Northgate Plaza

Karen Huber

2019-12-09

Our mom has lived there close to 7 yrs and despite multiple management changes she still thrives on all the love she receives there.

Jerry Butler

2019-08-25

It has very great stalls and great care givers

Patty Browne Holloway

2017-09-14

Just like Cheers, everybody knows your name. I live in California but visit regularly and most the residents know who I am and who I am visiting.

Gillian M.

2019-06-08

This property compares favorably to senior living options that cost twice as much or more. My parents looked at more than 50 properties in Seattle. Northgate Plaza ranks among the best. The apartments are light and well appointed. The dining room serves a revolving menu and family and guests are always welcome. The property was recently renovated and refurbished. The color scheme, artwork, and furnishings are both cheerful and relaxing. The staff is genuinely friendly and attentive every time we have interactions. I've been extremely impressed with the quality of both the facility and consistently attentive care.

Robert R.

2017-12-14

If you are financially responsible for the person staying here, you might want to choose somewhere else. More than a year after my mother left this facility, they called with an outstanding balance, demanding payment within the month, or collections! And what was particularly irksome about this whole thing was the lack of civility. You think they might have asked how my mom was doing. But no, you owe us money. Send it now!

J Michael T.

2015-08-09

The owners don't have enough money to make this an enjoyable retirement experience. The food is terrible, medical care inadequate. Look somewhere else. Merrill Gardens should be embarrassed!

Kim C.

2013-08-30

My dad has lived here for about a year.  He is happy here and the staff are very friendly.  My mom was in a different place before she died and even though it was much more pricey than this place, it was no better.  In fact, the service staff there were nice enough, but they had a "you'll be there when I get to you" attitude that was really frustrating.  When I was there with my mom, I could get up and get a straw, a glass of milk for her, or whatever she needed, but I always worried when I wasn't there and I felt really bad for those who didn't have loved ones attending to them.  At this place, the waitstaff, and in fact all the staff, really seem to care.  When my dad asks for a straw with lunch or extra ice, they actually listen and then deliver it.  They are like actual waitstaff even though they are certainly not working for tips!  After the frustration of the last place, I really am grateful for this level of service, and I don't worry about my dad when I'm not there.  Everyone (all the staff and even other residents) seem to go out of the way to talk to folks, encourage them to engage in the various activities, and make them feel like part of the community.  This is golden!  Also, the desk staff has always been helpful and have answered my calls and questions any time of the day or night.  I've never been transferred to another person or talked with anyone who didn't speak (and understand) English well, so I am surprised by the comments left by others on this site.  All in all, it's a nice place if you're like me and the main concern is a clean, safe place where the residents feel welcomed and well cared for; you could pay more and have a better view, but I'll take better care any day!

Les M.

2007-10-06

All of us, Baby Boomers and younger generations, have to (or will have to) consider the best living arrangements for our parents--by implication, ourselves, as their/our health, physical and mental, changes.  My mother eventually moved here into "independent living" (the other alternative is called "assisted living") after after having lived 30 years in her her home and then in condominiums.   Though located on the edge of the vast shopping desert of Northgate, this retirement home seems to offer quality living for seniors needing some assistance in daily  living.  There are several lobby-style areas on the main floor and one dining hall where residents may order from a daily menu consisting of a choice of three entrees and various side dishes, as well as a salad/fruit bar.A cozy atmosphere pervades the five-story, C-shaped modern building complex.  A schedule of social and recreational activities is available, as are various services tailored to residents' individual needs:   laundry, medication dispensing, bathing, housekeeping, transportation to medical appointments (within a certain radius), and so forth.The two-bedroom apartments are relatively spacious, and the one my mother lives in has actually two bedrooms and two bathrooms as well as a small kitchen (no electric range but a small fridge and microwave).  Not much of a view from any of the apartments.  The main entrance is on the other side of 5th Ave. N.E..  That side of the building is quieter.  The apartments are located in a "North Building" and a "South Building," connected on the main floor by the common living areas.After two weeks of living there, she has gradually come "out of her shell" and feels comfortable with the physical and social space.I believe she is spending about $2,500 monthly for rent, meals, with another $500 for additional, a la carte services.The dining room is pleasant enough, and the hours of continuous meal (lunch and dinner) times is from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.  The hot food, however, is not always warmed to the proper temperature.  The food, on the whole, seemed only fair but the staff was friendly and helpful.A large flat-screen television, a library, a recreation room, and at least two parlor/sitting rooms are also to be found on the main floor.  There is not much in the way of a garden, patio, or grounds per se, although the side facing 5th Ave N.E. has a fountain and benches.  But there are too many cars whizzing by at high speeds for it to be really relaxing.Residents seem content, and the staff at least minimally competent, although I have to admit that two or three days after my mother moved in, I called the front desk to inquire what apartment she was living.  The person on duty that evening could not find my mother's name in their list of residents (or new residents) and declared that a long-time resident was still living in the apartment I had believed she had moved into (this took up ten minutes of both her AND my time).The daytime staff actually seemed more "together."It should be noted that anyone can just walk into the building, although guests are requested to sign in.  However, security seemed adequate.I have no idea how the Northgate Plaza Retirement Community, part of the nationwide Merrill Gardens, compares with other such communities.  Perhaps Puget Sound Consumers' Checkbook would have such information.merrillgardens.comcheckbook.orgOur family looks forward to her spending many days of relaxed living and care here.

monika kaloyanova

2021-12-01

We appreciate you hosting our team Concierge Care Advisors for our meeting. It was a great experience and everyone was amazing. The food was delicious as well and very clean community. Thank you again !

