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Overall I think it's a good place compared to so many others. Every place goes through attrition, and with the economy it's hard to keep people hired. When we first began, the care was a lot better. But they have lost a lot of manpower. They are shorthanded more than I would like to see. If they could hire more staff, I think the care would be great. The food is good, as were the activities with the old activities director. They hired a new one, so we'll see how that goes. Overall we're still excited for our loved one to be there. We just hope they're able to hire more staff for quicker response times. If we had to choose again, we would still choose Commonwealth. We have not been disappointed. And I would encourage other families to come check them out.... Read more
Established in 1896, Commonwealth Senior Living at Ballentine is Norfolk’s premier senior living community, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care services in a single, timelessly designed home. Whether you’re seeking long-term care or a short-term stay, Commonwealth promises a dedicated group of caregivers committed to providing the very best service to residents and their families.
With bathing, dressing, and medication management being just a few convenient services residents receive, Commonwealth is here to lend a helping hand any way they can. In addition to on-site therapy and healthcare, their caring staff also provide assistance with things like maintenance and housekeeping services so your time is truly your own.
Exclusive programs set Commonwealth apart from the rest. Dining experiences deliver fresh local flavors like seafood and produce from local farms! A professional chef prepares and serves unique cuisine for residents to enjoy any time of the day, whether that be in the distinguished restaurant-style dining area or via room service.
By practicing person-centered care, the community encourages residents to engage with life at their own pace. Experience different lifestyles through their exceptional activities program, which delivers new culture, music, food, and international art right to residents’ doorsteps. Or simply enjoy...
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Total monthly costs depend on room type, select services, and the level of care needed.
*Prices quoted are monthly rental charges and are provided by the communities themselves. Actual prices may differ due to one-time fees, timing and care services required. Speak with your Senior Living Advisor to learn more.
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I've actually waited a couple of years to write this so that my emotions about the passing of my family member (which was natural) would not interfere with my assessment of The Ballentine. So at this point, I can clearly share how much I regret choosing this place. It began with the small discrepancy between what I was told in our initial visit and how my family member's first day unfolded, followed immediately by a lot of clothing and personal possessions disappearing within 24 hours, and also a second time. There were a lot of other things also, and whenever I tried to address them, the double-talk was so evident. I felt I needed to be present to make sure had what she needed, fortunately, I could be there regularly. I am appreciative however of some of the staff who were really good.
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Response from Commonwealth Senior Living at the Ballentine
March 6, 2023Dear Charles, thank you for sharing your feedback. I’m sorry to hear that your experience did not fulfill our expectations and for your loss. Because improving the lives of seniors is the foundation of what we do, I would like the opportunity to speak with you in greater detail about your concerns. Please reach out to me at your convenience at 757-440-7400. Sincerely, Kyle Satterwhite Executive Director
Overall I think it's a good place compared to so many others. Every place goes through attrition, and with the economy it's hard to keep people hired. When we first began, the care was a lot better. But they have lost a lot of manpower. They are shorthanded more than I would like to see. If they could hire more staff, I think the care would be great. The food is good, as were the activities with the old activities director. They hired a new one, so we'll see how that goes. Overall we're still excited for our loved one to be there. We just hope they're able to hire more staff for quicker response times. If we had to choose again, we would still choose Commonwealth. We have not been disappointed. And I would encourage other families to come check them out.
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Response from Commonwealth Senior Living at the Ballentine
January 13, 2023Thank you so much for sharing your feedback. While I am happy to hear that you and your loved one are having a good experience with our community activities and dining, I’m sorry to hear our caregiving has not been fulfilling our expectations. Because improving the lives of seniors is the foundation of what we do, I would like the opportunity to speak with you in greater detail about your concerns. Please reach out to me at your convenience at kyle.satterwhite@commonwealthsl.com. Sincerely, Kyle Satterwhite Executive Director
We were very familiar with the Ballentine before, so that was one of the reasons that we had chosen this facility. The other was is she had friends there as well.
Response from Commonwealth Senior Living at the Ballentine
September 16, 2022Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We are honored that you’ve chosen our team to care for your loved one. Of course, we are always aiming for a 5 star experience. Please reach out to me directly if you have suggestions on how we can make this possible for your family. I can be reached at Brandie.French@commonwealthsl.com. Kind regards, Brandie French Regional Vice President
We had a very positive tour experience with Commonwealth At the Ballentine. I liked the facility a lot and also really liked marketing person and the director as well. It is located downtown so there is quite a bit of traffic and they had very little parking. It was also very pricey compared to some others we looked at.
Response from Commonwealth Senior Living at the Ballentine
September 14, 2022Thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us. I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed your visit. While our parking is limited, our sister community, Commonwealth Senior Living at Leigh Hall may be a better fit for pricing and parking. If you have specific feedback you would like to share, I would love to hear from you. Please reach out to me at your convenience at Brandie.French@commonwealthsl.com. Kind regards, Brandie French Regional Vice President
I am really impressed with the way that they take care of the residents and I would recommend this community.
