-hour staffing & safety
  Round-the-clock care team including Resident Call System ensures safety, especially for Assisted and Memory Care residents

• Dining options
  Offers any‑time dining in a bistro-style café plus private areas for family events—residents appreciate meals “prepared for me,” lending a sense of ease .

• House & maintenance services
  Weekly housekeeping, full maintenance, and laundry take care of domestic chores so residents can relax.

• Fitness & wellness
  Amenities include exercise room, tailored fitness classes, wellness programs, even a spa-like salon/barbershop

• Recreation & social spaces
  Theater-style media room, library, game and activity rooms, outdoor fire‑pit with grills, resort-style pool, multiple lounges, patios—ensuring daily opportunities for social, intellectual, and physical engagement

• Transportation & convenience
  Scheduled transport for shopping, appointments, and off‑campus excursions. It’s particularly valuable for residents who no longer drive .

• Pet-friendly environment
  Pet companionship is supported—it’s a warm, home‑like setting where pets can share the space .

Resident Experience & Community Vibe

• Positive resident testimonials

  • “Moving to Merrill Gardens was the best move I could have made. The team is wonderful… I’m so happy here.” — Harriet (resident)

  • “Feels like a home. Staff and all workers… make me feel as if I belonged.” — Mildred B.

  • One independent living resident noted excellent emergency response and strong social bonds.

• Overall satisfaction

  • Seniorly scores it 9.8/10 based on crowd-sourced feedback

  • A Place for Mom highlights its warm “home feel,” attentive staff, and family atmosphere

• Areas to watch
  Some reviews mention occasional understaffing, delays in construction, or reimbursement communication hiccups—but these are rarer and overshadowed by the overwhelmingly positive experiences

Location & Local Highlights

• About Brentwood, CA (East Bay)

  • Located in eastern Contra Costa County, part of the SF Bay Area.

  • Population ~65,000 with deep agricultural roots and rapid suburban growth; known for cherries, peaches, corn

  • Vibrant with parks (over 72), trails, Arts Society events (Art/Wine/Jazz), and a playful city designation.

• Nearby conveniences

  • Close to medical centers, pharmacies, shopping, dining.

  • Tri Delta Transit connects to Antioch BART and regional transit—handy for family visits.

• Comfortable suburbia
  Brentwood’s community spaces support wellness, arts, recreation—making it an ideal backdrop for senior residents seeking both activity and calm.

Architecture, Design & Environmental Aspects

• Kebony wood façade
  The modern aesthetic is enhanced by Kebony Clear shiplap cladding—eco-friendly, resilient, and visually upscale

• Design continuity
  Interiors blend natural tones, open spaces, high ceilings, sunlight, and landscaping. It feels like upscale residential living rather than an institutional facility .

• Outdoor emphasis
  Facilities like pool decks, patios, fire‑pit areas speak to California’s climate and the community’s aim to encourage outdoor social life.

Awards & Recognition

• 2024 Seniorly Award
  A top-rated senior living community for excellence in resident experience

• Great Place to Work (2024–2025)
  Recognized as an excellent workplace—indicative of positive staff culture, which translates into better resident care

Decision & Consideration Factors

If you’re evaluating Merrill Gardens at Brentwood for yourself or a loved one, consider:

Questions to Ask When Touring

1. How are personal care plans designed and updated?

2. What is staff-to-resident ratio on each care level?

3. Are there additional fees for meals, transportation, activities, or supervision?

4. How are memory care programs structured and how is secure monitoring handled?

5. Can family members participate in events or access on-site guest spaces?

6. What’s the wait time for specific apartment layouts?

Conclusion

Merrill Gardens at Brentwood offers a dynamic, upscale senior living experience with:

• Three tailored care levels from independent living to memory care.

• Thoughtful amenities that blend comfort, security, and community life.

• High praise from residents and families for staff, environment, and quality.

• Strong design identity, with Kebony wood exterior, natural interiors, spacious outdoor social zones.

• Prime location in a thriving, amenity-filled suburb of the East Bay.

For those seeking a “home away from home” for seniors that combines warmth, engagement, and professional care, Merrill Gardens at Brentwood ranks strongly as a first-tier option.