Vitality Living Arlington was inspected 18 times between February 12, 2021 and April 27, 2026 by the Virginia Department of Social Services. 13 of those visits ended with violations cited and 5 with none. Across that history VDSS cited 45 violations under 36 distinct standards. 7 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. 16 of these 18 are still on the state's site; the other 2 have since dropped off it and are reproduced from Assisted Living Magazine's archive of the original VDSS reports.
Provider Information
Inspection History
18Select an inspection to read the areas reviewed, the inspector's comments and any violations cited.
April 27, 2026Inspection
- On 04/09/2026, regional licensing office received an incident report that bed bugs were observed in Resident 1’s room at the facility.
- During inspection on 04/27/2026, Staff 1 confirmed that Resident 1 had a bed bug on their person on 04/09/2026.
- Record review confirmed that EcoLab came on-site on 04/09/2026, 04/10/2026, 04/11/2026 and 04/22/2026 with notation that EcoLab found and confirmed that bed bugs were in Resident 1 and located addition bed bugs in Resident 2’s bedroom.
- This is a repeat violation as the facility was cited for a bed bug infestation on 01/06/2026.
- Upon arrival at the facility for an onsite inspection on 04/27/2026 at 8:30am, LI did not observe a person in charge posting.
- Staff 1 confirmed that there is no posting currently of who is in charge.
January 6, 2026Complaint survey
- On 12/30/2025, the regional licensing office received a complaint that bed bugs were observed in Resident 1’s room at the facility.
- During an onsite inspection on 01/06/2025, Staff 1 confirmed that bed bugs were found in Resident 1’s room on 12/30/2025 and that an incident report was not sent to licensing staff or office within 24 hours of the incident.
- On 12/30/2025, the regional licensing office received a complaint that bed bugs were observed in Resident 1’s room at the facility.
- During inspection on 01/06/2025, Staff 1 confirmed that Resident 1 had a bed bug on their person on 12/30/2025.
- Staff 1 confirmed that EcoLab came on-site on 12/30/2025 and 12/31/2025 in which EcoLab found and confirmed that bed bugs were in Resident 1’s mattress and bed area and treatment was initiated.
November 18, 2025Inspection
- During facility tour on 11/18/2025, two licensing staff observed black and brown spotting on the ceiling, dried urine around the toilet, and trash in cabinet under the sink in the 4th floor bathroom.
- During facility tour on 11/18/2025, two licensing staff smelled strong odors of urine and feces on floors 7 and 8.
- Staff 1 was notified of this matter.
- Photo evidence was obtained.
- During facility tour on 11/18/2025, two licensing staff observed Room 719 was vacant, unlocked and under construction. Licensing staff observed this room to have exposed installation, cement, paint and other hazardous construction material.
- During facility tour on 11/18/2025, two licensing staff observed an unlocked electrical room with exposed wires and a bottle of drain-o in the room.
- During facility tour on 11/18/2025, two licensing staff observed the communication closets on floor 7,8, and 9 to be unlocked with exposed wires that control the facility power source labeled “life support system”.
- Staff 1 acknowledged the unlocked rooms with cleaning supplies and hazardous materials.
- Photo evidence was obtained.
- Resident 5 admitted on 04/17/25 and discharged from the facility on 9/19/25.
- During renewal inspection on 11/18/2025, Staff 1 confirmed that the facility did not complete a dated statement signed by the licensee or administrator that contains the date on which Resident 5, his legal representative, or designated contact person was notified of the planned discharge and the name of the legal representative or designated contact person who was notified; The reason or reasons for the discharge; The actions taken by the facility to assist the resident in the discharge and relocation process; and The date of the actual discharge from the facility and Resident 5’s destination.
- Resident 1,2,3,4,5 and 6 records did not contain written acknowledgment of having been informed regarding sex offender registry.
- Staff 1 confirmed that they do not complete this notification to residents or representative.
- Facility was previously cited during the 05/08/2025 inspection.
- On 10/13/2025, licensing staff received an email that Staff 7 resigned (last day of employment 10/10/2025), and Staff 1 would be the point of contact for the facility.
- Staff 1 is not a qualified administrator.