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Response from Commonwealth Senior Living at the Ballentine
April 22, 2022Dear Gordon, Thank you for taking the time to share your recommendation with families here. We know that choosing the right senior living can be challenging, and we are honored that you’ve chosen our team to care for your loved one. Please don’t hesitate to reach out should you have any opportunities for improvements you’d like to share. Best, Leigh Morehead Executive Director
This community was too far away for where I wanted my loved one to be and was not the right environment that I was looking for. The tour guide was really nice the community was just too far away for what we needed.
Response from Commonwealth Senior Living at the Ballentine
April 15, 2022Thank you for your positive feedback! Improving the lives of seniors and their families is central to everything we do. While we are sorry to hear that our location does not work for your family, we hope you will keep us in mind should you have friends in search of senior living in this area. Kind regards, Leigh Morehead Executive Director
Commonwealth at the Ballentine was an older place, and smaller. So we didn't really consider them.
Response from Commonwealth Senior Living at the Ballentine
October 22, 2021Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Our residents and families enjoy our historic building and the thoughtful details it includes: mature landscaping, many sitting areas, and a charm of architectural elements not found in newly built communities. Perhaps you’ll give us a second chance after visiting other communities in the area. We would love to have you back here for lunch! Kind regards, Leigh Morehead Executive Director
Beautiful building, conveniently located, very friendly and welcoming.
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We were able to walk through the lobby and it seemed to be pretty clean. Everything seemed fine and our loved was happy there. The staff was really pleasant and the sales agent was wonderful. We were able to walk through the lobby and it seemed to be pretty clean, everything seemed fine and she was happy there. The staff was really pleasant and the sales agent was wonderful.
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I've only taken a virtual tour due to covid but it looks nice & clean & staff are welcoming. [name removed], the marketing director, has been wonderful! She is very easy to talk to & is so encouraging. She texted me during covid to check on how we were doing since my mom lived with me at that time. She has been very helpful. We ended up picking this facility. They were so easy to work with & it's 15 minutes from my brother's & daughter's home. So far my mother is really thriving there. I'm glad we chose this facility.
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The community works well with the family of the residents and staff. They are very understand of the resident's issues and working with my loved one. The room is a decent size that my loved one is in. My loved one has their own bathroom, larger walk in closet.
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I've only taken a virtual tour due to covid but it looks nice & clean & staff are welcoming. Amy, the marketing director, have been wonderful! She is very easy to talk to & is so encouraging. She has texted me during covid just to see how we were doing since my mom lives with me. She has been very helpful.
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I was not able to visit this facility. My 94 year old father is not doing well and I no longer need to search. The contact at this facility was very nice, informative and helpful.
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Response from Commonwealth Senior Living at the Ballentine
September 20, 2019We are so sorry to hear that your father is not well. At Commonwealth Senior Living, we strive to improve the lives of seniors and their families. Please reach out to me directly if there is anything that we can do to help you through this journey or improve the experience of families researching their options. I can be reached at [removed]. All our best, Alicia Durrah Executive Director
My family has survived the last few months because of superb and compassionate support of the skilled nursing staff caring for my parents. The kindness of the ENTIRE Ballentine Staff is outstanding, beginning with [name removed] who set up my mom's room, to the cooks who learned her food preferences and to the activities directors who included mom in more activities than she has participated in in the past ten years. My dad was able pass with dignity because of their excellent care. Thank you all.
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Started off good but quickly went downhill. The lack of permanent front desk staff, lack of weekend staffing, issues with personal care, lack of effective responsiveness from management and more made us make the decision to move our loved one after only a few months. Additionally, the rates are high for such a low quality of service.
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Response from Commonwealth Senior Living at the Ballentine
November 16, 2018Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and concerns. At Commonwealth Senior Living, we strive to improve the lives of seniors and their families, and we are truly sorry that we did not meet those expectations. While we did have a temporary issue with associate turnover, I am pleased to say that our front desk and weekend coverage is secured. I would love the opportunity to speak with you about your experience. While I have served in leadership positions in Commonwealth Senior Living communities for 6 years, I have just begun at The Ballentine. Understanding families’ experiences and areas for improvement will ensure that we create a high quality of life for everyone. Please email me at your convenience at [removed]. Sincerely, Monica Adcock, Senior Executive Director.
I recently moved my mother out of The Ballentine. There is no oversight of health issues at this facility. She developed a staff infection in her eye that went undetected, loosing sight. She then suffered a stroke, also undetected. I was informed the floor staff does not evaluate residents. I implore all not to entrust your loved one to their care.
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Response from Commonwealth Senior Living at the Ballentine
November 1, 2018Thank you for sharing your concerns with us. Our goal is to improve the lives of seniors and their families. We are focused on providing outstanding care. I would like the opportunity to speak with you directly about your family's experience. Please contact me at your convenience at [removed]. - Bernadette Cavis, Regional Vice President
Beautiful! The staff was happy and caring! Lovely surroundings outdoors as well as indoors.
