Questions about Senior Living

Lakewood is an all-inclusive, Continuing Care Retirement Community that inspires active living and a healthy lifestyle. We’re a nonprofit, faith-based community located in Richmond’s West End. Lakewood offers the warmth and friendliness of a small town, together with all the nearby conveniences of shopping, dining, cultural events and more.

Residents choose to live in maintenance-free apartments, villas, cottages or Hybrid Homes and benefit from a host of amenities and services that promote independence and optimal health. This includes access to a full continuum of on-site care, including Assisted Living, licensed nursing care, rehabilitative therapy, a special neighborhood for residents needing memory care, and an on-site clinic. Once the expansion is complete, the community will include 325 Independent Living residences consisting of apartments, cottages and villas, 74 private Assisted Living residences (including Memory Care), and 96 private Skilled Nursing residences.

Lakewood welcomes people of all faiths and adheres to the Fair Housing Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and HIPAA. The community attracts a diverse group of residents from the Richmond area, as well as across Virginia and several other states. Residents enjoy a wide variety of interests and have varied backgrounds. They are planners who share a desire to remain in control of their lives while assuring a fulfilling quality of life.

Lakewood is owned and operated by LifeSpire of Virginia, Inc., which is a nonprofit, non-stock corporation. LifeSpire of Virginia has operated retirement communities in Virginia since 1948. It’s governed by a board of trustees, which is composed of business, clergy and lay leaders. Trustees serve without compensation. Lakewood is managed by an administrative team employed by the board.

There is no difference. Life Plan Community is becoming a more commonly used term to describe a community that offers a full continuum of on-site care if a resident ever needs it. At Lakewood, we offer Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Therapy.

Life Care means residency, services and care for life. Life Care also refers to a specific type of contract offered by Lakewood. Seniors contract in advance to live in a comfortable residence, enjoy community-based amenities and services, and plan for their future needs. As health conditions change, residents remain close to friends and neighbors — and can move between Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Skilled Nursing.

With Life Care protection, monthly fees stay the same as care and service levels increase. When residents move to Assisted Living or Skilled Nursing, the only additional charge is for two extra meals per day and any ancillary costs such as medical supplies and pharmacy services. While monthly fees don’t increase for changes in levels of care, the monthly fee continues to be subject to an annual adjustment. Adjustments are based on the cost of operations to ensure sound fiscal operations and prudent reserves.

Life Care helps shield residents from spiraling long-term care costs and provides the assurance that they will receive the care they need through the services available at Lakewood — even if they outlive their financial resources.

With a wide range of comfortable residences at Lakewood, you can choose to live in a spacious apartment, villa, cottage or Hybrid Home. There are eight apartment floor plans that range from a studio to an apartment with two bedrooms and two baths. Spacious Clubhouse Apartments offer six floor plans. We offer three types of two-bedroom villa apartment floor plans that offer dining, den and a parking garage. For those who enjoy cottage living, Lakewood offers four two-bedroom floor plans and two-car garages — some offer a bonus room. Our innovative Hybrid Homes offer four unique open floor plans and their own garage.

Our community is open to adults 62 years of age and older (a spouse or partner can be younger). Lakewood attracts a diverse group of residents with varied backgrounds, faiths, interests and incomes. We encourage seniors to move to Lakewood when they’re active and young. This will enable them to fully enjoy the amenities and active lifestyle at Lakewood.

You maintain only what you bring with you or install yourself, and even then there’ll often be help available. Lakewood maintains the appliances that come with your residence, the inside and outside structures, carpeting, heating and air conditioning, and landscaping. We also provide removal of trash and snow.

No. However, you’ll want to consider renter’s insurance to cover your possessions.

Carpeting, blinds, a washer and dryer, and kitchen appliances are provided by Lakewood. You bring your own furniture. You’ll enjoy decorating your residence to suit your taste.

There is a one-time entrance fee and a monthly fee. The fees vary based on the type of residence, the number of occupants and the entrance fee refund option selected. Monthly fees are reviewed and adjusted on an annual basis. Adjustments are based on the cost of operations to ensure sound fiscal operations and prudent reserves.

No. There’s no ownership or equity involved at Lakewood. The entrance fee is similar to a prepaid rent with a lifetime lease and a future payment toward long term care expenses. In return, you receive accommodations, services, use of amenities, and access to Assisted Living, Memory Care and Skilled Nursing.

