Merrill Gardens at Oceanside – Oceanside, CA

3500 Lake Blvd., Oceanside, CA 92056

Merrill Gardens at Oceanside is a senior community with customized services in Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care. The community offers a secure building and gated property in a busy, commercial area of Oceanside, CA – right off the 78 freeway in North County San Diego. There are plenty of attractions in the surrounding area like shopping centers and restaurants. In 2016, the community began a big renovation project to its common areas and offices.

Details You Should Know

Care Types Provided
Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care
Pricing Tier
Moderate
Location Type
Suburban
Apartments Furnished
No
License
374603371 View Inspection Report
Capacity
175
Pets
Yes

General Information

Merrill Gardens at Oceanside is a moderately-sized, senior community at the corner of two busy streets in North County San Diego – close to the 78 Freeway. Within a couple blocks are a wide variety of restaurants, a Walmart, banks, PetSmart, Starbucks, beauty salons, Albertsons and many other small businesses. This particular community is high in demand. In fact, Merrill Gardens at Oceanside is often at capacity. You’ll need to contact the staff directly for details on availability.

Since the community is undergoing major renovations, whereas the design plans show a number of exquisite updates to the community. There will be two new, beautiful outdoor dining areas (one upstairs and one downstairs). The one-bedroom apartment has a kitchenette, living room, bedroom and full bathroom, with all new carpet and paint. Each suite receives a complete cleaning before new residents move in.

Merrill Gardens at Oceanside places a strong focus on the needs of its residents. According to the staff, Merrill Gardens takes a deep interest in knowing the preferences, hobbies, and interests, which will impact the daily routines, such as meal options and activities.

Pricing & Financials

  • Community Fee Independent Living & Assisted Living is $3,000. Memory Care is $4,000
  • Assisted Living

    Studio: $2,750

    One Bedroom: $3,200

    Two Bedroom: $4,900

  • Memory Care

    Private Suite: $4,000

Lease Terms

Month to month

Pet Fee

$50/month

*All prices listed above are "starting at" monthly estimates. Monthly resident fees may be higher depending on the level of care required.

Community Details

Dining: Residents of Merrill Gardens of Oceanside receive 3 meals per day and snacks. One benefit of Merrill Gardens is its “Anytime Dining.” Residents can eat their meals at any time of the day. The dining room hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. In addition to the normal daily menu of burgers, salads, soups and sandwiches, the kitchen staff offers several daily specials. Notably, there will be a new coffee bar with its own Merrill Gardens house coffee roast, as part of the renovations.

  • Cafe or bistro
  • Guest meals
  • International cuisine
  • Meal preparation and service
  • Meals included in base rent
  • Additional meals available
  • Daily snacks
  • Private dining room
  • Professional chef
  • Room service
  • Accommodates special diets

Care Services/Staffing: The staff at Merrill Gardens at Oceanside offer services in Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care. The philosophy of Merrill Gardens centers around helping its residents live a “fuller, more liberated life.” The staff will take care of cooking, cleaning and yard work, and offers a number of fitness classes, games and outings to enjoy. It also sets up individually tailored service plans that may include bathing, grooming, dressing, medication management, safety checks, and more.

Room Features:

  • Kitchenette with refrigerator & microwave
  • Handicap-accessible bathroom w/ grab bars
  • 2 large closets
  • Emergency communication system
  • All utilities including Cable TV

Community Amenities & Activities

Building Features: The Independent Living and Assisted Living apartments are located in the main building. The dining room and elevators sit in the middle, which offers a lot of convenience for the residents. There is a small activity room where residents frequent for card games, computer-use and socialization. As part of the renovations, there will be a new bar area, movie theater, outdoor dining, and game rooms. Updates also include new flat screen monitors for the computer room and televisions.

The Memory Care units divide into 2 different home-like environments – each holding up to 24 residents at a time. This setup allows for more personalized service and a pleasant atmosphere.

