Our Lady of Peace Retirement Community in Charlottesville, VA
Save751 Hillsdale Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22901
For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318
Overall Review of Our Lady of Peace Retirement Community
Pros
The facility is clean and has an amazing staff.
Dana and Lori are incredible to work with, offering kindness and thoughtfulness that help residents feel comfortable and part of the community.
People feel at home at Our Lady of Peace.
The grounds and apartments are home-like, well-maintained, and efficiently designed, with an easy transition from independent living to higher levels of care.
Management and staff consistently go above and beyond in safety, resident engagement, and family communication.
The dining program features varied menus, fresh fruits and vegetables, and meals prepared by a chef.
Our Lady of Peace provides exemplary care across independent, assisted, and dementia care, with a personal, friendly environment and comprehensive amenities.
Cons
The facility is overrated as a nursing home.
They overpromise and under-deliver.
A resident was found covered in feces and the room was saturated with urine.
A staff member ignored a resident's meal requests.
They attempted to discharge a resident due to ambulatory status without a proper plan.
The care did not meet five-star standards for the price.
The food was terrible.
Review
This community is best suited for families seeking a single campus that can grow with a loved one’s needs, from independent living to assisted living and memory care, without uprooting the resident. Its strongest fit is for those who value a warm, home-like atmosphere, convenient on-site care options, and ongoing personal attention from staff that translates into reliable family communication. For families prioritizing continuity of care in a neighborhood-friendly setting, this is a practical, less-disruptive path that preserves familiar routines while expanding services as dementia or mobility needs evolve.
Alternatives are worth considering for several indicators. If dining quality and consistency are paramount, some families report mixed experiences, with reviews ranging from “excellent, chef-prepared menus” to persistent concerns about meals and responsiveness to dietary needs. If pristine luxury or a flawless safety record is non-negotiable, the campus may not satisfy every premium expectation. A subset of critics raises red flags about oversight and cleanliness in extreme cases, suggesting that this option may not be ideal for those who require an unassailable track record or labor-intensive intervention during acute shifts in behavior.
The core strengths of Our Lady of Peace lie in its embedded care continuum, staff devotion, and the sense of community that families repeatedly credit. Residents can transition in place across independent, assisted, and memory care, which minimizes moves and preserves familiar surroundings during decline or progression. The staff, notably caregivers and administrators cited by families, often earns praise for kindness, proactive engagement, and clear, ongoing family updates. The facility’s design, well-maintained grounds, easy navigation, accessible elevators, and comfortably sized spaces, supports socializing, safety, and daily routines. On-site amenities like a theater, library, varied activity programs, and even therapy staff contribute to an active, engaged environment that many families find valuable.
On the downside, dining and day-to-day operations receive the most divergent feedback. Several residents and family members report meal-service issues, with some praising fresh, varied menus and others recounting experiences of cold or rubbery food and perceived indifference to individual dislikes. Instances of perceived mismanagement or slow responsiveness, whether around meals or care planning, appear in a minority of reviews, including concerns about discharge planning and safety incidents. While those are not universal, they are meaningful for families evaluating peace of mind alongside affordability. The mix is a reminder that a strong reputation for care does not automatically erase every service-level inconsistency.
Taken together, the balance of pros and cons points to a practical calculus: for families who prize a continuum of care, accessible campus amenities, and genuine staff warmth, Our Lady of Peace delivers a credible, homey option with real potential for long-term scalability. The most compelling offset to the weaker aspects is the facility’s integrated approach to independent-to-memory-care living, reinforced by attentive staff and consistent family communication. If that continuity matters, the positives can far outweigh the negatives, especially for those who can tolerate occasional dining variability or staffing quirks with open channels for problem-solving.
A decision framework helps crystallize next steps. Schedule a on-site tour focused on how the independent-to-assisted-to-memory-care transitions actually unfold for a loved one, and ask to speak with both long-tenured staff and current residents’ families about safety, cleanliness, and meal service. Review the current menu options in depth, verify what’s included in monthly fees, and pressure-test the process for adjusting care plans as needs evolve. Visit during activities to gauge engagement and talk candidly with the activities director, nursing staff, and administration about communication rhythms and emergency protocols. Finally, compare the campus against a couple of alternatives that emphasize luxury, a more stringent dining program, or a different pace of activity, to determine which environment aligns most closely with the family’s expectations and the loved one’s preferences.