- During onsite inspection on 11/18/2025, the facility did not have an appointed administrator.
- Staff 1 confirmed that facility has not yet employed a new administrator or appoint a qualified acting administrator resulting in a lapse in administrator coverage since 10/10/2025 to date of inspection on 11/18/2025.
- On 10/13/2025, licensing staff received an email that Staff 7 resigned (last day of employment 10/10/2025), and Staff 1 would be the point of contact for the facility.
- Staff 1 is not a qualified administrator.
- During onsite inspection on 11/18/2025, the facility did not have an appointed administrator.
- Staff 1 confirmed that facility has not yet employed a new administrator or appoint a qualified acting administrator resulting in a lapse in administrator coverage since 10/10/2025 to date of inspection on 11/18/2025.
- Resident 1 (admitted 02/24/2025) physical examination, completed on 02/20/2025, was missing the resident’s address and significant medical history.
- Staff 1 acknowledged missing information on the physical examination.
- During facility tour on 11/18/2025, two licensing staff observed water fountains on floors 1, 4, 7, 8, and 9 with erosion markings with exposed cups on top of the fountain.
- Staff 1 was notified of this matter and confirmed that he could not recall the last time they have been taken apart and cleaned.
- Photo evidence was obtained.
- During facility tour on 11/18/2025, two licensing staff observed the 4th floor common area bathroom across from physical therapy room to have no paper towels.
- Staff 1 acknowledged bathroom not having paper towels.
- Photo evidence was obtained.
- During the renewal inspection on 11/18/2025, the following resident’s individualized service plans did not contain written signature from resident or the legal representative: a. Resident 1; ISP dated 07/22/2025 b. Resident 2; ISP dated 03/03/2025 c. Resident 3; ISP dated 01/20/2025 d. Resident 4; ISP dated 03/17/2025 e. Resident 6; ISP dated 10/22/2025
- Staff 1 confirmed that Resident 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6’s individualized service plans were not signed and dated by the resident or his legal representative.
- Picture evidence obtained.
- During the onsite inspection on 11/18/2025, licensing staff requested the annual review of infection prevention policies and procedures for any necessary updates.
- Staff 1 confirmed that the plan has not been reviewed annually.
October 20, 2025Inspection
- On 10/15/2025, licensing staff received via email an incident report from Staff 3 detailing that Resident 1 wandered off the premises approximately 0.3 miles at 6:30 a.m. Local temperature was noted to be 55 degrees during the time of the reported incident.
- During inspection on 10/20/2025, Staff 1 informed licensing staff as well as noted within the incident report that a local business staff came on-site to the facility on 10/15/2025 around 8:00 a.m. to report that Resident 1 was currently at their place of business. The individual indicated that Resident 1 appeared in a T-Shirt and underwear with their walker. Staff 1 stated they then picked Resident 1 up in the facility bus and brought them back to the facility.
- Resident 1’s UAI completed 5/24/2025 Psycho-social status indicates “Wandering/passive – Less than weekly”.
- Resident 1’s ISP completed 5/25/2025 indicates “severe impairment”, “disoriented: All spheres, All times, “Visual: Mild impairment”, “minimal wandering issues” with a history of wandering and “Needs protection and supervision because participant makes unsafe and inappropriate decisions”.
- Resident 1’s record included ISP (Dated:5/25/2025) and physical examination report (Dated: 9/18/2023) indicating that they have serious cognitive impairment.
- Following the reported incident on 10/15/2025, Resident 1 was moved to the facility’s safe, secured unit. The approval of placement form completed on 10/15/2025 also indicates serious cognitive impairment.
- Staff 1 confirmed that Resident 1 was able to wander from the premises on 10/15/2025. Staff 1 was unable to verify that appropriate supervision was in place at the time to prevent Resident 1’s departure from the facility on 10/15/2025.
- On 10/15/2025, Staff 3 reported via email to licensing staff that Resident 1 wandered off the premises approximately 0.3 miles at 6:30 a.m.
- Upon review of the Resident 1’s record on 10/20/2025, Resident 1’s ISP (Dated:5/25/2025) and physical examination report (Dated: 9/18/2023) indicated the resident has serious cognitive impairment.
