Nestled on 128 wooded acres in Henrico County is a wonderful Continuing Care Retirement Community known as Lakewood Manor. It's no secret that this facility is one of several CCRC options found in Greater Richmond. This blog interview with Holly Raidabaugh, the outgoing marketing and development director at Lakewood Manor, may answer many of your own questions:
1) What attracted you to work at Lakewood Manor?
I have worked with 4 CCRC’s in Virginia and DC. I have always enjoyed working with seniors. Growing up my great-grandmother lived with us and it was such a blessing to have that intergenerational experience. I know it was incredibly hard on my mother to take care of small children and her grandmother at the same time. It is one of the main reasons that I am such a believer in the CCRC model.
2) What lifestyle advantages do residents have at your retirement community as compared to other senior communities in the Richmond area?
Lakewood is very casual so if someone is looking for a community where they do not have to dress up for dinner, then we might be a fit for them.
3) In a nutshell, please explain the café as shown by the two architectural drawings you currently have on display right outside your office.
Our new café will open in the fall and will be a brand new feature at Lakewood. Residents will enjoy a lighter fare in the café but can still use their meal plan.
4) Why would an active senior enjoy being at Lakewood Manor?
Being a resident at Lakewood, gives you the peace of mind knowing that if anything were to happen you have a well -planned future which means you have more time for the things you want to do versus have to do.
5) Remind me of the type of medical support offered there.
Lakewood offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Support and Health Care.
6) What features do residents like most about living at Lakewood Manor?
That is a hard question because everyone is different and we have a lot to offer. I think the two most popular features are the fitness center with a variety of exercise classes and the dining service options with five different meal plans to choose from.
7) What are your primary competing senior communities in the Richmond area?
If people are looking at a CCRC in Richmond, then they are looking at Lakewood, Covenant Woods, Cedarfield and Westminster Canterbury. We encourage future residents to visit them all and see which one will be the best fit.
8) What special features of Lakewood Manor attract residents the most?
Residents choose to move to a CCRC for the peace of mind knowing that care is there for them should they need it in future but people are always surprised by the friendliness found with the staff and residents.
Below is an architectural rendering of the new Lakewood Manor Cafe set to open by late October 2013.
9) What are five (or more) basic steps to take when a prospective resident is choosing and/or preparing to move to a senior community?
* Call to schedule a visit. Give yourself plenty of time and don’t try to see more than 2 in a day. Ask to see the floor plans that you are interested as the community might not have a model. Also, ask if you can have lunch.
* Tour and ask lots of questions.
* Depending on your timeline and what the community has available, get on the wait list or plan your move.
* Fill out paperwork, go to your doctor and have an assessment at the community.
* Talk to a realtor (if you are planning on selling your house) and senior move manager (if you don’t want to do the packing and unpacking).
* Once you are approved, pick out your selections (paint, carpet, etc).
* Schedule the move and work with the community’s move in coordinator.
* Moving Day....Relax in knowing that you have a well-planned future!
10) If anyone would like to include Lakewood Manor in estate planning, is there a foundation for making tax-deductible contributions? Please explain. Lakewood is a non-profit organization and is a part of Virginia Baptist Homes.
VBH has a Foundation that supports the residents of our four communities. If a resident outlives their financial resources, through no fault of their own, then they will be taken care of for life.
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Are you an active older adult or senior considering a move?
Call Realtor® and Seniors Real Estate Specialist® ....
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