AlfredHouse

The lobby of House 5 at AlfredHouse.

Shortly before the holidays I toured several homes of AlfredHouse, a boutique assisted living community based in Rockville, MD.  AlfredHouse provides care for people experiencing aging cognitive challenges such as dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.  Rhonda Thomas, the Marketing and Family Relations Director, was my enthusiastic and able tour guide.

AlfredHouse is somewhat unique in that it’s actually made up of a series of small homes—it is not one big building or complex.  There are six homes in Rockville, two homes in Silver Spring, and one home in Derwood, with another under construction.  These small homes have a more intimate, family-like feel than larger assisted living communities often do.  That might make them a better fit for some people who are suffering from cognitive decline.  The homes range in size from those that have 5 apartments, to their newest home, under construction, which will have 34 apartments.  The apartments come in a range of different sizes and layouts.  All of AlfredHouse’s homes have a staff-to-resident ratio of 1 to 4, so there is plenty of personal care and attention for each resident.  There are daily activities for all residents, as well as home-cooked meals and snacks.

While at AlfredHouse, I was able to tour their newest (under construction) home, which is called Symphony House.  Symphony House is unique in that it is designed for elderly people who have mental health challenges as well as cognitive challenges.  Its design tries to incorporate as much natural light as possible.  There will be a therapy room to deliver music, light, and massage therapy to residents.  AlfredHouse will partner with CounterPoint Health Services, a leading behavioral health and memory care provider, to provide care to residents.  Symphony House will be opening in early 2017.

There are large windows in each apartment of symphony house to bring in an abundance of natural light

Before leaving I was able to spend some time with Dr. Veena Alfred, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of AlfredHouse.  Her passion for AlfredHouse and its mission was evident.  AlfredHouse is definitely worth a look if you or a loved one might prefer a smaller-scale assisted living community, with an emphasis on a high staff-to-resident ratio.