About Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.Complete guide to assisted livingBest of 2024 Assisted Living Winners
About Memory CareMemory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering. Complete guide to memory careBest of 2024 Memory Care Winners
About Independent LivingIndependent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to independent livingBest of 2024 Independent Living Winners
About Senior LivingSenior living is a term used to describe various housing and care options for older adults from maintenance-free, 55+ facilities for active seniors, to secure, fully staffed facilities for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. Complete guide to senior livingFind senior living facilities near you
About Nursing HomesNursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.Complete guide to Nursing Homes
About Senior ApartmentsSenior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to Senior Apartments
About Care HomesResidential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.Complete guide to care homes
Veteran ResourcesVA benefits for long-term care, such as Aid and Attendance benefits, can help eligible veterans and their surviving spouses pay for senior care.Guide to VA benefits for long-term care
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Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community

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80 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

For pricing & availability:
(866) 374-4058
8.9
Review score
33 reviews
Add review
8.9
Review score
33 reviews
5 star
58%
4 star
27%
3 star
3%
2 star
6%
1 star
6%
See all reviews
8.8
Review score
2684 reviews
64 facilities
Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community
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Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community indoor common area
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Jeffrey H
-
Spouse or partner of resident/client
5.0
All Good, almost
The facility is clean, attractive and in a nice location. Staff are bright, cheerful, friendly and helpful. Food is good and plentiful. The care my wife has received is outstanding, and she's happy. They could use a few more visitor parking spaces. Overall, an excellent facility.

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 care type

Assisted Living

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Studio
Starting at $XXXX/mo
Unlock pricing
1 Bedroom
Starting at $XXXX/mo

Memory Care

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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

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2860 Country Drive, Fremont, CA 94536

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Sunrise of Sunnyvale

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8.9
Review score
33 reviews
8.9
Review score
33 reviews
5 star
58%
4 star
27%
3 star
3%
2 star
6%
1 star
6%
9.9
Review score
32 reviews
9.9
Review score
32 reviews
5 star
66%
4 star
31%
3 star
3%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
9.9
Review score
43 reviews
9.9
Review score
43 reviews
5 star
88%
4 star
12%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
9.9
Review score
60 reviews
9.9
Review score
60 reviews
5 star
64%
4 star
22%
3 star
7%
2 star
2%
1 star
5%
Studio
Starting at $X,XXX/mo
Studio
Starting at $X,XXX/mo
Studio
Starting at $X,XXX/mo
Studio
Starting at $X,XXX/mo
1 bedroom
Starting at $X,XXX/mo
1 bedroom
Starting at $X,XXX/mo
1 bedroom
Starting at $X,XXX/mo
1 bedroom
Starting at $X,XXX/mo
2 bedrooms
--
2 bedrooms
Starting at $X,XXX/mo
2 bedrooms
Starting at $X,XXX/mo
2 bedrooms
Starting at $X,XXX/mo

Active promotion

No

Active promotion

No

Active promotion

No

Active promotion

Room Discount

Lowers your rent by a dollar amount or percentage.

