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Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community

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80 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

8.2
Review score
27 reviews
Add review
8.2
Review score
27 reviews
5 star
56%
4 star
30%
3 star
0%
2 star
7%
1 star
7%
See all reviews
8.8
Review score
2346 reviews
65 facilities
For pricing & availability:
(866) 374-4058
Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community
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Anonymous
-
Family/friend
4.0
Hoping for Improvements
They have recently changed ownership, there has been no bus (despite advertised), there is no bookkeeper, trying to get billing errors fixed has been tough. High turn over, no checks and balances in regard to medications and care. Emergency pull cords in room, batteries in them must die be

About the facility
Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community

Sunshine Villa features a Victorian-style exterior surrounded by lush hedges and trees. The beautiful community resides in a wonderful neighborhood close to many local attractions. Nearby, residents can visit numerous parks, stroll the Santa Cruz Riverwalk, enjoy waterfront activities, swim at the beaches, or golf at the local course. You can even catch shows at local theaters, try global cuisines, or shop at retail stores.

Santa Cruz offers a variety of entertaining activities, but the fun starts within the walls of Sunshine Villa. With lively programming and incredible amenities, it’s easy for you to discover new interests or treasure beloved pastimes. The community currently supports independent living, assisted living, and memory care lifestyles. Reach and experience the wonders of retirement at Sunshine Villa, today!

Sunshine Villa Amenities and Services

Sunshine Villa prioritizes each individual’s care by offering 24-hour staffing that includes on-site registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. The friendly team is happy to offer regular services such as housekeeping, home maintenance, scheduled transportation, and chef-prepared meals.

For those requiring additional support, team members can tailor services as needed and provide assistance with activities of daily living, medication assistance, and more. And for residents diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias,...

Read more

Senior living options offered

Assisted Living

Memory Care

Pricing
for Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community

Total monthly costs depend on room type, select services, and the level of care needed.

Base fees by room type

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Studio
Starting at $XXXX/mo
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1 Bedroom
Starting at $XXXX/mo
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Semi-Private
Starting at $XXXX/mo
*Prices quoted are monthly rental charges and are provided by the communities themselves. Actual prices may differ due to one-time fees, timing and care services required. Speak with your Senior Living Advisor to learn more.

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Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community indoor common area
Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community

80 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Westwind Memory Care outdoor common area
Westwind Memory Care

160 Jewell Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Brookdale Scotts Valley
Brookdale Scotts Valley

100 Lockewood Lane, Scotts Valley, CA 95066

Paradise Villa
Paradise Villa

2177 17th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

8.2
Review score
27 reviews
8.2
Review score
27 reviews
5 star
56%
4 star
30%
3 star
0%
2 star
7%
1 star
7%
8.6
Review score
5 reviews
8.6
Review score
5 reviews
5 star
60%
4 star
40%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
8.1
Review score
28 reviews
8.1
Review score
28 reviews
5 star
45%
4 star
29%
3 star
18%
2 star
4%
1 star
4%
Review score not available
Studio
Starting at $X,XXX/mo
Studio
Starting at $X,XXX/mo
Studio
Starting at $X,XXX/mo
Studio
--
1 bedroom
Starting at $X,XXX/mo
1 bedroom
--
1 bedroom
Starting at $X,XXX/mo
1 bedroom
--
2 bedrooms
--
2 bedrooms
--
2 bedrooms
Starting at $X,XXX/mo
2 bedrooms
--

Active promotion

No

Active promotion

No

Active promotion

No

Active promotion

No

Pet friendly

Yes

Pet friendly

No

Pet friendly

Yes

Pet friendly

No

Care types offered

2

Assisted Living, Memory Care

Care types offered

1

Memory Care

Care types offered

2

Assisted Living, Independent Living

Care types offered

2

Assisted Living, Memory Care

Amenities
at Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community

Healthcare Services

  • Staffing & Ancillary Services
  • Memory Care
  • Medication Management
  • Incontinence Care
  • Non-Ambulatory Care
  • Diabetic Care

