Woods Cove Assisted Living was inspected 8 times between February 25, 2021 and January 13, 2026 by the Virginia Department of Social Services. 7 of those visits ended with violations cited and 1 with none. Across that history VDSS cited 42 violations under 37 distinct standards. 3 inspections were prompted by a complaint.
A violation is a licensing standard - a rule in the Virginia Administrative Code - that the inspector found the facility was not meeting. Each is shown with the evidence the inspector recorded and, where VDSS publishes it, the facility's own plan of correction.
VDSS publishes inspections on a rolling window. 7 of these 8 are still on the state's site; the other 1 has since dropped off it and is reproduced from Assisted Living Magazine's archive of the original VDSS reports.
Provider Information
Inspection History
8Select an inspection to read the areas reviewed, the inspector's comments and any violations cited.
January 13, 2026Complaint survey
- Record for resident 1, admitted 09/07/2021 to assisted living level of care, contained three fall risk ratings dated 02/28/2024, 08/28/2024, and 03/03/2025.
- Review of resident 1’s record and communication log indicated resident 1 had a total of 31 documented falls from 02/15/2025 until 01/08/2026, with 14 of those falls occurring in December 2025, with no additional fall risk ratings completed.
- During an interview with the LI on 01/13/2026, staff 1 was asked about fall risk ratings being completed after each fall. Staff 1 acknowledged the facility did not review and update the fall risk rating after every fall as required.
- During a tour of the facility on 01/13/2026, the LI did not observe any signaling devices in the facility.
- During an interview with the LI on 01/13/2026, staff 1 was asked about the signaling device system. Staff 1 acknowledged the building did not have a signaling device system and stated, “that one resident in assisted living had a hand bell that she rang when she needed assistance”.
- During an interview with the LI on 01/13/2026, staff 5 was asked how residents let staff know they needed help since the facility did not have a signaling device system. Staff 5 stated, “two residents on assisted living had hand bells they rang when they needed assistance. The other residents come up to staff and ask for help”.
- During an interview on 01/13/2026 with LI, staff 4 was asked about the requirements for a signaling device system. Staff 4 acknowledged the facility did not have a working signaling device system.
- During the facility tour on 01/13/2026, LI observed an unattended cleaning cart on the secure care unit with accessible bottles of cleaning liquids, including Clorox toilet cleaner, Scrubbing Bubbles, Tilex, Lysol, and other chemicals in spray bottles. Cleaning carts were open design and did not have a way to lock chemicals when unattended.
- During the facility tour on 01/13/2026, LI observed Dove bodywash, Tresemme shampoo, Luxury shaving cream, and body lotion in an unlocked bathroom on the secure care unit.
- Communication log dated 12/10/2025 documented resident 4 cut thumb on razor while shaving. Resident 4 resides in the secure care unit and should not have had access to a razor.
- During the facility tour of the secure care unit on 01/13/2026, LI observed an electronic cigarette in the desk drawer in the living room common area.
- During an interview with the LI on 01/13/2026, staff 3 stated the electronic cigarette belonged to resident 2.
- During an interview with LI on 01/13/2026, staff 4 acknowledged the facility failed to store cleaning supplies and other hazardous materials in a locked area and stated there was no way to secure the chemicals on the cleaning carts when unattended. Staff 4 also stated the electronic cigarette belongs to resident 2 but should be secured, not left in the desk drawer.
- Photo evidence taken.
- LI requested staff training records/transcripts for staff 3 and staff 6 from staff 4.
- Staff 3, hired date 04/15/2007, had no documented annual training for year 2025.
- Staff 6, hire date 03/22/2019, had no documented annual training for year 2025.
- Staff 4 confirmed that staff 3 and staff 6 did not have any documented training in 2025.
- During the facility tour on 01/13/2026, there was no schedule of activities posted in the facility.
- During the inspection on 01/13/2026 no activities were observed in the facility.
- During an interview with staff 4 when asked if there were scheduled activities for the residents, staff 4 stated, “No, the activity director’s last day worked was 12/21/2025. Staff 4 confirmed no scheduled activities had occurred since 12/21/2025 other than a Christmas and New Year’s celebration.
- During review of resident 1’s record and the facility communication log on 01/13/2026, there were a total of 31 documented falls for resident 1 from 02/15/2025 until 01/13/2026.
