Montgomery Village is a continuing care retirement community in Maryland
Montgomery Village Retirement Community is located in Montgomery Village, Maryland, and operates as a continuing care retirement community (CCRC). This means it offers multiple levels of housing and care on one campus — independent living apartments, assisted living, and skilled nursing — so residents can stay in the same community as their care needs change over time.
The community is situated in Montgomery County, about 25 miles northwest of Washington, D.C., in a planned residential area with shopping, dining, and medical facilities nearby. It is operated by a private management company and is not a government-run facility. Because it is a CCRC, residents typically sign a long-term contract and pay both an entrance fee and monthly fees that vary by apartment size and care level.
Key Takeaways
- Montgomery Village offers independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care on one campus, allowing residents to age in place without relocating.
- Residents typically sign a long-term contract and pay an entrance fee plus monthly fees, which vary by apartment size and care level.
- You should visit in person, review the contract with a lawyer or financial advisor, and ask about what happens if you need higher levels of care.
- Medicare and some insurance plans may cover skilled nursing stays, but independent and assisted living are usually paid out of pocket or through long-term care insurance.
- The community has a waiting list, so the time between inquiry and move-in can range from a few months to over a year depending on availability.
What the three levels of care include
Independent living is for residents who do not need daily help with personal care. You live in your own apartment, prepare your own meals (though dining options are usually available), and come and go as you wish. Housekeeping, maintenance, and social activities are typically included.
Assisted living is for residents who need help with activities like bathing, dressing, medication management, or meal preparation, but do not need round-the-clock nursing care. Staff are on-site and respond to call buttons. You still have your own apartment or room.
Skilled nursing is for residents who need medical care, wound care, physical therapy, or monitoring by licensed nurses. This is the highest level of care on campus. Rooms are typically semi-private or private, and nursing staff are present 24 hours a day.
One of the main reasons people choose a CCRC is the ability to move between these levels without leaving the community. If your health changes and you need more support, you can transition to the next level of care while staying familiar with staff, residents, and your surroundings.
How the entrance fee and monthly costs work
Most CCRCs, including Montgomery Village, charge an entrance fee (also called an "admission fee" or "community fee") when you move in. This is a one-time payment that can range widely depending on the size and type of apartment and the care level you choose. The entrance fee is separate from monthly fees and is typically not refundable, though some communities offer partial refund options — you should ask about this specifically.
Monthly fees cover rent, utilities, meals (if included in your plan), housekeeping, maintenance, activities, and basic services. These fees increase each year, usually by a percentage set in your contract. If you move to a higher level of care (from independent to assisted living, for example), your monthly fee will increase.
You should request a detailed fee schedule from Montgomery Village that shows the entrance fee and monthly costs for each level of care. Ask whether the entrance fee includes any services or is purely a deposit, and whether there are additional charges for services like transportation, guest meals, or extra housekeeping. Understanding the full cost picture before you commit is essential to making a sound financial decision.
What to ask about before you move in
Before signing a contract, ask the community directly about these points:
- What happens if I need higher care than I expected? Can I move to assisted living or nursing care while staying at Montgomery Village? Is there a waiting list for those units?
- What is included in the monthly fee? Meals, utilities, activities, transportation, parking — get a complete list.
- Are there extra charges? Ask about guest meals, cable, phone, beauty salon, outings, and medical services not covered by Medicare.
- How long is the waiting list? For independent living and for higher levels of care if you need them later.
- What is the refund policy? If you move out or pass away, what portion of the entrance fee, if any, goes back to your family?
- What happens if the community closes? Ask how residents would be relocated and what financial protection exists.
- Can I bring a pet? What are the size and breed restrictions?
- What is the contract length? Is it month-to-month, annual, or longer? What are the terms for leaving?
Take notes during these conversations and ask for written answers to any questions the staff cannot answer on the spot. Having everything in writing protects you and gives you time to review the details with a financial advisor or lawyer.
How to pay for Montgomery Village
Independent and assisted living at a CCRC are typically paid out of pocket — from savings, investments, or income. Medicare does not cover these levels of care. Some residents use long-term care insurance if they have a policy that covers CCRC costs; you should contact your insurance company to ask whether Montgomery Village is an in-network provider.
If you need skilled nursing care at Montgomery Village, Medicare may cover part of the cost if you meet certain conditions: you must have been hospitalized for at least three consecutive days, admitted to the nursing facility within 30 days of hospital discharge, and need skilled care (not just personal care). Medicare covers up to 100 days, with you paying a daily copay after day 20. Some supplemental insurance plans (Medigap) help cover the copays.
Medicaid may cover skilled nursing and assisted living in some states, but rules vary widely. You should contact the Maryland Department of Health or a local Medicaid office to ask whether Montgomery Village accepts Medicaid and what the income and asset limits are. Planning for payment now, before you need care, gives you time to explore all your options.
Steps to take before committing
Visit Montgomery Village in person at least once, and ideally more than once. Spend time in the common areas, eat a meal if possible, and talk to current residents about their experience. Ask whether you can speak with residents who have moved from independent to assisted living or nursing care. Pay attention to how staff interact with residents and whether the community feels welcoming and well-maintained.
Have a lawyer or financial advisor review the contract before you sign. CCRC contracts are long and complex, and the terms vary. A professional can explain what you are committing to financially and legally, and can flag any unusual clauses. This step costs money upfront but can save you from serious problems later.
Ask for references — names of families whose relatives currently live at Montgomery Village or have recently moved there. Call at least two and ask about their experience with the move-in process, the quality of care, and how the community handled transitions to higher levels of care. Hearing from people who have lived through the experience gives you realistic expectations.
Request a copy of the community's most recent financial audit or annual report. This shows whether the community is financially stable. You can also contact the Maryland Department of Health to ask whether there are any open complaints or violations against the facility. A financially sound community is more likely to be around for the long term and to maintain quality care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay the entrance fee all at once?
Most communities allow you to pay the entrance fee in installments over a set period — often 12 months — rather than as a lump sum. Ask Montgomery Village about their payment plan options when you inquire. Some communities also offer a lower entrance fee if you pay in full upfront.
Can I get my entrance fee back if I move out?
This depends entirely on the contract. Some CCRCs refund a portion of the entrance fee if you leave within a certain time period (for example, 50% if you leave within the first year). Others do not refund any of it. You must read the refund policy in your contract carefully and ask the community to explain it in plain language before you sign.
What if I run out of money while living there?
This is a serious concern and one you should discuss with the community and with a financial advisor before moving in. Ask Montgomery Village what happens if a resident can no longer pay monthly fees — whether they can transition to Medicaid coverage, whether the community will work with family members, or whether the resident would need to leave. Some communities have benevolence funds or financial information programs, but these are not may provide.
How do I know if a CCRC contract is fair?
A lawyer who specializes in elder law or estate planning can review the contract and compare it to industry standards. The Consumer Consortium on Assisted Living publishes a guide to CCRC contracts that explains what to look for. Your state's attorney general's office may also have resources on CCRC regulations and consumer protections.
What if I need care that Montgomery Village does not offer?
Ask the community whether they can arrange outside services — physical therapy, mental health counseling, or specialized medical care — and whether you pay extra for this. Also ask whether the community will help you find care elsewhere if a need arises that they cannot meet on campus.