Meals & Dining

  • Vegetarian
  • Meals Provided
  • Kosher

Room Amenities

  • Wheelchair Accessible Showers

Community Amenities

Transportation & parking

  • Resident Parking Available
  • Transportation at Cost
  • Complimentary Transportation
  • Property Convenient to Public Transit

Pets

  • Cats Allowed
  • Dogs Allowed
  • Pet Care Available

Common areas

  • Outdoor Common Areas
  • Indoor Common Areas

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Beautician

Languages spoken

  • English
  • Spanish

Activities

  • Dances
  • Holiday Parties
  • Wii Bowling
  • Activities On-site
  • Cooking Classes
  • Live Dance or Theater Performances
  • Brain fitness / Dakim
  • BBQs or Picnics
  • Happy Hour
  • Day Trips and Outings
  • Devotional Activities Offsite
  • Birthday Parties
  • Activities Off-site
  • Pet-focused Programs
  • Live Musical Performances
  • Devotional Activities On-Site
  • Educational Speakers / Life Long Learning
  • Stretching Classes
  • Intergenerational Programs
  • Live Well Programs
  • Trivia Games
  • Gardening Club
  • Community Service Programs
  • Karaoke
  • Art Classes

Reviews

for Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community

8.2Review score27 reviews
8.2
Review score
27 reviews
5 star
56%
4 star
30%
3 star
0%
2 star
7%
1 star
7%
Merrill Gardens
8.8
Review score2346 reviews65 communities
Write a review
A Place for Mom has scored Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community with 8.2 out of 10 using our proprietary review score based on 6 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time, Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community has 27 reviews with an average "overall experience" of 4.1 out of 5.
Overall Rating
4.1
Cleanliness
4.5
Friendliness
4.4
Care Services
4.2
Staff
4.0
Meals & Dining
3.6
Activities
4.3
Value for Cost
4.2
A Place for Mom has scored Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community with 8.2 out of 10 using our proprietary review score based on 6 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time, Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community has 27 reviews with an average "overall experience" of 4.1 out of 5.
Parent company
Merrill Gardens
8.8
Review score2346 reviews65 communities
Logo for Merrill Gardens
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Overall Experience
Date Submitted
Reviewer
Care Received
Verified Review
A Place For Mom has verified the person writing the review and their connection to the community.
1-20 of 27 reviews
Anonymous - Family/friend
Assisted Living
February 27, 2024
4.0
Verified Review
Hoping for Improvements
They have recently changed ownership, there has been no bus (despite advertised), there is no bookkeeper, trying to get billing errors fixed has been tough. High turn over, no checks and balances in regard to medications and care. Emergency pull cords in room, batteries in them must die because no one comes. Across the board rate increases of January despite no improved services. New "Chef" residents don't care for food, little to no meat. Management and staff are friendly probably doing the best they can. I really want it to be a good experience but I have to really watch everything and drop in at various hours almost daily to keep abreast to what's happening or not happening.
Cleanliness
4
Friendliness
5
Care Services
3
Staff
5
Meals & Dining
3
Activities
5
Value for Cost
3
Response from Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community
February 29, 2024
Hi there, thank you for taking the time to leave us this review! Please contact us at kimg@merrillgardens.com to talk further as we aim to improve on the issues you mentioned.
Anonymous - Family/friend
Assisted Living
August 16, 2023
4.0
Verified Review
Finding the right place for your elderly family member.
The cleanliness and friendly atmosphere is great. I have great respect for the people who manage Sunshine Villa. Sunshine Villa may be a very good option for many but they could not meet my loved ones needs.
Cleanliness
4
Friendliness
4
Care Services
4
Staff
4
Meals & Dining
4
Activities
4
Value for Cost
4
Anonymous - Family/friend
Memory Care
June 23, 2023
5.0
Verified Review
Great care for a loved one.
Sunshine Villa has been excellent all around. We have experienced a safe and caring facility and staff. It's a great place to care for your loved ones.
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
5
Care Services
5
Staff
5
Meals & Dining
5
Activities
5
Value for Cost
5
A disappointed friend - Family/friend
Memory Care
June 15, 2023
2.0
So disappointed
After my good friend left Sunshine Villa all the cards I had sent her were for the past six months were returned to me unopened. Others had the same experience. Simply alerting her that she had mail was too much of a 'burden' for the staff, I suspect.
Cleanliness
3
Friendliness
3
Care Services
1
Staff