- The regional licensing office did not receive self-reported incidents for 29 of resident 1’s falls for the following dates: 02/15/2025, 02/17/2025, 04/01/2025, 05/01/2025, 09/11/2025, 10/09/2025, 10/14/2025, 11/21/2025, 12/10/2025 (2 falls), 12/11/2025, 12/12/2025 (2 falls), 12/13/2025, 12/15/2025, 12/16/2025 (2 falls), 12/18/2025, 12/19/2025, 12/22/2025, 12/25/2025, 12/31/2025, 01/04/2026, 01/06/2026 (3 falls), 01/07/2026 01/08/2026, and 01/13/2026.
- On facility accident/incident reports dated 02/15/2025, 02/17/2025, 04/01/2025, 05/01/2025, 09/11/2025, 10/09/2025, 10/14/2025, 12/31/2025, 01/04/2026,01/06/2026, 01/10/2026, and 01/11/2026, there was no indication the POA was notified.
- On facility accident/incident reports dated 10/14/2025, 11/21/2025, and 01/04/2026, there was no indication Hospice was notified.
- During an interview with LI on 01/12/2026, collateral contact 1 stated that Hospice would notify her if resident 1 had a fall if Hospice had been notified. Collateral contact 1 stated she was not notified directly of resident 1’s falls. Collateral contact 1 went on to state that on two occasions (02/15/2025 and 10/14/2025) the hospital had called to ask about resident 1’s code status and for permission to treat and that was how she had been made aware that resident 1 was injured from a fall.
- During interview with LI on 01/13/2026, staff 4 acknowledged the facility failed to notify all required parties and document the notification of a resident fall whether the fall resulted in an injury or not.
- During the tour of the secure care unit on 01/13/2026, collateral contact 2 and 3 and LI were approached by residents 5 and 6. Both residents 5 and 6 were non-English speaking residents and were attempting to communicate.
- During an interview with LI on 01/13/2026, staff 2 was asked how the staff communicates with residents 5 and 6. Staff 2 stated, “They understand what we say but we don’t always understand them.” Staff 2 was asked how they were sure the residents understood them, staff 2 responded “resident 5 will do what we ask” but did not clarify how staff knew resident 6 understood their communication.
- During interview with LI on 01/13/2026, staff 1 was asked how they communicate with residents 5 and 6. Staff 1 stated that according to resident 6’s family, what she is saying does not make sense. Staff 1 stated that for resident 5, “I kind of figure out what he is saying. He understands us but we don’t understand him.”
- During interview with the LI on 01/13/2026, staff 4 was asked how staff communicate with residents with language barriers and if there was a system in place. Staff 4 confirmed the facility did not have a system.
- The record for resident 1, admitted 09/07/2021 to assisted living level of care, contained a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order dated 03/08/2025. Resident 1’s ISP dated 07/01/2025 was not updated to reflect the DNR status until 08/08/2025.
- The record for resident 3, admitted 03/21/2023, contained an ISP dated 04/11/2024. When asked, staff 1 confirmed the 03/21/2023 ISP was the only ISP on hand.
- During an interview with the LI on 01/13/2026, staff 4 acknowledged the ISP for residents 1 and 3 had not been reviewed and updated at least every 12 months as required.
- During the facility tour on 01/13/2026, LI observed a soiled wash basin under the assisted living side public restroom sink. The wash basin had brown residue on the bottom and sides. LI also observed a brown stain in the bottom of the sink vanity from a leaking pipe. Soiled socks and an old toothbrush were in the bottom cabinet of vanity. Four soiled wash clothes were in the bathroom.
- Resident 4’s bathroom located in the secure care unit had a strong odor of urine and the area surrounding the base of the toilet had a large yellow stain that appeared to be dried urine. Staff 2 acknowledged the restroom was soiled and requested housekeeping to clean.
- During an interview on 01/13/2026 with LI, staff 4 acknowledged that soiled linens were not handled appropriately in order to keep facility clean.
- Photo evidence taken.
