Potomac Homes Assisted Living

Pros

• Renaissance of Annandale is described as a haven for memory care with a calming, dignified atmosphere.
• The facility's design supports dignity and safety, featuring Dutch doors, discreet exits, and thoughtfully placed rest areas along long hallways.
• The memory care environment includes evocative photos of historic moments that engage residents and honor their life stories.
• The secure courtyard offers a serene outdoor space with a bubbling brook and seasonal flowers for residents and families.
• All first-floor rooms are spacious and accessible, ideal for residents with mobility challenges.
• The dining program has a dedicated staff that serves meals with care and attentiveness to residents' overall wellbeing.
• Jonathan Fitch is heralded as a guiding light, whose compassion and professionalism support families throughout the care journey.
• Hamasatu is described as extraordinary, with limitless compassion and dedication to residents and families, including after-hours updates.
• Jerome is called an indispensable catalyst - a camp counselor, chaplain, and chief cheerleader who helps with moves and red tape, creating a warm, upbeat environment.

Cons

• The reviewer notes that Renaissance is not perfect - no place is - but it comes as close to perfection as any facility they have encountered.
• The family found it hard to decide to place their mother in a memory care facility.
• The move-in was rushed by the hospital, forcing the family to navigate red tape and logistics in 24 hours.
• The husband never had the chance to become a resident of Renaissance.

Review

Renaissance of Annandale stands out in memory care not only for its setting, but for the thoughtful, people-centered philosophy that shapes every corner of the campus. After visiting twelve facilities in the area, this one rose to the top as a clear choice for a loved one with memory challenges. What began as a rigorous search with four in-person visits - some of them with the husband present to gauge how he might participate in activities - developed into a conviction that Renaissance offered the best fit. The family's experience was underscored by a sense of ease and confidence that formed long before any move actually happened. The staff, the program, the facility design, and the atmosphere all contributed to the conviction that this place could be a true home for someone who needed special care, dignity, and companionship.

Central to that conviction was Jonathan Fitch, the Marketing Director, whose steady guidance proved invaluable from the very first conversations. The reviews repeatedly emphasize how he listened patiently, answered endless questions, and remained available at every turn - often going beyond the calls of duty to provide caregiving insights that extended past Renaissance-specific issues. When the family faced a hospital stay and the prospect of in-patient hospice care, Jonathan was there again, offering information about hospice options and helping navigate the practical and emotional challenges that come with end-of-life planning. His approach embodied the Renaissance ethos: a compassionate, professional, and genuinely committed advocate for families as they navigate one of life's hardest journeys.

What makes Renaissance feel so different goes beyond staff expertise and policy language - it's the way the environment and routines are designed to honor memory and dignity. The facility exudes calm and dignity, with a design that feels deliberate and comforting. Subtle touches - like the lavender scent in the hallways intended to promote calm and emotional regulation - signal a thoughtful approach to daily living. The rooms are on the first floor for ease of mobility, and even the outdoor spaces are crafted for security and serenity: an enclosed courtyard with a bubbling brook, seasonal flowers, and benches where residents and families can pause together. The long, safe hallways include resting areas and walls that tell meaningful stories through photographs of World War II, Shirley Temple, Gene Kelly, and other historic moments, turning the building into a living memory bank rather than a sterile corridor. Even the exit doors are discreetly camouflaged with wallpaper to deter wandering without compromising dignity. The overall effect is a "haven" where life can continue with purpose and peace.

The sensory and aesthetic choices are matched by a practical, well-run dining and care program. Renaissance employs a dedicated food staff whose only responsibility is to serve meals, and the result is evident in the way meals are delivered with anticipation and attentiveness. The residents aren't left waiting, and staff consistently go beyond the call of duty to attend to both appetite and well-being. This attention to daily life - meals, routines, personal comfort - complements the care team's broader mission to support each resident's physical and emotional health. The result is a sense that the entire staff understands that memory care is not simply about medical needs; it's about preserving a sense of self, dignity, and belonging.

At the heart of Renaissance's appeal are the people who bring the community to life. The testimonials highlight a team that embodies grace, empathy, and professional excellence in every interaction. Nurse Hamasatu, in particular, is described as extraordinary. Her compassion appears limitless; she never treats a resident as a burden and makes time for both residents and their families, often calling after hours to provide updates. Her conduct - such as calling a family member at 6:00 a.m. on the morning of a loved one's final day - reveals a level of personal commitment that goes beyond the ordinary. Hamasatu's colleagues reflect the same high standard: a professional, caring, and dedicated group that handles the realities of memory care with a combination of skill and heart.

Equally important is the role of Jerome, affectionately described as more than just a case manager. While his official title may be concise, his presence is felt as a camp counselor, chaplain, and chief cheerleader rolled into one. Testimonials describe him as an absolute treasure who opened doors, cut through red tape, and managed to make a move-in happen within 24 hours when circumstances demanded speed. He seems to be everywhere, creating a sense of warmth and possibility that permeates the facility. For families confronting difficult decisions, Jerome's energy and genuine care help turn a potential source of stress into a manageable, hopeful process. In the end, many feel that the Renaissance experience hinges on champions like Jerome who bring the place to life.