1
Meals & Dining
1
Activities
1
Value for Cost
1
anonymous - Toured community
Memory Care
January 4, 2023
1.0
Verified Review
Community Tour
Sunshine Villa was an absolute disaster. I would never send even my dog to their memory care unit. The upstairs part looked fine. But their memory care unit was unacceptable. It looked and felt like a morgue.
Gina R - Family/friend
Assisted Living
August 29, 2022
5.0
Verified Review
I have been extremely happy with Sunshine. My mother is getting excellent care and the staff are a big plus. Thank you
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
5
Care Services
5
Staff
5
Meals & Dining
5
Activities
5
Value for Cost
5
Mary Tambellini - Family/friend
Memory Care
December 3, 2020
5.0
Verified Review
My mom said " I am happy here"
The friendliness of the staff members and care services really stood out to us. Overall it was a good first impression. The rooms are very nice, and before COVID our loved one really enjoyed the food and eating in the dining room. She said it was good, and the servers are awesome.
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
5
Value for Cost
5
Care Services
5
Activities
5
anonymous - Family/friend
Memory Care
August 4, 2020
5.0
Verified Review
Activities galore
The thing that meant the most to us was all of the activities available They keep her very busy. The staff are very helpful , friendly, and we appreciate them. The food the good. We chose this community because she fell in love with it. She loves her little apartment and she loves all the activities, and she goes every single one of them. I would absolutely recommend this community to other families.
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
5
Value for Cost
4
Care Services
5
Activities
5
M. Myers - Family/friend
Memory Care
November 10, 2018
4.5
Verified Review
Sunshine Villa gets top grades for this family
It has a charming appeal of a fancy old time hotel with beautiful carpeted hallways and seating places by beautiful overlooks of the ocean. The place is kept emmaculatly clean. Menus are first class. Full, activity log everyday including local musicians as well as outside bus events. The staff are attentive and friendly. My father did not want to leave his home but now he couldn’t be happier. He has made friends and is much more engaged with life having found a social network. As his daughter, I am just thrilled he has a safe home that brings him comfort and joy in his final years.
Cleanliness
4.5
Friendliness
4.5
Value for Cost
4.5
Care Services
4.5
Activities
4.5
anonymous - Family/friend
Memory Care
April 4, 2017
5.0
Verified Review
Highly recommended!
I am happy with Sunshine Villa so far. My father seems to be doing very well. The staff is nice and everyone is very helpful. They have a lot of activities available and the meals are pretty good. The facility is clean and does not smell. It has been a positive experience.
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
5
Value for Cost
5
Care Services
5
Activities
5
Kim Powell - Family/friend
Memory Care
December 1, 2016
5.0
5 Star First Class Assisted Living and Memory Care and so much more!
5 Star First Class Assisted Living and Memory Care and so much more! My mother has lived at Sunshine Villa for several years and she is thriving! My brother and I were reluctant to relocate mom from her Condo to assisted living but it was the best decision we ever made for her care and happiness. From our first meeting with [Removed] and [Removed], we felt like a solution had been found and we were no longer in crisis mode. My mother had taken a fall while alone in her Condo and fractured her lower back. While she was on the mend, [Removed] and [Removed] assured us that the staff and community of Sunshine Villa would take great care of her. We could not be happier nor more impressed by the level of care and professionalism that is provided at Sunshine Villa. As you walk into “ the Villa” you are greeted by a wonderful receptionist who has a watchful eye on who enters or leaves the premises. Your eyes are soon filled with the glow from a cozy fireplace in a library filled with antique sofa chairs and countless books to choose from. Tea, coffee, lemonade and snacks are always available. The dining room is nicely decorated and provides 3 hearty meals each day with a variety of selections. Residents may also order off a menu. The dining room servers are so well trained and polite-top notch! There is a private dining room with antique furniture and china available for families to use at any time for private gatherings. Beyond the library there are lovely nooks and crannies to enjoy and a beautiful outdoor garden and sitting area. On the third floor is the nurse station. If mom ever has any medical issues, within minutes of calling I have reached a medical staff member. A nurse will check in on mom and promptly provide pertinent updates to me. A phone