Pet friendly

Yes

Pet friendly

Yes

Pet friendly

Yes

Pet friendly

Yes

Care types offered

2

Assisted Living, Memory Care

Care types offered

2

Assisted Living, 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

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

Meals & Dining

  • Vegetarian
  • Kosher
  • Meals Provided

Room Amenities

  • Wheelchair Accessible Showers

Community Amenities

Transportation & parking

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

Pets

  • Pet Care Available
  • Dogs Allowed
  • Cats Allowed

Common areas

  • Indoor Common Areas
  • Outdoor Common Areas

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Beautician

Languages spoken

  • English
  • Spanish

Activities

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

Reviews

for Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community

8.9Review score33 reviews
8.9
Review score
33 reviews
5 star
58%
4 star
27%
3 star
3%
2 star
6%
1 star
6%
Merrill Gardens
8.8
Review score2684 reviews64 communities
Write a review
A Place for Mom has scored Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community with 8.9 out of 10 using our proprietary review score based on 11 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time, Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community has 33 reviews with an average "overall experience" of 4.2 out of 5.
Overall Rating
4.2
Cleanliness
4.5
Friendliness
4.5
Care Services
4.2
Staff
4.4
Meals & Dining
4.1
Activities
4.3
Value for Cost
4.1
A Place for Mom has scored Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community with 8.9 out of 10 using our proprietary review score based on 11 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time, Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community has 33 reviews with an average "overall experience" of 4.2 out of 5.
Parent company
Merrill Gardens
8.8
Review score2684 reviews64 communities
Logo for Merrill Gardens
Filters
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 33 reviews
Ken M
Memory Care
December 10, 2024
5.0
Sunshine
Sunshine Villa has been a God send for our Mom and whole family!!.. They have been so kind and attentive with all our Moms needs even when it is difficult.. They have a multitude of activities and really good food!!... A HUGE thank you to all employees there!!!!!
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
5
Care Services
5
Staff
5
Meals & Dining
5
Activities
5
Value for Cost
5
Jeffrey H - Family/friend
Memory Care
September 17, 2024
5.0
All Good, almost
The facility is clean, attractive and in a nice location. Staff are bright, cheerful, friendly and helpful. Food is good and plentiful. The care my wife has received is outstanding, and she's happy. They could use a few more visitor parking spaces. Overall, an excellent facility.
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
5
Care Services
5
Staff
5
Meals & Dining
5
Activities
4
Value for Cost
5
Response from Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community
November 3, 2024
Hi Jeffrey, thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this review! Please don't hesitate to reach out if you ever need anything.
Anonymous - Family/friend
Assisted Living
July 16, 2024
3.0
Verified Review
Review for Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community
The community was okay. My most urgent comment is that all the employees need intensive training in Alzheimer's/Dementia care! As a lay person, I had much more skill and experience in dealing with these behaviors in a kind, respectful, and effective way!
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
3
Care Services
1
Staff
3
Meals & Dining
2
Activities
2
Value for Cost
1
Response from Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community
July 19, 2024
Hi there, thank you for your feedback. We will look into your comments about our care team.
BB - Family/friend
Assisted Living
May 16, 2024
5.0
Verified Review
Review for Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community
As good as an assisted living can be. But much more expensive than we imagined.
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
5
Care Services
4
Staff
5
Meals & Dining
5
Activities
4
Value for Cost
3
Response from Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community
May 22, 2024
Hi BB, thank you for taking the time to leave us this review. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you ever need anything.
Anonymous - Family/friend
Assisted Living
May 9, 2024
5.0
Verified Review
Review for Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community
So far so good. I would recommend to others.
Cleanliness
5
Friendliness
5
Care Services
5
Staff
5
Meals & Dining
5
Activities
5
Value for Cost
5
Response from Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community
May 15, 2024
Hi There, thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this review! Please don't hesitate to reach out if you ever need anything.
Janell L - Family/friend
Assisted Living
April 4, 2024
4.0
Verified Review
Top Notch Facility
The facility is circular and beautifully Victorian surrounding a sunny lush garden courtyard. Setting is on a hill three blocks from the ocean. There is always a friendly receptionist close to the entrance to greet you and who always answers the phone when you call. Everyone one on the staff is friendly and happy to help. They all offer help if you look a little lost or unsure. The food is outstanding in a dining room that is always clean and sunny. The elevator is a little slow so you need not be in a hurry . Give yourself an extra few minutes coming or going.
Cleanliness
4
Friendliness
5
Care Services
5
Staff
5
Meals & Dining
5
Activities
5
Value for Cost
4
Response from Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community
April 6, 2024
Hi Janell, thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this review! Please don't hesitate to reach out if you ever need anything.
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
Viewing 1-20 out of 33 reviews

Neighborhoods
around Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community

See what the neighborhood has to offer and what’s nearby:
Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community in google map

Tips for evaluating your community options

Safety is a primary concern when seniors and their families look for Assisted Living. To ensure that a community meets your needs and expectations, we recommend that seniors and family members:

  • Tour the location: Touring allows you to speak to current residents and staff, and helps you confirm the accuracy of the community description and photos. Use our touring checklist to help guide your visit.

  • Confirm the availability of required services: Before you commit, make sure that the community offers all the services your senior needs, and that those services can be provided within your budget.

  • Know the California regulations for Assisted Living: Each state has its own laws and inspections processes to ensure seniors reside in a safe environment. Depending on your state, you may even be able to look up inspection reports for the community(ies) you’re considering. Learn more about California regulations for Assisted Living.

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 8.9 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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