Commonwealth Senior Living

I am writing this to relate my recent experience working with Robin Sutphin, Melissa Heath and the staff at Commonwealth Assisted Living in Christiansburg, VA. My uncle had been living independently in a CCRC in Baltimore, MD. After suffering a mild stroke, it became apparent that he would require additional support. The community he was living in could not provide the services or environment he required. As his primary caregiver and living approximately six hours away, I began my search for a community that would meet his needs and ensure a continued high quality of life. Recommendations from friends brought me to CAL Christiansburg. My initial meeting with Robin Sutphin immediately put by mind at ease. She was more than generous with her time, providing my wife and me with a complete tour of the facility while explaining the services available to residents. She never rushed us and answered all the questions we had in a compassionate and professional manner. Her experience handling situations like my uncles was evident and I found this to be especially reassuring at a very anxious time. Ms. Sutphin came in on the weekends to accommodate my work travel schedule and was there on a Sunday afternoon to personally welcome my uncle and make him feel at home. She and Ms. Heath were persistent advocates for my uncle when working with the medical and administrative personnel at his previous CCRC. I was impressed and very appreciative of the manner in which they handled the details of his approval to CAL and the seamless transfer they arranged while always keeping me informed. Ms. Sutphin even arranged for temporary furnishings for my uncle until his could be moved from Baltimore. My uncle is 85 years old and having lived in Baltimore his entire life, as expected, he is experiencing some transitional anxiety. Ms. Sutphin is going out of her way to address his every concern from food, to social integration to the parking lot lighting outside his room. I have found her to be honest, knowledgeable and extremely supportive as my uncle continues to move through this difficult transitional period. As his primary family care provider, I feel blessed to have found someone like Ms. Sutphin to help guide me and answer my questions. Over the past month that I’ve worked with Ms. Sutphin, it is clearly evident to me that she takes a personal interest in each resident, and treats everyone she meets with care, dignity, and respect.

Commonwealth Assisted Living at Radford is the “BEST!” From the very welcoming and beautiful entrance coupled with the very friendly and always smiling staff – my 92 year old mother has adjusted to her new home, staff and residents almost immediately. Because of her shyness, our family never expected her to gain such confidence to feel so comfortable and safe and to join in on all the wonderful activities that are offered. Also, she enjoys the meals as well. This all has made our lives so much easier. “Kudos” again to the entire CAL staff – you are wonderful. Keep up the fantastic work that you do!!

My mom has been so very happy there for the past 4+ years. A lot of that happiness comes from the caring staff who always have smiles on their faces. It gives our family so much comfort to know that mom is in the best place possible. Thank you!

The care of the nursing and administrative staff, both to the residents and to the residents’ families, was outstanding. The staff truly cared about the residents, both physically and emotionally. The residents’ families were kept timely informed and included as much as possible in every aspect of the daily lives and well-being of the residents. The staff treated the residents and the family of the residents like the staff’s own family.

I’ve lived at Heritage Commons for more than four years, almost since the community opened. I tell people that there are lots of options for independent living, but if you want the best, go to Heritage Commons. I love the fun we have! I enjoy playing pool in the billiards room and would play 3-4 times a day if I could. I also like that Heritage Commons is pet-friendly and I really enjoy seeing my friends’ dogs around the community. The amount of activities is also great. There are lots of options for events, like the new resident reception. That’s one of my favorite events and I love getting to know new people. All the people and staff at Heritage Commons are so friendly! Ann and Jody are especially nice and fun. I’m very happy to live here.

After a long year of trying to find the perfect place to move my grandmother, Leigh Hall was recommended twice in a 24 hour period. I made an appointment, met with Ilene Lipton, and chose Leigh Hall. Since making that decision, I have been so pleased with everyone and everything. They were very accommodating to my time line. This decision was thrust upon me but Leigh Hall as a whole has been a blessing! They continue to take great care of my grandmother. I don’t know what I would have done without everyone here! They have taken the worry out of my day and let me be more concerned with just visiting instead of caretaking.

