Discovery Village at the West End

June 2025

Caperton

It may be good place for assisted living, but the corporate health profiteering in the memory care unit seems to be the primary goal. A few excellent people work there for activities and such, but the daily care is minimal. Over medication is the rule, too often administered for the benefit of staff, instead of the resident. Several aides who have left and relocated at other assisted living and memory care facilities have recently given me this assessment, which was all too familiar.

October 2024

Google

jasmine void

Really wonderful and clean community!

September 2024

Google

Jessica Grier

The independent living apartments are so nice and this is such a great community for my elderly mother. They have so many wonderful activities and clubs that my mom has something fun to do every week. They have had awesome outings like a tour of RVA murals, trips to the VMFA for special exhibits, and group lunches at various local restaurants. The staff have been so long to my mom and are very responsive when I had questions. This truly was the best choice for my mom and I highly recommend this place!

July 2024

Google

Lillian Archie

June 2024

Google

Wilfredo Soto

June 2024

Google

drequan Robinson

Very awesome and caring people.

June 2024

Google

lender garnica

Great place and very helpful!!

May 2024

Google

lizy reffner

May 2024

Google

Staci Thomas

May 2024

Brenda Harless

My dealings with Christi Norton have been great. She has assisted me with every question my son and I have had during the process of placement my son's father. The homemade cookies were a great touch too. Thanks, Christi, for all you did to get my ex placed there so quickly as time was of the essence. Everyone was informative and kind. You, also, went the extra mile to help me get the bed set up. Could not have done it without you.

April 2024

Karen Tucker

The staff at Discovery Village West End, specifically senior lifestyle coordinators Riley and Katie, are extremely helpful, positive, and patient. They answered so many questions, and were so understanding of the specific needs of my parents through the intake process. I feel so comforted knowing my parents now have the support of the Discovery Village community!

March 2024

Google

Jene Wood

My uncle just moved in and he has special needs. The warm welcome he received and attention the staff have provided to his specific needs have exceeded our expectations. We are so happy with The Discovery Village West End Assisted Living!!

November 2023

Google

Sheila Waters

My mom has been a resident in Discovery Village's Memory Care unit since June and we could not be happier with the care she receives. They treat her with kindness and dignity and we are so completely grateful for that! We spend quite a bit of time there visiting my mom and I have watched them care for ALL of the residents with kindness and dignity. It is evident that they have a passion for what they do. They strive to learn as much as they can about their patients so that they can meet them where they are and provide experiences that are meaningful and comforting. It is not an easy thing to watch your parent go through this season of life. There are so many fears and so much uncertainty….but I can truly say that they strive to meet US as her family where we are as well and they are now a part of our village. I would not want anyone else caring for our mom.

November 2023

Google

Brianna Amick

November 2023

Google

David Montgomery

My mother has been a resident in the memory care unit since June. She has made friends with staff and residents and her care has been wonderful.

October 2023

Google

Tyler MacArthur

Fantastic place!

September 2023

Google

Jenni Katz

We fell in love with Discovey village at the west end when my mom and I were going just to visit last month! She is now moving in and we could be happier! Christi Norton is amazing and has been so helpful as well as all the staff we've met. And the residents are so friendly! My mom and I are excited about this next chapter in her life!

August 2023

Google

Seth Austin

Very welcoming staff. Incredibly clean. A place that makes your loved one feel like they are home away from home.

July 2023

Google

Courtney Hevener

July 2023

Google

Tessah Kanter

I was very impressed with the friendliness by all the staff! The facility is clean and well kept.

July 2023

Google

John Hamilton

June 2023

Google

Amelie Rives

Beautiful community, very friendly staff and residents. Highly recommend this for family and friends.

May 2023

Google

Kassy Perry

The staff at Discovery Village was so friendly and we had a great experience visiting. Very clean and tidy!

May 2023

Google

Jason Kessler

April 2023

Google

William McAden

April 2023

Google

Rhonda Norton

Great amenities. Great staff. Highly recommended.

March 2023

Google

Matthew English

Discovery Village At the West End has very nice apartments; we enjoyed our visit greatly!

March 2023

Google

Emily McAden

March 2023

Google

Warren White

March 2023

Google

Rachel H.

Discovery Village at West End is exactly what my loved one has been looking for! A great location, a lively community, and a caring staff. We're so thrilled to have found such a gem!

February 2023

Google

Janet Castelow

Nice community - great customer service !!

January 2023

Google

cathy buchter

January 2023

Google

Daphne Wilson

Wonderful place to live. I highly recommend this community.