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After touring a few places we decided to place my dad here. It offers him the care he needs and it provides my family the knowledge that he is safe and being cared for the way he should be. Overall we like the place it seems clean and the staff is very nice and caring. The communication between myself and them is good in fact one of the staff members had mentioned that it was one of the best transitions they have experienced and that was nice given my dads mental status. The property has 2 areas the first being the assisted living side and then the memory care where my dad is. they have actives for both sides and they keep the residents busy. The location is great because it is right next to my son's school and very close to where my wife works.
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Bustling, comfortable place. Staff very friendly and warm. Residents were clean & engaged. Lots of activities, & connections to community were encouraged. Only negative - small rooms.
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I had a very nice tour of this community. It is a lovely community with friendly people. I didn't find the community very attractive, it is an older building. From what I saw everything appeared to be nice and clean. This community does have a good reputation. The staff was kind and informative. It was lovely tour.
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See what the neighborhood has to offer and what’s nearby:
Commonwealth Senior Living at the Ballentine offers Studio, 1 Bedroom and Semi-Private. Learn more.
Commonwealth Senior Living at the Ballentine has received an average review rating of 3.5 based on 32 reviews. See all reviews.
Call (757) 440-7400 to reach a resident at Commonwealth Senior Living at the Ballentine.
To reach a resident at Commonwealth Senior Living at the Ballentine call: (757) 440-7400
4.1
(18 reviews)Studio, 1bd, 2bd, Semi-Private
Province Place of De Paul is a place where you will find some of the best amenities, and choices that you may not find in other senior living residences. Norfolk, Virginia has many amenities that can be very appealing to seniors. This offers a local community to explore that offers many choices...
4.2
(18 reviews)Studio, 1bd, Semi-Private
Recently celebrating our 20th year anniversary, Commonwealth Senior Living at Churchland House has been a premier assisted living provider throughout the Hampton Roads area. Located in a neighborhood community of Portsmouth Virginia the community is conveniently located to shopping, community...
4.7
(61 reviews)Studio, 1bd, 2bd
Bay Lake Community, located in Virginia Beach, offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Inspiritas - Memory Care. You'll have peace of mind knowing we are a Retirement Unlimited, Inc community, family-owned and operated in Virginia with a proud 35+ year tradition of providing exceptional...
5.0
(4 reviews)Studio, 1bd
We began our quest into senior living because of our love for our beloved mother, Mary Bickford, whose needs became too great for us to manage. As we researched senior living options, we were shocked at our findings. The options offered too much or too little — none met her needs and...
4.0
(64 reviews)Studio
The Gardens of Virginia Beach provides assisted living in an apartment-style setting that offers the simple pleasures - nutritious food, comfortable surroundings, and the support of a warm, caring and competent staff. A Short Stay Program for seniors who need short-term care may also be...
3.5
(32 reviews)Studio, 1bd, 2bd, Semi-Private
Welcome to Harmony at Harbour ViewIndependent Living | Assisted Living | Memory CareIn our continued effort to meet the demand of seniors in Suffolk, Virginia, we are offering Virtual Tours, an enhanced screening procedure for new residents, along with the security, support, services and...
4.2
(23 reviews)Studio, 1bd, Semi-Private
Located in Norfolk, VA very close to I-64,Commonwealth Senior Living at Leigh Hall is on the boarder of VA Beach and Chesapeake as well. We are centrally located to many city amenities, including public transportation, ample shopping and restaurants, Sentara Leigh Hospital and many doctors'...
4.2
(13 reviews)Studio, 1bd, 2bd, Semi-Private
Province Place was designed to function much like your own home. Residents select a one or two bedroom suite, each with its own private bathroom and kitchenette. Groups of suites nestled together in neighborhoods share a cozy living room, family room, dining room, enclosed courtyard and...
4.3
(134 reviews)Studio, 1bd, Semi-Private
Welcome Home to The Waterford at Virginia Beach! We offer more than just a place to live, with our warm atmosphere and our caring staff, you will become part of our family. We offer multiple choice of meals to suite your culinary taste. Like to go to the theater? So do we, our bus can take you,...
Studio, 1bd
Enjoy refined living with an active lifestyle at Harbor’s Edge, a full-service, premier LifeCare retirement community in Norfolk, Virginia. With an elegant setting and amenities that surpass many fine hotels, Harbor’s Edge’s greatest luxury is flexibility. Our residents enjoy a range of choice in...
The features and amenities that are displayed on this page contain marketing information provided by the community. A Place for Mom has not confirmed the completeness of the provided information, and cannot guarantee its accuracy.
To conduct a complete investigation, seniors and their families should:
If you become aware of any information that should be updated or noted, please contact A Place for Mom.
A Place for Mom uses the term “assisted living” to indicate that the community provides some level of assistance with daily living activities. It does not indicate that the facility meets official state requirements for level of care.