Thornton Hall in Norfolk, VA

Pros

• The reviewers describe the facility environment as clean and highly professional.
• They report having the best experience thanks to the activity director Mrs. Turnage and the support of Ms. Maria.
• Ms. Maria is praised for her help and positive impact.
• Dynamic Homecare is recommended as a go-to provider for companion services.

Cons

• They describe the facility as complete trash and warn others to stay away.
• They say the building should be bulldozed and closed due to neglect and misinformation.
• They report staff neglect, with patients left in wheelchairs too long and diapers not changed.
• They note call bells going unanswered for hours and staff sleeping on the job.
• They describe roaches in the facility, a broken front door, and extremely rude staff.
• They accuse the nurses of rudeness, poor wound care, and overmedicating residents to sleep.
• They complain about a dirty facility, broken beds, and staff not reading medical records.
• They claim management is nonexistent or chaotic and the building is infested with roaches.
• They describe staff shoving wheelchair-bound patients in the hallway and gossiping instead of caring for residents.
• They say the atmosphere is depressing, and the rooms are dreary and smell bad.

Review

Thornton Hall in Norfolk is best suited for families that must stretch a limited budget and tolerate a high level of relative oversight from family members rather than robust on-site medical support. The community can appear functional on first impressions, but those positives are fragile and uneven. It is not recommended for residents who rely on dependable staff for medication administration, consistent daily care routines, or proactive safety monitoring. In practice, this option may be acceptable only for caretakers who are prepared to step in regularly to supervise care, manage medications, and advocate loudly when needs go unmet.

Alternatives deserve serious consideration for loved ones who require reliable daily care, timely med administration, or a safe, well-supervised living environment. Families should look for communities with stable staffing, clearly documented care plans, responsive front-desk support, and a pest-free, well-maintained setting. If complex medical needs, mobility challenges, or cognitive concerns are central, Thornton Hall is unlikely to deliver the consistent care required, and the savings here do not compensate for the risk of repeated care gaps and safety issues.

On the upside, there are moments when the operation shows signs of competence. A few reviews mention a clean, professional environment during special events and an engaged activity director capable of organizing meaningful interactions. When management and staff align, the space can feel more like a supervised living environment than a mere dormitory. Unfortunately, those occasions are not reliably sustained; sporadic strengths fail to offset pervasive inconsistencies that recur across shifts and days, leaving a pattern of uneven care.

Chronic cons dominate the overall picture. Staff behavior is repeatedly described as rude or unhelpful, with many reports of call lights left unanswered for long periods, delays in care, and failures to address basic needs such as wound care or diaper changes. There are alarming mentions of broken equipment, unsafe conditions like a broken front door, and even pest infestations. The atmosphere is often described as dreary and unwelcoming, with gossip and distraction taking precedence over patient care. Taken together, these factors create an environment that feels unsafe and untrustworthy for daily living.

These patterns have real consequences for families evaluating Thornton Hall. Medication delays, medical oversights, and safety lapses raise the risk of hospital visits and ongoing frustration. The prevailing voices point to a culture that undervalues respect and accountability, underscoring the need for constant oversight if a stay is pursued. Until clear, sustained improvements materialize, this facility remains a high-risk option for anyone needing dependable care, predictable routines, or a dignified living environment.

Decision-makers should approach Thornton Hall with a concrete plan: visit at multiple times and speak with staff across shifts, request a detailed care plan and medication schedule, and verify response times for call bells. Inquire about cleanliness standards and pest control, front-door security, and room readiness. If care needs exceed basic supervision, alternatives with stronger nursing oversight and higher staffing ratios should be pursued. If choosing to stay, implement formal oversight - documented care tasks, regular family check-ins, and clear escalation channels. For many families, the prudent move is to pursue other communities that consistently prioritize safety, respect, and reliable medical support.

This part of Norfolk, Virginia, offers a convenient and accessible location for senior living. With multiple pharmacies, physicians' offices, and hospitals within close proximity, residents have easy access to healthcare services. The abundance of cafes and restaurants provides opportunities for socializing and dining out. Additionally, the nearby transportation options, including the Norfolk International Airport and public transit stations, make it easy to travel in and out of the area. The presence of parks such as Bay Oaks Park offers opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment with essential amenities for seniors looking to settle in a vibrant community.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)
• Rite Aid (2 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2.6 miles)
• Walgreens (2.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Tabernacle Church Of Norfolk (1.5 miles)
• Third Presbyterian Church (2.2 miles)
• Twine Memorial Holy Temple (5.2 miles)
• Westhaven Baptist Church (6.8 miles)

Physicians

• De Paul Medical Atrium (1.6 miles)
• Southern Eyecare Associates (1.7 miles)
• Willis, Erica Pediatric Associates (2.4 miles)
• Galan-Dejesus Mariam Np (2.5 miles)
• Internal Medicine Kidney and Hypertension Center (2.7 miles)
• Tidewater Pediatric Consultants PC (2.7 miles)
• Ghent Family Practice (2.8 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.9 miles)
• Coalescence Coffee (2.2 miles)
• Starbucks (2.5 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.5 miles)
• Cafe Stella (2.6 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.6 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.3 miles)

Restaurants

• Hank's Filling Station (2.3 miles)
• Handsome Biscuit (2.3 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2.5 miles)
• Perfectly Frank (2.5 miles)
• Taco Bell (2.7 miles)
• Chen Garden Chinese Restaurant (2.7 miles)
• Tap House Grill At Ghent (2.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Chkd (2.4 miles)
• Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (4.2 miles)
• Portsmouth General Hospital (4.4 miles)
• Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center (6.3 miles)
• Maryview Medical Ambulatory Surgery Recovery (6.3 miles)

Transportation

• Norfolk Airport USO (2.8 miles)
• Norfolk International Airport (ORF) (2.8 miles)
• American Airlines Ticket Counter (2.9 miles)
• The Tide MacArthur Square Station (3.5 miles)
• The Tide-Newtown Road Station (4.1 miles)

Parks

• The Pagoda & Oriental Garden (3.5 miles)
• Bay Oaks Park (3.9 miles)