- During the facility tour on 01/13/2026, LI observed a sounding bed alarm in resident 1’s room. Resident 1, who required two-person assist for repositioning and transfers, was in the living room seated in a high back wheelchair with the back reclined making it difficult for resident 1 to straighten/reposition himself or transfer from the wheelchair without assistance which restricted resident 1’s freedom of movement. Mechanism for adjusting the angle of recline on the wheelchair was inaccessible to resident 1.
- Record review for resident 1 did not contain a physician’s order for the bed alarm or the high back reclining wheelchair.
- During the facility tour on 01/13/2026, LI observed resident 3 in a Geri-Chair with the footrest elevated restricting the resident’s freedom of movement by making it difficult for the resident to exit/transfer from the chair independently when the footrest was elevated. Resident 3 also required two-person assist to reposition/transfer and was not able to lower the footrest of the Geri-Chair on command.
- Record review for resident 3 did not contain a physician’s order for the Geri-Chair.
- During an interview with staff 4, when asked if there was a physician’s written order for resident 1’s bed alarm and high back reclining wheelchair and resident 3’s Geri-Chair, staff 4 acknowledged they did not have the required physician orders.
- Photo evidence taken.
- The foot board of resident 1’s bed had a large hole with sharp pieces of plastic accessible to the resident. During an interview on 01/13/2026, staff 4 stated the bed was broken when Hospice delivered it on 06/06/2025. The LI and Collateral Contact 2 observed the damaged footboard on 01/13/2026.
- The glass on the right side of the french doors leading out to the courtyard from the secure care unit was missing and replaced by a piece of unfinished plywood.
- During an interview on 01/13/2026 with LI, when asked how long the door glass had been broken, staff 2 and resident 2 stated it had been broken for about 2 years.
- During an interview on 01/13/2026 with LI, staff 4 stated that glass in the door had been broken since August 2025.
- Photo evidence taken.
- The facility is currently licensed as residential and assisted living care, with a 13-bed special care unit.
- During a tour of the secure care unit on 01/13/2026, the LI observed resident 4’s bedroom window was open wide enough for an individual to crawl through. There was no protective device on the window to prevent the window from opening all the way. The locking mechanism at the top did not work.
- During a tour of the secure care unit on 01/13/2026, collateral contact 3 and LI observed eight living room windows in the common area of the secure care unit that opened wide enough for an individual to crawl through. There were no protective devices on the windows to prevent them from opening all the way. The locking mechanism at the top did not work on several of the windows and the windows were secured with clear packing tape.
- During an interview on 01/13/2026 with the LI, staff 4 acknowledged the windows in resident 4’s bedroom and windows in the common area did not have protective devices as required.
- Photo evidence taken.
- Resident 1, admit date 09/07/2021 to assisted living level of care, had a total of 31 documented falls from 02/15/2025 until 01/08/2026, with 14 of the falls occurring in December 2025.
- Record for resident 1 did not contain documentation of an analysis of the circumstances of the falls and interventions that were initiated to prevent or reduce the risk of subsequent falls.
- During an interview with the LI on 01/13/2026, staff 1 confirmed there was no documentation of an analysis of the circumstances of the falls and no interventions that were initiated to prevent or reduce the risk of subsequent falls as required.
- A complaint received by the regional licensing office on 12/22/2025 alleged that resident 1 was observed with “3 big knots…going across his forehead” and his face was “really swollen”. Reporter alleged that when asked about the injuries, facility staff reported that resident 1 “falls…a lot”.
- During inspection on 01/13/2026, resident 1 was observed sitting in his wheelchair in the living room. Resident 1’s face still had some visible bruising and swelling.
- Review of resident 1’s record and communication log indicated resident 1 had a total of 31 documented falls from 02/15/2025 until 01/08/2026, with 14 falls occurring in December 2025.
- Record for resident 1, admitted 09/07/2021 to assisted living level of care, did not contain evidence of analysis of the circumstances of the falls or documented interventions to prevent or reduce the risk following any of the 31 falls.
- While at the facility on 01/13/2026, LI reviewed the communication log for the secure care unit.
- On 12/10/2025, communication log documented resident 1 “fell and hit head Hospice aware” and “refused to get off the floor and be put to bed”.
- On 12/15/2025, communication log documented resident 1 “fell in hallway, has knot med-tech aware and Hospice aware” and “fell out of chair after getting up from being put in bed”.
- On 12/16/2025 communication log documented resident 1 “fell in hallway check over is o.k.”
