Blog Posts
Finding Love in the Golden Years: The Story of Bill and Milena at RWC
Love can be found in the most unexpected places, and for Bill Estell and Milena VanSant it was at Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury (RWC) a continuing care, total lifecare retirement community. It all started when Milena
RWC 2022 Accomplishments: A Year of Community Growth and Development
Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury had a highly successful year in 2022, with a wide range of accomplishments and new developments that further enhanced the community for staff and residents alike. Nineteen new residents moved into the
How Long Will I Need Long-Term Care?
Long-term care is a hot topic as more and more Baby Boomers require some level of care or assistive services at the same time that we face a shortage of paid caregivers in this
Foods and Lifestyle Choices for Senior Brain Health
Healthy foods and lifestyle choices are important for people of all ages, which is why they are among the most common New Year’s resolutions for Americans. However, they are absolutely essential for senior citizens,
Refundable Entry Fees – What to Consider
Entry fees for Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs or “life plan communities”) are almost always refundable up to some point. However, the amount and terms of the refund can vary dramatically. In general, there
News Releases
RWC residents headline art show in October
RWC residents headline art show in October Annual exhibition features watercolors, acrylics Watercolors, acrylic prints and paintings – many abstract, unusual and quite beautiful – will be on display at
Callao artist Pamela Bowers is back at RWC in September
Callao artist Pamela Bowers is back at RWC in September Acrylic pouring and monoprints with mixed media will be on display Back by popular demand, Callao resident Pamela Bowers will
RWC’s Annual Golf Tournament Update for 2019
RWC's 35th Annual Golf Tournament is coming up this April 2019. Exact day and venue To Be Announced. This tournament is a premiere event of the year with statewide sponsorship and
Solution Seminar, Seniors & Technology Aug. 21st
RWC's next Solution Seminar, Seniors and Technology 2 p.m. August 21st at the Mathews Memorial Library. RWC's IT Manager, John Sites, will talk about "Alexa," "Siri" and other technologies to make life easier for
RWC employee to share fiber art in August
RWC employee to share fiber art in August Mathews resident inspired by natural surroundings Hannah Sommerfeldt grew up in the Middle Peninsula around of lot of different fiber animals
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:
Cottages & Cocktails
Join us for a refreshing summer afternoon at 3 p.m. July 30 as we showcase our beautifully renovated homes during Cottages & Cocktails. This event offers prospective residents a guided tour through several of our recently updated homes. Afterwards, unwind with us on the Thomas Garden Patio for a relaxing cocktail hour.
Space is limited. Required RSVP by emailing Denise Kenner or calling 804-438-4877 by July 23.
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.
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.
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.