Residents are able to use a percentage of the fees as a prepaid medical expense and apply it toward an income tax deduction. In the first year of residency, a portion of the entrance fee may be used; a portion of monthly fees may be used annually. The amount that may be used varies from year to year. Every year, guidance is issued to residents letting them know what portion of their entrance fee and monthly services fee is related to the provision of medical care. Every resident’s tax situation is unique, and Lakewood doesn’t provide tax advice. For personal tax advice, please seek advice from a trusted tax adviser.

The first step is to select your new residence and make a fully refundable $1,000 deposit. Next, you’ll complete application forms and have a clinical evaluation. Based on meeting physical and financial criteria, you pay the balance of the entrance fee and move to your new residence at Lakewood. We have a move-in coordinator on staff who’ll provide resources and assistance with your move to the community.

Basic cable television and limited Wi-Fi service are included in your monthly service fee. Premium cable is available at an additional cost.

Utilities are included in your monthly services fee. This includes heating and air conditioning, electricity, water, sewer, basic cable TV, internet and Wi-Fi access, local and long-distance telephone service, trash pickup, and snow removal.

Extensive cultural, spiritual, educational, fitness and social activities are available. In addition, on-site amenities at Lakewood include an art studio, woodworking shop, game room, billiard room, business center/library, chapel, and a variety of gathering rooms for conversation, relaxing and fellowship. There’s also outdoor space for flower and vegetable gardening, as well as beautiful walking trails.

The West End is rapidly becoming the sought-after place to live in Central Virginia. Opportunities for residents and visitors include recreation; sightseeing; shopping at multiple outlets, including Short Pump Town Center; as well as historical, cultural and educational opportunities. In addition, you can enjoy hiking, golfing, fishing and picnicking in several nearby parks and recreation areas. There are also multiple 18-hole golf courses nearby. For more information on the area, see visitrichmondva.com.

Each residence has an urgent call system. Our security staff patrols the building and grounds on a regular basis during the evening hours. Visitor traffic is controlled through one major entrance. Automatic security on all exterior doors restricts access to residents and staff 24 hours a day.

Yes. You may continue to see your own physician and other healthcare providers. If needed, you may request transportation services from Lakewood for medical appointments, scheduled through Lakewood’s clinic. For the added convenience of Lakewood’s residents, doctors are available to be seen by appointment in the on-site clinic.

Yes. Cats and small dogs are permitted at Lakewood with some restrictions. Pets must not bother the neighbors, and residents with pets are required to abide by Lakewood’s pet policy.

Certainly! Lakewood is your home, and we encourage you to have your family and friends visit as often as you want. Guest rooms are available, or guests may stay in your home. All are encouraged to use any of the amenities and facilities on campus.

There are 50 churches of all denominations within close driving distance of Lakewood. Many of them also provide transportation to services.

Yes. Lakewood offers scheduled trips to shopping areas, medical centers and physician offices. Transportation is also available for scheduled events.

Yes. Our concept is to make it easy for residents to lead satisfying lives and maintain good health in every way. We offer a modern fitness center, exercise classes and a variety of wellness programs. In addition, the dining room and café offer nutritious meals — and we have a dietitian available for residents to consult with as needed.

Lakewood has a residents’ council, and all residents are voting members. All residents are eligible to become a member of Lakewood’s residents’ council.

Lighted parking areas are provided for apartment residents. Clubhouse Apartments come with underground parking. Cottages have driveways and garages. Villas each come with a parking space. Hybrid Homes feature their own garage. Also, ample guest parking is available.

Health services include a clinic with scheduled nurse office hours, administration of prescribed treatments, pharmacy services and services of other medical specialists. In addition, Lakewood offers rehabilitative therapy services, Memory Care, Assisted Living, and a licensed nursing facility that’s staffed around-the-clock.

Yes.

Residents at Lakewood enjoy residency that includes their choice of residence, comprehensive amenities and services, and access to an on-site continuum of care. These benefits are provided through a one-time entrance fee and monthly services fee. The entrance and monthly fees vary depending on the type of residence, the number of occupants, type of agreement and refund plan selected. Learn more on our Contract Options page.

If you outlive your resources or experience financial hardship for reasons outside your control and are unable to pay your monthly fee, you may apply for benevolent assistance. Your Life Care or Continuing Care agreement will still entitle you to priority access to on-site health care. Your children or other loved ones won’t bear any financial burden.

You may call Lakewood at 804-729-5563, contact us by using our information request form or simply send us an email. We’re happy to send you information, schedule a tour and answer your questions. We’re here to serve you and help you make the most of your retirement years.

The new pool will be a saltwater-based pool.

Yes. We offer informative seminars that will help make your move easy. Check out our upcoming events!