Amenities:

  • Beautician onsite
  • Housekeeping services
  • Located close to restaurants
  • Located close to shopping centers
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant-style dining
  • Library
  • Piano
  • Movie Theater
  • Private dining room
  • Courtyard
  • Patio
  • Resident and guest parking
  • Bistro
  • Computer room

Activities:

  • Chair yoga
  • Birthday celebrations
  • Walking group
  • Weekly outings
  • Arts and crafts
  • Church services
  • Current events
  • Cooking classes
  • BINGO
  • Shopping trips

Other Features/Amenities:

  • Resident call system
  • On-site maintenance
  • Anytime dining
  • Pet-friendly

Location

Merrill Gardens at Oceanside is located off the 78 Freeway in Oceanside. While there is a lot of noise from traffic around the area, you cannot notice it inside Merrill Gardens. Conveniently, the community is within a short walk of many different restaurants and shopping options. Hop in the car and you’re a short drive away from other shopping centers in downtown, Oceanside State Beach, and the Oceanside Pier. Merrill Gardens at Oceanside is one of three Assisted Living communities on the same street. The San Diego International Airport is 40 miles south of the community. Carlsbad is relatively close, and offers a big shopping mall, outlets, beaches, LEGOLAND and a number of family-friendly restaurants.

Local attractions

  • Buena Vista Audubon Society
  • Oceanside Museum of Art
  • California Surf Museum
  • Hill Street Country Club Gallery
  • Kruglak Gallery

Parks, Beaches & Trails:

  • Oceanside State Beach
  • Carlsbad State Beach
  • Discovery Lake
  • Lake San Marcos
  • Escondido Parks & Trails

Shopping: Merrill Gardens very close to stores such as Ralphs, TJ Maxx, Walmart, Sport Chalet, the Dollar Store, Home Depot, Costco and an array of restaurants. The Carlsbad Premium Outlets are located within 10 miles, and has a number of restaurants, clothing stores and home stores.

Things to do:

  • San Diego Zoo
  • San Diego Safari Park
  • LEGOLAND
  • Sea World
  • Wave Waterpark

Nearest hospitals & doctors

Scripps Coastal Medical Center Oceanside – Vista

3998 Vista Way C 202

Oceanside, CA 92056

Tri-City Medical Center

4002 Vista Way

Oceanside, CA 92056

Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas  

354 Santa Fe Dr

Encinitas, CA 92024

Nearest places of worship

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

1545 S Melrose Dr

Vista, CA 92081

C3 Church San Diego | NORTH CAMPUS

2716 Gateway Rd

Carlsbad, CA 92009

Holy Cross Episcopal Church

2510 Gateway Rd

Carlsbad, CA 92009

Community FAQ

Are the apartments furnished at Merrill Gardens at Oceanside?

Please contact the staff at Merrill Gardens at Oceanside for more details.

Is there a licensed nurse on staff at all times?

Not entirely. The Memory Care has a nurse on duty at all times of the day. But in Assisted Living and Independent Living, there is no nurse. There is regular staff on site, 24/7.

Is Merrill Gardens at Oceanside able to accommodate a special diet?

In the main building, the kitchen staff does not accommodate special diets. Meals options include the following: low in salt, low in sugar or vegetarian. The Memory Care unit offers special diets, plus other options like puree, thickened liquids, etc.

Are pets allowed at Merrill Gardens at Oceanside?

Yes, if the resident can take care of his or her own pet. There is a monthly fee of $50.

Does Merrill Gardens at Oceanside require a long-term contract?

No. The contract is month-to-month.

What types of health assessments are performed routinely?

When a resident moves-in, the nursing staff at Merrill Gardens at Oceanside will conduct a comprehensive assessment for those who need assisted living. It determines the exact required level of care for the resident, which starts at $425 per month. Thereafter, the staff will perform routine checks to ensure the resident is receiving the proper care.

What types of community events does Merrill Gardens at Oceanside offer?

Trips to the California Center for the Performing Arts, restaurants, the Antique Gas and Steam Engine museum, casino. Merrill Gardens at Oceanside is going to add another weekly outing to its schedule because these trips are high in demand.