- Resident 1’s UAI (dated: 5/24/2025) and ISP also documents the resident wanders.
- Per Staff 3 and Resident 1’s ISP, at the time of the incident on 10/15/2025, Resident 1 had a wander guard placed.
- During an interview with Staff 3, on 10/20/2025, the facility was unable to verify if the wander guard for Resident 1 to monitor exiting the facility was operational as there was no signal or alert upon the Resident exiting the building. Staff 3 confirmed that there were no cameras or door monitoring devices.
May 8, 2025Inspection
- Resident 1, Resident 2 & Resident 3’s resident records did not contain written acknowledgment of having been informed regarding sex offender registry.
- Staff 3 confirmed that they have not been completing this notifications to residents or family.
February 25, 2025Complaint survey
- Resident 1’s (Admitted: 2/13/24) hospital history and physical indicates Resident 1 is diagnosed with paranoia, hallucinations, mood disorder, and a psychological disorder. Resident 1 is prescribed an antipsychotic (Seroquel 25mg), antidepressant (Lexapro) and a hypnotic (Ativan).
- Staff 1 confirmed that they do not have documentation that Resident 1’s history was reviewed to help determine appropriateness of admission.
October 17, 2024Inspection
- Resident 2 (ISP date, 08/15/2024), Resident 3 (ISP date, 08/13/2024), Resident 5 (ISP date, 10/10/2024), Resident 6 (ISP date, 08/06/2024), Resident 7 (ISP date, 05/23/2024), and Resident 8’s (ISP date, 10/10/2024) individualized service plans were not signed and dated by the residents or their legal representatives.
- On 10/17/2024, licensing inspector (LI) interviewed Staff 6 who confirmed that the individualized service plans were not signed or dated. Staff 6 stated they would work on getting signatures on all plans.
- Resident 9’s (admit date, 06/28/2024) special diet was not included in the individualized service plan (08/04/2024).
- Resident 6’s (admit date, 04/27/2023) record contains a Durable Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order dated 02/07/2024.
- Resident 6’s individualized service plan dated 08/06/2024 has “FULL CODE” stamped in red at the top of the first page and is not written as an identified need within the document.
- On 10/18/2024, LI interviewed Staff 5 who confirmed that the plan stated, “full code.”
- Staff 4’s (hire date, 05/13/2022) first aid certification was not provided upon request.
- On 10/18/2024, licensing inspector (LI) interviewed Staff 6 who confirmed that Staff 4’s first aid certification was not present in the record.
- Staff 5’s (hire date, 07/16/2024) first aid certification expired on 09/11/2024.
- On 10/18/2024, LI interviewed Staff 6 who stated that Staff 5 was a first aid instructor and was positive that Staff 5 had an updated certification. Staff 6 stated an intention to contact Staff 5 for an updated certification. LI was not provided an updated first aid certification for Staff 5.
- A daily menu was displayed on a television in the lobby.
- On 10/17/2024, licensing inspector (LI) interviewed Staff 6 who stated that the daily menu was posted as a PowerPoint slide on the television screen in the lobby. Staff 6 confirmed that it was a daily menu posted that the residents are able to swipe through to the next day.
- On 10/17/2024, LI observed the daily menu posted on the television screen. LI observed Staff 6 attempt to swipe to the next day. The presentation would not slide. Staff 6 stated, “the screen must be locked.” Staff 6 requested assistance from the dining department. LI observed that the USB was not in the television which was required for residents to view the rest of the menu. Staff 6 placed the USB in the television and was able to show LI how residents are able to move through the presentation.
- Photo evidence taken.
- Resident 2 (admit date, 01/01/2020) had an order for Lidocaine Pain Relief 4% Cream, order date, 05/17/2023 (apply topically to affected area of neck/low back three times daily as needed for pain). Lidocaine Pain Relief 4% Cream was not on-site for self-administration.
- On 10/18/2024, licensing inspector (LI) interviewed Staff 7 who confirmed that the Lidocaine Pain Relief 4% Cream was not found in the medication cart. Staff 7 stated, “I will check downstairs overflow.” LI completed the medication review and returned to the main level and executive office suites. Staff 7 did not provide the medication from the “downstairs overflow.”
