Blog Posts
Why Moving Into a Retirement Community May Be Better Than Aging in Place
As older adults consider their options for living out their golden years, the decision often comes down to remaining at home or transitioning to a retirement community. For many seniors, it’s understandably tempting to
What’s Included in the Monthly Fees for a Retirement Community?
If you’re considering moving into a retirement community, one of the first things you’ll want to understand is the cost. This includes any upfront costs, like an entry fee (if applicable), as well as
Do Retirement Communities Allow Pets? A Look At Senior Living Pet Policies
Retirement communities are a popular choice for older adults who are looking for a comfortable, low-maintenance, and supportive environment. But for animal lovers who are considering making a senior living move to one of
Senior Living Options: Why CCRCs Are the Smart Choice
As we age, finding the right senior housing arrangement is crucial to ensuring quality of life, safety, and well-being. There are numerous types of retirement communities available, each offering its own set of advantages
My Initiation to Coal Mining
In the mid 1960s as a young lawyer working in Charleston, West Virginia, I was assigned to a team representing the firm's coal mining clients. One of my first cases involved alleged violations of
News Releases
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,
Former Newspaper Reporter Performing as Mark Twain at RWC July 5
Gary Robertson bears a striking resemblance to the 19th century American writer and humorist Retired Richmond newspaper reporter Gary Robertson bears a striking resemblance to 19th century American writer and
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.
Resident Panel Luncheon
February 26 at 11 a.m. in the Auditorium
Discover the stories that inspire and the experiences that empower! Join us for an engaging Resident Panel Luncheon, where RWC residents will share their unique journeys and insights. Hear firsthand how life at RWC has enriched their lives and explore how their perspectives might align with your own aspirations.
The panel discussion begins promptly at 11 a.m., followed by a delightful meal and the opportunity to connect and converse.
Don’t miss this exclusive event that could transform your vision of the future.
RSVP by Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Contact Denise Kenner via email or call 804-438-4877.
Please notify us of any food allergies.
These events are free and open to Rappahannock Club members and prospective residents:
Flutist: Eileen Martin
Gather around at 1 p.m. on Feb. 14 in the Auditorium for cookies and listen to the sweet sounds by Eileen Martin. Eileen has played the flute for 57 years and performs with the Bryan Forrest Band, playing songs from the ‘60s to ‘80s.
Katherine Cassidy Presents Two Talks
Join us in the Auditorium in February to hear two talks by Katherine Cassidy of White Stone. Katherine is Health Center resident Lois Williams’s daughter. She will talk about her planned 2025 travels to developing countries with the USAID-backed Farmer-to-Farmer program. She will share her presentations with slides twice in February.
Both talks, at 4 p.m., will end with wine and cheese receptions.
Dates and topics are:
- Feb. 6 – Honduras and its Indigenous People
- Feb. 28 – Creating a Tourism Plan for Egypt’s Desert near Aswan
All events are in the Auditorium.
To attend an event, RSVP to Tammy Jo Arsenault by calling 804-438-4350 or emailing [email protected].
Yellow And Dark Blue Modern Swimming Lesson Facebook Post (5)
Introducing Donna Sears and Aqua Fit
Aqua Fit is a 5-week pool aerobics course that is designed for all physical capabilities. The program is designed to utilize different equipment such as dumbbells, noodles, and even frisbees. Donna is a certified aquatic instructor through the Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA).
Begins Feb. 5 – Aqua Fit is offered at 10 a.m. every Wednesday and Friday at 10 a.m. View our brochure.
Sign up in the Life Enrichment Center binder.
Historic Garden Week Tea & Tour
While enjoying the Historic Garden Week in the Northern Neck on April 30, be sure to stop by Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury for complimentary refreshments and guided tours of our own beautiful homes and stunning gardens.
Call 804-438-4000 today to reserve your spot.
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.
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.