December 2022

Google

Matthew Saunders

November 2022

Google

Matt Donohue

A wonderful facility with wonderful staff

November 2022

Google

Rachel Strickland

November 2022

Google

MICHAEL SMITH

I have been in the Senior living community for a while. This has been my best experience. This leadership is the best I have ever been around.

September 2022

Google

Andrea Neiman

All the Memory Care and Assisted Living Staff are hard working in every aspect from management, personal hygiene, dining, front desk/concierge to basic housekeeping. They are empathetic to the needs of both the family members and the residents. They are kind, respectful, patient, cooperative, compassionate, and detail oriented to name a few of their outstanding qualities. Their job, especially during this pandemic, is extremely demanding and requires them all, to wear many hats beyond the scope of their job description. Additionally, they work long difficult hours. I am grateful for their dedication to their profession. I appreciate what they do daily for my mom, what I cannot. My mom is thriving thanks to the devotion and enthusiasm of all the Staff the Discovery Village at the Westend both Memory Care and Assisted Living.

September 2022

Google

Rex Pyle

Discovery Village at the West End has provided a wonderful home in their Memory Care unit for my mother. The facility is clean, the staff is kind, caring and knowledgeable, and communications between the facility and residents' families have been second to none. I also have to provide kudos for the actions the facility has taken and continues to take to address Covid, including transparent communications with families and regular updates. I'm so happy that we found a home for my mother at Discovery Village!

September 2022

Google

Gina Lahocki

You will never find a staff more focused on their residents. The staff is so caring, warm and treat the residents like family. The food and the entertainment is of great quality. Yes I said entertainment. The staff makes sure to do things with the resident so they don't get board. I highly recommend if you are looking for a great place for a family member.

September 2022

Google

Akeena Parker

Discovery village is a warm and welcoming place. With a very home like feel. I could not ask for a more love filled environment to work and call my second home.

August 2022

Google

The Hustle Season

August 2022

Google

william allen

June 2022

Google

ben skammer

Amazing staff, activities and dining experience was impeccable!

May 2022

Google

Fonda F

They had their annual crab feast to raise money for alheimers.

May 2022

Google

W

A wonderful place for seniors with a very caring staff. They have wonderful activities and many things for the residents to enjoy. Staff is friendly and caring.

April 2022

Google

Julie Redd

My mother has been in Memory Care at Discovery Village for over a year now and I can honestly say I could not be going through this without them. The director has a heart of gold and the staff are always so pleasant and friendly. They treat my mom with respect and kindness and see to her needs on a daily basis. They make a difficult time in our lives so much better and I know that Mom is well cared for and safe. I highly recommend DV!

March 2022

Google

Erin Boyle

January 2022

Google

Blake Smith

My dad loves it there and the people are so kind

January 2022

Google

Susan Stewart

Finding the right place for your loved one to live at this stage in their life is a difficult task, but Discovery Village made it an easy choice for me. From the moment we walked in and toured, we felt at home. Mom likes living here, she loves her apartment in Assisted Living, and everyone I've met when I visit her is kind and always says something that makes her laugh. From the nurses on her floor to the folks in the dining room, everyone knows her and knows what she likes, and they work to make sure she's doing well. The people who work here here really make the difference.

December 2021

Google

Kelli Strawbridge (KINGS)

November 2021

Google

Martha Schilthuis

I'm happy that we moved here when we did!

