The McAuley sits on a large 26-acre campus in West Hartford, Connecticut, offering a full range of retirement living and health care services for seniors, and what really stands out is how this community brings together independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing under one roof, so residents can find the level of care they need as they age, and it does this as West Hartford's only Life Plan Community, which means people can live independently for as long as possible but know that more help is there if things change. Saint Mary Home, part of The McAuley campus, offers skilled nursing, rehabilitation, memory care for people with dementia, palliative care, and regular residential care, and they've got a nurse on staff part-time, while staff are available 24/7 in case of emergencies, plus there's strict supervision and a call system for safety. There's independent living, assisted living, memory care, and even ongoing advice and planning services, so someone can really settle in knowing their needs are covered, and families get peace of mind since the community works together with Mercy Community Health and Trinity Health, and is co-sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, which is a group known for supporting health, education, and social services.
People can pick from different housing options, including studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, and some even have full kitchens, balconies, porches, and living and dining rooms, and there are semi-private and three-bedroom units as well, so there's quite a few choices, and the mid-rise building has elevators and wide hallways to make getting around easy for everyone. Rent and care fees are all-inclusive, so meals, activities, transportation, and housekeeping get bundled into one payment, with the entry fee starting at $55,800 and monthly prices at $4,113 for a studio, $5,220 for a one-bedroom, and $6,640 for a two-bedroom, and the community accepts check and credit card payments, private pay, social security, veteran's benefits, and private insurance, plus they have different fees if another person joins or if a resident's care needs change.
The campus has a real community feel, with indoor common areas, healthy and nutritious dining, quiet lounges for relaxing, and spaces for group events, and people can take part in a whole list of programs like fitness classes, yoga, strength training, art shows, movie nights, music programs, field trips, holiday parties, and even resident-run activities, which helps everyone find friends and stay busy. Cultural, educational, social, and spiritual programs get offered all the time, including devotional services offsite, so everyone can keep up with hobbies or beliefs, and there's a library, game room, business center, salon/barber, gardens, walking paths, fitness room, and even a spa/wellness area. The staff can help with personal care, bathing, dressing, monitoring blood sugar for diabetes, medication reminders, and admin, but insulin injections aren't given, and for incontinence, residents need to manage it mostly themselves. Meal service removes the need to buy groceries or cook, and the community welcomes some pets, so people don't have to leave animals behind. Complimentary transportation makes errands and appointments easier, and there's support for getting from a bed to a wheelchair or for transfers, plus rehabilitation is on-site for those who need extra health support, and hospice and respite care are available too.
The McAuley's a nonprofit retirement community, part of a larger network, and is verified as a senior community by Seniorly, which checks for certain quality standards, and feedback shows people generally appreciate the care and programs. Tours can be arranged in person or virtually, and the staff answer questions for those thinking about moving in. The building and grounds have their own feel, with plenty of greenery and peaceful places to sit, so seniors can find both quiet time and a busy social life, and it all adds up to an environment meant to support healthy aging and strong friendships, without having to leave home as care needs change.
