Blog Posts
Are You Wasting Money by Living in a Home That is Too Big?
One common concern for many people considering a retirement community move is that it will be difficult to downsize their living space. This apprehension about downsizing is understandable for a number of reasons, but
What is Memory Care and What Are the Odds I Might Need It?
According to data from the Alzheimer’s Association, there are approximately 6.2 million Americans age 65 and older who currently are living with Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common type of dementia. A large
Spring Into Fun: Senior-Friendly Events and Activities Near Irvington, Virginia
Click image to watch a video of Arts in the Middle. Spring in Virginia — particularly in the Chesapeake Bay region — blossoms with a variety of events, festivals, and activities that promise engaging
Finding The Perfect Match: Senior Dating and Relationships
It’s Valentine’s Day, which means love is in the air for many seniors. Of course, a lot of older people have been in long-term relationships spanning numerous decades, but as the years march on,
New Year, New You: How to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions
Each year, millions of people worldwide muse on and make New Year’s resolutions — only to “fall off the wagon” weeks or months later. In fact, about 80% of New Year's resolutions fail by
News Releases
60-Year Married Couple Looks Forward to Valentine’s Day at Home
Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury is ideal location for the residents’ date night On Valentine’s Day, the Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury dining room is the date of choice for residents Brian and Mary Bennett, who’ve
Military Veterans Honored with RWC November Exhibition
Get to know RWC residents who served in U.S. Armed Forces In 1959, CDR (Commander) Ret. Harlan Oelmann was a recent graduate of Iowa State University and commissioned into the
RWC residents headline art show in October
Annual exhibition features watercolors, acrylics About 13 artists will have their work on display during October at Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury, but these artists are also residents there. Every October, the RWC
RWC Offers Educational Opportunity on Lyme Disease — A Growing Concern for the Area
Residents & Community Members Invited to Harvard Professor’s Discussion As part of its ongoing commitment to offering timely, educational and important topics of interest to residents and the community, Rappahannock
Mel Neale’s Work Showcases Scenes Captured While Cruising the East Coast
RWC’s Featured Artist Lived Aboard a 47-foot Motorsailer for Nearly 20 Years It is fitting that in the dog days of summer, Rappahannock Westminster Canterbury (RWC) is featuring the yachts,
Upcoming Events
View our Wellness/Fitness Calendar and our Activities Calendar to see what may be coming up or of interest. The calendar is full of activities on and off campus.
Hydroponic Farming
Join us at 11 a.m. on March 21 in the Auditorium to hear Justin McKenney talk about hydroponic farming at Sion House Farm.
According to their website: Sion House Farm started in 2015 when Justin and his father Jack McKenney built their first hydroponic greenhouses on a pasture that had been in the family 100 years. As the McKenneys added field crops, those spring seedlings would get the traditional head start inside a greenhouse before being transplanted outside.”
Free and open to Rapp Club members and the community.
Reservations required. RSVP to Tammy Jo (804-438-4350) by March 15.
Basic Ballroom Dance Class for Seniors
Jan. 8 – April 1, every Monday from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Life Enrichment Center
RWC is offering a 12-week basic ballroom dance class for people 63 years of age and older. The cost is $120 for the 12-week session, and no partner is necessary. Dancing improves an individual’s overall physical condition, helps reduce risk for falls due to weakness and imbalance, helps reduce the risk of dementia, encourages sociability, and reduces stress and anxiety.
Reach out with questions or to reserve your spot by calling Tammy Jo at 804-438-4350 no later than Dec. 15.
April 1 Parkinson’s Awareness Event
Join RWC for a special event April 1 featuring Ginger Norris, certified genetic counselor and coordinator for VCU Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center, to recognize Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Resource tables will be set up for an 11 a.m. – noon for a meet and greet in the atrium, followed by a sit-down luncheon in the auditorium at noon. At 1 p.m., Norris will discuss the latest advancements in Parkinson’s research. Don’t miss out on raffle prizes and the opportunity to support Parkinson’s awareness!
RSVP to Sarah Wilkins at 804-438-4341 or [email protected] by March 25, 2024.