Tiffany Kopec

2021-06-01

I work frequently with the team at Northgate Plaza and am so impressed with their beautiful community. The front desk people are kind and engaging-what a great introduction! The common areas are cozy and always filled with activiy (COVID precautions allowing of course!) And the care team is wonderful-a very dedicated team who provide great care for their residents.

Marcia Rutan

2021-06-01

My father has lived at Northgate Plaza for nine years. He has enjoyed the friendly kind staff and his friends, the comfort of a pleasant apartment, and activities such as music, anagrams, and parties. We are very happy with the continual care and support he has received and always feel welcome. We have appreciated the meticulous protocols with Covid-19 and the extra steps staff has taken to reduce the residents' isolation. Northgate Plaza is conveniently located by stores, the library, a park, and a hospital. We highly recommend this warm caring place.

Paul

2021-06-01

I've been in and out of Northgate Plaza many times and have always had a very positive experience. It's a beautiful, clean facility with the most friendly staff. The staff is always very helpful and seems to enjoy working there. Residents seem very happy and there seems to always be something fun going on. Pleasure to visit!

Howard Edson

2020-01-01

My dad had a great experience at Northgate - great facilities, warm and friendly staff, tasty food!

Allison Maryatt

2020-01-01

My 83 year old father is very happy, having spent his first year at Northgate Plaza. The staff is great, and there are lots of nice parties and entertainments provided. His wife, who was living separately from him has decided to move in, because after visiting, she liked it so much, she decided to join him.

Nicole Ocasio

2020-01-01

Went to apply at Northgate Plaza nursing home facility. Got to fill out an aplication on July 6,2019 with Alyana, then went into an interview with Cindy/Cyndy on July 10, 2019 which is on a Wednesday. Got told i was getting paid Verbally for that same day since pay get turnt in July 15,2019 so to be in FRIDAY July 19, 2019 because ill have a check for the day i went in from 3:00pm-4:45pm. Went to pick up my check on the July 19 wich is on a Friday, and was told it was cindys misunderstanding that she has made a mistake about me reciving my check into the office. THEN WHY STATE IT? I drove for nothing, they may think ive wasted their time within a interview and all, but in reaility ive wasted my time knowing im only working 1day a week which is Monday. When i was told they needed someone Monday-Friday. So in the end i have called cyndy to let her know i wasn't going to proceed with the position due to its only on Mondays i'll be working, then she stated they have me for Friday as well. They are working to have me work 2day's out of the week ONLY 2DAY'S. I can't rely working 1/2days its a waste of my time. If i would rate this i would give a FAT ZERO really. Who wants to work 1/2days knowing im Driving from Tacoma to Northgate. I've called left a voice mail to be called back from Cyndy about my pay she was soo frustrated i didn't want to proceed with the position and she never returnt my call on July 19th. Never recieved my check at all. Don't work for this place if it ain't their way/they don't like you won't work for them they will hold your check and i'll dig into it by getting ahold of my friends that work for Labor& Industries to see if its legal if this company can do that.

Janis

2018-01-01

Northgate is an attractive place, full of light and friendly staffers.Having good food served in the dining room is one of the most important aspects of a senior community. Residents are paying for two meals a day and having delicious and nutritious food is important for their health and their social experience.When my mother-in-law first arrived in May the food was beyond bad. Thank God that has changed. One meal I attempted to eat in May was a piece of pork so thin, dry and tough, I questioned whether it was meat or brown paper card stock. It was topped with a gelatinous glob of sugary sauce that was equally inedible. It was par for the course there. But this month, the food has gone from YUK to YUMMY. Just this week, I made a special order: a vegetable salad topped with sautéed chicken breast. The salad was cold, crisp and full of fresh greens and vegetables. But the crowning glory was the perfectly cooked chicken: caramelized on the outside and juicy and tender inside. All other meals at the table were equally great. Keep that new chef!!!!That chef has his work cut out for him with the wait staff, which badly needs training. Although friendly, they seem confused and lost. I wonder at times if I accidently donned Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak when I walk into the dining room and sit down. Each time I have had to approach the kitchen and ask for help. Once food is ordered, you never know when or in what order the meals will come. Never together, and never exactly what each person ordered. Training is in order!And I must say, these residents have been out to restaurants many times in their lives. They expect better service. And they are paying well for it.Also friendly, and very efficient in their jobs are the maintenance crews. They are there a flash to lend a hand or help out in the apartment. Top notch.The marketing staff is great. Cindy Weber won us over on our first tour, arranged for a second tour for our mother-in-law and knew just what to say to help her to make that difficult move to a community. She has been an invaluable resource to our family ever since. She responds quickly to calls and gets things done! She is fabulous.We are starting our second month with Northgate and are looking forward to a positive experience.

Maureen Thornstensen

2017-01-01

Sally CasemI enjoy Sally's cooking not only because it is more like what I'm used to having but they taste good. Also she tries to incorporate many different styles of cooking. Recently she has been putting an translation or explanation of some of the cooking terms used in the entree titles that might be unfamiliar to the residents. This tells us that she is listening to how the various residents feel. That is the sign of a good Chef I think.

Wesley Muller

2015-01-01

FunNiceGood foodCome visit