Features
Housing
140 resident community capacity
1-bedroom apartments
2-bedroom apartments
Studio apartments
Types of Care
Assisted Living
Memory Care
Respite Care
Skilled Nursing Facility
Amenities
Air-conditioning
Beauty salon
Cable or satellite TV
Computer center
Dining room
Fitness room
Full kitchen
Fully furnished
Gaming room
Garden
Guasts at mealtime
Housekeeping services
Kitchenette
Move-in coordination
Outdoor space
Party space
Private bathrooms
Restaurant-style dining
Security gate
Small library
Telephone
Wellness center
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available
Transportation
Charlottesville-Albermarle (5 miles away)
Community operated transportation
Transportation arrangement
Transportation arrangement (non-medical)
Transportation to doctors appointments
Care Services
12-16 hour nursing
24-hour call system
24-hour supervision
Activities of daily living assistance
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Coordination with health care providers
Dementia waiver
Diabetes diet
Hospice waiver
Meal preparation and service
Medication management
Mental wellness program
Mild cognitive impairment
Physical therapy
Special dietary restrictions
Specialized memory care programming
Transportation arrangement (medical)
Transportation to doctors appointments
Dining
Diabetes diet
Special dietary restrictions
Activities
Activities off-site
Community-sponsored activities
Concierge services
Fitness programs
Planned day trips
Religious services
Resident-run activities
Scheduled daily activities
Languages Spoken
English
Description
Our Lady of Peace Retirement Community in Charlottesville, VA offers a range of housing options including 2-bedroom apartments and studio apartments. The community provides a variety of care services such as memory care, respite care, and skilled nursing facility care.
Residents can enjoy numerous amenities including a beauty salon, cable or satellite TV, community-operated transportation, a computer center, a dining room, fitness room, fully furnished accommodations, gaming room, garden area, guests allowed at mealtime, housekeeping services, kitchenettes in some units, move-in coordination assistance, outdoor space for relaxation and recreation purposes, party spaces for social gatherings, private bathrooms in each unit for convenience and privacy, restaurant-style dining experience with carefully prepared meals to meet individual dietary needs and preferences. Security gate ensures the safety and security of residents.
Additional amenities include small library with reading materials offering intellectual stimulation to the residents; telephone services to stay connected with loved ones; transportation arrangements for non-medical purposes such as shopping or recreational outings; transportation to doctors' appointments when needed; wellness center promoting overall well-being through various activities and programs; and Wi-Fi/ high-speed internet access enabling connectivity with the outside world.
The community also provides extensive care services such as 24-hour call system ensuring immediate assistance if required; 24-hour supervision to monitor the well-being of residents; assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing; coordination with health care providers for seamless medical support; specialized memory care programming catering to individuals with dementia or mild cognitive impairment ensuring their unique needs are met effectively; physical therapy to promote mobility and independence among residents; medication management to ensure timely administration of prescribed medications by trained professionals.
Dining options cater to special dietary restrictions offering customized meals that meet specific nutritional requirements. An array of activities is available for residents including community-sponsored activities promoting socialization within the community setting. Fitness programs help maintain physical well-being while planned day trips add an element of adventure and exploration. Religious services and resident-run activities foster a sense of belonging and spiritual fulfillment, while scheduled daily activities offer a structured routine with opportunities for engagement.
The community is conveniently located near numerous amenities including cafes, parks, pharmacies, physicians, restaurants, places of worship, theaters, and hospitals ensuring easy access to various services and recreational options.
Overall, Our Lady of Peace Retirement Community provides an inviting and supportive environment for seniors seeking assisted living arrangements in Charlottesville. The combination of quality care services, numerous amenities, engaging activities and convenient location makes it an ideal choice for individuals looking for a comfortable retirement setting.
