Executive Summary
Avery Heights, located at 705 New Britain Avenue in Hartford, Connecticut, is a well-established senior living community that has served the Greater Hartford area for over five decades. As a not-for-profit entity owned by Church Homes, Inc., this community offers a continuum of care services without requiring buy-in fees, distinguishing it from many competitors in the region.
This comprehensive review examines Avery Heights’ care options, amenities, resident experiences, pricing structure, and unique offerings to help prospective residents and their families make informed decisions about this senior living option.
Types of Care Services Offered
Avery Heights provides a full spectrum of senior living and care services designed to accommodate changing needs as residents age:
| Service Level | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Independent Living | • Variety of apartments and cottages• Emphasis on active lifestyle• Access to wellness center |
| Assisted Living | • 24-hour supervision• Personalized care plans• Daily activity assistance |
| Memory Care | • Specialized programs• Secure environment• Cognitive stimulation activities |
| Additional Services | • Short-term rehabilitation• Home health care• Long-term care |
One distinctive aspect of Avery Heights is its approach to “aging in place,” which allows residents to transition between different levels of care as their needs change without relocating to different communities.
Memory Care Excellence
Avery Heights has gained particular recognition for its specialized memory care program. Their approach includes:
- Personalized care plans tailored to each resident’s stage of cognitive decline
- Cognitive stimulation through various therapeutic activities
- Music therapy and art classes to engage different parts of the brain
- Reminiscence activities designed to preserve long-term memories
- Family involvement programs to maintain meaningful connections
The memory care neighborhood is designed with security features to prevent wandering while still allowing freedom of movement within safe boundaries.
Amenities and Living Experience
Common Areas and Recreational Spaces
Avery Heights offers numerous amenities to enhance residents’ quality of life:
- Professional dining services with chef-prepared meals
- State-of-the-art wellness center for fitness and health monitoring
- Walking trails through beautifully maintained grounds
- Game room for social interaction and entertainment
- Library with computer access
- Fitness room with equipment suitable for seniors
- Wellness spa offering therapeutic services
Dining Experience
The community has been recognized with a “Best Meals and Dining” award, acknowledging their commitment to providing nutritious, appealing meals. According to resident testimonials, “the food is excellent,” with options to accommodate various dietary preferences and needs.
Dining services include:
- Restaurant-style dining with chef-prepared meals
- Special dietary accommodations (low-sodium, vegetarian, etc.)
- Flexible dining options
- Private dining spaces for family gatherings
Activities and Community Engagement
Avery Heights maintains a robust calendar of activities designed to promote physical, mental, and social wellbeing:
- Diverse social activities and events
- Fitness classes tailored to various ability levels
- Educational programs and lectures
- Support groups for residents facing similar challenges
- Spiritual care services through an on-site chapel
- Community-sponsored events
- Movie nights and entertainment
- Resident-run committees to help improve facilities, food, and administration
As one resident noted, “Folks are invited to serve on committees to help improve facilities, food and administration,” highlighting the community’s commitment to resident input and engagement.
Resident and Family Experiences
Avery Heights enjoys consistently positive reviews from both residents and family members. The community has an overall rating of 8.6 out of 10 based on 18 reviews, with 78% being 5-star and 22% being 4-star ratings. Notably, there are no ratings below 3 stars.
Testimonials from Residents
One resident shared: “All are at least a 4.5. Some may not be quite a 5 because the facility is getting old and they are trying to keep everything up. This is a great place to live. The staff goes above and beyond and the food is excellent. Folks are invited to serve on committees to help improve facilities, food and administration.”
Another resident, who has lived at Avery Heights since July 2022, stated: “I have been a resident since [date removed] and am very pleased with the Avery community – especially the staff! I have received immediate response to any of my questions and a very professional attitude permeates this beautiful campus. I would recommend Avery Heights to all caring families.”
Family Member Perspectives
Family members express similar satisfaction with the care provided at Avery Heights:
“We are very lucky to have found a place that works well for our father. The staff is fantastic and helpful. Our father appears to be well taken care of. He has a lot of activities available to him and he loves the food.” – Katie J., Family Member
“My mom is a resident at Avery Heights and the experience has been great. Mom says most of the food is very good. They were giving her two big meals a day. At our family meeting we asked if she could have a sandwich for dinner and that has worked better for her, along with some fruits. There are many activities to participate in, but my mom doesn’t participate unless she goes to mass. I visit her nearly everyday and I know that she is being cared for.” – Anonymous Family Member
These testimonials highlight the community’s responsiveness to individual needs and preferences, as well as the overall quality of care.
