Two southwestern Virginia retirement communities merged this week in a new collaboration they believe will enhance their existing offerings and broaden their reach.
Friendship and Richfield Living officially have merged under the Friendship umbrella. Together, the communities have a combined 160 years of experience.
Through the merger, Richfield Living will be able to expand its offerings while Friendship expands its mission of “supporting friends by providing peace of mind” to more of the greater community, according to the companies.
“Friendship is proud to have strong leadership and financial positioning to allow us this opportunity,” the company’s president and CEO, Joseph Hoff, said in a statement. “Combining the strengths of our teams amplifies our abilities to best support the rapidly changing needs of the aging community.”
Richfield Living’s campus in Salem, VA, offers a full continuum of long-term care and services on 52 acres. The property includes a new town center, independent living, assisted living, memory care and a rehab center. The campus will retain its name and not-for-profit status under the Friendship umbrella.
The newly combined entities will serve more than 1,500 residents and employ more than 1,000 people.
“I’m excited to merge these two organizations that have such long-standing histories in the Roanoke Valley,” Friendship Vice President of Operations Ben Higgins said.
Friendship now has four campuses serving southwestern Virginia: Richfield Living, Salem Terrace, Friendship North and Friendship South.
