Page 36 of Best Senior Communities in Virginia

As its name suggests, First Choice Assisted Living is on the top list of homes in Chesapeake. It is a vibrant community that provides a warm and welcoming environment for the residents– making them feel right at home. The senior living home strives to promote an engaging social life for the seniors to create endless possibilities and develop meaningful relationships that blossom into beautiful memories. First Choice is the home where people and interests matter and are cared for.

Senior lifestyle is centered on their holistic wellness; through community amenities and services, each individual maintains an independent lifestyle. These include housekeeping, medication management, ADLs, social activities, and enriching programs.

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.

Commonwealth Senior Living at Leigh Hall is an assisted living community administered by Claudia Salazar in Norfolk, Virginia, providing assisted living, memory care, and short-term stay. With a 90-bed capacity, the community provides care for older adults throughout the Hampton Roads region.

The community has also received notable accolades, including Best Memory Care provider in Norfolk and Hampton for 2022 and Top Retirement Communities by Virginia Living Magazine in 2025. These honors provide helpful context for families evaluating senior living options. With 63 of its 90 beds currently occupied, the community has an occupancy rate of approximately 70%, which is lower than the Virginia state average of 85.7%. For families seeking immediate placement, this higher-than-average availability can be a significant benefit.

Out of 17 inspections, 11 were prompted by complaints. Additionally, the percentage of inspections resulting in violations is 94.1%, and the total number of deficiencies is 50, which are higher than the state averages of 64.3% and 32, respectively. The most recent inspection in July 2025 identified only a single deficiency involving documentation in a resident’s file, which represents a more limited scope of concern than in previous years. Families are encouraged to explore the comprehensive report details through the Virginia Department of Social Services.

The community offers services for daily living and medical needs, including 24-hour staffing, nursing care, rehabilitation services, and respite options, along with wheelchair-accessible suites in private or companion layouts, emergency call systems, and individualized care plans. Daily housekeeping, weekly linen services, and a pet-friendly policy for cats and dogs under 25 lbs provide additional convenience. Landscaped gardens, a patio, and a vibrant activities calendar with off-site trips are also offered. Furthermore, a chef-led, farm-to-table dining program serves as a central feature of the resident experience. Additionally, the memory care wing utilizes the signature Sweet Memories™ model, which focuses on structured routines and specialized programming for those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Monthly rates for the community start at approximately $3,720.

Providing award-winning memory care and various levels of service, Commonwealth Senior Living at Leigh Hall is well-suited for older adults who require help with daily tasks or specialized memory support in a mid-sized environment, particularly those aiming to age in place. For those who value high-quality dining and a socially active lifestyle, the farm-to-table focus and diverse programming make this community a practical option in the Norfolk area.

Overview of The Legacy at North Augusta

The Legacy at North Augusta, Inc. is a senior living community in Staunton, Virginia, offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care, along with specialized services for hospice care and veterans assistance. With 135 licensed beds, it is a larger community that can serve older adults at different levels of need and is currently operating at approximately a 71% occupancy rate.

Across 17 total inspections, 14 resulted in violations, which is higher than the Virginia average of 64.3%. The cumulative deficiency count is also at 33, which is near the state average of 32. The most recent inspection on September 23, 2025, cited medication administration issues among other violations. Recurring themes also include medication administration errors, individualized service plan documentation, resident record security, and hazardous material storage. Complaint investigations were mostly unsubstantiated, with two substantiated complaints involving staffing levels on the secured memory care unit and building conditions. However, no immediate jeopardy findings, license suspensions, or fines were reported.

Clinical services include nursing services, licensed nurses and CNAs, 24-hour staffing, rehabilitation services, and respite care. Restaurant-style dining is provided, and the community’s programming spans lifestyle amenities, therapy services, and memory care support. The Veterans Assistance program is also a relevant differentiator for families with a military service background.

The Legacy at North Augusta is a great option for older adults and families seeking a larger community that offers full continuum care, veterans support, and diverse living options. However, families are encouraged to discuss the community’s medication management protocols and recent corrective actions directly with administration before making a placement decision, as regulatory records warrant close attention on such matters.

Overview of Babcock Manor

Babcock Manor, Inc. is an assisted living community managed by Patricia House in Appomattox, Virginia. This 33-bed community has a smaller and more intimate care environment where residents can receive more personalized attention than in larger settings. With 28 of its 33 beds currently occupied, the community has an occupancy rate of approximately 85%, which aligns closely with the Virginia statewide average and suggests steady demand with open yet limited availability.

The community has undergone 7 inspections, with violations identified in 85.7% of those visits, which is above the Virginia average of 64.3%. The total deficiency count is currently 49, which exceeds the state average of 32. The most recent inspection in October 2025 also cited deficiencies concerning inadequate bathroom lighting and missing window safety devices in common areas, while previous reports have shown recurring challenges with building security, staff training, record keeping, and medication review documentation. Two complaint-related inspections were conducted, and most were found to be unsubstantiated, though recent findings did confirm issues related to care requirements for residents with serious cognitive impairments. There are no records of fines or license suspensions.

Amenities include free parking, Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, and various outdoor features such as garden spaces, lawn seating, and yard games. Three daily meals are provided, highlighted by freshly prepared and seasonally inspired breakfasts. Essential assisted living functions are also provided within a home-like atmosphere.

Babcock Manor is an ideal choice for older adults who prefer an intimate and residential-style assisted living experience in a quiet, rural Virginia setting. Interested families are also encouraged to review the inspection history in detail and discuss current improvements with the management.

Overview of Charter Senior Living of Newport News

Located in Newport News, Virginia, Charter Senior Living fosters a warm and welcoming community setting for seniors seeking an assisted living home. Residents receive personalized care plans that include support with daily living activities such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, medication management, and personal care needs. The beautiful community offers a variety of amenities to enhance their quality of life, including a fitness center to promote physical well-being, a salon for personal care, and an on-site movie theater for entertainment.

Residents enjoy delicious chef-prepared meals and can participate in a calendar filled with social activities and events, ensuring connection and enjoyment while providing opportunities for socialization as well.