Pricing and Financial Considerations
Cost Structure
Avery Heights operates on a rental model without requiring buy-in fees, making it more accessible to many seniors compared to communities with large entrance fees.
| Living Option | Avery Heights Cost | Hartford Area Average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio Starting Cost | $2,840-$4,330 | $5,248 |
| 1-Bedroom | Starting at $4,740 | N/A |
| Average Monthly Cost | $5,799 | $5,225 |
The studio starting cost at Avery Heights ($2,840-$4,330) is notably lower than the Hartford area average of $5,248, potentially offering a more affordable option for seniors on a budget.
Regional Comparison
When compared with other senior living communities in the Hartford area:
- Anthology of Simsbury: $4,349/month
- Brookdale South Windsor: $4,520/month
- Farmington Station: $3,900/month
The average cost of senior living in Hartford is $3,956 per month, compared to Connecticut’s state average of $6,952 and the national average of $4,126. This positions Avery Heights as competitively priced within the local market.
Management and Staff Quality
Residents and families consistently praise the quality and responsiveness of the staff at Avery Heights. Key aspects of their approach include:
- 24-hour supervision with emergency response systems
- Personalized care plans developed for each resident
- Medication management and administration
- Coordination with outside healthcare providers
- Staff trained in specialized memory care techniques
As one family member noted, “The staff are all very friendly. The facility is large in size and they offer multiples different levels of care, which is why we chose Avery Heights over others.”
Another resident emphasized the staff’s responsiveness: “I have received immediate response to any of my questions and a very professional attitude permeates this beautiful campus.”
Awards and Recognition
Avery Heights has received several notable recognitions:
- “Best Meals and Dining” award for nutritious meals with quality ingredients
- “Best of Senior Living” recognition, representing top-reviewed senior care providers based on resident and family feedback
- “Best of Senior Living All Star” award for communities receiving 25+ reviews in 2024
These awards reflect the community’s commitment to quality in various aspects of senior care.
Unique Differentiators
Several features distinguish Avery Heights from other senior living communities in the Hartford area:
- No Buy-In Fee Model: Unlike many senior communities that require large entrance fees, Avery Heights operates on a rental-only basis, making it more accessible financially.
- Veteran Support Programs: Special programs and potential financial benefits for veterans.
- Resident Committee Participation: Residents can actively participate in committees that help improve various aspects of the community.
- Full Continuum of Care: The ability to transition between different levels of care within the same community as needs change.
- Not-for-Profit Status: As a not-for-profit entity owned by Church Homes, Inc., the focus is on resident care rather than shareholder returns.
Location and Accessibility
Avery Heights benefits from its strategic location:
- Proximity to West Hartford’s amenities
- Easy access to shopping and dining options
- Close to cultural attractions and community resources
- Well-maintained, secure grounds
- Convenient access to medical facilities
The community’s location in Hartford provides residents with access to urban amenities while maintaining a peaceful campus environment.
