Why do people move to Westminster Canterbury Richmond?
It's a great place to live! Just consider: beautiful, maintenance-free homes to suit a wide range of personal tastes … friends and neighbors who share your interests and values … an indoor pool, computer center, the Sara Belle November Theater and other convenient amenities, all set amid pleasing, parklike landscaping … an excellent location within easy reach of all that Richmond has to offer … and dedicated professionals ready to provide any healthcare services needed, right on campus. In short, individuals who choose Westminster Canterbury Richmond are planners who appreciate the gracious lifestyle, security and value this community offers.
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What is a continuing care retirement community?
A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is a community that makes it possible to live in a personal residence with the peace of mind that assisted living and nursing care are available as needed. At Westminster Canterbury, we offer single-family homes and apartments for those living independently; three levels of assisted living; and two levels of nursing care in our all-private-room Health Care Center. Residents say they particularly enjoy our neighborhood community environment and the focus on maintaining healthy lifestyles. Mature adults increasingly have come to recognize the CCRC concept as an excellent value.
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Who owns and operates Westminster Canterbury?
Westminster Canterbury is owned and operated by Westminster Canterbury Corporation, a not-for-profit entity founded by the Episcopal and Presbyterian churches to help older adults maintain their independence and spiritual well-being. A non-compensated board of trustees, comprising talented individuals from the region, guides the organization in achieving its mission. Through services, amenities and financial aid, Westminster Canterbury has been improving the lives of those we serve every day, including residents, their families, employees, visitors and the Richmond community for 30 years. We work continually to extend our mission, always seeking to offer a broader range of amenities, activities and residence choices.
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Why is it important that Westminster Canterbury is accredited?
Accreditation confirms that a retirement community meets the highest national standards for the quality of health programs, resident life, financial strength and administration. In 1987, Westminster Canterbury became the first community in Richmond to be accredited by the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission (CCAC). We voluntarily undergo a rigorous annual review process that has enabled us to maintain our CCAC accreditation ever since.
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Is Westminster Canterbury nondenominational?
Yes. Even though Westminster Canterbury was founded by the Episcopal and Presbyterian churches, it is a nondenominational community open to all and has a strong tradition of spirituality and service. Residents and visitors are welcomed without regard to religious preference. In fact, residents represent 19 denominations and are active in 115 congregations.
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What fees do residents of Westminster Canterbury pay?
Fees vary depending on the type of residence selected. With more than 40 floor plans, it's easy to find a residence that suits your preferences and financial criteria. At Westminster Canterbury, home can be a 2,800-square-foot house, a two-bedroom apartment overlooking the gardens or courtyards, or a cozy studio.
There are six different resident agreement options. Most residents choose the standard refund plan with a one-time entrance fee, and then a monthly fee. The entrance fee ensures that we are able to provide the finest services, amenities, programs and residences. It guarantees the right of residency and, at your option, covers some or all of the healthcare services that may be needed. Most of our residence agreements are lifecare plans.
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What does “lifecare” mean?
A lifecare plan guarantees your access to any healthcare services needed without an increase in your monthly fees. You do not have to worry about paying the future market rate for healthcare and are able to protect your assets from potentially devastating costs if long-term assisted living or nursing care services are needed.
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Are any of the fees tax deductible?
For those with lifecare plans, a portion of the entrance fee is tax deductible as a prepaid medical expense during the year that it is paid. A portion of the monthly fee is tax deductible on an annual basis. The monthly fee is fully tax deductible for residents of the Health Care Center.
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What does the monthly service fee include?
This fee includes:
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Up to three meals daily in one of several dining rooms with choice of buffet or seated service
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Weekly housekeeping and laundering of linens and towels
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All utilities including individually controlled heating and air conditioning, local telephone and basic cable television service
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Maintenance of all residences, including major appliances
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Landscaping and grounds keeping
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Emergency call system in each apartment
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24-hour patrols by Westminster Canterbury security staff
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Full program of social and recreational activities
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Use of all amenities
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Full lifecare, if a lifecare entrance plan option is selected
Monthly fees are updated annually to reflect actual operating costs. When you add up what you now pay for utilities, taxes, home maintenance and other costs, you'll find that Westminster Canterbury compares quite favorably. Please refer to our Compare the Value worksheet, which our sales staff can provide to you.
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What else does the community include?
Residents of Westminster Canterbury currently enjoy:
- Computer center and 4,000-volume library
- Billiards rooms, game room and numerous lounges
- Woodworking shop and art studio
- Greenhouse, resident gardens and beautifully landscaped walking paths and flower gardens
- Chapel
- Fitness room, indoor swimming pool and whirlpool
- Roof Terrace with panoramic view
- Two auditoriums
- Private dining room for special family or social occasions
- Residents association membership
- Concierge and courtesy cart and driver
Other services available at additional costs include:
- Galleria Gift Shop, beauty salon and barber shop, full-service bank and on-site mail services
- Dietitian consultation
- Outpatient clinic, pharmacy and therapy center
- Personal transportation (by appointment)
- Dry cleaning
- Business center with copy and fax machines
- Peforming Arts Center with 320-seat theater (opens spring 2006)
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What types of residences are available?
