Westminster Canterbury - Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who stands behind Westminster Canterbury?
A: Westminster Canterbury is one of six communities in Virginia affiliated with and guided by the high standards of the Episcopal and Presbyterian churches. It is governed by a non-compensated Board of Trustees. Composed of community leaders, the Board is elected by Southwestern Episcopal Homes and Westminster Presbyterian Homes. As a non-profit LifeCare community, WCL reinvests any earnings back into the community to further enhance member services and amenities. Westminster Canterbury is an interfaith community and is open to people of all faiths. Our Mission: The mission of Westminster Canterbury of Lynchburg is to operate a non-profit, accredited, LifeCare residential retirement community, guided by Christian ideals which promote independence and dignity, providing quality housing, healthcare and security to residents in a fiscally responsible manner.
Q. Is Westminster Canterbury an accredited community?
A: Yes. WCL is nationally accredited by the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission and CARF. This accreditation demonstrates our commitment to meeting national standards of excellence and ensures the comfort and peace of mind of all members. 
Q. What customization does WCL offer so that I can personalize my home to suit my preferences?
A: Resident members take pride in furnishing and decorating their new homes to reflect their tastes. Westminster Canterbury also offers a nice selection of custom finishes and upgrades. You can add special features such as hardwood floors, ceiling fans, crown molding, custom built-ins or other individual selections to customize your home.
Q. What membership options are offered?
A: You'll be asked to choose one of the following Plans:
  • Unlimited LifeCare Plan: The most extensive coverage offered, with no limit to the number of healthcare days to which you are entitled at no additional charge.
  • Limited LifeCare Plan: Offers coverage for 365 days of healthcare services at no additional charge.
  • Fee-for-Service : Offers guaranteed access to healthcare services at the published daily rate. This plan is designed especially for those with LTC policies.
  • No Entry Fee Azalea Unlimited LifeCare Plan: Offers the same coverage as the Unlimited LifeCare Plan above, but without an Entry Fee. This Plan is limited to Azalea Studio floor-plans
Q. How refundable is my entry membership fee?
A: You select your Refund Plan at Settlement time. There are three refund options that are available:
  • Traditional Refund Option: Your Entry Fee Refund declines gradually at 2% for each month of residency during the first 50 months.
  • 50% Refund Option: Your Refund declines at a rate of 2% per month for 25 months. From that point on, a 50% refund of your Entry Fee is guaranteed once the residence is re-occupied.
  • 90% Refund Option: The refund declines at a rate of 2% per month for 5 months. From then on, a 90% refund is guaranteed once the residence is re-occupied.
Q. Are any of the fees considered tax deductible?
A: Yes, a significant portion of your Entry fee and Monthly Services fee is recognized as tax deductible under both the Unlimited and the Limited LifeCare plans.
Q. Is there a residents' association?
A: Yes, and all residents are voting members. The Residents' Council, the executive body of the association, is composed of nine resident members and meets monthly. Each Resident Council member serves on at least one Board committee. The chairman of the Residents' Council serves as a representative on the Board of Trustees and has a seat and voice at its meetings.
Q. What about my pet?
A: Yes, as a pet-friendly community, WCL welcomes your pet.
Q. What do you mean by maintenance-free living?
A: It means that you'll have the freedom to live every day as you like, because we free you completely from the worries and responsibilities of maintaining your own home.  You can count on us to take care of all interior and exterior maintenance, plumbing, painting, electrical, heating/air conditioning, housekeeping, appliance repair, lawn care, landscaping, snow removal, etc.
Q. How does the flexible dining account work?
A: Each Member's dining account is built-in to the Monthly Services Fee. Your dining account is set each year to cover the amount necessary for each person to dine thirty times each month. Your flexible dining account can be enjoyed in any one of four dining venues…or for more intimate dinner parties in a private dining room … or used to cover dining for your guests …or can be prepared “To-Go” for dining at home… and there's no tipping.