September 2021

Google

W N Strauss

Discovery Village Reviews: Part 1 of 3 I will be reviewing the Memory Care Unit at Discovery Village in the West End, (of Richmond, VA), where my mother lived for the past 2 years. Overall, I was extremely disappointed with Discovery Village in the West End. The parking lot for visitors is small. There are only four spaces for handicapped parking, and oftentimes, nurses and staff park in the front parking lot which is meant for visitors. I asked for help with this matter several times. Of course, with COVID-19, parking isn't an issue, but expect it to be so once things return to normal. The facility itself was very pleasant looking and well kept. The entry is a long, covered porch with benches and rocking chairs, and when weather permitted, residents would sit outside. There were two courtyards: one being an outdoor kitchen/BBQ area with lovely picnic tables that have umbrellas in the center. The second courtyard is in the Memory Care side and is closed in on all three sides. There are two tables, two benches, several chairs and lovely rhododendron and cheerful Gerber daisies! The lobby and common rooms were clean and had no discernable odors. The furniture was in good condition. The common areas were well lit and airy. There are windows everywhere, letting the sun in. Every room has a window, whether facing outward and away from the facility, or inward towards one of the courtyards. Both dining rooms are quite nice, however, the main dining room on the Assisted Care side is the nicer of the two since there are fewer logistics involved with the dining experience on that side of the building. (With COVID-19 there are some minor concerns about the entry way: There are tables in the hallway, {on which packages and mail are being left}, to the lobby which could, in the event of a fire or emergency, hinder egress from the building!) The food was okay. It is institutionalized food- pretty much the same as cafeteria food anywhere. In the main dining room, (on the Assisted Living side) there were more choices as to what one could eat, including a burger which was pretty good! The worst concern/problem that I faced was with the doctors prescribing unnecessary medications!!! I had to take my mother to a dentist appointment and took a copy of her medications with me. I kept that copy and looked up the various medications on my own later in the day. Most of them I knew about and understood, but one of the doctors that visited patients at Discovery Village on a weekly basis had prescribed a new medication for bladder control. One of the most common side effects of this medication is "confusion and short-term memory loss." My mother never had a problem with her bladder if she went to the bathroom on a regular basis. I had informed the nurses of her toileting schedule when we moved Mom into Discovery Village. When I asked about it, I was told that the doctors prescribed this for ALL residents. This was a matter of making it easier for the staff. This way, the staff doesn't have to take the resident to the bathroom as often, they don't have to clean up occasional accidents, although most of the resident's wear adult diapers. I insisted that they stop giving my mother this medication and instead take the additional time and energy to take her to the bathroom more regularly. Once they did take her off the medication, there was a marked difference in my mother's awareness. She was less confused, and her memory, while still significantly changed, was so much better than it had been! I WOULD STRONGLY ADVISE FAMILY MEMBERS OF RESIDENTS OF DISCOVERY VILLAGE TO CHECK YOUR LOVED ONES MEDICATIONS ONCE MONTHLY AND CONSULT WITH THEIR PREVIOUS PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN AND PHARMACIST AS TO WHETHER OR NOT THE MEDICATION YOUR LOVED ONE IS TAKING IS THE RIGHT MEDICATION FOR THEM TO TAKE!!! Please note that it is extremely important to educate yourself and to supervise your parent's/loved one's care while they are institutionalized!!

July 2021

Google

K8 Strickland

Sorry this isn't working out...for residents or employees. Resident is sold on the place and loves her apt. Employees are not thrilled to be there. That's bothersome.

May 2021

Google

Faegala Savodnick

(cont. from w.n.strauss review) (The staffing was also of great concern and disappointment. Discovery Village is a private institution. This chain of Independent and Assisted living facilities its site on Google claims it is "Upscale Senior Living." As I stated above- the facility is quite nice, but that is where it ends. When my daughter and I went on our tour of Discovery Village, one of the first questions we asked was "what is the staff to resident ratio?" We were told at that time that the ratio was better than the "state minimum" of "1 staff member per 5 residents," and that it was closer to "1 staff member to 3 residents." This was not the case! In fact, the "1 staff member per 5 residents" isn't quite the case either! That number can be "doctored" by counting the staff members that "float" from one unit to the next- the Registered Nurse that gives out the medication, (for instance), and perhaps another staff member. Oftentimes, when my daughter and/or I would visit, there would be only two or three staff members actually On the unit at any one time. To help balance this a tiny bit, we were introduced to a company that does "hospice care." (That is a whole 'nother ball of wax and a completely different review.) A nurse, or CNA, (Certified Nursing Assistant), would visit my mother twice a week for fifteen to thirty minutes. She/he would help bathe my mother and would keep track of bumps and bruises, temperature, blood pressure, pulse, etc. There were many bumps and bruises and some of them were rather severe. The worst of it was that there was NO REAL SUPPORT for physical therapy and rehabilitation. This is not only a problem with Discovery Village, but a problem with our medical practices concerning the elderly and Medicare itself. If Discovery Village had more staff on hand, then perhaps they could help follow up with physical therapy etc. When my mother was released from the rehabilitation facility, she was walking with the help of a walker. Because there weren't enough staff members, and because the staff members that were there were too lazy- there was no follow through with my mother's physical therapy even though she continued receiving physical, occupational and speech therapy for a few months longer after moving into Discovery Village. I often observed staff members sitting in the back of the common room, doing a lot of nothing- watching television with the residents, talking amongst themselves, or staring down at cell phone screens. Had they taken the time to walk with my mother for ten to twenty minutes per day, my mother's quality of life would have been significantly better. Instead, due to the lack of physical support, my mother, who had played tennis twice a week, every week until the previous year, who went on walks once a week, who volunteered every week- wound up wheelchair bound, due to a lack of staffing and a lack of caring.

