Commonwealth Senior Living at the Ballentine

Pros

• The staff at Commonwealth Senior Living are described as caring, friendly, and knowledgeable, showing genuine interest in the residents' well-being.
• Many families reported positive experiences with physical and occupational therapy staff, noting significant improvements in mobility for their loved ones.
• The facility is noted for being clean, well-maintained, and having welcoming environments that contribute to a pleasant atmosphere.
• Residents appreciate the variety of activities offered, such as bingo and card games, fostering social engagement among residents.
• Families expressed satisfaction with the overall care provided to their loved ones and felt that their family members mattered to the staff.
• Several reviews highlighted good tour experiences, praising the marketing team and facility management for their professionalism.
• The building is described as beautiful and conveniently located, appealing to both residents and visitors alike.
• Despite some challenges mentioned in other aspects of care, families recognized specific staff members who delivered exceptional service to their loved ones.

Cons

• The parking situation for staff and visitors is inadequate.
• Staff members often complained about the quality of care being provided.
• There were instances where personal items, including clothing, went missing shortly after admission.
• PRN medications for pain were frequently not given when requested.
• Residents were sometimes put to bed against their wishes and left in bed until late mornings.
• A serious incident involving theft occurred, with staff doing nothing in response.
• The facility was reported to be short-staffed more often than desired, leading to concerns about care quality.
• Some residents were unable to participate in activities due to various issues with engagement or mobility.
• There was a discrepancy between what was promised during initial visits and the actual experience once residency began.
• The food quality could use improvement according to multiple reviews.

Review

Commonwealth Senior Living at The Ballentine has elicited a broad spectrum of feedback from families whose loved ones have resided there. Many reviewers praised the facility for its caring and attentive staff, highlighting their professionalism and warmth in interactions with residents. Several families expressed deep appreciation for the effort made by employees to ensure that their loved ones received personalized care. One individual noted how the director of nursing maintained communication with them concerning their father's welfare, underscoring the commitment to individualized attention that some families experienced.

Despite its strengths, the community has faced notable challenges, particularly concerning staffing levels and overall care quality. Some families reported discrepancies between initial assurance of care during tours and actual experiences once their loved ones moved in. For instance, complaints arose about inadequate assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), leading some caregivers to keep external aides on longer than anticipated. A recurring theme was a shortage of staff, which seemed to correlate with decreased operational efficiency and delayed responses when residents needed assistance.

Moreover, issues concerning medication administration were a significant concern among several reviewers. Instances where pain management medications were not delivered as requested raised alarms about the reliability of care provided within the facility. Families expressed frustration over these lapses in service quality, which ultimately influenced their decisions regarding long-term residency at The Ballentine. While one family mentioned fantastic results from physical therapy staff who helped regain mobility for a resident, these positive experiences contrasted sharply with other negative accounts stemming from inadequate personal care.

Safety appeared to be another point of contention for some families, as one reviewer detailed an incident involving theft within the facility that left them feeling uneasy about leaving their loved one unattended. Such incidents can significantly undermine trust in an assisted living community and lead families to seek alternatives elsewhere—a sentiment echoed by those who decided to relocate due to concerns for safety or inadequate care.

On a more positive note, many review submissions also emphasized aspects like cleanliness and maintenance of common areas within The Ballentine. Residents noted that communal spaces were well-kept and welcoming, instilling a sense of comfort for both residents and visiting family members alike. Moreover, various recreational activities such as bingo and card games fostered social interactions among residents; however, some individuals voiced disappointment regarding limited participation opportunities available for specific residents due to health conditions or mobility challenges.

In terms of ambiance and environment, many visitors commented favorably on the overall aesthetic appeal of Commonwealth Senior Living at The Ballentine. Families appreciated its convenient downtown location coupled with a friendly atmosphere created by engaging staff members who genuinely showed interest in resident well-being—creating an inviting space conducive to community engagement. Nevertheless, practical concerns persisted regarding parking availability for visitors navigating crowded traffic conditions surrounding the area while also bearing witness to varying levels of affordability compared to other facilities nearby.

Ultimately, while Commonwealth Senior Living at The Ballentine may excel in certain areas—particularly staffing warmth—it must address critical shortcomings related specifically to care delivery consistency; transparency regarding resident safety; proactive measures against incidents such as theft; medication management protocols; response times reflective of adequate staffing ratios remains essential moving forward if it aims not only retain current residents but foster positive reputations among prospective clients seeking quality-assisted living arrangements for their loved ones.

This part of Norfolk, Virginia offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors living in the area. With several places of worship nearby, including Tabernacle Church Of Norfolk and Third Presbyterian Church, residents have access to spiritual support and community involvement. There are also plenty of pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy for easy access to medication and healthcare needs. In terms of dining options, there are various cafes and restaurants like Starbucks, Panera Bread, and Chili's Grill & Bar for delicious meals and socializing opportunities. Additionally, there are reputable medical facilities like CHKD and Naval Medical Center Portsmouth nearby for quality healthcare services. Transportation options are easily accessible with Norfolk International Airport and The Tide stations within a short distance. For recreational activities, residents can enjoy the nearby parks like Bay Oaks Park and The Pagoda & Oriental Garden. Overall, this part of Norfolk provides a comfortable and well-rounded living environment for seniors looking to settle in the area.

Places of Worship

• Tabernacle Church Of Norfolk (0.3 miles)
• Third Presbyterian Church (2.2 miles)
• Twine Memorial Holy Temple (5.7 miles)
• Westhaven Baptist Church (6.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.4 miles)
• Rite Aid (0.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• Walgreens (2.8 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.5 miles)
• Starbucks (1.8 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.2 miles)
• Coalescence Coffee (2.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.8 miles)
• Starbucks (2.9 miles)
• Cafe Stella (3 miles)

Physicians

• De Paul Medical Atrium (0.8 miles)
• Southern Eyecare Associates (1.2 miles)
• Ghent Family Practice (2.8 miles)
• Galan-Dejesus Mariam Np (3 miles)
• Willis, Erica Pediatric Associates (3 miles)
• Dr Robert F. Castle, MD (3.5 miles)
• Duncan Yoder M.D. (3.6 miles)

Restaurants

• Hank's Filling Station (2 miles)
• Perfectly Frank (2.1 miles)
• Taco Bell (2.4 miles)
• Handsome Biscuit (2.6 miles)
• Dodge's (2.6 miles)
• Tap House Grill At Ghent (2.8 miles)
• Chili's Grill & Bar (2.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Chkd (3 miles)
• Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (4.7 miles)
• Portsmouth General Hospital (4.9 miles)
• Maryview Medical Ambulatory Surgery Recovery (6.4 miles)
• Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center (6.4 miles)

Transportation

• Norfolk Airport USO (3.9 miles)
• Norfolk International Airport (ORF) (4 miles)
• American Airlines Ticket Counter (4 miles)
• The Tide MacArthur Square Station (4.3 miles)
• The Tide-Newtown Road Station (5.8 miles)

Parks

• Bay Oaks Park (4 miles)
• The Pagoda & Oriental Garden (4.2 miles)