Truewood by Merrill, First Hill sits in downtown Seattle and gives seniors a wide range of care types, so you've got independent living for folks who want to do things mostly on their own, and then there's assisted living if a person needs regular help with things like dressing, bathing, or remembering when to take their pills, and for those living with memory loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, they've set aside a special part called Garden House that has its own trained staff, secured courtyards, and private rooms, and they let families join in on activities when they want. On top of that, you can find skilled nursing care, continuing care, respite stays, and even in-home care so there's pretty much a service for any phase of senior life, and these different options mean a person can stay in the same place even if their needs change as time goes on.
Walking through the place, you notice they worked to keep things homelike with cozy living areas, a library, meeting spaces, and a private dining room you can use for family get-togethers, plus there's a terrace garden outside along with patios, walking paths, and big windows that let in lots of light-the buildings were recently remodeled. The apartments come in several layouts-studios, one- and two-bedroom, some private and some semi-private, most with kitchenettes-so you pick what's comfortable, and housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance are handled for you, with private housekeeping available too. Meals come in various ways: you can eat in a group dining room, order room service, enjoy guest meals, and staff make dietary adjustments if needed, plus there's a coffee shop for quick bites. The dining schedule is pretty flexible, so folks can eat when it suits them, not just on a set time.
There's a steady hum of things to do here, with music, arts and crafts, table games, horticultural activities, fitness classes, recreation, group outings, charity work, and even some educational programs, which helps people stay social, busy, and engaged. Language support covers both English and Spanish. Memory care staff get special training to understand and support residents with dementia. It's a safe campus with a gated entrance, secured areas, pendant alert systems for emergencies, and 24/7 staff-including a part-time nurse-so someone's always around to help.
Parking's handled either with a lot or a private garage, and there's a shuttle for rides to appointments, shopping, or city trips. Health support includes medication reminders, personal care, on-site health services, VA aid help, and for those who need it, skilled nursing. The campus itself adds some extras like a salon, a fitness center with real equipment, and outside gardening spots. They allow pets in most areas, though there's a "no cats or small dogs" rule in place. Residents have access to all kinds of resources too, including workshops, caregiver support, and planning guides. Prospective residents and families can schedule a tour to see what it's like before deciding. The place stays family-run under Merrill Gardens LLC and holds state license AL2420 with 75 beds. The staff's known for being steady, many having worked there for over 20 years, and the whole environment leans welcoming and personal, always trying to match each person's needs with the right care and activities. The building's mid-rise style, with 98 apartments, combines privacy with community, and living here means being close to Seattle's parks, museums, restaurants, and hospitals, which some may really appreciate. The Medicaid occupancy rate is 0.0133, and there are community reviews and floor plans to look over if you want more details.
