Commonwealth Senior Living at the Ballentine sits in Norfolk near Wards Corner, so you're close to Granby High School, shopping centers, parks, and medical facilities like DePaul Medical Center, and the place has a long history of supporting seniors since 1896, with that old building charm still present throughout. The community offers options for independent living, assisted living, and memory care, all in the same building, so folks with different needs can stay together over time, and people can choose from suites or companion rooms, both with private baths, and even bring a small cat or dog, as long as it's under 25 pounds. There's no entrance fee, and you get an all-inclusive experience, so meals, housekeeping, linens, and transportation are part of the monthly cost, and staff help with bathing, dressing, meals, and managing medication, with caregivers around day and night.
If you're looking at the suites or studios, you'll find separate living areas, walk-in closets, and private bathrooms, with the choice to furnish your own place. Meals use fresh, local food, sometimes farm-to-table, and you get to share your menu ideas, with input from dieticians, and the shared dining room feels welcoming, along with places like the lobby with a fireplace, sunny solariums with couches, and a small library. Folks can go outside to the landscaped gardens, a secure courtyard, or try their hand in the community garden. There's always something planned, like art or music in the activity room, worship services, seminars in the resource library, movie nights, reading groups, or classes like gentle yoga. Some residents enjoy virtual reality, gardening, wine and design painting, memory programs, or life story activities. There's support for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia through the Sweet Memories™ program, which features specialized staff, mind and body activities, family-style dining, family support groups, and secure spaces for peace of mind.
For folks wanting company or a vibrant environment, independent living lets you join in on activities and outings while staff handle cleaning, linens, maintenance, and meals, which means you keep your independence without worry. The building has an emergency call system and secure access for safety, and the grounds are easy to walk, with outdoor patios for fresh air. Transportation gets arranged for medical visits or outings and there's an on-site beauty and barber shop. The caregivers develop a care plan for each resident, adjusting support like help with hygiene, mobility, meals, or medical needs as life changes, so folks can stay as independent as possible for as long as possible. The facility provides long-term care, short-term respite stays if a family needs a break, and hospice care, plus help with daily challenges for people of all independence levels. People can draw from the Senior Resources library full of articles, guides, events, and videos, with over 26,000 local and national programs listed through partnering groups like SeniorNavigator and VeteransNavigator for extra support.
The community received recognition in recent years, winning Best Memory Care for Norfolk and Hampton and Best Assisted Living from well-known sources. There's 24-hour staff, planned socials and trips, on-site therapy, and help using durable medical equipment or preventing falls, and the building welcomes visits any hour, so it's easy for families to stay involved. The atmosphere feels home-like and calm, with social events, private or companion rooms, and options to age in place with dignity and support.