Recommendations for Prospective Residents and Families
Based on this comprehensive review, here are actionable recommendations for those considering Avery Heights:
1. Schedule a Structured Visit
Implementation Plan:
Use this comprehensive visit checklist to evaluate Avery Heights thoroughly:
| Area to Evaluate | Questions to Ask/Things to Observe | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Staff Interactions | • How do staff address residents?• Do they know residents by name?• How quickly do they respond to requests?• Do they appear rushed or attentive? | |
| Living Spaces | • Are apartments clean and well-maintained?• How spacious are the rooms?• What safety features are installed?• Are personal items and decorations encouraged? | |
| Dining Experience | • Sample a meal during your visit• Observe food quality, variety, and presentation• Ask about accommodation for dietary restrictions• Observe staff-resident interactions during meals | |
| Activities | • Request to see the activity calendar• Ask about participation rates• Observe an activity in progress if possible• Ask about transportation for outside activities | |
| Memory Care | • What specialized training do staff receive?• How is the area secured against wandering?• What cognitive enhancement programs are offered?• How are families involved in care planning? | |
| Resident Feedback | • Ask to speak with current residents• Observe general mood and engagement levels• Ask about resident committees and how feedback is incorporated |
2. Create a Comprehensive Cost Analysis
Implementation Plan:
Complete this worksheet to understand the full financial picture at Avery Heights:
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost at Avery Heights | Comparable Cost at Home | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Housing | Studio: $2,840-$4,3301-Bedroom: $4,740+ | Current mortgage/rent: $_____ | Consider all housing-related costs currently paid |
| Meals | Included in monthly fee | Groceries: $Dining out: $ | The “Best Meals and Dining” award suggests quality food service |
| Utilities | Most included | Current utilities: $_____ | Ask which utilities are included/excluded |
| Housekeeping | Included | Current service: $_____ | Consider time value if you currently clean yourself |
| Maintenance | Included | Current costs: $_____ | Include regular and unexpected home repairs |
| Transportation | Transportation services available | Current costs: $_____ | Include car payments, insurance, gas, maintenance |
| Activities/Entertainment | Most included | Current costs: $_____ | Consider memberships, classes, events you currently pay for |
| Healthcare Services | Basic: IncludedAdditional: $_____ | Current costs: $_____ | Request detailed pricing for specific care needs |
| Total Monthly Cost | $_________ | $_________ | Compare total costs to evaluate value |
3. Assess Care Needs Alignment
Implementation Plan:
Use this assessment tool to determine which level of care at Avery Heights would be most appropriate:
| Care Need | Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care | Your Situation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medication Management | Self-managed | Supervision available | Full management | □ Self-sufficient□ Needs reminders□ Needs full assistance |
| Bathing/Dressing | Independent | Assistance available | Full assistance | □ Independent□ Occasional help□ Daily assistance |
| Meal Preparation | Community dining available | Community dining with assistance | Specialized dining support | □ Can prepare meals□ Prefers prepared meals□ Needs assistance eating |
| Mobility | Fully mobile | Some assistance | Full assistance | □ Fully mobile□ Uses mobility aids□ Requires transfer assistance |
| Memory/Cognition | No concerns | Minor concerns | Significant concerns | □ No memory issues□ Occasional forgetfulness□ Significant memory loss |
| Social Engagement | Self-directed | Encouraged participation | Structured programs | □ Highly social□ Needs encouragement□ Requires structured interaction |
4. Evaluate Community Fit and Social Engagement
Implementation Plan:
Consider these aspects to determine if Avery Heights’ social environment is right for you or your loved one:
| Aspect to Consider | Questions to Ask | Your Preferences | Notes on Avery Heights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activity Types | What types of activities do you enjoy?(Physical, intellectual, creative, social, spiritual) | □ Physical exercise□ Educational programs□ Arts and crafts□ Social gatherings□ Spiritual services | • Diverse social activities• Fitness classes• Educational programs• Spiritual care services |
| Engagement Level | How much structured activity do you prefer? | □ Highly structured day□ Balance of activity and independence□ Mostly independent with optional activities | Reviews mention various activity levels with resident choice |
| Resident Input | How important is having input in community decisions? | □ Very important□ Somewhat important□ Not important | Resident committees allow active participation in community decisions |
| Peer Community | What types of people do you enjoy socializing with? | □ Similar backgrounds□ Diverse perspectives□ Shared interests | Ask to meet current residents during your visit |
| Family Involvement | How often do you want family to participate? | □ Frequent family events□ Occasional family involvement□ Primarily resident-focused | Ask about family events, meal policies for visitors |
Conclusion
Avery Heights represents a well-established, highly-rated senior living option in the Hartford area. With its comprehensive care continuum, absence of buy-in fees, quality dining program, and strong resident satisfaction ratings, it merits serious consideration for seniors seeking supportive living environments.
The community’s not-for-profit status, resident committee structure, and consistent positive reviews from both residents and family members suggest a culture of responsiveness and resident-centered care. Its pricing structure appears competitive within the local market, particularly for studio accommodations.
While any senior living decision should involve thorough personal evaluation, Avery Heights’ five-decade legacy in the Hartford community and current 8.6/10 satisfaction rating indicate a strong track record of meeting resident needs across various levels of care.
For those considering Avery Heights, implementing the recommended evaluation strategies will help determine if this community aligns with personal preferences, care requirements, and financial considerations.