The personal impact of Renaissance extends beyond the individual resident to the broader family experience. Families report meaningful communication through updates, photos, and videos that offer a heartwarming glimpse into daily life and activities. The team is praised for being responsive and proactive, from the administrative staff to the front desk and care teams. Even when a transition is challenging, as is often the case in memory care, the responsiveness and involvement of staff help families feel less alone and more supported. In one testimonial, the difference between Renaissance and a prior facility was striking: a two-year residency with visible love, nurturing, and daily engagement that left the family feeling confident about their loved one's health, welfare, well-being, and safety.

The sense of community and shared joy is tangible, especially during special events and intergenerational moments. One standout example is a Christmas initiative in which Santa's helpers - an enthusiastic Santa's team and a local school or community group - spent time with Renaissance residents, decorating ornaments and creating a festive, inclusive atmosphere. For residents who might face limited visitors during the holidays, such engagement makes a meaningful difference and reinforces the message that Renaissance is a welcoming, active, and caring space. The broader story of the facility's warmth is reinforced by ongoing appreciation from families, who describe Renaissance as a godsend for loved ones who deserve thoughtful, attentive care and a high quality of life.

Across experiences and years of residency, families acknowledge that no place is perfect, but Renaissance comes remarkably close. The overarching sentiment is one of deep gratitude for the peace of mind it provides - the relief that comes from knowing a loved one is being cared for with dignity, empathy, and expertise. For the family whose husband passed away after a period of care and comfort at Renaissance, the memory of the staff's kindness remains a guiding light. The care, the communication, and the sense of partnership throughout that difficult season left a lasting impression: a reaffirmation that the decision to transition to Renaissance was one of the best the family has ever made.

In sum, Renaissance of Annandale is portrayed as more than a memory care facility. It is an environment designed to honor lives lived, with a team that embodies compassion, professionalism, and a true calling to this work. The facility blends a carefully considered physical design with a culture of attentiveness and warmth that permeates every level of care. For families navigating the uncertain terrain of memory care, Renaissance offers not only a place to live, but a community that walks with them - through calm spaces, meaningful programming, and a staff whose devotion makes the difficult journey a little lighter and a lot more hopeful. The experiences shared by Maureen Ward, the family of a former resident, and the others collectively paint a portrait of Renaissance as a place where dignity, connection, and genuine care are more than ideals - they are everyday realities. If you're evaluating options for a loved one, the story told here points clearly to Renaissance of Annandale as a beacon of true compassion and excellence in memory care.

Located in Annandale, Virginia, this neighborhood offers a variety of amenities and convenience for senior living. With multiple pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens within a few miles, access to healthcare is easily accessible. In addition, there are several hospitals nearby including the Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, providing peace of mind for any medical needs. This area also offers a selection of dining options ranging from fast food choices like McDonald's and Chick-fil-A to cafes like Starbucks and Mom & Pop for socializing with friends or family. Nearby parks provide opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation, while transportation options such as metro stations make it easy to explore the surrounding areas. Places of worship are also available for spiritual needs, along with theaters like Regal Springfield Town Center and AMC Tysons Corner 16 for entertainment options. Overall, this part of Annandale provides a well-rounded community for seniors looking for a convenient and vibrant place to call home.

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.6 miles)
• McDonald's (1.8 miles)
• McDonald's (2.4 miles)
• Marib Restaurant (3.2 miles)
• McDonald's (3.6 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (3.7 miles)
• McDonald's (3.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Inova Fairfax Medical Campus (1.8 miles)
• Labor and Delivery - Fairfax Hospital (1.8 miles)
• Inova Heart and Vascular Institute (1.9 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.4 miles)
• Mom & Pop (2.7 miles)
• Simply Social Coffee (4 miles)
• Starbucks (4.4 miles)
• Starbucks (5.4 miles)
• Shotted Specialty Coffee (5.4 miles)
• Starbucks (5.5 miles)

Physicians

• Virginia Heart (2.6 miles)
• Burke Allergy & Asthma Center (4.9 miles)
• Otolaryngology Associates, PC (5.6 miles)

Parks

• Lake Accotink Park (3.3 miles)
• Daniels Run Park (4.4 miles)
• Fairfax Memorial (4.5 miles)
• Tysons Pimmit Park (4.6 miles)
• Glencarlyn Park (4.7 miles)
• Bluemont Junction Trail (5.1 miles)
• Springfield Forest Park (5.1 miles)

Transportation

• East Falls Church Metro Station (4 miles)
• Vienna/Fairfax - GMU Metro Station (4.6 miles)
• Van Dorn Street Metro Station (4.8 miles)
• Franconia-Springfield Metro Station (5.4 miles)
• Ballston-MU Metro Station (5.7 miles)
• Tysons Corner Metro Station (5.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Saint Bernadette C (4.4 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Springfield Town Center (4.8 miles)
• AMC Tysons Corner 16 (5.5 miles)
• ShowPlace ICON at The Boro (6 miles)