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Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community

80 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060US
  • Memory Care
  • Assisted Living

Compare Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community

Review Average3.9

About Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community

from Oasis Senior Advisors

Sunshine Villa offers Assisted Living, Independent Living, and Memory Care under one roof, allowing residents to shift seamlessly to higher levels of support if their needs change. Care teams are trained to manage residents who wander during the day or night, are at risk for elopement, or stay up all night, and they follow protocols for oxygen therapy, special diets, and oral‐medication diabetes management. The Memory Care program is equipped to handle advanced dementia conditions, using individualized care plans that emphasize safety and continuity.

Around-the-clock clinical oversight is provided by an RN or LPN, and there is always an awake night-shift staff member on-site. Background-checked caregivers monitor residents through door alarms, WanderGuard systems, pull cords, and PERS devices, while 24-hour security personnel maintain building safety. On-site podiatry visits reduce the need for outside appointments. When full assistance is required, staff can help with bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting, and they accommodate transfer needs ranging from standby support and walker aid to wheelchair assistance, one-person transfers, and bed-bound care.

Residences vary by layout and finish; some feature a private bathroom, kitchenette, independent temperature controls, and cable service, but not every apartment includes all of these elements. Dining is flexible, with meals prepared to order, snacks available throughout the day, and diet modifications or management provided for medical or personal reasons.

Independent Living residents can opt for medication-management monitoring, weekly housekeeping, personal laundry service, and a monthly meal plan, allowing them to maintain autonomy while still having predictable support.

Community amenities include resident parking, wheelchair-accessible common areas, a barber and beauty salon, exercise room, movie theater, wellness center, high-speed internet access, communal gardens, a library, ocean views from many vantage points, a Victorian sun porch, and scheduled transportation for errands and appointments. Pets are welcome, but it’s a good idea to check with the community during your visit to see if your pet will be allowed.

Standout Features

Pet FriendlyPet Friendly
PoolPool
Social OutingsSocial Outings
Fitness ProgramsFitness Programs

Connect with Oasis Senior Advisors Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community for tailored pricing, availability and to schedule a tour. 1 (877) 595-8337

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Reviews

aggregated from around the web
Review Average3.9
#2 in Santa Cruz, CA

Residents and their families say:

Sunshine Villa receives a mixture of positive feedback for its cleanliness, friendly staff, and plethora of activities, making it a popular choice for many families seeking care for their loved ones. Reviewers praised the community for its excellent care, attention to detail, and the wide range of amenities available to residents. The facility's environment is likened to that of a charming old-time hotel, with beautiful carpeted hallways, first-class menus, and a full activity log that includes everything from local musicians to outdoor events. Many families have noted significant improvements in their loved ones' well-being thanks to the engaging social network and the sense of safety and belonging Sunshine Villa provides. The rooms, food, and especially the range of activities—from scenic drives to stretching and art classes—are frequently mentioned highlights, contributing to a thriving and engaged resident community.

However, not everything about the facility meets every resident or family member's expectations. Some reviewers have expressed concerns regarding the facility's ability to handle specific needs, with one mentioning the return of mail unopened as an oversight by the staff. Housekeeping and organizational issues have also been pointed out, such as the misplacement of personal items. Furthermore, a few reviews have highlighted challenges related to the facility's cost, expressing that it can become prohibitively expensive for some families. Complaints about the staff being stretched thin and the resultant impact on care quality suggest areas for improvement. The food quality and dining experience have also faced criticism for not living up to expectations given the price. Despite these concerns, many still see Sunshine Villa as a caring and vibrant community that offers a robust living experience for its residents, but suggest there is room for administrative and operational enhancements to better meet every resident's needs.

AI generated summary of real reviews

Verified Amenities

Verified by a local Oasis Senior Advisor
Services

Services

  • Barber/Beauty Shop
  • Communal Gardens
  • Exercise Room
  • Internet Access
  • Library
  • Movie Room
Accommodations

Accommodations

  • Independent Temperature Controls
  • Kitchenette
Dining & Nutrition

Dining & Nutrition

  • Food - On-Order
  • Snacks Available
  • Diet Modifications/Managements
Care

Care

  • Podiatry

Nearby Services

Hospitals

Dominican Hospital-Santa Cruz/Frederick

610 Frederick Street, Santa Cruz, CA

Distance: 1.5 miles

Dominican Hospital-Santa Cruz/Soquel

1555 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz, CA

Distance: 2.8 miles

Sutter Maternity And Surgery Center Of Santa Cruz

2900 Chanticleer Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA

Distance: 3.0 miles

Churches

First Baptist Church

Santa Cruz, CA

Distance: 0.7 miles

First Church of Christ Scientist

Santa Cruz, CA

Distance: 0.7 miles

Santa Cruz First Church of the Nazarene

115 South Morrissey Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA

Distance: 1.4 miles

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