Mother’s Day Tea
Pinkies up ladies! You are cordially invited to a charming Mother’s Day Tea 3-4 p.m. on May 9 in the Lancaster Room. Bring your favorite tea cup to swap stories and share in the warmth of cherished memories while enjoying delight treats and sipping on soothing tea. Jeff and Jennifer Bramblet from Ross’s Fine Jewelers in Kilmarnock will share stories about the allure of “bling,” because who doesn’t love a bit of sparkle!
RSVP by May 2 by emailing Dennis Kenner or calling 804-438-4877.
Tools and Resources
Making the move to a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is a big decision. To make sure relocating to Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury is the right move for you or your parents, we’ve compiled some handy resources and online tools.
RWC is not just a CCRC, but a Total Life Plan Community. You and your family can choose which works best for your situation. While the fees are higher when you select a Total Life Plan, you are ensured the continuum of care for life from independent living to assisting living to health care and even memory care. In fact, 89 percent of our current residents chose the Total Life Plan for this peace of mind.
Marketing Brochure and Fees
Request our Marketing Brochure and Fees to find out about our various fee structures and refundable plans and about the RWC Foundation that helps ensure that residents whose financial resources have been exhausted in spite of prudent planning can remain at RWC.
Living Options
Situated on 165 wooded acres, RWC has more free-standing homes than most retirement communities – 46 homes with 1 or 2-car garages in a variety of floor plans and up to 2,200 square feet. We also offer 77 cottages and 33 apartments from studio apartments to two-bedroom, two bath – some with a beautiful view of our 7-acre manmade lake.
Virtual Tours
While nothing beats an in-person tour, you can take a sneak peek at a variety of our housing options via our 360-degree virtual tours.
MoneyGauge Survey
One of the biggest misconceptions people have about moving to a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is that they cannot afford it. Answer 7 questions to find out if RWC is the right financial fit for you.
CCRC Tax Benefit
The IRS allows medical deductions for residents who itemize their deductions from gross income. A portion of the monthly fee may for independent living residents may qualify as a medical expense deduction (usually about a third of the entrance fee or somewhere near 30%) on your taxes. To find out about the current year’s exact percentage, contact RWC’s Marketing Team because the percentage fluctuates.
Finances are not the only consideration, of course. Many people wait to move to a CCRC because they are reluctant to admit that they may need a bit of extra help now or in the future.
Roobrik Tool
You can find out which options for the next stage of life are the best fit for you or your family with this quick survey tool that assesses if it’s the right time to downsize and the potential need for assistance.
RWC Blog
Our blog is full of useful posts about everything from why the holidays are a great time to talk to your parents about moving to a CCRC, why fall is a good time to move, 3 reasons seniors delay the decision to move, the joys of pet ownership for seniors and more! You can find answers to many of the questions within these blog posts.
Jerry H.
“The residents have been most welcoming and friendly. The staff is very helpful, thoughtful and friendly.”
Lloyd and Valda F.
“The freedom of being able to choose just how much, or how little we do, as a couple, or individually each day is a gift. The spontaneity of the RWC lifestyle is an elixir.”
Helene and Peter B.
“These are our 5 favorite things about RWC not in any particular order: our residence and neighbors, the friendly staff, an excellent library, the facilities at the Life Enrichment Center, and especially all who cook, prepare, and serve our food.”
Testimonials
Research testimonials and reviews about any community you are considering. Resident and staff comments can help shed light on what it’s like to live or work in the CCRC.
Other resources that may help with your decision:
- Home Solutions – concierge services that take care of things like picking up your groceries, scheduling appointments, planning special events and more
- FAQs – Answers to frequently asked questions
- Rappahannock Club – Join our future residency club to “try before you buy.”
- Relocation Services – RWC has a list of approved and vetted local Realtors, home staging experts, downsizing pros, moving companies and more. Download our custom moving checklist. Contact RWC’s Marketing Team.
- Support Services – Find out about on-site support services available to residents and the community such as our Fit for Life wellness program, At Home with RWC, Parkinson’s, Memory Care and Grief support groups.