Executive Summary
The Bay at Chesterfield, now operating as Volante of Chesterfield, is located at 29891 23 Mile Rd in New Baltimore, Michigan. This senior living community offers multiple levels of care in a home-like environment, with an emphasis on personalized support and quality of life. Based on resident reviews and comparative analysis with other facilities in the region, Volante of Chesterfield provides competitive pricing, strong amenities, and highly-rated staff interactions, earning an 8.9/10 overall satisfaction rating from residents and families.
Facility Overview and Care Services
Care Options
Volante of Chesterfield offers two primary types of care services to meet varying senior needs:
| Care Type | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Assisted Living | • 24/7 professional care team• Medication management• Personal care assistance• Housekeeping and laundry services• Transportation services• Three chef-prepared meals daily |
| Memory Care | • Specialized care for Alzheimer’s/dementia• Secure environment• Staff trained in dementia care approaches• Structured daily routines to reduce anxiety• Activities designed to preserve cognitive abilities |
Each resident receives a personalized care plan developed upon move-in and regularly updated as needs change. This approach allows for seamless transitions between care levels when necessary, enabling residents to “age in place” without relocating to different facilities.
On-Site Medical Support
The facility offers several health-related services:
- On-site physical and occupational therapy
- Medication management
- Daily living assistance
- 24/7 care staff availability
- Regular wellness checks
Amenities and Living Environment
Living Accommodations
Residents at Volante of Chesterfield can choose from several accommodation types:
| Accommodation Type | Assisted Living | Memory Care |
|---|---|---|
| Semi-Private | Starting at $3,150/mo | – |
| Studio | Starting at $3,895/mo | Starting at $5,150/mo |
| One-Bedroom | Starting at $4,450/mo | – |
| Two-Bedroom | Starting at $5,475/mo | – |
All apartments feature:
- Kitchenettes
- Cozy living spaces
- Ground-floor entryways for easy accessibility
- Walk-in showers
- Access to the courtyard
Common Areas and Recreational Spaces
The facility offers numerous common areas designed to enhance resident quality of life:
- Movie theater for entertainment
- Game room for social interaction
- Library for reading and quiet activities
- Sunroom for relaxation
- Beautiful courtyard with patio furniture
- Restaurant-style dining room
- Private dining room for special events
- Beauty salon and barber shop
Dining Experience
Dining at Volante of Chesterfield is designed to be both nutritious and enjoyable:
- Restaurant-style dining with chef-prepared meals
- Special dietary accommodations
- Private dining room for family gatherings
- Opportunity to invite family members to join for meals
Daily Activities and Programming
The community offers a robust schedule of activities to keep residents engaged physically, mentally, and socially:
- Movie showings in the theater room
- Beauty services at the salon
- Reading time in the sunroom
- Social gatherings and games
- Special events in the private dining room
- Outdoor relaxation in the courtyard
One resident noted: “The staff are very very great people. They always are trying to make sure you have a good time and be glad that you are here.”
While specific activity calendars aren’t detailed in the available information, the facility emphasizes keeping “minds engaged and bodies active” through varied daily programming.
Resident and Family Experiences
Volante of Chesterfield has received strong reviews from residents and their families, with an overall rating of 8.9 out of 10 based on 16 reviews. The majority of reviews (62%) are 5-star, while 13% are 4-star, indicating high satisfaction among most residents and families.
Positive Testimonials
Several testimonials highlight the positive aspects of life at the community:
“Having had 30 years experience working in Senior Communities, I went searching for the perfect place for my very independent 102-year-old Dad. They gave my Dad the independence he needed. I was given the gift of knowing my Dad was in the best place for him. Thank you!”
“It was an excellent experience! I wish that we had found it sooner! Staff to resident ratio in the Memory Care Unit. Proximity to family, stand-out staff and facility.”
