Commonwealth Senior Living

I have lived at Heritage Commons for about a few months and it’s a very friendly community. I taught at William & Mary and got ill, so I needed a different arrangement and came to Heritage Commons. It’s convenient to everything and in a great location. There are a lot of services and the staff does a lot for the residents. I like both the staff and other residents. I participate in a few events, including the ice cream socials and playing cards. There are such wonderful people here and it’s great that so many residents are still so active.

My mother, Gladys, who will be 87 this June has been a resident at The Ballentine Assisted Living facility for over 2 years now. Earlier this February, it became necessary to move her into memory care. As the memory care wing at The Ballentine had not yet been completed, we had to make the choice to place her in a different facility temporarily until construction was completed. The incredibly kind and compassionate staff at Commonwealth Memory Care in Norfolk were nothing short of amazing in their professionalism in caring for my mother in what was an extremely stressful time. Directors Bay Armstrong and Jodie Brumfield Agner and their wonderful staff gave my sisters and I such piece of mind in knowing that our mother was properly cared for. Yesterday, through many hugs and tearful goodbyes, we left Commonwealth to move my mom back to The Ballentine. My mother was very emotional as she had gotten very attached to the staff at Commonwealth for the past two months and they to her. I got a chance to thank many of them personally and tell them how much their caring, love and compassion for my mother's situation meant to our family. Many were sad to see her go but they understood that The Ballentine was where she belonged. Before we got there yesterday, I phoned ahead to let them know we were on our way back. Imagine the look on my mother's face when she, already in an emotionally fragile state, looked up to see the staff in front of the building waving to greet her! It made her feel like a queen and of course, the tears flowed again. They were so happy to have my mom back and the welcoming party was just what she needed to lift her spirits. Needless to say, the new memory care wing at The Ballentine is beautiful, or as my mom described it, "Pretty swanky!" She is very glad to be back in her regular room and we got her back in just before the ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception yesterday afternoon. I am so proud of the work that my dear friends, Executive Director Christine Sena-Breitberg and Memory Care Director Tracy Schery-Martin have done in getting this facility ready to serve the area. So, I just want to say, on behalf of my family, a heartfelt Thank You to all of the healthcare staff that have been so caring and giving to so many. Your dedication to your job is so appreciated and we are so grateful for the service you've provided for my dear mother.

My mother, Marcella, was admitted to your facility recently. The decision of having to move mom from my home to a facility was very emotionally upsetting for me. From the moment I was introduced to and was contacted by your facility, the Sales and Marketing Director could not have been kinder and more helpful. She came in one a Saturday, gave me a personal tour of the facility, explained the admission and policy procedures thoroughly, listened patiently to all of my concerns and questions and helped me make the transition run smoothly. She has continued to assist me and has also helped my friend, who is facing a situation and decisions similar to mine with her mother. I can’t express my appreciation and thanks.

Florence is my step mom and her daughters talked with each other and decided something needs to be done and knew it wasn't going good and they decided to come together and go with Whispering Woods. When they moved Florence in, there was two maintenance guys who helped hang up her pictures and was very helpful making it feel like her community she was in previously. The food is excellent, there are side walks all the way around the community with foot steps/hand prints to remind the residents where to go. The outside could use an update but the room view is great, a pond with ducks & turkeys.

We toured this community when we were looking into care options for a loved one. Out of all the places we saw I think this one was probably my favorite, I'd give them top marks across the board. The staff was very friendly and professional, and the facility was well kept and clean. We ended up selecting another community due to proximity to family, but I would highly recommend this place to others looking into care options!

I had a home up in Rutgersville. My daughter lives up there and one day about seven years back, she said, “How would you like to live in Florida?” I said, “If I have to!” Two and a half years later when she told me they were moving back to Rutgersville, I got online, found Commonwealth Senior Living at Charlottesville, and was amazed at how nice it was. I knew it was going to be nice, and it was lovely. The friendliness is why I enjoy living here so much. It’s like a small town. Everyone knows each other and you’re never actually ever alone. Even though you’re in your own apartment, it’s very nice to have people to talk to. New residents would be very happy here. We would welcome them with open arms. The community is friendly and easy to know. We were all “newbies” at one time and we know how to take care of the new people.

I've lived at Heritage Commons for nine months and it’s a very nice place to live. The people who work here are extremely nice. Everyone is really so kind and helpful. I consider Heritage Commons my home! I love all the activities and try to participate in as many of them as I can, especially because I get to meet great people. I would recommend Heritage Commons to anyone!

We have really liked having my father at CAL Sweet Memories unit, he has dementia and throat cancer and having a rough time. The med techs and staff have been wonderful with taking care of him, some ladies more than others that have dealt with cancer and know how to handle my very stubborn father! They are very caring and very knowledgable of the care needed for their residents! They are also very reasonably priced!

My mother was a resident at Commonwealth Assisted Living at South Boston for five years. The care she was given was outstanding. Over the five years she was a resident, my wife and I were able to get to know the staff that cared for her – they were friendly, courteous and caring and her personal appearance always reflected the excellent care she was given. When Commonwealth became the new owners a few years ago, we were concerned they would make personnel changes. To our delight there were no changes in the personnel responsible for her personal care – but there were major improvements in the building. We were fortunate to have my mother be a charter resident of the Sweet Memories wing – which is a beautiful addition to the residence. We noticed a marked improvement in her attitude after the move. We cannot express our gratitude enough to Commonwealth for giving us the peace of mind to know that Mom was taken care of so well and was happy as a resident.