- On 12/18/2025 communication log documented resident 1 fell at 2 a.m. “staff checked over and was fine”.
- On 12/19/2025 communication log documented resident 1 “laying on floor with blanket, staff tried multiple times fighting against us”.
- On 12/30/2025 at 11 p.m. communication log documented resident 1 “on floor and refused to get up”.
- On 01/05/2026 communication log documented resident 1 “every time staff would put him in his bed; he would slide himself to floor and lay there when staff tried to get him up, he said no he [sic] hot”.
- On 01/06/2026 at 6:35 a.m. communication log documented resident 1 “fell in room pee everywhere got him dress [sic] and cleaned up put in chair for breakfast” and a separate entry later on 01/06/2026 “fell in bathroom floor went to check on him on floor check over is ok Hospice was called”.
- On 01/06/2026 at 1:22 p.m. communication log documented resident 1 “woke up saying he [sic] got to go to the bathroom staff tried to help him but wouldn’t listen got up and fell in dayroom check over is o.k.”
- On 12/10/2025 communication log documented resident 4 cut thumb on razor while shaving.
- Collateral contacts 2 and 3 and LI went to residents 1’s room. The floor of the bedroom was covered in a square linoleum tile over a cement floor. There was no fall mat in the room. (Due to the limited space allowed by the DSS computer licensing system, the remainder of the violation is on a separate document and available upon request.)
- On 12/22/2025, the regional licensing office received a complaint from Adult Protective Services that alleged that resident 1 was observed with “3 big knots…going across his forehead” and face was “really swollen”. Reporter alleged that when asked about the injuries, facility staff reported that resident 1 “falls…a lot”.
- During review of resident 1’s record and the facility communication log on 01/13/2026, there were a total of 31 documented falls for resident 1 from 02/15/2025 until 01/13/2026, with 14 occurring in December 2025.
- The regional licensing office did not receive self-reported incidents for resident 1 related to falls for the following dates: 02/15/2025, 02/17/2025, 04/1/2025, 05/1/2025, 09/11/2025, 10/09/2025, 10/14/2025, 11/21/2025, 12/10/2025 (2 falls), 12/11/2025, 12/12/2025 (2 falls), 12/13/2025, 12/15/2025, 12/16/2025 (2 falls), 12/18/2025, 12/19/2025, 12/22/2025, 12/25/2025, 12/31/2025, 01/04/2026, 01/06/2026 (3 falls), 1/7/2026 1/8/2026, and 1/13/2026.
- During an interview with the LI on 01/13/2026, staff 4 was asked if reports of resident 1’s falls were sent to the regional licensing office. Staff 4 acknowledged the facility failed to report 29 of the 31 incidents.
- LI was notified by staff 4 on 02/12/2026 that resident 1 passed away on 02/07/2026, which was not within 24 hours of a major incident as required.
- The facility is currently licensed as residential and assisted living care, with a special care unit.
- Virginia Uniform Assessment Instrument (UAI) for resident 1, dated 03/03/2025 showed he required physical assistance with toileting, dressing, washing, ambulating, and feeding.
- Comments on UAI from 03/03/2025, facility staff reported resident 1 “is a fall risk and requires supervision.”
- Northwestern Community Services Board reported on UAI from 03/03/2025 that resident 1 “now requires physical assistance with bathing, dressing, and toileting. This requires staff to help him get in the shower, wash his hair and body and make sure he does not fall. Resident 1 is currently on a puree diet and requires staff to feed him during meals as he is a risk for choking and he will not get food in his mouth. It is also reported that (resident 1) often experiences shortness of breath and will present with slow or slurred speech.”
- During an interview with the LI on 01/13/2026, staff 4 acknowledged that resident 1 has been requiring more care than could be provided in assisted living.
- Resident 1 was re-screened on 01/13/2026 and approved for long term car placement pending appointment of new guardian.
April 2, 2025Complaint survey
- On 2/28/2025, the shift-to-shift staff communication log included a note to notify the nurse of a scratch on the forearm of resident 1.
- On 3/6/2025, the shift note communicated that first aid was given for resident 1’s forearm with a note to change the bandage in two days. On the 3/8/2025 shift note, there was no note to communicate the status of the injury or if the bandage had been changed.
