Merrill Gardens at Woodstock delivers three levels of residential care—Assisted Living, Independent Living, and Memory Care. The Memory Care program is structured for residents who wander, have a history of elopement, or live with advanced dementia, and it can manage morning or nighttime wandering as well as behavioral concerns. Assisted Living residents receive routine help with daily tasks while maintaining as much independence as possible. Independent Living residents benefit from a separate service package but can move to higher support levels without relocating within the community.

An RN or LPN is on site, with a nurse on call 24 hours a day for urgent concerns. Staff members, all of whom have passed background checks, manage complex needs such as wound care, oxygen therapy, special diets, and diabetes treated by oral medication or injections. Caregivers are awake on night shift and provide full assistance with bathing, eating, dressing, and toileting. Transfer help ranges from simple standby support to one- or two-person transfers for residents who use walkers or wheelchairs. On-site podiatry visits, 24-hour security, and an activity director who coordinates daily engagement rounds out the medical and safety profile.

Apartments vary in size and features; some offer a private bathroom, kitchenette, independent climate controls, cable access, and the option to paint or decorate the space. Not every unit includes every amenity, so families should confirm specific details during a tour. Weekly housekeeping, personal laundry, and maintenance are standard. Independent Living residents also have medication-management monitoring, scheduled housekeeping, laundry service, and a monthly meal plan included in their service package.

Dining is handled through an on-order system that lets residents select meals individually, with snacks available between scheduled dining times. The kitchen team accommodates physician-directed diet modifications, including low-sugar, low-sodium, and texture-altered menus, and staff can provide full assistance for anyone who needs help eating. Independent Living residents can use their monthly meal plan in the main dining room or prepare light snacks in their kitchenette if their unit has one.

Amenities on the eight-acre campus include resident parking, wheelchair-accessible walking paths, and communal gardens. Pets are allowed, so it’s a good idea to check with the community during your visit to see if your pet will be allowed. A barber and beauty shop, spa and massage room, exercise room, wellness center with on-site physical therapy, and a movie room provide daily activity options. Residents also have access to high-speed internet, on-site religious services, extra storage, and in-unit washer/dryer hookups in select apartments. Scheduled transportation is available for medical appointments, shopping, and local outings.

Residents and their families say:

This community is highly praised by residents, family members, and visitors for its welcoming atmosphere, attentive staff, and diverse activities. Many reviews highlight how friendly and helpful the staff are, making residents feel at home and easing transitions for new arrivals. The presence of a supportive team, including individuals who go above and beyond, contributes to the positive experience of residents and their families. The availability of various amenities, such as anytime dining and spacious living areas, and the opportunity for residents to participate in activities or maintain independence, are frequently mentioned as significant benefits.

Residents and families appreciate the sense of community and the active, supportive environment. The ability for residents to personalize their living spaces and the well-kept, aesthetically pleasing environment are other factors that are often highlighted positively. One reviewer noted the importance of accommodating pets, which allowed for additional comfort and home-like living for their loved ones. The community is described as vibrant, with many residents engaging socially, which is appealing to both current and prospective community members.

Despite these positives, some reviews mention isolated concerns regarding care services and communication, such as difficulty in reaching staff about billing questions or ensuring the correct level of assistance for new residents. However, these concerns appear to be less common, with many more reviews emphasizing the dedication and compassion of the staff. Additionally, while the size of the facility was noted by some as potentially overwhelming, the active atmosphere and range of services provided are considered to offset this for most residents.

AI generated summary of real reviews