Welcome to Commonwealth Senior Living at Churchland House

Located in a quiet, residential neighborhood of Portsmouth, just off High Street and a short drive from the Elizabeth River, Commonwealth Senior Living at Churchland House offers a welcoming, close-knit atmosphere where comfort and community meet. The peaceful surroundings, long-time neighbors, and caregivers who treat residents like family combine to create a setting where each day feels as familiar as it is fulfilling.

This community has earned recognition for its care and lifestyle — including designation as a top retirement community in Virginia by Virginia Living Magazine in 2025 and recognized memory care quality by U.S. News & World Report in 2022. At Churchland House, you’ll find thoughtfully designed living accommodations and a broad spectrum of care, from assisted living to specialized memory care, plus flexible short-term options for transitional or respite stays.

Personalized Assisted Living — Support with Dignity and Independence

The assisted living program is built around respect, dignity, and personalized support from a specially trained team that is on-site 24/7. Residents enjoy private or companion suites, each with a private bath and climate control, where they are free to bring their own furniture and personal touches so their space feels like home.

Daily life is enriched with services and conveniences that remove burdens and open time for real living:

  • Three chef-prepared meals daily — part of their signature Farm-to-Table dining — and anytime dining for flexible schedules
  • Daily household care including housekeeping, laundry, and weekly linen service
  • Individualized care plans tailored to each resident’s needs and preferences
  • 24-hour emergency call system and round-the-clock staff available for assistance with bathing, dressing, dining, or toileting

With maintenance, cooking, and cleaning taken care of, residents are free to enjoy everything this community offers — from social programs and trips to quiet moments in the garden or the common lounge.

Compassionate Memory Care Through the Sweet Memories™ Program

For residents living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, Churchland House offers the award-winning Sweet Memories™ memory care program. The emphasis is on creating a secure, supportive environment where each day holds opportunities for meaningful connection, comfort, and joy.

Key aspects of care under Sweet Memories™ include:

  • Secure, designated memory care neighborhood with controlled access and familiar layouts for easier navigation
  • Personalized care plans developed with input from family and physicians — revisited regularly to match changing needs
  • Sensory-based activities, art/music programs, gentle routines, and social experiences designed to support engagement, calm, and dignity
  • 24-hour supervision and support to ensure safety, comfort, and ongoing care

The goal is to meet residents “where they are,” balancing structure and flexibility so they can enjoy meaningful moments every day. Families often share that this program offers peace of mind knowing their loved ones are safe and well-cared-for.

Flexible Short-Term & Respite Stays

Recognizing that transitions — such as recovery from a hospital stay or exploring senior living for the first time — can feel overwhelming, Churchland House offers short-term stays that provide professional care and companionship without long-term commitment. It’s a comfortable way to experience community living, try out services, or bridge a transition period with dignity and support.

Everyday Life at Churchland House: Comfort, Community, and Choice

Life here is designed around choice and engagement. Residents enjoy chef-prepared, farm-to-table meals created with fresh local produce, offered in elegant dining rooms that encourage friendship and conversation. For those who prefer flexibility, anytime dining is available, and meals can accommodate special dietary needs like low-sodium or sugar-free options.

Days are full of activities and opportunities for social connection or quiet relaxation. A full-time Resident Programs Director organizes a rich calendar of events and experiences. A typical day might begin with gentle morning yoga, followed by a virtual reality experience, music or singing therapy, gardening through “Backyard Botanicals,” art sessions, Wine and Design, or life-story reminiscence — all designed to promote wellness, connection, and enjoyment.

Residents also enjoy access to inviting common areas such as a sunroom, screened porches, a library, a game and billiards room, and landscaped courtyards with walking paths. For animal lovers, the community is pet-friendly (cats or small dogs under 25 lbs), helping residents maintain those meaningful bonds with their companions.

Whether residents want to take part in planned activities, go on outings to local parks or nearby cultural sites, or simply relax in their suite, Churchland House supports a wide range of lifestyles, needs, and preferences.

Connection to Community & Local Area

Set in a well-established residential area, the community is surrounded by familiar, longtime neighbors and key local institutions — including four major churches, shopping centers, and a YMCA catering to older adults. For convenience and peace of mind, major healthcare centers are nearby, including a full-service hospital and a naval medical center, offering reliable access to emergency and specialty care when needed.

Residents often enjoy outings to local favorites such as city parks, waterfront strolls, seasonal farmers markets, and trips to regional attractions like the nearby zoo — blending the comfort of home with the richness of the surrounding community.

What Makes Churchland House Stand Out

There are many senior communities — but Churchland House stands out thanks to its combination of thoughtful care, warm community feeling, and lifestyle flexibility. What makes it distinctive:

  • An award-winning memory care program (Sweet Memories™) recognized for quality and consistency
  • A welcoming, neighborhood-style setting where caregivers know residents by name, creating a true “family-feels-like-home” atmosphere
  • Farm-to-table dining and flexible meal options shaped by resident feedback and regional tastes
  • Varied living arrangements — private or companion suites, respite stays, and a continuum of care that lets residents age in place

At Churchland House, the aim is not just to provide care — but to help residents continue living with dignity, comfort, and as much independence as possible, while surrounded by friends and compassionate caregivers.

Choosing Churchland House

If you’re looking for a senior living community that combines personalized care, respect, and dignity with vibrant communal living — whether for assisted living, specialized memory care, or short-term respite stays — Churchland House offers a unique blend of home-like comfort, attentive care, and meaningful engagement. With varied suite options, flexible care levels, and a wide array of social, dining, and wellness offerings — all set in a calm, caring environment — this community is designed to support residents through changing needs while honoring their individual lifestyle and preferences.