call from Sunshine Villa always starts with “Kim, your mom is fine”, another testimony to the professional training the entire staff receives. If your senior enjoys keeping an active schedule, the activities coordinator provides a unique daily repertoire of activities. A schedule is sent to the family each month so you can remind your loved one to get out there and enjoy an event. Scenic drives, museum visits, luncheons, stretching, happy hours, art classes and bingo are just a few of the many activities that seniors may choose from. They will even send one of their sweet staff members to remind residents of an activity they were planning to attend. Staff check in on residents in their private living quarters throughout the day which is yet another layer of assurance that our mom is well cared for. If you are looking for the very best care for a family member, please consider Sunshine Villa. It provides a loving community in a safe environment that feels like a home, bright and cheerful.
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
5
Value for Cost
5
Care Services
5
Activities
5
Anonymous - Toured community
Memory Care
June 2, 2016
4.0
Verified Review
Review of Sunshine Villa Senior Living- Santa Cruz, CA
They do such a great job with the show and tell and it looks like a wonderful place for my friend however she balked at the 6000 non-refundable deposit. A beautiful place for anyone who has just a bit more money.
Cleanliness
4
Friendliness
4
Value for Cost
4
Care Services
4
Activities
4
anonymous - Family/friend
Memory Care
May 6, 2016
5.0
Verified Review
Sunshine Villa was super. The experience was great.
Sunshine Villa was super. The experience was great.
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
5
Value for Cost
5
Care Services
5
Activities
5
anonymous - Toured community
Memory Care
November 14, 2015
5.0
Verified Review
Caring Staff
All of the staff members at the Sunshine Villa facility are taking really good care of my loved ones. It was a little daunting in the beginning, but everything went smoothly moving in and it is going well now.
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
5
Value for Cost
4
Care Services
4
Activities
5
anonymous - Family/friend
Memory Care
November 13, 2015
4.0
Verified Review
really good about getting her involved
Sunshine Villa isn't perfect but it's pretty good. The value is good. Nana has been doing chair exercises and going on scenic tours. They are really good about getting her involved. The only complaint I have is nana hasn't been there very long and they have already lost 2 black pants in the wash. The housekeeping needs a little more organizing. I just think there are some different strategies they could use to keep up with everything better. Also sometimes nana complains about the service in the cafeteria being too slow. Other than that she loves everything about this facility.
Cleanliness
4
Friendliness
5
Value for Cost
5
Care Services
5
Activities
4
anonymous - Toured community
Memory Care
September 16, 2015
4.0
Mom is here. Satisfied with room, services. Unfortunately, too expensive for our budget. [pricing removed] She doesn't require all the amenities; she doesn't express any interest in enjoying them after regular, gentle encouragement.
Cleanliness
4
Friendliness
4
Value for Cost
4
Care Services
4
Activities
4
Response from Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community
October 13, 2015
Thank you for taking the time to review your mom’s experience living at Sunshine Villa. We’re so happy to hear you and your family are satisfied with our rooms and services. Should your mom desire an adjustment to her current services or amenities, we’d be happy to speak with you regarding a tailored preference plan. If you’d like to discuss this possibility, please contact Teri Cilley-Kruzic.
anonymous - Family/friend
Memory Care
August 25, 2015
2.0
Unfortunately, not sooooo happy with Sunshine Villa beware before you put your loved one here.
These people are corporate through and through. Our mom is there now and she complains about Sunshine Villa always being short-handed with caregivers. They don't train the new caregivers enough because they have a high turnover and the new people don't know what the old caregivers used to do. This leaves my mom having to tell new people over and over how she has to have things done. Sunshine Villa will nickel and dime you to death. They raise their rates yearly and then they have this point system that they are constantly adding to the points so that they get even more money out of you monthly. The food is not good. For the amount of money my mom is paying you should be eating like you are out at a fancy restaurant and not at a school cafeteria. I never see any fresh fruit or vegetables -everything is canned. When you have a problem the staff just sugar coats their answers. They never give you any real reasons just excuses. We are looking for alternatives now for my mom and will move her as soon as we find a more suitable care facility.
