Best Memory Care in Virginia

Overview of Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury

Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury (SVWC) is a CARF-accredited, non-profit Life Plan Community, administered by Andrew J. Heishman in Winchester, Virginia, offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing under one roof. With a full continuum of senior care on 175 scenic acres, the community is a strong option for families planning for evolving care needs. This 66-bed community is moderately sized with a current occupancy of approximately 79%, which is in line with the Virginia average.

From a regulatory standpoint, the community’s inspection record reflects meaningful improvement over time, with the most recent inspection, conducted on November 20, 2025, a monitoring visit that concluded with zero deficiencies, a positive outcome following a self-reported incident. Across eight total inspections on record, only two resulted in any cited violations, or 25%, which is well below the Virginia average of 64.3%. With a cumulative deficiency count of 12, it is well below the statewide average of 32. Earlier inspections also cited documentation-related issues and emergency preparedness gaps, but no fines, license suspensions, or enforcement actions have been recorded. Complaint investigations conducted in prior years were also unsubstantiated.

The community’s clinical services include 24-hour staffing, licensed nurses and CNAs, skilled nursing, and access to rehabilitation services. Its nonprofit structure and CARF accreditation also signal a governance model that focuses on resident outcomes rather than profit, appealing to families seeking a mission-driven community.

With a Life Plan model, Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury is a good option for older adults seeking a long-term home where their evolving needs can be met, particularly for couples at different care levels. The natural setting, established nonprofit identity, and strong compliance record make this a credible option for families exploring senior living options in the area.

Overview of Shalom Gardens Senior Living

Shalom Gardens Senior Living is a senior care community in Richmond, Virginia, offering assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and long-term care services. Opened in late 2023, the community is a newer option in the Richmond market and is administered by Brigitta Lewis. The community has 71 licensed beds and is currently operating at approximately 44% occupancy, suggesting open availability for interested families.

For a newly established community, the community’s inspection history is relatively strong, with four inspections, which concluded with zero violations. The most recent inspection on May 12, 2025, confirmed full compliance with all applicable standards. An earlier monitoring visit in March 2024 also reported no issues, and a complaint investigation in October 2024 did not substantiate any concerns. There have been no fines, enforcement actions, or licensing issues, reflecting a consistent record of compliance since operations began.

The community’s clinical model is centered on continuous access to care, with 24-hour on-site nursing serving as a key differentiator for those who require consistent medical oversight. Services also include nursing care, skilled nursing, 24-hour staffing, rehabilitation support, respite care, and emergency response systems, while amenities include medication management, salon and personal care services, and a range of wellness programs and activities. Operating 24/7, the community supports residents with higher acuity needs who may require care at any time.

Shalom Gardens Senior Living is a practical option for older adults in Richmond seeking a higher level of care, particularly those requiring skilled nursing or continuous medical oversight alongside memory care or long-term support, in a newer community with a clean and consistent regulatory record.

Overview of Runk & Pratt of Forest

Runk and Pratt of Forest is a senior living community in Forest, Virginia, that focuses on memory care, specializing in care for those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Administered by Meia Booker, the community is part of the Runk and Pratt senior care network. This purpose-built memory care in the Lynchburg area has 84 licensed beds and is currently operating at approximately 69% occupancy, suggesting immediate availability.

A total of 48 inspections have been conducted, 28 of which resulted in violations, or 58.3%, which is below the Virginia average of 64.3%, with a total of 85 deficiencies. The most recent inspection on November 21, 2025, cited zero deficiencies, marking a significant improvement. Previous findings also included concerns related to staff communication, documentation, medication management, overnight staffing, and maintenance, with one complaint in August 2025 involving communication challenges that was substantiated. There have been no fines or license actions, and recent monitoring visits have not identified new violations.

The community has extensive amenities and services designed specifically for dementia care, including physician services, medical oversight, medication management, wellness and prevention programs, on-site therapy, and a secured environment. Spacious common areas, an outdoor patio with gardens, a beauty and barbershop, a multi-sensory room, and a range of social and activity-based programming are also available on-site. Additional features also include dietitian-guided meal plans, housekeeping and linen service, a whirlpool spa, and high-speed internet and cable, while clinical support includes nursing services, licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants, 24-hour staffing, rehabilitation services, and a dedicated memory support program. The multi-sensory room and secured outdoor spaces also appeal to residents with cognitive impairment.

