FAQs

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. This 75-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 Continuing Care Retirement Community, you’ll have the security of knowing that whatever life brings, you’ll find what you need right here on our campus whether its Independent Living, Assisted Living, Grace Gardens Memory Support or Health Care. And, as a Life Care community, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes from knowing you will have a comfortable, secure residence when you need it without a substantial increase in your monthly fees.

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What is a Continuing Care Retirement Community?

A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is a community that has Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Support and Health Care, available as needed, on a single campus. At Covenant Woods, we offer beautiful two-bedroom and two-bedroom with a den cottages, as well as a range of apartment styles, including one-bedroom to two-bedroom with a den apartments for those living independently; Assisted Living; Grace Gardens Memory Support; and Health Care with private and semi-private rooms, where we have licensed nurses on staff and round-the-clock care. With a neighborhood community environment and a focus on maintaining healthy lifestyles, CCRCs are recognized not only as a wonderful way of life, but as an excellent value as well.

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Is Covenant Woods nondenominational?

Yes. Although Covenant Woods was historically founded by Methodist and Presbyterian congregations in the city, it is today 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.

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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 primarily of individuals from both the Methodist and Presbyterian churches, guides the organization in achieving its mission.

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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 and were re-accredited in 2010. Learn more.

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What does “Life Care” mean?

A Life Care contract between you and a Life Care community can ensure that you will have a comfortable, secure residence and access to Health Care, Assisted Living and Memory Support when you need it, without a substantial increase in your monthly fees. Life Care 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.

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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 Manor East. Please discuss how this applies to your financial circumstances with your financial advisor.

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Do I need long-term care insurance at Covenant Woods?

The Life Care option, with its entrance fee, provides for access to continuing care, including Assisted Living, Grace Gardens Memory Support and Health 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.

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Does Covenant Woods offer guest rooms?

Covenant Woods has two guest rooms. Residents often reserve them for family and friends that are visiting from out of town. The guest rooms are equipped similarly to hotel rooms and are available to residents and to the organization for business purposes on a first come, first served basis for a fee similar to a hotel stay.

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Will I be able to bring my pet with me when I move to Covenant Woods?

Yes, Covenant Woods allows small and medium dogs and cats in the Independent Living and Assisted Living residences.

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Is additional storage available?

Yes, each apartment and cottage has a variety of closet space.  Apartment residents also have an additional storage area.

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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 click here to contact us. A fully refundable deposit ($1,000 for a single person and $1,500 for a couple) places you on our Future’s List and ensures that you will be notified, in the order of your joining the list, when residences become available. If for any reason you decide not to make Covenant Woods your home, simply let us know and we will refund your deposit in full.

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How soon can I move in?

The time in which homes become available varies depending on the size and type of apartment or cottage you prefer. Currently, we have a few cottages and larger apartments available for immediate occupancy.