Richfield Living

Pros

• The facility has beautiful apartments and a gorgeous campus with gardens, lakes, and walking trails.
• Many residents appreciate the friendly and caring staff who go above and beyond in their duties.
• The community offers a variety of activities and events that help keep everyday life interesting for residents.
• Residents have enjoyed good food with diverse meal options, which many find satisfying.
• Several families feel their loved ones are well cared for and express satisfaction with the level of support provided by the staff.
• Volunteers note a positive atmosphere where employees seem to genuinely enjoy their work and care for the residents.
• The property provides a more affordable long-term living option as residents only pay for the amenities they choose to use.

Cons

• The resident felt that since the acquisition by Friendship, all staff has been drastically reduced, leading to an aloof or invisible atmosphere.
• Former events and amenities have been discontinued, and the food quality has significantly declined to unappetizing meals reminiscent of school lunches.
• Dietary needs are not accommodated, with the prevailing response being "This is Independent Living."
• There is a lack of community gathering spaces, such as a library or craft room, leaving residents to generate their own activities.
• The facility presents a beautiful exterior but reveals poor patient care and a focus on corporate interests rather than resident welfare.
• Family members expressed frustration over the denial of phone calls for their loved one due to mismanagement by staff, causing significant emotional distress during critical times.
• Concerns regarding medical care were dismissed by management in favor of business interests, resulting in inadequate support for residents like the reviewer’s mother.
• There seems to be a disconnect between expectations of independent living services and the reality provided by management after the acquisition.

Review

Richfield Living, once a highly-rated independent living community, has undergone significant changes since its acquisition by Friendship. For many residents who experienced the facility's former quality and charm, the transition has been disappointing. Prior to the acquisition, Richfield Living was celebrated for its beautiful apartments and delectable food prepared by skilled chefs using fresh ingredients. It boasted a warm and engaging atmosphere where social connections thrived over well-prepared meals, which were not only nourishing but also catered to individual dietary needs such as diabetes and gluten sensitivity. However, under new management, residents report that staff numbers have dwindled drastically, leading to a noticeable decline in personalized care.

Many long-term residents have expressed their dismay at the aloofness of current staff members, claiming they often feel ignored or overlooked. The vibrant community life that characterized Richfield Living has all but evaporated due to the cessation of events and amenities that had once brought residents together. Formerly rich social interactions during meal times have diminished sharply as meal standards have plummeted. With no chef on staff and an abundance of frozen foods being served—often likened to school cafeteria fare—meals have lost their appeal. Residents now find themselves resorting to cooking for themselves more often than expected when originally moving into the community.

The sense of community continues to weaken with significant limitations on common areas; there's no longer an accessible gathering room or library within the main building itself, diminishing spaces available for residents to socialize or engage in group activities. Previously offered crafts and games are now largely organized by residents themselves without substantial support from management. The response from officials when concerns are raised is often dismissive with an emphasis on "This is Independent Living," which leaves many feeling unsupported given their changing needs as older adults.

The dissatisfaction extends beyond daily living arrangements into healthcare experiences within the facility. Accounts from family members describe heart-wrenching situations involving inadequate medical attention resulting in severe consequences for loved ones who resided there temporarily for rehabilitation services. Instances were reported where families faced administrative roadblocks instead of receiving timely information from healthcare providers about discharge orders for their relatives, raising alarms about transparency and accountability concerning resident care.

Despite these troubling reviews surrounding care quality post-acquisition at Richfield Living, some glowing testimonials persist about various aspects of life within this retirement community as observed before Friendship took charge. Many visitors note that they found the campus physically attractive with ample amenities such as walking trails around lakes making it appealing at face value. Acknowledgment also came regarding friendly and dedicated staff members who strive hard to maintain enjoyable daily lives despite capacity issues caused by corporate restructuring.

However, stories from family members bear heavy reflections on missed opportunities stemming from ignoring residents' emotional wellbeing through proper engagement practices whilst transitioning through life’s final stages in comfort—a service that should be paramount in any senior living environment meant to prioritize dignity alongside companionship in caregiving settings. While there remain factions proudly showcasing rich histories tied together through cherished memories formed during earlier years spent here infused with fun activities amid supportive networks filled with kindness shared amongst them all—the growing consensus leans toward realigned expectations shifting away from mere appearances outwardly portraying joy towards addressing genuine needs hidden beneath layers needing restoration urgently before further disappointments arise among current inhabitants craving a return toward better care solutions tailored specifically crafted around their respective desires long forgotten now dulled along this unexpected curving path traveled so far!

This part of Salem, Virginia offers a convenient and accessible location with various amenities nearby for seniors. There are multiple pharmacies within a short distance, making it easy to access necessary medications. A range of dining options, including well-known chains like Waffle House and Chick-Fil-A, provide diverse choices for meals. In terms of healthcare, there are several reputable physicians' offices in the vicinity, as well as hospitals like Salem VA Medical Center within a reasonable distance. For recreational activities, numerous parks offer opportunities for outdoor enjoyment and relaxation. Additionally, transportation options such as car rentals and the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport make travel convenient for seniors residing in this area. Overall, this part of Salem provides a mix of essential services and leisure options that cater to the needs and interests of older individuals looking to settle down in a welcoming community.

Pharmacies

• The Bordewalk (0.5 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• Trinity Pharmacy (4.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5.2 miles)
• Valley Apothecary (5.4 miles)
• Walgreens (7.3 miles)

Restaurants

• Waffle House (2.1 miles)
• Taco Bell (2.4 miles)
• River Rock Restaurant (2.7 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2.8 miles)
• McDonald's (2.9 miles)
• Joe's Deli (4.1 miles)
• Macado's (4.1 miles)

Physicians

• Pca (2.1 miles)
• Vistar Eye Center (3.5 miles)
• The Center (4.2 miles)
• Virginia Orthopaedic (4.8 miles)
• The Medi Spa at Ridgewood Hill (5.1 miles)
• The Center for Plastic Surgery (5.2 miles)
• Lewis Gale Physicians (5.4 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.6 miles)
• Starbucks (5.6 miles)
• Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea (8.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (8.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• First United Methodist Church (3.7 miles)
• College Lutheran Church (4.2 miles)
• Covenant Presbyterian Church (6.4 miles)
• Cornerstone Church (8.9 miles)

Parks

• Oak Grove Park (5.6 miles)
• Garst Mill Park (6.9 miles)
• Norwich Park (8.5 miles)
• Cypress Park (8.9 miles)
• Vic Thomas Park (8.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Salem VA Medical Center (5.9 miles)
• Near Southwest Preparedness Alliance (7 miles)

Theaters

• AMC CLASSIC Roanoke 1 (8.8 miles)

Transportation

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (9 miles)
• Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) (9.1 miles)