Runk and Pratt of Forest is a great option for families seeking dedicated memory care in the Forest and Lynchburg area, particularly for those with moderate to advanced dementia who require a secure setting and structured therapeutic programming.

Overview of Runk & Pratt Residential Adult Care of Lynchburg

Runk and Pratt Residential Adult Care of Lynchburg is a senior living community in Lynchburg, Virginia, offering assisted living, memory support care, and independent living. The community is part of the broader Runk and Pratt network of senior care communities and is administered by Alice Bryant. With 94 licensed beds, the community currently operates at approximately 41% occupancy, which is below the Virginia statewide average and indicates immediate availability for interested families.

A total of 26 inspections have been conducted, 9 of which resulted in violations, or 34.6%, which is significantly lower than the Virginia average of 64.3% and stands out given the higher number of inspections conducted. The total number of deficiencies is 27, below the state average of 32. Recurring findings have involved staff training and supervision, medication administration, and safety measures for residents with cognitive impairments. The most recent inspection on April 4, 2025, also identified deficiencies related to safety, staff screening, resident care, medication management, and documentation. Most complaint investigations have not been substantiated, and there have been no fines or license actions.

The lifestyle and amenity offerings are extensive, which include an activities center, aerobics classes, a wellness center, housekeeping, meal services, laundry, a library, common day rooms, outdoor gardens, religious services, a beauty and barbershop, off-site outings, educational programs, high-speed internet and cable, and a private dining room. Nutritionally balanced meals are also prepared by the culinary team, along with a full calendar of activities designed to support engagement across physical, mental, and social dimensions.

Runk and Pratt Residential Adult Care of Lynchburg is a good option for older adults looking for a community with a wide range of amenities and active programming, including those who may benefit from memory support services. While its lower violation rate relative to inspection volume serves as a positive indicator, families are still encouraged to ask about current medication management practices.

Overview of Regency at Augusta

Regency at Augusta is an assisted living and memory care community in Fishersville, Virginia, providing personalized daily support for those 65+ in the Augusta County area. Administered by Jessica Covel, the community also focuses on accessible, affordable care, with housekeeping and laundry included as part of its services. With a 96-bed capacity, the community currently operates at approximately 75% occupancy, consistent with the Virginia statewide average.

Across 26 inspections, 14 resulted in violations, or 53.8%, which is below the Virginia average of 64.3%. However, the total number of deficiencies is 45, higher than the state average of 32. The most recent inspection on October 21, 2025, identified one deficiency related to a lapse in monitoring when a memory care resident was briefly unaccounted for. Earlier inspections also include substantiated complaints about resident care, physical abuse, staffing levels, and medication management. In line with this, corrective actions such as staff suspensions and terminations were taken following certain incidents. However, there have been no fines or license suspensions. Overall, the record indicates recurring challenges in resident supervision and medication management, along with documented efforts by management to address these issues.

Comprehensive care services are also provided, which include assisted living, memory care, personal assistance, medication management, 24-hour staffing, three daily meals, housekeeping, and laundry. Activities and social programming are also conducted with an overall approach that promotes health, wellness, dignity, and independence.

Regency at Augusta is a suitable option for older adults seeking assisted living or memory care in an affordable, all-inclusive community. Due to its regulatory history, families are encouraged to ask detailed questions about supervision practices in memory care and staff accountability measures.

Overview of Our Lady of Peace

Our Lady of Peace is a senior care community in Charlottesville, Virginia, offering assisted living, memory care, and nursing care in one setting. Operated under governmental authority and led by Ms. Rachel Lindberg, it has a 140-bed capacity. The community currently operates at a 99% occupancy rate, one of the highest rates in the Charlottesville market, reflecting strong demand and sustained confidence from residents and families. Since room availability is very limited, families are encouraged to inquire early for openings and discuss possible waitlist options.

