On July 17, 2024, I accompanied Waterfront Village members on a tour of Chevy Chase House, a licensed assisted living residence (“ALR”), and I want to thank those members for sharing their impressions, which I have incorporated in this review.   

Overview of Chevy Chase House

Chevy Chase House offers a positive living environment with a welcoming atmosphere, simplicity, and abundant natural light. The location and size of the facility are favorable, but some members expressed concern about the lack of full-kitchens, parking and the overall size of the units.  

City  regulations of assisted-living residences do not permit facilities to incorporate stoves or ovens in residents’ units.  Microwaves and other small appliances like coffee makers are, however, permitted.

Apartments at Chevy Chase House

Studio Model:

• The studio apartment is compact, with a kitchen area resembling a coffee bar in a hotel room. It includes a small sink, a small refrigerator, and minimal counter space. The living room is  unlikely  to accommodate more than two guests comfortably, while the bedroom is of normal size.   

One-Bedroom with Sunroom:

• Offing a bit more space, this unit includes a nook for a desk and a nice window. The kitchen as well offers additional cupboards and counter space.  The bedroom (and bathroom) is a reasonable size. 

General Impressions:

• The units are livable but small.  They may not be adequate for a couple living and sharing the unit if the couple previously enjoyed more living space.  

Amenities at Chevy Chase House

Dining Room

• Chevy Chase House offers an ample restaurant-style dinning area.  Largely we saw people reviewing menus and staff taking orders.  (Our tour did include lunch, and the food and the experience were agreeable.  ) 

Multipurpose Room

• We visited a multipurpose room that houses a library of available books and games and includes a few recliners for movie night. 

Coffee Bar and Wine Socials

• The lobby gives way to a 10-foot long coffee bar which offers a Starbucks -experience where residents can request lattes, etc.  Later in the day this area becomes a gathering point for evening wine socials.   

Gym:

• The gym is spacious and well-equipped with various nautilus style weight machines and stationary bikes.  The gym however does not include treadmills and ellipticals likely due to the fall risk these machines could pose to residents.  

Cost and Fees

Pricing as of July 2024:

• The community entrance fee is $3,000.
• The most affordable studio for one person costs $5,499 per month, with an additional $1,500 per month for a second person.
• This rate is for independent living with no additional care services.
• For care services, the lowest fee adds $726 per month for help with up to two ADLs (activities of daily living) and fewer than six medications. More care is available for additional fees, which can be found below.

Assisted Living Services

Private Pay: Chevy Chase House is an assisted living facility, which means residents must pay privately (“private pay”, i.e. neither Medicare nor Medicaid will cover the cost of the facilities or the available care).  Long-term care insurance may pay for assisted living, depending on the specifics of the policy.

Rehabilitation Services: As an assisted living residence, it is not a skilled nursing facility.  Therefore, you cannot be discharged from a hospital to Chevy Chase House for rehabilitation.   However, Fox Rehabilitation, a third-party provider of rehabilitation services, is on-site, and therapy sessions can be scheduled with Fox.  Fox does accept Medicare.

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Chevy Chase House can support all ADLs, from bathing to toileting. These services are offered in tiers, with additional fees based on the required level of care.

Levels of Care and Pricing:

Individual Service Plans

As a District ALR, each resident must have an individual service plan (ISP) even if the resident requires no assisted living services.  ISPs must be created prior to admission and finalized post move-in assessment, involving the resident or their surrogate as active partners. The ISP should include details on the medical, rehabilitation, and psychosocial needs of the resident, outlining the services provided, their frequency, and the responsible parties.  When the District inspects ALRs, ISPs are regularly audited for compliance.  You can find the most recent survey of surveys for this and other assisted living residents here. 

Environment and Community

The general atmosphere of Chevy Chase House is positive, with a simple and welcoming decor featuring ample natural light. Residents and staff appear congenial and the management attentive. The location is considered favorable, with nearby businesses that residents might patronize. However, the lack of parking and green spaces for walking are notable drawbacks.

Conclusion

Chevy Chase House may appeal to individuals who enjoy city-living community-oriented living environment. However, prospective residents should be prepared for potential future moves if higher levels of care, such as nursing or memory care, become necessary. The facility’s rental model provides flexibility but lacks the comprehensive care options available in some other communities. For those prioritizing space, modern amenities, and long-term stability, other options might be more suitable.