March 2021

Google

Nanci Strauss

(continued from w.n.strauss review) The staff members themselves were, most of them, very kind, very caring, but not very involved. They were also VERY OVER-WORKED and VERY UNDER-STAFFED and VERY UNDER_SUPPORTED. These failures were a result of upper management. They were not the fault of this particular residence. There was one CNA who was occasionally inappropriate; confiding information that she should not be sharing with patient families, she was often rude, short and even verbally abusive to residents,( She was eventually let go). One male nurse thought it appropriate to date the daughter of a resident, another felt it appropriate to date the grand-daughter of a resident. The night shift does the resident's laundry. Either they do not care about the residents clothing, bedding and towels, or they simply do not know how to do laundry. In addition to ruining towels and clothing with lousy, careless laundering practice, they frequently lose or confuse one resident's items with another's. Also, rooms are often left unattended. Things go missing- The management and administration changed many times in the two years, five months that my mother lived at Discovery Village. In August 2019, the administration changed again. I believe that, this time the changes were for the better, although a personal tragedy in October 2019, and the closing of the facility to visitors due to COVID-19 in March of 2020 kept me from getting the chance to make any significant observations as to what changes there were due to the new administrator, Ms. Regina Trent. The biggest difference that I observed was that the parking situation had gotten better. There were more parking spaces in the visitor parking area due to Ms. Trent enforcing the company policy that the spaces in front of the building were not for staff to park in! I can say that my mother's room was being kept cleaner, although the problems with the laundry continued. I wish I could say more on her behalf, but I just didn't get the chance to really observe what the differences were. Regina did seem very concerned and was very willing to listen to any concerns that I brought to her, and just as willing to act on those concerns. Regina also fought tooth and nail to do her best with the COVID-19 crisis. She and Jennie may have what it takes to turn the place around. The one thing that needs to be done, can't be done until the top management begins to care more about the residents than they do about yearly bonuses and stock-holders! There needs to be more staff members on the unit to provide a more personalized experience for the residents. The staff needs better pay. This is a hard job, and sometimes a very thankless one. People suffering from dementia can be difficult to work with. It is hard to remain dedicated when your patients are often angry, confused, depressed... The job has a high "burn-out" rate, and a high staff turnover rate. It is impossible to provide a consistently excellent experience if the staff changes every quarter. The upper management in the Boynton Beach, Florida offices needs to provide more competitive pay rates, and show more concern for the mental well being of their CNA's, LPN's, and RN's. All in all, I rate the Memory Care Unit of Discovery Village at the West End with 2.5 for being a clean, well kept, airy, nice looking facility with okay food; and because most of the staff is very kind and very concerned. I would rate it at 2.5 stars if I were able. Most of the failures are due to corporate greed. Perhaps if Mr. Richard J Hutchinson, (CEO), Mr. Thomas J Costello, (CFO), Mr. Bill Sciortino, (COO), and the other various officers, Presidents and Vice Presidents, were willing to take a significant decrease in pay and use that money to take better care of the unit staff of each residence, Discovery Village might live up to its internet braggadocio! Until then, this "Luxury Senior Living" is no better than Medicaid Facilities!

November 2020

Facebook

Mandy Levin Fristoe

After my mothers one month stay at a rehabilitation center, I knew exactly what I didnt want in a long term living facility for her. I was very impressed after I toured the Memory Care Facility at Discovery Village. Their staff is kind, caring, compassionate and they treat each resident as if they were their own family. The facility is clean, comfortable and easy to navigate for my mother who suffers from dementia. The seasonal décor in the Memory Care facility is bright and cheery, the calendar is packed full of stimulating activities and the staff goes above and beyond to take the best care of their residents. I couldnt be happier that my mother is at Discovery Village. She has been there almost a year now and I cant say enough positive things about the care team. It is not only their job – it is obvious it is their true passion.

October 2020

Facebook

Karen E Lynch

Awesome facility and staff - highly recommend Discovery Village! My mom has been a resident there over 3 years and we couldnt have chosen better!!!! 5 ⭐ ‘s!!!!

