Merrill Gardens at Barkley Place is a senior living community located in Fort Myers, Florida, offering a continuum of care that includes both independent living and assisted living. The facility supports residents with varying levels of independence, providing tailored services to meet individual needs. Since becoming part of the Merrill Gardens network in late 2021, Barkley Place has focused on a resident-centered approach to care, aiming to maintain consistency and comfort for individuals as their care requirements change. No significant new construction or expansion projects have been reported since the community’s integration with Merrill Gardens.

The care services at Merrill Gardens at Barkley Place span multiple areas of support. Assisted living residents have access to 24-hour assistance for daily living activities, including full assistance with bathing, eating, dressing, and toileting. Medication management is available, ensuring that residents take their prescriptions safely and as prescribed. The community offers support for ambulatory needs and incontinence care, as well as specialized diabetes care for residents requiring blood sugar monitoring or insulin administration. Memory care services are designed for those experiencing cognitive challenges, integrating structured activities and safety protocols to enhance quality of life and foster engagement. Residents benefit from access to on-site English and Spanish-speaking staff, and podiatry services are available to support foot health. A barber and beauty salon is located within the facility, providing opportunities for personal grooming and social interaction. Social clubs and interest groups are available to promote community engagement and mental stimulation.

For transportation, Merrill Gardens at Barkley Place offers complimentary transportation for both medical and non-medical appointments. This service helps residents access healthcare providers, attend offsite activities or errands, and maintain connections with the greater Fort Myers area, supporting residents' independence while reducing logistical barriers and family burden.

Feedback from residents and families highlights the community’s friendly and compassionate staff, with strong continuity due to high employee retention rates. The facility is frequently praised for its welcoming atmosphere, engagement-focused activities, and responsiveness to personal needs, contributing to a sense of security and satisfaction among residents. While maintenance and cleanliness of indoor spaces are well reviewed, some families have indicated that outdoor areas and certain common spaces could benefit from additional attention. Comments on apartment sizes vary according to residents’ preferences and needs. Dining services are rated as adequate to good, though occasional wait times and food variety have been noted as areas for potential improvement. Overall, Merrill Gardens at Barkley Place has a strong reputation locally, with reports of good value for cost and a waitlist for preferred apartments, indicating sustained resident satisfaction. Negative reviews, primarily concerning some aspects of management responsiveness in assisted living, are less common and generally outweighed by positive feedback regarding the quality of care and daily life at the community.

Costs at this community start at $1,550 and range up to $2,650. The average price in the community is $2,100, which is less than the average price in the area of $4,258. The cost of assisted living in this area is essentially the same as the cost throughout the state. If the resident needs other services, additional services may increase the monthly cost.