“Having experienced multiple facilities, moving to the Bay three years ago has been a wonderful experience! I am now getting the care I deserve and the staff and residents are my second family. There was a difficult transition period when the building was purchased, but over the past year there has been so many positive improvements and the team in place now is great and making a difference! I am happy in my home!”
Areas for Consideration
Some reviews mention a transition period when the facility changed ownership, though most note that improvements have been made since then. One resident mentioned wanting “added transportation” but otherwise really enjoying their experience.
Detailed Ratings Breakdown
| Category | Average Rating (out of 5) | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Cleanliness | 4.5+ | Multiple reviews mention the cleanliness of the facility |
| Friendliness | 4.5+ | Staff consistently described as friendly and helpful |
| Care Services | 4.5 | Strong positive feedback on quality of care |
| Staff | 4.5 | Highly rated for attentiveness and compassion |
| Meals & Dining | 4.5 | Food quality frequently praised |
| Activities | 4.0 | Positive but fewer specific mentions |
| Value for Cost | 4.0 | Generally considered worth the price |
Pricing and Financial Considerations
Cost Structure at Volante of Chesterfield
As noted in the accommodations section, pricing varies by room type and level of care:
- Assisted Living:
- Semi-Private: Starting at $3,150/month
- Studio: Starting at $3,895/month
- One-Bedroom: Starting at $4,450/month
- Two-Bedroom: Starting at $5,475/month
- Memory Care:
- Studio: Starting at $5,150/month
Regional Price Comparison
| Facility | Starting Price (Studio) | Rating | Room Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volante of Chesterfield | $3,895 | 8.9/10 (16 reviews) | Studio, 1BR, 2BR, Semi-Private |
| Meadows Assisted Living | $4,800 | 9.2/10 (23 reviews) | Studio |
| Commonwealth Senior Living | N/A | 8.7/10 (65 reviews) | Various |
| Westwood Inn | $4,995 | 8.2/10 (15 reviews) | Studio, 1BR |
The average cost of assisted living in Chesterfield is $4,022 per month, making Volante’s starting price of $3,895 slightly below the local average.
For context, traditional nursing home care is significantly more expensive, typically costing between $7,900-$9,000 monthly for shared and private rooms respectively.
Value Considerations
The facility offers multiple promotional options to help manage costs:
- Room discounts
- Rate lock options
- Fee discounts
One resident noted regarding value: “I am happy with my home!” while another mentioned that despite some initial concerns about the transition to new ownership, “issues have been resolved.”
Management and Staff Quality
The management and staff at Volante of Chesterfield receive consistently positive feedback in resident reviews, with staff being described as “very very great people” who “always are trying to make sure you have a good time.”
Key staff features include:
- 24/7 availability
- Training in specialized care approaches, particularly for memory care
- Emphasis on building relationships with residents
- Focus on promoting independence while providing necessary support
One resident shared: “The staff and residents are my second family… the team in place now is great and making a difference!”
Unique Features and Differentiators
Several elements set Volante of Chesterfield apart from other facilities in the region:
- Personalized Care Approach: Individual care plans tailored to each resident’s specific needs and preferences.
- Home-Like Environment: The single-story layout with ground-floor entryways and a beautiful courtyard creates a more residential feel than some institutional settings.
- Quality of Life Focus: Emphasis on engaging social activities, beautiful outdoor spaces, and a pet-friendly environment.
- Strong Staff-Resident Relationships: Multiple reviews highlight the quality of staff interactions and the development of genuine relationships between staff and residents.
