Blog Posts
Comfort, Convenience, Connection: The Key Benefits of a Retirement Community
Making a senior living decision involves many considerations. To some people, remaining in their current home is paramount. For others, factors like downsizing, moving closer to loved ones, or reducing housing expenses is most
Spring Cleaning: A Vital Step for Seniors Contemplating Downsizing
Spring symbolizes new beginnings and rejuvenation, making it the perfect time for everyone, especially seniors, to embrace the tradition of spring cleaning. For seniors contemplating downsizing, spring cleaning goes beyond seasonal housekeeping; it's an
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
News Releases
Mary Arthur to Speak at RWC’s Solution Seminar Series
Alzheimer's, Dementia and the Stages of Memory Loss
RWC Dementia Coordinator Mary Arthur adds credential to long list
RWC Dementia Coordinator Mary Arthur adds credential to long list Certified Dementia Consultant is latest accomplishment Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury (RWC) Dementia Coordinator Mary Arthur has just added another credential to her
Humorist, Book Author is Final Speaker in RWC Viewpoints Series
Humorist, Book Author is Final Speaker in RWC Viewpoints Series Tom Allen writes for the Richmond Times-Dispatch Growing up in a Catholic family with six children, Tom Allen felt like he
RWC Featured June Artists: ‘It’s a Family Affair’
RWC Featured June Artists: ‘It’s a Family Affair’ Coordinator of Resident Program Development and relatives display their work Amy Lewis, Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury Coordinator of Resident Program Development, is no stranger
RWC Best Retirement Community in Eastern VA
Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury received Virginia Living's First Place award as the Best Retirement Community in Eastern Virginia for 2019! Thank you for voting!
Upcoming Events
Health-friendly food bar and blood pressure checks 9 a.m. – noon in the Life Enrichment Center lobby on the third Wednesday of every month.
These events are free and open to Rappahannock Club members and prospective residents:
Friends, Food & New Beginnings
Join us for a special evening hosted by RWC’s newest residents at 5 p.m. Aug. 27.
Enjoy a delicious dinner, hear heartfelt stories, and connect with friends—both old and new. This event offers a relaxed and welcoming way to experience Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury from the perspective of those who’ve recently made the move.
Space is limited. RSVP by emailing Denise Kenner or calling 804-438-4877.
Get a Clearer Picture for a More Confident Future
Join us for a free presentation and lunch on “The Financial Side of Senior Living.” This talk and discussion will be led by RWC Chief Financial Officer Susan Vaughn at 11 a.m. Sept. 25 in the RWC Auditorium.
Space is limited. RSVP today! Email Denise Kenner or call 804-438-4877
RWC 40th Anniversary Celebration
RWC Residents and Rappahannock Club members (limited spaces!) are invited to join us 4-7 p.m. Oct. 1 outside of the Chesapeake Room for a classic Carolina Pig Pickin’, live music, a photo booth and more!
RSVP by Sept. 17 by emailing Amy Lewis or calling 804-438-4024.
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.
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.
Starting the Conversation
It’s common for couples to have different feelings about moving to a retirement community. One spouse might feel ready, while the other is hesitant. Download this brochure for information on how to start the conversation.
Downsizing Resources
Don’t let your belongings hold you back. Take control, one step at a time – and remember, you’re not in this alone. If you are feeling stuck or simply need a nudge in the right direction, we’re here to help
Download our FREE Downsizing Resource List.
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
Senior Living Guide Podcast
The Senior Living Guide Podcast dives into topics that are important in the everyday lives of seniors and their caregivers. The host is joined by experts who offer their advice and expertise on these issues.

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.