The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Ellicott City, MD

We particularly liked the elegant touches found throughout the common areas of this facility, such as the grand piano in the lobby and the artistic formal private dining room that residents can use to entertain family and friends. Residents can choose from spacious studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. Each unit is equipped with stainless steel appliances in the kitchens or kitchenettes, 24-hour emergency call systems and Wi-Fi. Companion suites are also available. On-site amenities include a full-service salon/barbershop, a restaurant-style dining room, a coffee shop, outdoor walking trails and comfortable outdoor seating areas. Small pets are welcome at this facility.

With a resident capacity of 229, this pet-friendly facility offers plenty of opportunities to get to know a variety of people. Besides studio, one and two-bedroom units, there are also stand-alone cottages available for those who prefer a bit of extra privacy. There is designated parking for guests, and they are welcome to join residents for meals or spend the night. Activities include tai chi, resident-led special interest clubs, arts and crafts, games, music and gardening. There is also an on-site spa and swimming pool. Skilled nursing is available as well as an on-site pharmacy, physical therapy and medication management.

This facility earned its place on our top 10 list because of its country club atmosphere, wide variety of life enrichment programs and the quality of the fresh, seasonal fare in its restaurant-style dining room and cafe. There is a private movie theater, an on-site spa/salon/barbershop, a fitness center and spacious, beautifully decorated common areas. We also loved the private rooms equipped with telemedicine capability available to residents and its designation as a Parkinson's Certified Facility. The outdoor areas provide plenty of room for residents and their small pets to get outdoor exercise and fresh air.

Floor plans at The Atrium Village include studio, one- and two-bedroom units equipped with kitchens or kitchenettes, in-room cable, internet and washers and dryers. Residents are welcome to share their living quarters with their small pets. There is a restaurant-style dining room where residents can enjoy meals with their peers, and room service is available for those who would prefer to dine in their apartments. Nurses are on staff 24 hours per day. There is also a full-service salon/barbershop on-site.

We particularly liked this facility's open concept design that extends to its common spaces, providing easy access to the activity and dining room rather than being situated down long hallways. Everything is on one level, so there is no need for residents to navigate stairs and elevators. Floor plans include studio, one- and two-bedroom units equipped with emergency call systems and washers and dryers. There are outdoor walking paths where residents can exercise their small pets as well as a nicely landscaped courtyard where they can relax with a book or enjoy a picnic with friends and family on nice days.

Harmony Hall offers studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments and companion suites. This facility does not accept pets, making it a good choice for those with allergies. Common areas where residents can socialize with friends and family include a parlor, three dining rooms and attractively landscaped outdoor areas with comfortable seating. Popular activities include opera nights, ice cream socials and discussions about current events. There is an on-site rehabilitation gym with state-of-the-art fitness equipment designed specifically for seniors.

We included this facility on our top 10 list because of its holistic approach to senior care. Monthly wellness assessments keep care plans up to date, and the facility utilizes a state-of-the-art electronic health record system that streamlines the process of creating highly individualized care plans. Residents have access to a wide range of activities, classes and events, such as fitness sessions, group outings and resident-sponsored special interest groups. We also loved the family engagement app, which lets family members view menus, activity calendars and photos and videos of their loved ones.

Residents of Sunrise of Columbia have the option of studio and one-bedroom floor plans. Each unit contains a kitchenette, is wired for internet and cable and has an emergency call system. There is a resident council that holds regular meetings to provide input on issues such as menus, activities and accommodations. There is an afternoon walking club, regular bingo games and exercise classes every morning. All pets are welcome at this facility.

Brighton Gardens of Columbia is a pet-friendly facility with studio and one-bedroom apartments. Residents are provided with personalized care plans, and trained staff are available at all times. We particularly liked the elegant touches in the restaurant-style dining room, such as flowers on the tables and soft music during meals. An on-site herb and vegetable garden provides the talented culinary staff with plenty of fresh fare to use in meal preparation. Other special touches include made-to-order waffles for Sunday brunch, carving stations for holiday dinners and themed candlelight dinners.

We were particularly impressed with how this pet-friendly facility's common spaces offer a combination of coziness and stylish luxury. There are plenty of indoor and outdoor nooks available for visiting with friends and family or for simply sitting in quiet contemplation or reading a good book. We also liked the all-day dining option from the restaurant-style dining room, the Maryland-themed club room and the sunny courtyards, shaded patio spaces and serene gazebo.