Cleanliness
4
Friendliness
3
Value for Cost
2
Care Services
2
Activities
2
Response from Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community
November 2, 2015
We appreciate your thoughtful opinions on the care administered at our community. Each of our caregivers, administrators, and other members of staff are dedicated to the well-being of our residents so we are disheartened to hear of your disappointments. However, we are always open to feedback as it helps us better serve our residents and strengthen our community. We will pass on your comments to our team. Please reach out to us at our main line should you have further feedback for our team.
anonymous - Family/friend
Memory Care
July 15, 2015
4.5
Verified Review
Well we had a rough start at the beginning with getting the schedule with the medication because it was a quick move in, but after that everything seems to be going very well.
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
4
Value for Cost
4
Care Services
3
Activities
5
Response from Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community
November 3, 2015
Thanks for taking the time to review your family member’s experience with our community. We’re glad to hear that your family is pleased with services after the initial transition. Please let us know if you have further feedback.
anonymous - Family/friend
Memory Care
May 26, 2015
4.0
Verified Review
great amenities and wonderful staff
They have really great amenities and wonderful staff at Sunshine Villa. I have had a few small issues with their billing, but they have been able to get worked out ok. Overall it has been a very positive experience and I would recommend them.
Cleanliness
4
Friendliness
4
Value for Cost
4
Care Services
4
Activities
4
Response from Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community
November 3, 2015
We appreciate your review of our community and your feedback regarding our billing processes. We will be sure to pass your comments along to the team. Should you have any other feedback for us, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Executive Director, Teri Cilley-Kruzic.
anonymous - Toured community
Memory Care
March 31, 2015
5.0
wonderful place. staff was very helpful, beautiful clean rooms, and outside areas. too high cost for us, and no memory care room available yet, but will definitely want mom here if we can manage it.
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
5
Value for Cost
5
Care Services
5
Activities
5
Response from Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community
November 3, 2015
Thanks for your thoughtful commentary on your visit to our community. We pride ourselves on both our accommodations and our quality assisted living and memory care services. If we can help to answer any questions about our community, or our memory care services specifically, please reach out by calling us. We’d be happy to speak to you further.
Viewing 1-20 out of 27 reviews

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Frequently Asked Questions
about Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community

Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community offers Studio and 1 Bedroom. Learn more.

A Place for Mom has scored Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community 8.2 out of 10 using our proprietary review score.

 

We assign review scores to give a more reliable view into senior living communities and home care agencies. Our review scores prioritize reviews that are recent — the past 24 months — because we know families need current information when choosing senior care.

 

Those with many recent, positive reviews receive a high review score, while providers with few recent reviews — regardless of how positive — receive a lower review score. Communities with no recent reviews will not have a review score, even if older reviews are positive. The maximum A Place for Mom review score a community can receive is 10 points.

Call (831) 459-8400 to reach a resident at Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community.

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The features and amenities that are displayed on this page contain marketing information provided by the community. A Place for Mom has not confirmed the completeness of the provided information, and cannot guarantee its accuracy.

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If you become aware of any information that should be updated or noted, please contact A Place for Mom. A Place for Mom uses the term “assisted living” to indicate that the community provides some level of assistance with daily living activities. It does not indicate that the facility meets official state requirements for level of care.

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