Brookdale Salem

Brookdale Salem, sometimes called Ridgewood Gardens Assisted Living Residence or Summerville at Ridgewood Gardens, has been in business for 47 years and offers different kinds of care, including assisted living, memory care, independent living, skilled nursing, continuing care retirement community, and at-home care services, so seniors can stay as their needs change, and folks who need help-from a little to a lot-can remain comfortable with transfers, lifts, and standby support. The place supports non-ambulatory residents, helps with bathing, dressing, medication, incontinence needs, even heavy care with mechanical lifts, and provides diabetes support like blood sugar checks and insulin injections, with RNs, LPNs, medication care managers, and staff on-site 24/7, plus a doctor on call in case anything happens at night or on weekends. There's a full schedule of activities, both on and off-site, like brain fitness, cooking classes, gardening, Live Well programs, social gatherings, trips, and devotional services, so folks can meet new friends, keep their minds busy, and stay involved, and there's a full-time activity director working to make sure something's always going on for folks of all backgrounds and abilities. Residents can eat three meals a day in a restaurant-style dining room, with meals made by a culinary team that coordinates with a registered dietitian, and the kitchen can meet special diets like vegetarian, kosher, low or no sodium, and low or no sugar, with guest meals for visitors. The apartments come in three spacious floor plans, offer private or semi-private rooms, have big walk-in showers, safety features, climate control, emergency call systems, and housekeeping and laundry services, so people don't have to bother with chores if they don't want to. The property's pet-friendly, so residents can bring their dogs or cats, and there are pet-focused activities and care options; there are indoor and outdoor common areas, walking paths, gardens, places to sit quietly inside by a fireplace, or out in an enclosed courtyard, plus a library, TV lounge, meeting room, beauty salon, barber shop, and more for comfort and relaxation. Folks who need help getting around the city can use transportation services or catch a local bus because the property's near a bus line, with staff helping make it to appointments or outings. For people living with memory loss, there's a purpose-built memory care building with a separate entrance, secure environment, alarms, bracelet technology, and a computerized system that alerts staff if someone might wander into an unsafe area, and staff are trained to work with folks with Alzheimer's, dementia, or major behavioral issues, providing reminiscence therapy, sensory activities like snoezelen, and personalized health and activity plans. Residents can be male or female, and the facility works to make sure everyone's needs-whether they're physical, emotional, or social-are met with dignity and respect. Full safety features include fire alarms, sprinklers, and smoke detectors throughout the property. There are respite and hospice care options for short-term stays, rehabilitation for those who need to recover, and home care for those who want to stay in familiar surroundings but need some support. Brookdale Salem is owned and operated by Brookdale Senior Living Solutions, and it's affiliated with the BBB Serving Western Virginia, classified as an assisted living facility. Staff and caregivers focus on helping residents enjoy their time rather than worry about daily chores, and they get to know each person's habits and preferences for better care, making the place feel more like home, whether someone's staying for a little while or planning to stay as long as possible.