Hallmark Cheviot Hills Assisted Living sits on a residential street alongside many posh family homes. Two years ago, just after the prior owners sold the facility, a complete renovation dramatically altered the physical appearance of both the exterior and interior. A blue awning shades the entrance, surrounded by beautiful landscaping. The small lobby is decorated with tasteful artwork, plants and attractive window treatments and accents. New muted blue carpet and shades of yellow, cream and baby blue make their mark throughout the facility.
The two dining rooms are adjacent to one another. Staff members encourage new residents to sit in several different places before choosing their spots, so they can get to know a variety of people. Residents’ photographs, along with details about their diets, hang in the kitchen. Specific place settings also alert waitstaff to residents’ individual dietary needs. Special menu requests are honored and assorted favorites like lox and gefilte fish are always on hand. A coffee, tea and snack bar outside the dining room is accessible around the clock. Patio barbecues occur often. Two activity rooms host bingo, games, live entertainment, movies and dancing. When we visited, residents sat by the fireplace in the larger activity room, engaged in structured reminiscing. Recommendations for trips are always welcome, but popular destinations include dollar stores, casinos, movies and malls.
Large resident rooms have attractive furnishings for those who opt not to bring their own. Furnished rooms have a desk, bureau, nice window treatments and soft, warm colors. Five shared rooms appear smaller and simpler. Four suites contain working fireplaces. The program director has been with the facility for over twenty years and has forged close relationships with the residents. Along the tour, we met one ninety-four-year-old resident who had moved in a year ago. He said he loved it here and was very happy. We could tell he was spry and active, and he confirmed this by recounting stories of his favorite activities—going to the casinos is at the top of his list! Many residents maintain lifestyles similar to those they had before moving to the facility; some still drive their own cars and hold jobs, with a little assistance at home from the caring staff at Hallmark Cheviot Hills.