- On 4/2/2025, staff 2 acknowledged there was no shift note about changing the bandage and that the procedure for keeping all staff aware of first aid care was not followed.
- On 4/3/2025, two licensing inspectors (LIs) observed that resident 1’s room had no chair.
- Staff 1 acknowledged that a chair was not provided in resident 1’s room as the layout made it too crowded.
- Photo evidence taken.
- The ISP (dated 9/26/2024) for resident 1 described needs as dependent for set-up of shower only. The ISP did not identify who would provide this service.
- On 4/3/2025, staff 3 acknowledged that the ISP for resident 1 did not identify who would provide set up for showers.
- On 4/2/2025 during a tour of the secured unit, two LIs observed that of the two full bathrooms, the one next to room 23 did not have a showerhead or faucet.
- Staff 1 stated that the current census for the secured unit was 13 residents and acknowledged that the faucet and showerhead had been removed a few months ago in the bathroom next to room 23.
- Photo evidence taken.
- On 4/3/2025, during a tour of the secured unit, two LIs observed that the windows in rooms 16, 18 and 19 had no protective devices installed. The LIs were able to open the windows wide enough for a resident to crawl through.
- Photo evidence taken.
- The ISP for resident 1 (admission 9/26/2024) specified shower set up would be provided three times a week.
- On 4/3/2025, staff 2 and 3 stated that showers were given twice a week, not three times a week to resident 1.
- A review of the March 2025 personal care record for resident 1 documented showers by the symbol SH. SH was marked on 3/20/2025. For all the other days and shifts staff recorded “0”.
- On 4/3/2025, staff 2 and 3 acknowledged that there was no documentation to show when showers were provided.
February 24, 2025Inspection
- On 2/24/2025, the licensing inspector reviewed the monthly work schedule for February 2025. The schedule did not indicate who was in charge at any given time.
- On 2/24/2025, staff 1 acknowledged that the February 2025 schedule did not indicate who was in charge at any given time.
- On 2/24/2025, the licensing inspector requested documentation of VDSP notifications.
- On 2/24/2025, staff 1 acknowledged that there were no notifications as the facility had never been registered with VDSP and they were not aware this needed to be done.
- On 2/24/2025, two licensing inspectors toured the facility and observed a white board with the lunch menu listed but did not observe a weekly menu posted in any area conspicuous to residents.
- On 2/25/2025, staff 7 acknowledged that the facility practice was to write the current meal being served on the white board in the dining room, while the weekly menu was kept in a binder in the kitchen.
- On 2/24/2025, staff records were reviewed for staff 2 (hire date 9/9/2024), staff 3 (hire date 7/30/2023) and staff 6 (hire date 6/11/2024). Records did not contain a signed job description or verification that the staff received a copy of their job description.
- On 2/24/2025, staff 1 acknowledged that staff 2, 3 and 6 did not have a signed job description or verification that the staff received a copy of their job description.
June 7, 2024Inspection
- Resident 1 (date of admission 12/5/2018) UAI was last completed on 4/28/23.
- Resident 4 (date of admission 9/13/2021) UAI was last completed on 4/27/23.
- Staff 7 acknowledged the UAIs were not completed annually.
- Dietary oversight was completed on 3/13/2023 and 5/21/2024.
- Staff 7 acknowledged that the dietary oversight was not completed every six months.
- During the building tour on 6/7/2024 licensing inspectors did not observe the person in charge conspicuously posted for the public.
- Staff 7 acknowledged that the person in charge was not posted.
- During a tour of the facility on 6/7/2024 licensing inspectors observed emergency water was not present.
- Staff 7 stated there currently is not emergency water.
- Record of the last fire inspection was completed on 6/16/2022.
- Staff 7 acknowledged the fire inspection was not current.
- During observation of lunch on 6/7/2024 the lunch meal was posted on a white board and mislabeled as breakfast.
- Staff 7 acknowledged a weekly menu with a list of available snacks was not posted.
- Photo evidence taken.
- During a tour of the facility on 6/7/2024 the licensing inspectors observed signaling devices in resident rooms were not operational.
- Staff 7confirmed the signaling system was not operational and resident rooms did not have a signaling device. Staff 7 stated they have been getting quotes and working on updating the call system.