KD
Kelly Sue DeConnick
2 days ago
My father has lived at Merrill Gardens at Cedar Mill for several years now, both before and after Merrill Gardens took over management. Like many families, we were naturally nervous about the transition, but I think they handled it wisely. They took the time to understand the community before making changes, and that patience showed.
More recently, I've noticed a real difference in both the quality of care and, just as importantly, the morale of the staff. Someone from our household is at Merrill Gardens three or four times a day checking on my dad and walking his dogs, so we interact with the community more than many families probably do. From the outside looking in, it genuinely seems like this is a place where the staff are supported, and that matters. Eldercare is emotionally, physically, and spiritually demanding work. The people who do it deserve to be cared for too, and it feels like Merrill Gardens understands that.
One moment that really stands out: I stopped by one Saturday morning expecting to find my dad in his apartment, but instead he was downstairs at the community car show, happily walking around, talking with the car owners, and engaging with the world. Seeing him so animated and connected brought me tremendous joy. Those kinds of events aren't just entertainment. They improve quality of life.
I also want to recognize some of the wonderful people who have made such a difference for our family, especially Erin, Justise, Bonnie, and Tyler on the second floor. There are many others whose names I haven't learned yet, including a new nurse who has been incredibly thoughtful and kind.
Even the little things matter. The refreshed laundry room makes the building feel brighter and more cared for. Those details add up.
No place is perfect, and caring for older adults is extraordinarily difficult work. But families are often quick to leave reviews when something goes wrong. I wanted to leave one because things are going right. Our family is deeply grateful for the care, kindness, and dignity the team at Merrill Gardens at Cedar Mill shows my father every day.