Recommendations for Prospective Residents and Families
Based on this comprehensive review, here are practical recommendations for those considering Volante of Chesterfield:
1. Schedule a Comprehensive Tour
Use this tour checklist to ensure you gather all the information needed to make an informed decision:
| Area to Evaluate | Questions to Ask | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Care Services | • What is the staff-to-resident ratio?• How often are care plans reviewed and updated?• What training do staff receive for memory care?• How are medication needs handled? | |
| Living Spaces | • Can residents bring furniture from home?• How often is housekeeping provided?• Are all apartments ground-level as mentioned in reviews?• What safety features are in each unit? | |
| Dining Experience | • Can you sample a meal during your tour?• How are special diets accommodated?• What are meal times and is there flexibility?• Can family members join for meals? What is the cost? | |
| Activities | • Request to see current and past activity calendars• Ask how activities are tailored for different ability levels• Inquire about transportation for outside activities• Ask about popular resident favorites | |
| Staff Interaction | • Observe how staff interact with current residents• Ask about staff turnover rates• Inquire about communication protocols with families• Meet with key department heads if possible |
2. Conduct a Detailed Cost Comparison
Create a comprehensive cost assessment using this worksheet:
| Expense Category | Volante of Chesterfield | Competitor 1 | Competitor 2 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Room Cost | $_______ | $_______ | $_______ | Remember to compare similar room types |
| Level of Care Fee | $_______ | $_______ | $_______ | Ask about assessment process and fee tiers |
| Medication Management | $_______ | $_______ | $_______ | Some places charge extra for this service |
| Personal Care Assistance | $_______ | $_______ | $_______ | May vary based on amount of help needed |
| Additional Services | $_______ | $_______ | $_______ | Salon, transportation, special activities |
| Community/Administrative Fee | $_______ | $_______ | $_______ | One-time or annual fees |
| Total Monthly Cost | $_______ | $_______ | $_______ | Add all applicable fees for true comparison |
3. Assess Care Needs Alignment
Evaluate whether the care options at Volante of Chesterfield align with your loved one’s current and anticipated future needs:
| Care Need | Current Requirement | Available at Volante? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medication Management | □ Independent□ Reminders only□ Full assistance | Yes – All levels | Staff provides medication management and administration |
| Mobility Support | □ Fully mobile□ Uses walker/cane□ Wheelchair□ Transfer assistance | Yes – Ground floor units with accessibility features | Ground-floor entryways and walk-in showers |
| Personal Care | □ Independent□ Minimal assistance□ Moderate assistance□ Extensive assistance | Yes – Customizable care plans | Personalized care plans based on individual needs |
| Memory Support | □ No concerns□ Mild forgetfulness□ Moderate impairment□ Advanced needs | Yes – Dedicated memory care program | Specialized memory care with trained staff |
| Social Engagement | □ Highly social□ Moderately social□ Prefers solitude | Yes – Various activity levels | Multiple common areas and varied activities |
4. Prepare Key Questions About Memory Care
If memory care is a consideration, prepare these specific questions to ensure the program meets your loved one’s needs:
- Staff Training: “What specialized training do your memory care staff receive, and how often is this training updated?”
- Environmental Design: “How is the memory care environment designed to reduce confusion and promote orientation?”
- Activity Programming: “What types of cognitive stimulation activities do you offer specifically for memory care residents?”
- Behavioral Support: “How do staff handle challenging behaviors that might emerge with dementia progression?”
- Family Involvement: “How do you involve families in care planning for memory care residents, and what communication systems are in place?”
Conclusion
Volante of Chesterfield (formerly The Bay at Chesterfield) offers a comprehensive senior living solution with assisted living and memory care options in a home-like environment. With competitive pricing starting at $3,895 for assisted living and $5,150 for memory care, the facility provides good value compared to regional averages.
The community’s strengths include its personalized care approach, quality dining program, variety of amenities, and particularly its highly-rated staff who create a family-like atmosphere for residents. With an 8.9/10 overall satisfaction rating from 16 reviews, Volante of Chesterfield demonstrates strong resident and family satisfaction.
For those considering this community, the recommendations provided offer practical steps to evaluate whether it meets your specific needs and preferences. By conducting a thorough assessment using the provided tools, you can make a confident, informed decision about whether Volante of Chesterfield is the right senior living choice for you or your loved one.
