Chenango Valley Home sits in a quiet part of Norwich, NY, at 24 Canasawacta Street, close to downtown and right in a residential neighborhood, and the place has a history that goes back over 130 years, where they've been looking after older adults from the local area. The Home offers both assisted living services and independent apartments for folks who want a bit of help or want to live on their own with peace of mind, and they run as a non-profit, which means a lot of the staff and board members are community folks who care about what happens here. The building has colonial-style touches and feels home-like, with comfort and simple elegance, and the grounds are landscaped with walking paths and gardens, where residents often join gardening programs or take walks.
Inside, you'll find 30 private rooms and 12 independent apartments, and those apartments are available for people aged 60 and up who can manage most of their activities themselves, while the private rooms work well for folks who want a bit more help with daily living tasks. The apartments come with full kitchens, lots of closet space, big windows for natural sunlight, private bathrooms, wall-to-wall carpeting, and all utilities included except for phone service, and they're roomy too, with one-bedrooms at 550 square feet and two-bedrooms stretching to 660 square feet, along with elevator access, secured entrances, and safety features like grab bars and sprinkler systems all through the building. There's off-street parking, secure storage, generous pantry space, laundry service, and trash and snow removal included, making it easier for everyone to keep things tidy and comfortable.
Meals are served restaurant-style three times a day, with menus checked by a registered dietitian, and they do their best to honor special diets and get residents involved in planning through a food committee, plus guests can join for meals if needed. Morning coffee and pastries are available, snacks and drinks can be had 24 hours a day, and the dining area feels bright and welcoming. Inside, residents can relax in several sitting areas, a sun room, a screened porch, sun deck, or the library, and there's a beauty salon and whirlpool tub for a bit of pampering.
Activities keep things lively, as a full-time activity director organizes daily enrichment programs like arts and crafts, movie nights, gardening, book clubs, cooking clubs, holiday parties, and more, and you'll often find people heading out for scenic rides, social and cultural outings, bingo, or welcoming in live musical entertainment. Religious services are offered onsite, and there's an adult day care program where visitors can join for half or full days. Volunteer activities, including visits from pets, intergenerational programs, and chances to share music or gardening skills, bring new energy into the community.
Safety stands out at Chenango Valley Home, since the building uses a sprinkler system, emergency call buttons in every room, and fully addressable fire systems, with the Norwich Fire & Emergency Department just minutes away. Every resident has a wellness call system, and there's always staff on hand, with 35 full and part-time employees plus volunteers providing help with things like bathing, dressing, and medication reminders, but they don't offer skilled nursing or round-the-clock medical care, so it's mostly suited to those who don't need intensive medical support but still appreciate help. Housekeeping, interior and exterior repairs, wellness programs with daily exercise classes, as well as transportation to local shops and doctor's appointments, are all included. Residents have access to cable TV, control their own heating and cooling, and can bring a pet if they'd like, since the Home is pet friendly.
Monthly fees cover just about everything, but some extra activities and special outings may cost a bit more, and if someone leaves in the first year, the entrance fee is partly refunded, though they'll waive it if a resident moves from independent to personal care. You can tell the place aims to make life richer and easier for older adults in Chenango County, and they've even got donation programs set up with options for planned giving or memorial gifts, plus a Tree of Appreciation to honor big donors. With a caring staff, a history of community involvement, and an openness to everyone who wants independence with some support, Chenango Valley Home keeps working to make life blossom for seniors in Norwich.