My mother in law and wife were most involved; my mother in law is staying there. The place has worked out fine. The location isn't that great; it is far away. All of the staff did well, and I think the place is nice.

I moved to Heritage Commons in early April 2014. I love the facilities here, especially the people! I’m starting a program with Ann and Jody of the Heritage Commons staff to help members of the community share their memories. Our generation has gone from horses to rockets to men on the moon. We’ve seen so much and should share our personal histories. This program has been supported by the staff and led by residents. It has helped to build comradery and allowed us to learn about each other’s interesting stories. We meet once a month and are working to compile a book with our memories. These types of programs help make Heritage Commons special.

I am very happy with my move here. I propably should have done it eariyler!

They were just fantastic, with my loved one and with the family. They were very friendly, helpful and compassionate, and went above beyond to make my loved one's last days comfortable.

I like my apartment a lot, especially my kitchen. I’m happy that I have the option to prepare food in my apartment because I enjoy cooking in my apartment. I also appreciate the scheduled bus service, which takes me shopping. Heritage Commons is close to my son and his family, which is very nice.

Overall I think Elmcroft of Chesterfield has done an excellent job so far. The staff are very friendly, and the facility itself is bright, clean, and has a warm family atmosphere. I also thought the food was excellent, but according to my loved one it has declined somewhat since she moved in.

I moved to Heritage Commons a year ago. I took a tour on a Sunday and left a deposit that day because I loved the apartment and the community, especially the Fitness Center. I’ve really loved my time at Heritage Commons. I have a car, but sometimes take the bus that is provided, which helps me get around. I like all of the activities and there are so many of them! The food is fabulous and there are tons of options. You certainly don’t want for food at Heritage Commons. A nice perk is that room service is available if you want your meal brought to your room. The staff is excellent and will help in any way they can. Everyone laughs and talks with each other, including staff and residents, which is so nice. The staff makes everything so convenient. For example, they take folks to their doctors; appointments on Tuesdays and Thursdays; all you have to do is sign up. Heritage Commons is a very nice and pleasant community!

I recently toured Leigh Hall as an option for my mom and dad and was so impressed with the inviting nature and warm staff. It's central location will make it easier for my sister and I to visit and the rooms are larger than any community we've visited so far. The Director of Sales and Marketing so was so helpful and knowledgeable. We felt very reassured that our parents would be in great hands.

I was very concerned about finding a caring place for my mom as we made the transition to a retirement community. Whispering woods has removed our fears and replaced them with the knowledge that mom has found a loving environment. They have met mom's needs at a reasonable cost.

I like Heritage Commons and moved here four months ago. You have it all at this community, including great food, lots of activities, a movie theater, and more! Plus, it’s great that you have an emergency button in your room in case you need help. I feel like the staff keeps an eye on me, which is reassuring. I also love the location. You’re close to everything in Williamsburg and the surroundings are beautiful. Jody is as sweet as can be and the entire staff treats you like family. Everyone is so nice! Moving to Heritage Commons is the best thing I’ve done in a long time and I’m very happy with my decision.

They seem to know everyone and care a lot. They can give individual attention. They have a beautiful dining room, beautiful setting. We ate lunch there once and it was fine. There is a deck that overlooks a beautiful lake.

10:30 Monday, July 14; Support group - 3rd Tues/month, Familiar with LBD, Upbeat environment, Clean

I thought it was a well kept facility. It was great. The staff was very professional. They had good food. They were very responsive and attentive. We didn't really have any experience with the activities, but they did invite him to join. I think their billing needs a little bit of work. I would like to see an itemized billing.

It took a good couple weeks to get everything that they promised, but now that she’s pretty much got everything, she’s happy. You have to stay on top of them to make sure they do what they say they will. The food is wonderful, but there's too much of it. I’ve never had any trouble finding parking.