Introduction and Facility Overview
Viva Senior Living at Berryville, located at 413 McClellan St., Berryville, Virginia 22611, is a specialized senior living community offering a range of care services in a supportive environment. The facility is situated approximately 25 miles from Baltimore, providing a balance of small-town charm with accessibility to urban amenities.
The community focuses primarily on providing assisted living and memory care services, with accommodations designed to create a comfortable, home-like atmosphere for residents.
Services and Care Options
| Service Type | Description | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | Personalized support with maintained independence | • Individual care plans• 24/7 staff•• Transportation services |
| Memory Care | Specialized program for cognitive impairments | • Award-winning Sweet Memories™ Program• Specialize• Memory-specific activities |
| Respite Care | Short-term stay options•• Access to all facility amenities |
Specialized Care Services
The facility offers a comprehensive range of care services:
- 24/7 professional staff availability
- Personalized care plans
- Medication administration and management
- Assistance with daily living activities
- Health and wellness monitoring
- Medical appointment coordination
- Transportation for medical appointments
Memory Care Program
A highlight of Viva Senior Living is their award-winning Sweet Memories™ Program, which includes:
- Evidence-based memory care programming
- Intimate community sections to reduce overwhelming stimuli
- Specialized staff training in dementia care techniques
- Medical care coordination
- Memory-specific activities and engagement
- Tailored dining services for cognitive challenges
Accommodations and Living Spaces
| Room Type | Size | Features | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living – Private Suite | 182 sq ft | • Private living• Personal furnishings allowed | $188/day ($5,640/month) |
| Assisted Living – Companion Suite | 210 sq ft | •• Cost-effective option• Built-in social interaction | $130/day ($3,900/month) |
| Memory Care – Private Suite | 210 sq ft | • Secured environment• Enhanced safety features | $209/day ($6,270/month) |
| Memory Care – Companion Suite | 210 sq ft | • Shared memory care accommo• Budget-friendly option | $139/day ($4,170/month) |
All living spaces include essential features like emergency call systems, with many also featuring kitchenettes, air conditioning, and internet connectivity.
Amenities and Facility Features
Viva Senior Living at Berryville offers an extensive range of amenities designed to enhance residents’ quality of life:
Common Areas and Recreational Spaces
- Landscaped gardens and outdoor patios
- Library
- Activity rooms
- Dining facilities
- Memory care-specific sections
- Social lounges
Support Services
- 24-hour emergency call system
- Daily housekeeping
- Weekly linen service
- Transportation services
- Maintenance services
- Wi-Fi throughout the facility
- Pet-friendly policy (cats and dogs under 25 lbs allowed)
Daily Activities and Programming
The facility maintains an active schedule of programming designed to enhance resident wellbeing and engagement:
Activity Programs
- Daily social activities and gatherings
- Organized group trips to local attractions
- Arts and crafts sessions
- Cultural programs
- Wellness activities and fitness programs
Dining Experience
Viva Senior Living’s dining program includes:
- Farm-to-table dining philosophy
- Gourmet meal options prepared by professional chefs
- Flexible dining schedules
- Special dietary accommodations
- Social dining environment
- Nutritionist-designed meals
Resident Experiences and Testimonials
| Rating Source | Score | Based On |
|---|---|---|
| A Place for Mom | 9.2/10 | 62 reviews |
| Caring.com | 4.6/5 | 3 reviews |
| Family Assets | 8.1/10 | Multiple reviews |
| Overall Distribution | 5★: 47%4★3★: 181★: 2% | All reviews combined |
Positive Feedback
“Staff really knows the residents personally. Lots of fun events for the residents.”
“My mother-in-law has moved in. I like the community. The people seem nice and caring. She has a nice room.”
“My mother is currently a resident at Commonwealth Senior Living at Berryville and everything has been great. The staff is wonderful.”
Areas for Improvement
Some reviews mentioned staffing challenges:
“Commonwealth has the potential to be a great facility. Unfortunately, my mom’s experience was during a time of being understaffed.”
Pricing Information
| Room Type | Daily Rate | Monthly Equivalent | Berryville Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living – Private Suite | $188 | $5,640 | $6,161 |
| Assisted Living – Companion Suite | $130 | $3,900 | Varies |
| Memory Care – Private Suite | $209 | $6,270 | Higher |
| Memory Care – Companion Suite | $139 | $4,170 | Varies |
Market Context
- Berryville average assisted living cost: $6,161/month
- Virginia state average: $5,248/month
- National average: $4,546/month
Financial Options
- Bridge loans
- VA benefits for eligible veterans
- Long-term care insurance
- Life insurance conversion options
- Home sale proceeds
- Personal loans
- Online payment portal for convenient monthly billing
Market Comparison
| Facility Name | Base Price | Rating | Key Features | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viva Senior Living | $3,810-$5,640 | 9.2/10 | Personalized care, Memory care | 413 McClellan St. |
| The Retreat at Berryville | $5,270 | 8.0/10 | Medical services, Winchester Medical Center proximity | 450 Mosby Blvd. |
| Godfrey House | $5,350 | 3.8/10 | Medical services, Supportive environment | 210 West Main St. |
| Hilltop Community | $5,000 | 9.5/10 | Multiple care levels, Vibrant lifestyle | 111 Denny Lane |
| Green Valley Commons | $6,340 | 4.8/10 | 24-hour supervision, Healthcare services | 549 Valley Mill Rd. |
Management and Staff Quality
Viva Senior Living emphasizes quality care through:
- Team approach to resident care
- Strong focus on staff training, particularly for memory care
- 24/7 staffing with trained professionals
- Individualized care planning
- Family communication and involvement
Employee perspectives highlight:
- Strong team camaraderie: “The team is like family, and we support each other through challenges”
- Meaningful resident relationships: “Working here has been rewarding; I love getting to know the residents and making a difference in their lives”
Some challenges mentioned include staffing levels during peak times and communication between management and staff.