September 2020

Google

Mary Carter Dabney

My mother has been a resident at Discovery Village for over 2 years. She initially moved into an Independent Living apartment after losing her husband of 67 years. Her experience there was quite positive but after a year and a detailed assessment, it was decided jointly by the staff and family that Memory Care would better meet her needs as she was declining both physically and mentally. Of course, we were apprehensive about another big lifestyle change but, yet again, the staff made the transition seamless. Her mental status has continued to decline which has been extremely difficult during Covid and physically shes had numerous challenges. As we have been unable to have live visits, the staff has bent over backwards to accommodate our window visits every time weve asked. Not only that, they have provided her with an immeasurable degree of love and compassion when we, as family, could not. I am a registered nurse and have been a health care provider for many years. Therefore, I view things through a healthcare lens as well as a family lens. As a result, I have NOTHING but praise for her level of care. They love her, they truly love her. She is comfortable, at peace and all of her needs are being met, physically and emotionally. The staff is responsive, communicative and respectful. Regina Trent, the director, goes the extra mile for each and every resident. My siblings and I feel comfortable reaching out to her and know well get an immediate response and resolution to any of our concerns. Mother is also in hospice care. The hospice nurse, Crystal, has a strong relationship with Mother and communicates closely with the Discovery staff. She is also extremely loving, caring and keeps close tabs on any changes in Mothers overall health status. It is the very best of collaborative care. We have never regretted our decision to place our mother at Discovery Village. As an organization, they have shown their metal during these unprecedented times and we will be forever grateful. We highly recommend Discovery Village!!!!

August 2020

Google

Danielle Phillips

Im a new associate at this community and everyone has been so welcoming and kind! The residents are active and very engaged in the community. We ask for their input and ideas, and the staff work closely with the Resident Council to help make improvements. The team is always positive, helpful, and caring when it comes to the community and the residents. I am proud to work for Discovery Village!

August 2020

Google

Steven Mann

The food is amazing and the people are very friendly

May 2020

Facebook

Gay Lynn Van Vleck

An excellent staff provided our mom with upbeat interactions and activities and cheerful, clean surroundings. She would not have left if not for declining health. Thanks for all your help during our time of transition.

March 2020

Facebook

Danielle Phillips

Im a new associate at this community and everyone has been so welcoming and kind! The residents are active and very engaged in the community. We ask for their input and ideas, and the staff work closely with the Resident Council to help make improvements. The team is always positive, helpful, and caring when it comes to the community and the residents. I am proud to work for Discovery Village!

March 2020

Google

Mandy Fristoe

After my mothers one month stay at a rehabilitation center, I knew exactly what I didnt want in a long term living facility for her. I was very impressed after I toured the Memory Care Facility at Discovery Village. Their staff is kind, caring, compassionate and they treat each resident as if they were their own family. The facility is clean, comfortable and easy to navigate for my mother who suffers from dementia. The seasonal décor in the Memory Care facility is bright and cheery, the calendar is packed full of stimulating activities and the staff goes above and beyond to take the best care of their residents. I couldnt be happier that my mother is at Discovery Village. She has been there almost a year now and I cant say enough positive things about the care team. It is not only their job – it is obvious it is their true passion.

February 2020

Google

Mark Driscoll

My 94 year old mom has lived at four assisted living facilities. Even with the pandemic, the staff at Discovery Village has made her happier and safer than any of the others. Every encounter with management, sales, care and the front desk have always been positive. i used to visit her every day at another facility that shut down at the beginning of the corona virus. During these times that I have not been able to visit my mom in the faculty, I feel so lucky my mom is in such good hands. I love the care, respect and kindness that my mom receives from the excellent workers at Discovery Village.

February 2020

Google

Walter Froh

Nice reception area.. and residence are friendly

August 2019

Google

Antoinette Samuels

The BEST in retirement living.

August 2019

Google

My Gato

Great Food. Chef Sam is attentive and caring.

July 2019

Google

Robert Lawerence

Good place

January 2019

Google

Liz Blanks

January 2019

Google

John Franov

Thunder and lightning.

October 2018

Google

Liz Fleming

They accommodate visiting groups.

August 2018

Google

Winder Molina

July 2018

Google

Ty Johnson

May 2018

Google

Natalia Semenov

February 2018

Google

Crystal Lewis

Great place.

February 2018

Google

Mark Grubbs

February 2018

Google

Diane Walcher

Clean areas and friendly staff

October 2017

Facebook

Betty Dipboye

I think its the one of the nicest retire facilities in the city and Ive seen them all. The staff is outstanding; always so kind and helpful. If you live here the most important thing is what about the residents? I challenge anyone to come up with a more diverse hospitable people. Seriously its a lovely home. I was so thankful that it was available for me when my husband passed away two years ago! And I havent even mentioned the Happy Hour.

August 2017

Google

Will Flow

The food is fantastic. Dont know what the previous poster had in mind. Great place, great people.

July 2015

Google

Pamela M. Fukumitsu

My mom stayed here over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays while she waited to move into a new place. She loved it, had fun socializing with the other ladies, and they responded to her needs promptly.