Senior Planning Guide

I’ve spent some time about seniors lately, writing about managing medications and Forest, VA history. This article folded neatly with that point of view.

As a special section within Lynchburg Living Magazine, this article focused on the local options available to retirees.

Make Yourself at Home in a Retirement Community

Originally Published in the Senior Planning Guide

Life doesn’t stop with retirement — and neither should day-to-day comforts. In Central Virginia, independent and assisted living communities help residents feel at home with care customized to resident’s needs.

For most communities, this begins with reviewing your life plan — a short written document that captures your hopes and goals for the future. It explains your ideal retirement situation to both your loved ones and those providing your continuing care. By describing your daily expectations, and long-term dreams, you can find a place that feels like home.

Westminster Canterbury

Westminster Canterbury of Lynchburg is a non-profit retirement community that offers housing and healthcare services for older adults. Located in a residential neighborhood, Westminster Canterbury provides both cottage homes and apartments. The interfaith, nonprofit, Life Plan Virginia Retirement Community is known for its quiet, nature-filled setting.

“Residents help develop their plan of care, centered and directed around their lives, preferences and life rhythms. This is the residents’ home and our team members support their community living,” explains Lisa Martin, Director of Resident Life & Wellness at Westminster Canterbury.

“Prospective residents who join our community in independent living start by visiting our marketing department. They go through the steps of how to become a community member. Then their information is reviewed by our admissions committee. The review process includes their medical records as well as their social, psychosocial, spiritual and intellectual aspects, plus background on their personal life stories. The process is similar for older adults who seek to join Westminster Canterbury’s Hearthside Assisted Living neighborhood.”

Westminster Canterbury have been working to add a housing option based on the household model. Residents wake up and eat breakfast when they choose. It allows elders to live on their own terms by starting the day at their own pace.

Available care levels include assisted living, memory care, Medicare-certified home care, and hospice. Within assisted living, they have several plans for healthcare from unlimited coverage to a fee-for-service model. This allows residents to pick the healthcare plan to suit their needs.

Flexible dining programs, weekly housekeeping, scheduled transportation,and an urgent response system with licensed nurse, ensure the comfort and safety of residents. Amenities extend to a wellness center, onsite health clinic, indoor pool, walking trails, art studios, billiard room, and library.

Runk & Pratt

Family owned and operated since 1992, Runk & Pratt Senior Living Communities aim to create an environment where residents can thrive. Each campus features unique amenities. For example, Liberty Ridge residents enjoy their garden-to-table dining from their hydroponic tower gardens. Similarly, their multi-sensory Snoezelen Room envelops memory care residents with soothing stimuli to promote self-esteem, calm aggressive behavior, and improve overall mood.

Runk & Pratt operates several communities to support a variety of senior living situations, located throughout Central Virginia. Available care levels include independent living, assisted living, and memory care, depending on the location. Healthcare options include 24 hour care, physician appointments, medical oversight, medication management, and mobile x-rays.

Featured amenities include an activities center, aerobics classes, wellness center, library, day rooms, outdoor gardens, and church services. Runk & Pratt fills the calendar cooking lessons, art classes, seasonal festivals, shopping trips, fashion shows, birthday parties, live music, exercise classes, bingo, and pet visits.

The Summit

At The Summit, residents enjoy the feeling of freedom on the 143-acre campus. Located next to Wyndhurst, residents can walk to boutiques, spas, restaurants, gift shops, and coffee houses.

Whether requiring independent living, assisted living, short-term rehabilitation, or long term care, individuals have access to the comprehensive care provided by Centra. The facility actually began as a partnership between Centra and The Disciples of Christ, Christian Church in Virginia.

During admissions for their assisted living community, residents follow several key steps, according to Brenda Dixon, Marketing Director at The Summit. First, you and your family meet on site to ask questions and view the community. Then, a nurse assesses your needs to help create an individualized service plan. A doctor assessment follows to ensure your medical needs are met. Afterward, you fill out an application and related paperwork. Finally, you enjoy move-in day.

“One of the greatest fears regarding Assisted Living, or even Independent Living, is that you lose your independence. On the contrary, the services and amenities in place, along with excellent care, help people live their best life allowing them to be as independent as possible,” says Dixon.

For example, residents can bring their own furnishings like pictures or curtains to personalize their space.

In this Life Plan community, residents can access a continuum of care according to their needs. Healthcare plans include fee-for-service or monthly service fee options, depending on the level of care required. Available services include meal plans, housekeeping, laundry, scheduled transportation, and social events.

The facilities feature restaurant-style dining, private dining room, fully-functional library, spa, game room, creative arts room, billiards room, fitness center, wellness clinic, and chapel. Outside you’ll find a lake, gazebo, boat house, garden house, raised garden beds, and walking trails.

Valley View Retirement Community

Valley View Retirement Community takes pride in their role as Lynchburg’s best value for senior living. They are a rental retirement community with no long-term commitment, no entrance fee, and no buy-in expense. They offer both independent living and assisted care.

Since they opened in 1988, this community has encouraged residents to make their home inside the quiet, park-like campus. The apartments have private balconies or patios where you can enjoy fresh air and listen to bird songs.

Their staff plans community events such as outings and volunteer opportunities, a daily exercise program, special holiday meal functions, and picnics. Their popular services include free chauffeured transportation, restaurant-style dining, housekeeping, consulting nurse, a fitness and rehab center, a wellness clinic, and a daily exercise program.

The location provides a community store, fireplace lounge, community library, activity room, sunroom, community patio, and billiards room. Outside you can explore walking paths and raised beds for flower gardening.

The Williams Home

A non-profit organization, The Williams Home, Inc. provides independent and assisted living housing to exclusively female residents. Their property sits on 6 acres within a residential neighborhood. By bringing together senior ladies, they have created a secure and comforting environment where residents can build like-minded friendships.

Heritage Green

Quality of care is a top priority at Heritage Green Assisted Living and Memory Care. Their programming was created to maximize independence by providing options for both physical wellness and social well-being. Specifically, they offer FOX rehabilitation, a leading provider of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and wellness services.

Bentley Commons

As a residential senior living community, Bentley Commons at Lynchburg encourages each resident in their independence. The facility was created for those who like to direct their social interactions and leisure activities but, just need some services or support to move through their day.

The Elms of Lynchburg

The Elms of Lynchburg offers both assisted living and memory care to residents who wish to create their “best life.” With close proximity to Central Lynchburg General Hospital, they are conveniently positioned to meet residents ongoing healthcare needs.

McGurk House

Close to the bus line, storefronts, and restaurants, McGurk House appeals to seniors looking for convenience in a country setting. Prospective residents must have an adjusted income which does not exceed federally established income limits for the Lynchburg area.