Unique Features and Distinguishing Factors
Several aspects set Viva Senior Living at Berryville apart from other facilities in the region:
- Award-winning Sweet Memories™ Program: Specialized memory care programming using evidence-based approaches
- Farm-to-Table Dining Program: Focus on fresh, quality ingredients and nutritionist-designed meals
- Pet-Friendly Environment: Accommodations for cats and dogs under 25 lbs, which is not universal among senior living facilities
- High Resident Satisfaction: Maintaining a 9.2/10 rating based on 62 reviews, with 78% of reviews being 4 or 5 stars
- Competitive Pricing Structure: Offering rates below the local Berryville average, particularly for assisted living
Decision Support Tools
Facility Visit Evaluation Guide
When touring Viva Senior Living at Berryville, use this checklist to evaluate if the facility meets your needs:
| Area to Evaluate | Questions to Ask | Observations to Make |
|---|---|---|
| Living Environment | • Can rooms be personalized?• What• How often is• What security measures are in place? | • Check cleanliness of• Note maintenance of grounds• Evaluate room size and layout |
| Staff Interactions | • What is the staff-to-• What training do memory• How are care• What is staff•• Assess staff knowledge when questioned | |
| Activities & Programs | • May•• What memory• How often do residents go on outings? | • Note• Check quality of materials• Ask residents about favorite activities |
| Dining Experience | •• Are snacks available between meals? | • Observe a• Note food presentation• Check dining area cleanliness• Watch staff assistance during meals |
| Memory Care Program | • How is the Sweet Memories• What memory• How • What security measures prevent wandering? | • Observe cognitive• Note orientation c• Assess stim• Watch staff interactions with memory care residents |
Financial Planning Worksheet
Use this worksheet to compare your current living expenses with the cost of moving to Viva Senior Living at Berryville:
| Expense Category | Current Monthly Costs | Viva Senior Living Costs | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | Mortgage/Rent: $______Property Tax: $______Home Insurance: $Maintenance: $ | Private Suite: $5Companion Suite: $3,900 | Calculate |
| Food | Groceries: $Dining Out: $ | Included in monthly fee | Calculate |
| Healthcare | Medications: $______Home Health Aide: $Doctor Visits: $ | MedicationAdditional care: $______ | Calculate |
| Transportation | Car Payment: $Maintenance: $ | Basic transportation included | Calculate |
| Home Services | Housekeeping: $______Laundry: $Yard Care: $ | Included in monthly fee | Calculate |
| **ActivitiesMembClasses: $______ | Included in monthly fee | Calculate | |
| TOTAL | $______ | $______ | $______ |
Care Level Assessment Guide
Use this guide to help determine which level of care at Viva Senior Living at Berryville might be most appropriate:
| Need | Assisted Living Appropriate | Memory Care Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Memory Status | • Occasional forgetfulness• Recogn• Maintains reasonable judgment | • Significant short-term memory loss•• Poor judgment or safety awareness |
| Daily Living• Can• Manages some self-care• Some independence maintained | • Requires substantial•• Dependent on caregivers | |
| Behavior | • Generally• Social appropri•• Ag• Social difficulties | |
| **Safety• Can• Minimal wandering risk | • Unaware of safety haz• High• Wandering risk |
Conclusion
Viva Senior Living at Berryville offers a comprehensive senior living experience with a strong focus on personalized care and memory support services. The facility’s competitive pricing (below the Berryville average), high resident satisfaction ratings (9.2/10), and specialized programs like the Sweet Memories™ initiative make it a notable option for seniors requiring assisted living or memory care services in the Berryville area.
The community’s farm-to-table dining program, pet-friendly policy, and diverse activity offerings contribute to a well-rounded living experience. However, potential residents and their families should consider the staffing concerns mentioned in some reviews, particularly regarding peak-time coverage.
For those considering Viva Senior Living at Berryville, we recommend scheduling an in-person tour, using the evaluation tools provided in this review, and speaking directly with current residents and staff to determine if this community aligns with your specific needs and preferences.