- Resident 5 (admit date, 12/31/2015), who self-administers medication, had an order for Acetaminophen 325 MG, order date, 08/02/2022 (take 2 tablets (650 mg) by mouth every 6 hours as needed for moderate pain). Acetaminophen 325 MG was not on-site for self-administration.
- On 10/18/2024, LI interviewed Resident 5 who stated, “I don’t have Tylenol. That’s what I use Naproxen for, works better than most anything.”
- Resident 5 had an order for Aveeno Daily Moisturizing 1.2% Lotion, order date, 08/02/2022 (assist patient with apply lotion topically to both arms every day as needed for skin deficiency). Aveeno Daily Moisturizing 1.2% was not on site for self-administration.
- On 10/18/2024, LI interviewed Resident 5 who stated, “I don’t use that that anymore. I use Excedrin. There’s no doctor’s order. I have very dry skin.
- Resident 5 had an order for Combivent Respimat 20-100 MCG, order date, 01/12/2024 (inhale 1 puff twice daily). Combivent Respimat 20-100 MCG was not on site for self-administration.
- On 10/18/2024, LI interviewed Resident 5 who stated, “when I was in the hospital they gave it to me. I had the flu and was told to take it for a week. It’s gone now… been gone for a while.”
- Resident 5 had an order for Culturelle Digestive Health, order date, 08/02/2022 (take 1 capsule by mouth every day * do not crush). Culturelle Digestive Health was not on site for self-administration.
- On 10/18/2024, LI interviewed Resident 5 who stated, “I don’t take it anymore.”
- On 10/18/2024, LI interviewed Staff 7 who stated, “that’s what you take with antibiotic. That should have been discontinued. Why it’s there, I don’t know.”
- Resident 5 had an order for Sea-Clens Wound Cleanser, order date, 01/30/2023 (cleanse open area on R ishium and R buttock, pat dry, apply calcium alginate, cover with border foam dressing twice weekly). Sea-Clens Wound Cleanser was not on site for self-administration.
- On 10/18/2024, LI interviewed Resident 5 who stated “that was for the wound on my leg. It’s all fixed now. I don’t take it anymore.”
- Resident 5 had an order for Baclofen 20 MG, order date, 08/02/2022 (take one tablet by mouth three times daily). There were three expired bottles of Baclofen 20 MG on site, expiring 02/08/2023, 04/23/2023, and 07/04/2023.
- On 10/18/2024, LI interviewed Resident 5 who stated, “sometimes I combine new drugs into the old bottle.”
- Resident 5 was self-administering Naproxen Sodium 220 MG without a physician’s order.
- On 10/18/2024, LI interviewed Resident 5 who stated, “I got it from my online pharmacy. I only take it when I have a headache.”
- Resident 5 was self-administering Methenamine HIPP 1 GM without a physician’s order. (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.)
- Resident 2 (admit date, 01/01/2020) had Acetaminophen 325 MG (take 2 tablets (650 MG) by mouth every 6 hours as needed for mild pain, headaches, or fever for up to 30 doses) stored in the medication cart. Resident 2’s Physician Order Review (10/18/2024), September 2024 medication administration record (MAR), and October 2024 MAR did not include an order for Acetaminophen 325 MG.
- On 10/18/2024, licensing inspector (LI) interviewed Staff 7 who confirmed that Resident 2 did not have an order for Acetaminophen 325 MG.
- Resident 8’s (admit date, 09/04/2024) physical examination was missing Resident 8’s address, blood pressure, and general physical condition, including a systems review.
- On 10/18/2024, licensing inspector (LI) interviewed Staff 8 who confirmed that the address, blood pressure, and general physical condition sections were left blank on the physical examination form.
- June – September 2024 (06/28/2024, 07/31/2024, 08/24/2024, 09/23/2024) fire drills were missing the number of residents participating, any special conditions simulated, the time it took to complete the drill and problems encountered.
- On 10/17/2024, licensing inspector (LI) interviewed Staff 6 who stated being unaware that the form did not have the necessary information. Staff 6 stated that the form will be updated to include all necessary information.
- June, July, and September 2024 (06/26/2024, 07/24/2024, 09/25/2024) resident councils did not include a written response to the residents.