Videos
Nearby Places of Interest
Physicians
- Albemarle Arthritis Associates (0.2 miles)
- Blue Ridge Allergy & Asthma (0.3 miles)
- Piedmont Pediatrics (0.5 miles)
- Albemarle Center for Family Medicine (0.5 miles)
- Atlantic Coast Orthopaedic Specialists Plc (0.6 miles)
- Albemarle Square Family Health (0.6 miles)
- Rakes Gary (0.7 miles)
Restaurants
- Wood Grill Buffet (0.3 miles)
- McDonald's (0.4 miles)
- Red Lobster (0.5 miles)
- Guadalajara (0.7 miles)
- Reason Beer (0.8 miles)
- Taco Bell (0.8 miles)
- Love Sushi King (0.8 miles)
Pharmacies
- CVS Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
- Lewis & Clark Pharmaceuticals (0.8 miles)
- Octapharma Plasma (1 miles)
- Kroger Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
- Walmart Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
- Kroger Pharmacy (2 miles)
- CVS Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
Theaters
- Regal Stonefield & IMAX (1.2 miles)
Cafes
- Starbucks (1.5 miles)
- Shenandoah Joe Coffee Roasters (2.5 miles)
- Mudhouse (2.9 miles)
- Kung Fu Tea (3 miles)
Parks
- Pen Park (2 miles)
- Darden Towe Park (2.6 miles)
Places of Worship
- St Paul's Memorial Church (3 miles)
- University Baptist Church (3 miles)
Hospitals
- Rector & Visitors of The University of Virginia (3 miles)
Transportation
- Amtrak (3.1 miles)
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Lady of Peace Retirement Community offers 1-bedroom apartments, 2-bedroom apartments, and Studio apartments.
Our Lady of Peace Retirement Community is located at 751 Hillsdale Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22901 in Charlottesville city, Virginia
The various features at Our Lady of Peace Retirement Community are meticulously designed to create a secure and supportive environment for residents experiencing dementia or Alzheimer's disease. With 24-hour supervision, residents benefit from constant oversight, ensuring their safety and immediate assistance when needed. Support with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and transfers, fosters dignity and independence while addressing essential personal care needs. Coordination with healthcare providers ensures that medical care is seamless and tailored to each individual's requirements. The dementia waiver allows flexibility in care options, while meal preparation and service cater to the nutritional needs important for overall health. Medication management helps prevent errors and maintain correct dosing schedules, which is crucial for those on multiple medications. Additionally, the mental wellness program and specialized memory care programming provide cognitive stimulation and social engagement that enhance quality of life. Physical therapy supports mobility and strength, further aiding residents' physical well-being. Lastly, transportation arrangements facilitate access to necessary medical appointments, promoting ongoing health management within a compassionate framework tailored for individuals with mild cognitive impairment or more advanced stages of memory loss.
Our Lady of Peace Retirement Community on seniors.fyi includes 5 photos including images showing outdoor, living room, decor, artwork, and more.
Nearby Communities
Assisted Living in Nearby Cities
Related Resources
-
Transitioning from assisted living to memory care is driven by an individual's cognitive decline and specific needs, requiring careful evaluation of indicators like increased confusion and wandering. The process involves consulting medical professionals, researching suitable communities, considering financial and legal aspects, and ensuring effective communication for personalized care plans.
-
Understanding the Distinctions: Assisted Living and Memory Care ExplainedThe article differentiates between assisted living and memory care, explaining that assisted living supports seniors with daily activities while promoting independence, whereas memory care provides specialized services for individuals with dementia, focusing on secure environments and cognitive support. It also addresses staff training, safety considerations, costs, family involvement, and transition strategies for families navigating these care options.
-
How to Communicate with a Loved One Living with Dementia: 10 Supportive StrategiesThe article outlines effective communication strategies for interacting with loved ones with dementia, highlighting the need for empathy, patience, and understanding while emphasizing supportive approaches like using simple language, minimizing distractions, and focusing on feelings over facts to maintain dignity and foster connection. It also suggests seeking professional guidance when needed as communication challenges evolve.














When to Transition from Assisted Living to Memory Care: Key Indicators, Steps, and Finding the Right Community