The community has earned a 5 out of 5 overall CMS rating, a distinction achieved by only a small number of assisted living and nursing care providers in Virginia. This rating is driven by strong performance in staffing, rated 5 out of 5 compared to the state average of 3.6, and quality measures, also rated 5 out of 5 compared to a Virginia average of 4.0. Residents receive an average of 4 hours and 35 minutes of nursing care per day, which is slightly below the state average of 4 hours and 47 minutes but consistent with its high-quality outcomes. The health inspection rating stands at 3 out of 5, close to the Virginia average of 3.4, with some documentation-related findings cited during the October 2024 renewal inspection.

In line with this, across seven total inspections, only one resulted in a cited violation, or 14.3%, significantly lower than the Virginia average of 64.3%. The community has recorded eight total deficiencies, well below the state average of 32. The most recent renewal inspection in October 2024 identified procedural concerns about medication administration timing and risk assessments. Additionally, complaint investigations conducted in 2022 and early 2024 were unsubstantiated, and there have been no fines or enforcement actions. Overall, the compliance record shows steady and improving performance.

Nursing services, skilled nursing care, and support from licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants are among the clinical services provided, complemented by life enrichment activities, dining services, and structured daily programming.

Our Lady of Peace is well-suited for older adults who require reliable assisted living or nursing-level care. Its government-operated setting, along with strong staffing and quality performance, a long-standing reputation, and consistently high occupancy, are appealing features for those exploring care options in the Charlottesville area.

Memory Care at Bristol is a specialized memory care community in Bristol, Virginia, focusing solely on the needs of those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Managed by Cirena West, the community has a 30-bed capacity. Its occupancy is currently at approximately 50%, which is ideal for families looking for immediate memory care placement in the Bristol area. Characterized by a country-living aesthetic, the community has a strong commitment to life enrichment programming.

Regarding regulatory oversight, this community has undergone 16 inspections, which is higher than the Virginia average of 14. Ten of which resulted in violations, representing a 62.5% rate that falls just under the state average of 64.3%. The cumulative deficiency count is 29, which is also below the state average of 32. Furthermore, a renewal inspection conducted on October 21, 2025, identified concerns regarding medication timing, cognitive impairment assessments, and the absence of required bedroom furnishings. Previous records have also highlighted deficiencies involving medication management, maintenance, and resident documentation. Additionally, a partially substantiated complaint confirmed some issues about the condition of furnishings and general cleanliness. However, no fines or formal enforcement actions were reported, but families are still encouraged to ask about current medication protocols and recent corrective improvements.

For its intimate scale, the community provides an impressive array of services and amenities, including 24/7 supervised care with a licensed nurse on-site, and access to private suites or shared rooms. A rehabilitation gym, indoor and outdoor walking paths, a beauty and barber shop, a sensory room, and dedicated spaces for activities are also available on-site. Daily life support, like medication monitoring, housekeeping, and personal laundry services, is also provided. The culinary program provides three balanced, home-cooked meals every day along with healthy snacks, all tailored to resident preferences and specific dietary needs. Furthermore, on-site rehabilitation and life enrichment programs are customized to each resident’s personal interests and cognitive abilities.

With a seamless blend of individualized programming, therapeutic amenities, and consistent staffing, Memory Care at Bristol is well-suited for those living with moderate to advanced memory loss who require a secure, structured setting in the Bristol region.

Overview of Masonic Home of Virginia

Masonic Home of Virginia is a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Henrico, Virginia, providing independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care on one campus in the greater Richmond metropolitan area. Managed by Ms. Kathy Bryant, the community is licensed with 158 beds. With a current occupancy rate of approximately 47.5%, the community provides immediate availability for interested families.

The regulatory history for this community is exceptionally strong and serves as a major point of distinction. Out of five total inspections, only one resulted in a violation, which is a 20% violation rate that is far lower than the Virginia state average of 64.3%. Additionally, the cumulative deficiency count of just one is significantly lower compared to the state average of 32, placing it among the top-performing communities in Virginia for compliance. The most recent inspection on June 12, 2025, also resulted in zero deficiencies. The only recorded deficiency occurred back in 2021, concerning medication administration. Additionally, there are no records of fines, enforcement actions, or complaint investigations, making this a highly credible option for families who value a clean regulatory record.

