Introduction

Ashby Ponds Senior Living, located at 21170 Ashby Ponds Blvd, Ashburn, VA 20147, is a large-scale Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) offering a range of services for seniors. This review aims to provide a detailed analysis of the facility’s offerings, resident experiences, and market position to help families make informed decisions about senior care options in the Ashburn area.

Services and Care Options

Ashby Ponds offers a continuum of care, including:

1. Independent Living
2. Assisted Living
3. Memory Care
4. Skilled Nursing Care
5. Rehabilitation Services

Independent Living

• Designed for active seniors seeking a maintenance-free lifestyle
• Various apartment styles and sizes available

Assisted Living

• 24/7 personal care assistance
• Medication management
• Help with activities of daily living (ADLs)

Memory Care

• Specialized support for residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia
• Secure environment to prevent wandering
• Tailored activities to enhance cognitive function

Skilled Nursing Care

• 24-hour medical supervision
• Post-acute care and long-term care options

Rehabilitation Services

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy

Amenities and Daily Life

Ashby Ponds boasts a wide array of amenities designed to enhance resident comfort and engagement:

Dining Options

• Multiple restaurants serving chef-prepared meals
• Special diet accommodations
• All-day dining options

Recreational Areas

• Fitness center with specialized equipment for seniors
• Indoor heated pool and hot tub
• Arts and crafts studio
• Fully-equipped woodworking shop
• Billiards and game room
• Library and computer lab

Wellness Programs

• Comprehensive wellness center
• Fitness classes tailored for seniors
• On-site medical center staffed by geriatricians

Daily Activities

• Educational lectures and classes
• Art workshops and music programs
• Social events and clubs
• Scheduled community outings
• Spiritual and religious services

Resident Experiences and Testimonials

Feedback from residents and their families provides valuable insights into life at Ashby Ponds:

Positive Testimonial:
“We were interested in Ashby Ponds at one time. Just by looking at it, it was beautiful. The grounds were beautiful. It’s a gated community. There were many activities and many different places to choose from to eat. They serve you all these properties she’s worked at. And in fact, her in-laws lived there, so she had a personal connection with it too.”

Critical Feedback:
“We toured Ashby Ponds and really didn’t care for it. We found the rooms really small and the entrance fee is very high. Also very high is the monthly fee which goes up every year 5-10%.”

The overall resident satisfaction rating on Seniorly is an impressive 4.8 out of 5, indicating high levels of satisfaction among residents and their families.

Pricing and Financial Considerations

As of February 2025, the pricing structure for Ashby Ponds is as follows:

• Average monthly cost: $5,109
• This is slightly higher than the average price of similar properties in Ashburn, which is around $4,451

It’s important to note that Ashby Ponds requires a significant entrance fee, which some residents have described as “expensive”. Additionally, the monthly fee reportedly increases by 5-10% annually.

Payment Options:

• Private pay
• Long-term care insurance accepted
• Veterans benefits may apply

Comparison with Local Alternatives

To provide context, here’s how Ashby Ponds compares to other facilities in the area:

1. Ashby Ponds
   • Average price: $5,109/month
   • Overall rating: 4.8/5 (Seniorly)
   • Full continuum of care available
2. The Virginian (Fairfax, VA)
   • Starting price: $5,580/month
   • Overall rating: 4.2/5 (22 reviews)
   • Offers assisted living, independent living, memory care, and continuing care
3. Sunrise at Montgomery Village (Montgomery Village, MD)
   • Starting price: $2,829/month
   • Overall rating: 4.2/5 (43 reviews)
   • Offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and continuing care
4. Maplewood Park Place (Bethesda, MD)
   • Starting price: $3,459/month
   • Overall rating: 4.5/5 (12 reviews)
   • Offers independent living and continuing care

Ashby Ponds stands out for its comprehensive range of care options and high resident satisfaction, though it comes at a premium price point compared to some alternatives in the broader area.

Management and Staff Quality

The high overall rating (4.8/5) suggests excellent management and staff quality. Key points include:

• 24/7 care availability
• On-site medical center staffed by geriatricians
• Personalized wellness plans
• Staff described as knowledgeable and helpful by visitors

However, some residents have expressed concerns about the community feeling less active than expected, with one reviewer stating, “I also do not find this an active community. I feel the residents have settled into old age which is not for me.”

Unique Features and Programs

Ashby Ponds offers several features that set it apart:

1. Comprehensive Campus: Located on 132 picturesque acres with climate-controlled, glass-enclosed walkways connecting buildings
2. On-site Medical Care: Dedicated medical center with geriatricians exclusively serving the community
3. Diverse Amenities: Multiple dining venues, extensive recreational facilities, and a wide range of activities
4. Security: Gated community with 24/7 security staff trained in emergency response

Community Reputation and Recognition

While specific awards for Ashby Ponds were not identified in our research, the facility’s high ratings and positive testimonials speak to its excellent reputation in the community. The parent organization, Erickson Senior Living, is known for managing high-quality senior living communities across the United States.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Ashby Ponds offers a comprehensive range of services in a well-designed setting, with notable strengths in amenities, medical care, and overall resident satisfaction. However, the high entrance fee and annual increases in monthly costs may be a concern for some families.

For those considering Ashby Ponds, we recommend:

1. Scheduling an in-person tour to assess the facility’s atmosphere and staff interactions
2. Requesting a detailed breakdown of all costs, including the entrance fee and projected annual increases
3. Inquiring about the transition process between different levels of care
4. Speaking with current residents and their families to gain firsthand insights
5. Considering both current and potential future care needs when evaluating the suitability of the facility
6. Comparing the value proposition of Ashby Ponds with other CCRCs in the broader area

By thoroughly investigating these aspects, families can make an informed decision about whether Ashby Ponds is the right fit for their loved one’s care needs and lifestyle preferences.