Being an out of town care giver, I have found Elmcroft to be outstanding. Their help in getting everything ready on short notice for an emergency move, coordinating access when furniture move took place, to calls and emails regarding my Aunt's situation as she continues in the memory care unit. They are attentive and available, offering suggestions to assist me with the distance issue. I see them involved with the residents and feel very comfortable with their care. LuAnn and Candance have been outstanding in this transition and on-going care. I highly recommend Elmcroft.

Mom’s in the best place she could be. Beyond the basics of food and shelter, she has security, a routine, a calm environment and love. The “creatures” that haunted her at night are gone. She doesn't remember what happened five minutes ago, but it doesn't matter. She has peace. I could not ask for more. Thanks Commonwealth.

I’ve only been at Heritage Commons a few months and really enjoy it. I’m not one for cooking and used to eat a lot of TV dinners. Now, I get chef prepared meals, which is great. I especially like the variety of foods and international foods that the chef prepares. The staff is very helpful with everything. For example, they recommended a downsizer for me and she has been terrific. My apartment is in good shape now and the staff has been so helpful with the transition. I’ve been very satisfied with Heritage Commons.

We used Commonwealth Assisted Living for a brief respite stay for my loved one. Overall I thought things went very well! Dad really enjoyed his time here, and all of the staff we worked with were pleasant and helpful.

I don't feel my husband has been a resident of Prestige Commons long enough to give a true and accurate portrait of the facility. To begin with, though, our reactions have been positive. The staff is very thorough and always on call. My husband has really enjoyed the activites and they are varied, from playing bingo to doing an acrylic painting. I would definitely recommend the facilities to others and I am grateful to A Place for Mom for their recommendation. I do not worry at all about my husband I believe he is well cared for.

I’ve lived at Heritage Commons for four years and it’s been great. I like everyone who works here because they take their time with you and help you in any way that they can. All the staff members have the necessary credentials and they treat us great! I also like the bus and take it to go shopping. There are lots of activities and I enjoy playing cards and bingo. I also stay active and exercise three days a week. The food at Heritage Commons is also very good and I’m impressed with the variety. The chef will demonstrate meals for us and he’ll keep our favorite dishes on the menu. There is so much entertainment as well. I love to dance and Heritage Commons has great parties!

Our family was looking for a safe, secure, comfortable home for my 94 year old grandma. After months of research and several site visits, we found the perfect place for her at Commonwealth Memory Care at Cedar Bluff. Our grandma has been at Commonwealth now for nearly a year and has settled into a nice routine and sure enjoys the home cooked meals! We are very pleased and happy with the facility and staff along with the individual attention given to her. Further, I want to call out two of the staff in particular that I've had most interactions with. Amanda, the Executive Director, and Lila, the RN on staff, both have been wonderful, very responsive and have done a great job of keeping us informed of her needs and well-being. All in all, I highly recommend Commonwealth if you want a safe, clean and comfortable home.

We spent only 20 days in what started at the ER (5 trips to the ER within 8 weeks). Mom is approaching 97 years old and has lived alone since Dad died in 1983. Slowly, she has lost her independence and mobility, but still walks with a walker. Problems intensified with what I believe was improper medication. She has diminished eyesight and is unable to real labels. With much assistance at the Halifax Regional Hospital, I was able to obtain a private room at Commonwealth Assisted Living at South Boston. The staff was much like working with family. Thanks to everyone at CAL. God bless and look for us back! PS: Mom chose to return home…our reason for leaving.

In December of 2012, my sister and I had to make a crucial decision regarding my uncle who had developed Dementia. It was a decision, unfortunately, that many family members have to make concerning their loved ones. During my uncle's stay as a resident at Georgian Manor, the Executive Director walked us through some very difficult moments as my uncle's health began to decline. She always had a listening ear and a mouth full of wisdom. In the hands of the Executive Director and her staff, Georgian Manor would be the right fit for you or loved ones needs.

When we began researching memory care options for my Mom, we looked at multiple facilities. My Mom felt more comfortable in a smaller facility, like Commonwealth Assisted Living at Abingdon. My sister and her husband, a Baptist minister, were in when we had the appointment to bring Mom up to Commonwealth. Mom felt so comfortable with Sweet Memories and thought the place was beautiful. She talked about how bright and how pretty the rooms were and Mom even picked her room out that day. As we were leaving, my brother-in-law said to my mom, that was the place for her. Then he turned to me and said that in the 40 years of his ministry that Commonwealth was one of the nicest facilities he had ever visited. I knew then that we were where Mom needed to be. When I left from visiting Mom I didn't leave crying because the staff was so precious and she was in wonderful hands. Commonwealth is such a wonderful place.

When my mother decided she needed to move out of her house, we were pleasantly surprised in the terrific guidance and help we received from Commonwealth Assisted Living. Every situation and all our questions were handled with so much interest and concern. The staff is so helpful and friendly that we had a wonderful experience in this move. After two months, the service is still excellent and helpful. Mother seems to be doing so much better in health and attitude towards life. We are so relieved that she is in a safer environment and well taken care of. Thank you staff at Commonwealth for the continuation of all your services.