Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community, is situated in Santa Cruz, California, and provides residential care for older adults through assisted living and memory care services, along with respite care. The facility offers support and supervision tailored to individual resident needs, including assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, toileting, and eating. Residents in assisted living receive full assistance based on their level of need, while memory care services are specifically designed for individuals facing challenges related to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Sunshine Villa provides a range of specialized care supports, including diabetes management, incontinence care, ambulatory assistance, and comprehensive medication management. The memory care program operates as a dedicated area, designed to accommodate the unique requirements of memory loss, with structured routines and enhanced safety measures. The community also features on-site services such as a barber/beauty salon and offers access to podiatry care. Communication is available in both English and Spanish to meet the language needs of residents. Wellness offerings include regular fitness programs designed for older adults to promote mobility and strength, as well as social and recreational activities.

Medical support encompasses regular monitoring and oversight by care staff, with medication management services to ensure proper administration of prescribed treatments. For residents requiring additional healthcare assessment, the facility provides access to healthcare professionals, including periodic podiatry visits. Memory care is offered within a unit designed specifically for residents with cognitive impairment, with programming focused on providing structure and engagement in a safe environment.

Transportation at Sunshine Villa is available both as a complimentary service and at an additional cost, depending on the purpose and destination. Complimentary transportation is offered for scheduled medical appointments, errands, and community outings, while transportation to destinations outside regular schedules or areas may incur additional charges. This service allows residents to attend healthcare appointments, engage in social excursions, and maintain personal connections outside the facility as needed.

Feedback from residents and families indicates that while many appreciate the clean environment, a robust calendar of activities, and the attentive staff in assisted living, there are recurring concerns about staff turnover and quality of care within the memory care units. Families often note responsive staff communication, good safety practices, and a comfortable, “homey” community feel, complemented by appealing dining options and an engaging social atmosphere. However, some concerns persist regarding inconsistent staffing, communication challenges, and administrative practices—particularly relating to memory care and billing. Prospective residents and their families are encouraged to consider the strong points of the assisted living program alongside the reported challenges in memory care and administrative consistency.

Costs at this community start at $3,400 and range up to $5,500. The average price in the community is $4,450, which is less than the average price in the area of $6,191. 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.