Independent living communities are designed for active seniors who are largely self-sufficient but want the convenience, social connection, and freedom from home maintenance that a retirement community provides. These communities typically offer private apartments or cottages, restaurant-style dining, fitness centers, social programming, and transportation services — without the clinical care component of assisted living. Private apartments, studios, or cottages Restaurant-style dining and housekeeping Fitness, wellness, and social programming Transportation and concierge services No assistance with daily activities required Ideal for active seniors aged 55+

Assisted living bridges the gap between independent living and skilled nursing. It provides personal care assistance — help with bathing, dressing, medication management, and daily activities — in a warm, residential setting. Hampton Roads has 12 assisted living communities across Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Hampton, and Suffolk, ranging from intimate boutique homes to larger campus-style settings. Assistance with bathing, dressing, and grooming Medication management and administration 24-hour staff availability (not 24-hour nursing) Meals, housekeeping, and laundry services Social activities and wellness programs Private or semi-private rooms available

Memory care communities provide specialized, secured care specifically designed for individuals with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and other forms of cognitive impairment. These communities offer structured programming, secured environments to prevent wandering, and staff trained specifically in dementia care. Hampton Roads has both dedicated standalone memory care communities and memory care neighborhoods within larger assisted living communities — giving families a range of options based on the stage of the disease and the resident's personality. Secured, safe environments designed for cognitive impairment Staff trained specifically in dementia and Alzheimer's care Structured daily programming and sensory activities Behavioral management and redirection techniques Family support groups and education programs Available as standalone communities or within AL campuses

Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) provide 24-hour nursing care for individuals with complex medical needs, as well as short-term rehabilitation services for those recovering from surgery, stroke, or hospitalization. Hampton Roads is served by the Virginia Health Services (VHS) network — seven facilities across the Peninsula — as well as Consulate Health Care, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and several other providers across Southside. 24-hour licensed nursing care Physical, occupational, and speech therapy Short-term rehab after hospitalization (Medicare-covered up to 100 days) Long-term care for complex medical conditions Wound care, IV therapy, and specialized medical services Dialysis services available at select facilities

Residential care homes — sometimes called adult foster care or group homes — offer personal care in a small, home-like setting, typically serving 4–8 residents. They are an excellent option for seniors who prefer an intimate, quiet environment over a larger community setting. These homes often provide a higher staff-to-resident ratio than larger assisted living communities and can be a more affordable option for families whose loved ones need personal care but do not require a clinical environment. Small, home-like setting with 4–8 residents High staff-to-resident ratio Personal care assistance with ADLs Home-cooked meals and family-style living Often more affordable than larger communities Ideal for seniors who prefer quiet, intimate settings

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), also called Life Plan Communities, offer the full continuum of care on a single campus — from independent living through assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. This means residents can age in place without facing a disruptive move as their needs change. Hampton Roads is home to seven notable CCRCs, including Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay, Harbor's Edge in Norfolk, Atlantic Shores in Virginia Beach, and Lake Prince Woods in Suffolk. Full continuum of care on one campus Eliminates disruptive moves as care needs evolve Entrance fees typically $100,000–$500,000 Three contract types: LifeCare, Modified, or Fee-for-Service Most are non-profit and faith-affiliated Best for seniors planning ahead while still active