Acclaim at East Beach

What is Acclaim at East Beach licensed to provide in Norfolk, VA?

Acclaim at East Beach at 4701 Pretty Lake Avenue, Norfolk is an assisted living facility licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) for up to 92 residents. Its license covers both levels Virginia licenses -- residential living care and assisted living care, and it operates a safe, secure environment (special care unit) for residents with dementia.

VDSS lists the license as Two Year, expiring July 31, 2028, with Damian Polewczak named as administrator. Families sometimes skip past the license term, but in Virginia it carries information -- a facility on a conditional or provisional license is either new or being watched more closely than one on a one- or two-year license.

The record also lists a non-ambulatory qualification, meaning the building may serve residents who cannot evacuate without help from another person.

What did Virginia inspectors find at Acclaim at East Beach?

VDSS has posted 8 inspections for Acclaim at East Beach; eight fall in the 24 months before October 28, 2026. Of those recent visits, four were complaint-related and two documented at least one violation. The most recent inspection on file is dated June 9, 2026.

Violations VDSS cited in the past two years, in the inspector's own words (first sentence of each):

• 22VAC40-73-325-A (Fall risk rating, May 27, 2026 and June 9, 2026): Based on the record review the facility did not ensure by the time the comprehensive ISP is completed, a written fall risk rating be completed.
• 22VAC40-73-640-A (Medication management plan and reference materials, May 27, 2026 and June 9, 2026): Based on observation, a review of the facility's medication plan and interview, it was determined that the facility did not ensure to plan for proper disposal of medication.
• 22VAC40-73-120-A (Staff orientation and initial training, April 1, 2025): Based on record review, the facility did not ensure the orientation and training required in subsections B and C of this section shall occur within the first seven working days of employment.
• 22VAC40-73-250-A (Staff records and health requirements, April 1, 2025): Based on the record review, the facility did not ensure the personal and social data be maintained on staff and included in the staff record are as follows: An original criminal record report and a sworn disclosure statement.
• 22VAC40-73-320-A (Physical examination and report, April 1, 2025): Based on the record review, the facility did not ensure that within the 30 days preceding admission, a person shall have a physical examination by an independent physician.
• 22VAC40-73-550-G (Resident rights, April 1, 2025): Based on the record review, the facility did not ensure the rights and responsibilities of residents in assisted living facilities shall be reviewed annually with each resident or his legal representative or responsible individual as.

How does Acclaim at East Beach compare with other Norfolk assisted living?

At 92 licensed beds, Acclaim at East Beach is larger than the median assisted living facility in Norfolk (88 beds) and larger than the Hampton Roads median of 78. No other facility in Norfolk is licensed for more residents.

By licensed size it ranks 1 of 5 in Norfolk. The closest in size are Commonwealth Senior Living at Leigh Hall (90 beds, with secure unit, 15 violation inspections in 24 months) and Commonwealth Senior Living at the Ballentine (88 beds, with secure unit, five violation inspections in 24 months). A comparable building nearby gives you a second inspection record to read side by side.

What should families ask Acclaim at East Beach before moving in?

Ask the administrator what changed after the citations on fall risk rating, medication management plan and reference materials, staff orientation and initial training, and ask to see the plan of correction VDSS received.

Ask how many residents live in the special care unit now, how many direct care staff are awake there overnight, and who coordinates the unit's weekly activity hours.

Ask what the 4 complaint investigations in the last two years involved and how the facility responded.

Ask for the written policy on residents who exhaust private funds, including any Auxiliary Grant acceptance.

Ask what the plan is if flooding or a long power outage hits Norfolk -- which rooms keep power, and where residents would be taken.

Who can help a family considering Acclaim at East Beach in Norfolk?

The free, independent help for this facility is the Bay Aging Long-Term Care Ombudsman Regional Office (Norfolk office) (757-222-4542) for resident concerns and Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia (SSSEVA) (757-461-9481) for planning. Licensing complaints go to VDSS at 1-800-543-7545.

Source: Virginia Department of Social Services, Division of Licensing Programs, facility search -- data as of October 28, 2026.