Care services include professional skilled nursing, along with resort-style amenities and a highly active social calendar. Since it operates under a continuing care model, the community offers residents and their families long-term stability and continuity of care, allowing their loved ones to stay under one roof even when their needs evolve. The supportive atmosphere is also designed to foster engagement, and interested families are encouraged to tour the grounds to see specific dining options and daily activity programming firsthand.

Masonic Home of Virginia is an ideal choice for older adults seeking a stable, long-term residence that can accommodate changing health needs over time. Its history of minimal deficiencies and well-maintained environment also makes it a standout option in the region. While its Masonic affiliation holds special significance for Freemasons and their families, the community warmly welcomes and serves the general public.

Overview of Living Waters Senior Care

Living Waters Senior Care is a locally owned and operated assisted living community managed by Melissa Green and has an active license in Timberville, Virginia, serving the greater Harrisonburg region. Serving 33 residents with a 40-bed capacity, the community has an occupancy rate of roughly 82.5%, which aligns with the Virginia state average and indicates stable demand for care within the rural Shenandoah Valley neighborhood.

Regarding its regulatory standing, the community has a detailed inspection history that families should evaluate with care. It has undergone a total of 11 inspections, five of which were prompted by complaints, and each of these visits resulted in at least one violation. This 100% violation rate is significantly higher than the Virginia average of 64.3%, and the cumulative deficiency count of 55 also exceeds the state average of 32. Additionally, frequent areas of concern identified in past reports include medication management, staff training records, emergency readiness, building upkeep, and adherence to individualized service plans. The most recent review on September 12, 2025, also cited a deficiency regarding the timelines for physician reviews of medication orders. While some complaint investigations were substantiated, such as one involving the availability of basic hygiene supplies, no formal fines or licensing enforcement actions are currently listed in the public record.

The community provides several core services, including 24-hour care, hospice coordination, and specialized nutritional and dietary support. Since it is locally owned and embedded in the neighborhood, the community appeals to those looking for a more personal connection with management and care providers. While specific data on lifestyle amenities is limited in current records, the community’s focus remains on providing consistent, around-the-clock support for its residents.

Living Waters Senior Care may serve as a practical choice for older adults in the Timberville and Harrisonburg area who need constant supervision and value a locally managed setting. However, families exploring this option are encouraged to request current staffing plans, medication protocols, and the most recent inspection summaries to ensure it meets their standards.

Overview of Lakeside Alf Operations, LLC

Lakeside Alf Operations, LLC is a licensed assisted living community managed by Nyema Jackson in Henrico, Virginia, providing a residential setting for long-term care, dementia services, and short-term rehabilitation. The community currently supports approximately 17 residents with a 70-bed capacity, which represents a low occupancy rate of about 24%. Since this is significantly below the Virginia state average of 85.7%, families searching for placement in the greater Richmond area will find immediate availability.

The regulatory record for this community reflects a positive trend in compliance and oversight, with a total of eight inspections, which is fewer than the state average of 14, and half of those visits resulted in violations. Over its entire history, the community has recorded 11 total deficiencies, a number notably lower than the Virginia average of 32. During the most recent inspection on June 4, 2025, only one deficiency was identified related to an unsigned and undated service plan, which was corrected immediately during the visit.

Maintenance needs, storage of hazardous materials, and documentation gaps have also been cited in previous inspections, yet two separate complaint investigations in 2023 and 2024 were found to be unsubstantiated. With no record of fines, license suspensions, or findings of immediate jeopardy, the community demonstrates a stable commitment to state standards.

A wide range of care services, including skilled nursing support and 24-hour staffing provided by licensed nurses and CNAs, are offered, along with an on-site rehabilitation gym, which assists those recovering from medical procedures or managing functional changes. Specialized programming is also available for those requiring dementia care. To ensure a comfortable lifestyle, the community includes amenities such as a library, a beauty and barber shop, pastoral support, and transportation services. Outdoor spaces like the patio garden and recreation area also provide opportunities for relaxation and social engagement in a supportive environment.

Lakeside Alf Operations, LLC is well-suited for older adults seeking a smaller, more intimate setting with consistent nursing oversight or memory care. Due to its modest resident population, families can expect a high level of personalized attention from the staff. With a combination of post-acute recovery support and cognitive care, this community is a compelling option for families in the Richmond area exploring senior care options.