Residences available at Westminster Canterbury include:
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Detached, colonial-style homes at The Glebe, adjacent to the main campus
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Garden apartments, spacious one- and two-bedroom residences in a combination of contemporary and traditional styles
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The Tower, studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments located on eight different levels
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Elegant two-, three- and four-bedroom single-family Homes on The Green
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Spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom Courtyard apartments, with patio or balcony
- Avalon and Pavilion, one- and two-bedroom assisted living apartments
- The Gables, a residential center for those with memory loss
Further information can be found in our brochure, "A Residence Sampler.”
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Will I be able to bring my pet with me when I move to Westminster Canterbury?
Yes, small dogs and cats are welcome in many residences.
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Will I be able to customize my home or apartment?
You may decorate and furnish your home to suit your tastes, and several customizing options are available. In addition to a selection of paint and carpet colors, you may choose custom kitchen and bath fixtures, wood flooring in certain rooms, and other distinctive touches.
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Is additional storage available?
Yes, all apartments include additional storage space. The Courtyard apartments have storage on the same floor as your residence.
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Does Westminster Canterbury offer guest rooms?
Yes, we have a limited number of guest rooms for your visiting friends and relatives. Please inquire as to availability as far in advance as possible.
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What healthcare services are offered at Westminster Canterbury?
We offer a range of services to help you maintain your health and receive any care you may need without leaving Westminster Canterbury.
Fitness and wellness services include:
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Exercise programs
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Water aerobic and swimming programs
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Seminars on nutrition and other health issues
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Preventive and primary care, with physicians and dentists on-site
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Full pharmacy services on-site
For residents who need help with daily activities, we offer three assisted living options: Avalon, Pavilion and The Gables. These private residences are conveniently situated in the heart of the community. In all levels, RNs, LPNs and certified nursing assistants are available day and night. Residents have access to all community amenities and services.
For those with memory loss, The Gables is an assisted living option designed to strengthen memory and capabilities. The Gables staff, including recreation, pastoral care and nursing specialists, has developed a program to encourage social and spiritual interaction and growth. This new residential center for those with memory loss is one of the most advanced of its kind in the country.
Rehabilitation and nursing care services are offered in our all-private-room Health Care Center. This fully licensed center offers two levels of 24-hour nursing care and consistently ranks among the best in the nation. Physical, speech and occupational therapy are provided on both a residential and outpatient basis.
Home services are offered through Community Choice, an outreach of Westminster Canterbury. They include Lifeline® emergency call service, personal care services, personal shopping and other options.
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What happens if my health needs change?
One of the major benefits of living at Westminster Canterbury is the peace of mind that comes from knowing there is access to quality healthcare services whenever needed. That guaranteed access is reserved for those who make their homes at Westminster Canterbury. However, if your needs change while you are waiting to move to your new residence, and you need assisted living or nursing services, we will do our best to accommodate that need.
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Do I need long-term care insurance at Westminster Canterbury?
No, not if you choose a lifecare option. The entrance fee you pay along with the lifecare residence agreement you sign guarantees continued nursing care with no increase in the monthly fee.
Residents with non-lifecare contracts may find long-term care insurance to be helpful. If you have questions about your policy, a Westminster Canterbury sales and admissions representative would be happy to help you.
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What happens if I can no longer afford to live at Westminster Canterbury?
As a faith-based, charitable organization, Westminster Canterbury pledges lifetime security to all residents. No one will be asked to leave due to inability to pay.
The Fellowship program of the Westminster Canterbury Foundation helps provide housing, security, healthcare and other services to residents in need. The Foundation now provides more than $2 million per year in financial aid to residents.
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Who is available to help me explore the financial, legal and logistical aspects of moving to a community such as Westminster Canterbury?
Westminster Canterbury recommends discussing your plans with a financial advisor. Staff from Westminster Canterbury's sales and admissions office will be available to assist you throughout the coordination of your move to this community.
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If I decide I might like to become a resident, what is my next step?
Your next step is to call the sales and admissions office at Westminster Canterbury to make an appointment to discuss your specific questions. We accept fully refundable deposits that ensure a place on our wait list for all residences.
We call members of the list in order, giving each a chance to reserve a specific residence by making a refundable deposit equal to 10% of that residence's entrance fee. Please contact the sales and admissions office for specific deposit amounts.
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How soon can I move in?
The time varies depending on the size and type of apartment or home you prefer. Some Tower residences may be available immediately. The waiting period for our most popular residences, including many of the Homes on The Green and The Courtyard, is much longer.
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