- On 10/17/2024, licensing inspector (LI) interviewed Staff 6 who confirmed that there were not any written responses to the resident councils. Staff 6 stated that the “concern/suggestion/feedback” section was not used by staff to respond to the resident concerns.
- Resident 3 (admit date, 07/09/2024) approval for placement in special care unit was completed on 07/25/2024.
- On 10/18/2024, licensing inspector (LI) interviewed Staff 7 who confirmed that Resident 3’s approval for placement in special care unit was completed after admission.
- On 08/09/2024 four residents and one staff tested positive for COVID. On 08/10/2024 two residents and one staff tested positive for COVID. On 08/11/2024 two residents tested positive for COVID. On 08/12/2024 three residents and one staff tested positive for COVID. On 08/13/2024 one resident tested positive for COVID.
- Fifteen residents tested positive for COVID, and it was not reported to the licensing office.
- On 10/17/2024, licensing inspector (LI) interviewed Staff 6 who stated Arlington County Public Health Division was contacted on 08/13/2024. Staff 6 stated the reporting policy for COVID was lifted and was unaware that this was something that should still be reported to licensing.
- On 10/17/2024, LI received an email from Staff 7 sharing the Vitality Living Respiratory Line List. The Respiratory Line List showed the names of residents and staff that tested positive for COVID, the onset dates, and dates of COVID testing.
- On 08/08/2024 Resident 3 was found on the floor, lying on the right side, next to the nightstand. Resident 3 was transported to Virginia Hospital Center diagnosed with a head injury. This incident was not reported to licensing.
- On 10/17/2024, LI requested a list of falls since July 2024. Staff 7 provided the name and incident report of Resident 3.
- Resident 9’s (admit date, 06/28/2024) record contained a Physician’s Diet Order document with the box marked with an X for a Carbohydrate Controlled Diet that did not contain a signature for the physician or other prescriber.
- On 10/17/2024, licensing inspector (LI) interviewed Staff 7 who confirmed that the physician’s diet order form was completed on the day of admission on 6/28/2024 and was not signed.
June 18, 2024Complaint survey
- LI reviewed call bell response times provided by Staff 2.
- Resident 4 pushed call bell for assistance on 6/14/2024 at 17:38 (5:38pm) and it was responded to at 18:13 (6:13pm).
- Resident 5 pushed call bell for assistance on 6/9/2024 at 14:10 (2:10pm) and it was responded to at 15:22 (3:10pm). Another time on 6/17/24 at 16:32 (4:32pm) and it was responded to at 19:01 (7:01pm)
- LI interviewed Resident 5 who stated it takes a long time to get a response when pressing the call bell all the time.
- Staff 2 and Staff 5 viewed the response times and stated facility does not have a required response time or policy but it should not take a long time to respond.
June 17, 2024Inspection
- First aid kit on hand did not include: Plastic bags, disposable blankets, flashlight, batteries, or a thermometer or breathing barriers.
- Staff 5 & Staff 2 stated that they did not know that the additional items were needed for first aid kit on hand.
- Emergency preparedness plan was updated on 01/01/2024. There was no documentation that updates were communicated to staff or residents for the semi-annual review.
- Staff 2 confirmed that facility does not have a documented semi-annual log of training for staff and/or residents on the plan.
- Resident 4’s physical examination report dated 12/12/23 was missing ambulatory or non-ambulatory status, address, and date of birth.
- LI requested documentation from staff 6 who maintains the first aid kit. Staff 6 informed that she does not complete documentation for first aid kit and would ask Staff 2.
- Staff 2 confirmed that facility does not have a monthly check/documentation to provide and has not been completed.
- Staff 5 provided LI the updated and revised resident agreement dated as being revised on 02/09/2024. Resident agreement was updated in March of 2023 and then again on 02/09/2024.
- Resident 1’s resident agreement was signed and dated 05/21/22.
- Resident 2’s resident agreement was signed and dated 09/12/22.
- Resident 4’s resident agreement was signed and dated 12/12/23.
- Staff 2 and 5 stated that they were unaware that resident agreements needed to be updated and re-signed when revisions are made.