FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do people move to Covenant Woods?
- What is a continuing care retirement community?
- Is Covenant Woods nondenominational?
- Who owns and operates Covenant Woods?
- Why is it important that Covenant Woods is accredited?
- What does “lifecare” mean?
- Are any of the fees tax deductible?
- Do I need long-term care insurance at Covenant Woods?
- Does Covenant Woods offer guest rooms?
- Will I be able to bring my pet with me when I move to Covenant Woods?
- Is additional storage available?
- If I decide I might like to become a resident, what is my next step?
- How soon can I move in?
Why do people move to Covenant Woods?
Simply put, Covenant Woods is a wonderful place to live, and it offers the security of knowing that you have planned for your future. The 70 acre, beautifully landscaped community is nestled in historic Hanover County and provides maintenance free homes, numerous amenities and services, a variety of activities, transportation, plus a large group of friends and neighbors to share in life’s adventures. You will experience the warm and pleasant atmosphere from your first visit. As a Lifecare community, Covenant Woods assures you that you will have a comfortable, secure residence and access to assisted living or nursing care, without a substantial increase in your monthly fees, when you need it.
What is a continuing care retirement community?
A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is a community that has independent living, assisted living, dementia care, and nursing care, available as needed, on a single campus. At Covenant Woods, we offer beautiful brick two-bedroom and two-bedroom with a den homes as well as a range of apartment styles including one-bedroom to two-bedroom with a den apartments for those living independently; two levels of assisted living; Alzheimer’s and Dementia care; nursing care in our private and semi-private rooms within the Health Care Center. Residents say they really enjoy our neighborhood community environment and the focus on maintaining healthy lifestyles. Many well informed adults have come to recognize the CCRC concept as an excellent value.
Is Covenant Woods nondenominational?
Yes. Founded by members of the Methodist and Presbyterian churches, Covenant Woods is a nondenominational community open to all faiths and has a strong tradition of spirituality and service. Residents and visitors are welcomed without regard to religious preference.
Who owns and operates Covenant Woods?
Covenant Woods is a not-for-profit, Virginia corporation. Covenant Woods was founded in 1883 as the Richmond Home for Ladies by members of the Methodist and Presbyterian churches to help older female adults maintain their independence and spiritual well-being. In 2001, Covenant Woods moved to Hanover County, Virginia and expanded its mission to offer residence to men and couples as well. A volunteer board of directors, comprised of individuals from both the Methodist and Presbyterian churches, guides the organization in achieving its mission
Why is it important that Covenant Woods 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 2005, Covenant Woods became one of only three Continuing Care Retirement Communities in the greater Richmond area to be accredited by the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission (CCAC). We voluntarily undergo a rigorous annual review process in order to maintain CCAC accreditation.
What does “LifeCare” mean?
A LifeCare contract between you and a LifeCare community can assure you that you will have a comfortable, secure residence and access to assisted living, dementia or nursing care, when you need it, without a substantial increase in your monthly fees. LifeCare contracts vary and the entrance fee amounts vary with each contract. Please see the current Covenant Woods Disclosure Statement and Fee Schedules, available upon request, for more information.
Are any of the fees tax deductible?
A portion of the entrance fee is typically tax deductible as a prepaid medical expense during the year that it is paid and a portion of the monthly fee is typically tax deductible on an annual basis. The monthly fee is typically fully tax deductible for residents of the Health Care Center. Please discuss how this applies to your financial circumstances with your financial advisor.
Do I need long-term care insurance at Covenant Woods?
The LifeCare option, with its entrance fee, provides for access to continuing care, including assisted living, dementia and nursing care, with no substantial increase in the monthly fee. Contracts with lower entrance fees may be applicable for those with long-term care insurance, however it is important to check with your financial advisor before selecting your contract, as long-term care insurance policies vary significantly.
Does Covenant Woods offer guest rooms?
Covenant Woods will offer two guest rooms with the opening of the 50 apartment addition in the spring of 2007. Residents will have the opportunity to have family and friends occupy the guest room while visiting. The guest rooms will be equipped similarly to hotel rooms, and be available to residents and for the organization’s business purposes on a first come first serve basis, for a fee similar to a hotel stay.
Will I be able to bring my pet with me with I move to Covenant Woods?
Yes, Covenant Woods allows small and medium dogs and cats in the Independent and Assisted Living residences.
Is additional storage available?
Yes, additional storage is available. Each apartment and cottage has a variety of closet space as well as an additional storage area that is provided per residence.
If I decide I might like to become a resident, what is my next step?
Please call the marketing office at Covenant Woods (804.569.8716) or use the form on this website to make an appointment to visit Covenant Woods. A deposit places you on the Future’s List, our waiting list, which insures that you are notified, in the order of your joining the list, when residences become available. The fully refundable deposit is $1,000 for a single person and $1,500 for a couple. If you go to another community or decide not to pursue a home at Covenant Woods for any reason, you will receive a full refund upon your written request.
How soon can I move in?
The time varies depending on the size and type of apartment or cottage you prefer. A few apartments are still available in the new 50 apartment addition scheduled to open in the spring of 2007. The waiting period for our cottages is typically about three to four years, and the waiting period for most apartments ranges from two to four years.
