Lakewood Retirement Community sits in Richmond, VA, as a nonprofit Life Plan Community-sometimes people call this a Continuing Care Retirement Community-where folks can find independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and even hospice services, which means residents don't have to move again if their needs change, and many people find comfort in knowing care's always available. The setting at Lakewood feels welcoming and friendly, and the staff has a good reputation for being helpful, joyful, and kind, so new faces usually don't have much trouble settling in. The community encourages socializing, offering a full schedule of activities-some social, some educational, and plenty just for fun-so there's never much worry about sitting alone unless you want to. For seniors with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia, Lakewood has a secure memory care wing with staff trained for these challenges, and the daily programs there aim to keep minds active and reduce confusion or wandering.
The place itself has a campus with several options for where to live, like cottage homes that feel like a regular two-bedroom house but with no yard work, villas that give privacy with sociable neighbors, apartments with their own washers and dryers, and even villa apartments with nine-foot ceilings, modern kitchens, and first-floor parking garages. Many of the apartments come with bright, open floor plans, well-equipped kitchens with things like self-cleaning ovens, microwaves, and refrigerators, and the campus map will help visitors or new residents get the lay of the land. Residents enjoy both indoor and outdoor gathering spots, such as landscaped patios with comfy furniture, a stylish bar and dining room with a friendly bartender, a restaurant-style dining area, and a game room with tables for mahjong. Those who like staying fit use the fitness center or swim in the big indoor pool.
Lakewood offers nursing care and health services right on campus, thanks to an interim administrator and a team of experienced healthcare professionals, so residents can get high-level medical care, therapies, and support when needed. The Lakewood First Clinic provides simple access to certain health services. For those who need it, staff help with daily living, like bathing or medication, and the place offers 47 assisted living beds and a total of 96 beds, so they can accommodate a variety of needs. There are specialized services to help people with Alzheimer's stay safe and comfortable, including secure spaces and personalized plans. Nutritious meals get prepared with attention to different dietary needs and served in a dining area with a modern, welcoming feel.
The community's pet-friendly, so dogs, cats, or the occasional bird can come, too, as long as they fit the guidelines, and there's resident parking plus complimentary transportation for easy trips out. The campus remains smoke-free in all indoor spaces, and women and men can both live here. There are home care services with trained aides who visit seniors in their own homes, offering companionship and help with daily tasks. Programs such as CAPABLE aim to support independence, sometimes in partnership with local organizations.
Lakewood keeps independent living as active and carefree as possible, offering different floor plans like studio apartments and cottage homes, with maintenance included. Studio apartments or larger spaces are available, so residents can choose what suits them best, and the Residence and Services Agreement gives details on costs, with extra charges if you want two more meals per day or additional services. People say living here feels like home, with a strong sense of belonging, and the community stays focused on helping residents maintain a high quality of life, whether they need no help at all or require more care as the years go by, and the website at www.lakewoodwestend.org has the full brochure, a campus map, and more information if you want to look further.
