Patriots Colony at Williamsburg is a CCRC that provides continuum of care services for its residents. The independent living residences at Patriots Colony are exclusively for retired and former military, former and retired civilian employees of federal government and their spouses or widow (er) s.
Because Patriots Colony is sponsored by Riverside Health System, the state’s largest non-governmental provider of services to older adults, residents also have access to a wide range of care and supportive services throughout eastern Virginia.
As mentioned, the distinctive features of a CCRC is that it’s designed, through its staffing and overall structure, to smooth out the changes from one level of care to another. This capability creates a greater level of comfort for residents and increased peace of mind for adult children and other family members.
Although most changes involve transitioning to a higher level of care, residents can also move toward greater independence. For example, some individuals living at The Berkeley, the assisted-living residence at Patriots Colony, have returned to the independent living community after an improvement in health and well-being.
Patriots Colony: A Closer Look at a CCRC Lifestyle
Having all the pieces of the puzzle in place – independent living, assisted living, memory support, and long-term care – is just the first step. What makes a CCRC a true community is the approach to a lifestyle, or multiple lifestyles. At Patriots Colony, the focus is on the whole person and includes a wellness philosophy that supports each resident’s ability to maintain the highest possible level of health and independence.
Bringing People Together: Patriots Colony includes a large and active community center, an aquatic and fitness center, hobby areas, an expansive multi-purpose room, a range of dining locations, a tavern and a bistro, as well as a bank and hair salon. The newest development of luxurious independent apartment homes, Presidents Pavilion, expands on Patriots Colony’s mission of providing the finest lifestyle options for their residents.
Residents of the community enjoy engaging social events and building long-term friendships. The community has a strong sense of honor and respect; while the residents share the common bond of serving our country, they are equally passionate in leaving rank at the gate.
Getting Physical: From lap swimming and water aerobics, tennis and a complete fitness center to shuffleboard, billiards, card rooms, bocce ball, pickle balls courts, and walking trails, residents enjoy a wide range of recreational and fitness opportunities. Golfers can take advantage of discounted rates at Fords Colony Country Club. Nearby rivers as well as the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean, accommodate every level of boating.
Sharpening the Mind: Patriots Colony offers a variety of lectures and presentations within the community as well as adult learning courses through the nearby College of William and Mary’s Christopher Wren Association. There is also an on-campus library with an extensive collection of books and periodicals along with the Williamsburg Regional Library in close proximity.
Feeding the Soul: Residents can count on scheduled transportation to their preferred place of worship in the Williamsburg area. In addition, the Patriots Colony chaplain offers non-denominational services including memorial services and military observances. She also provides a listening ear or counsel during times of distress or loss.
Through the Eyes of a Resident: A Personal Experience at Patriots Colony
Joy Hudgins was no stranger to moving and settling into a new life in a new community. As the wife of a West Point graduate and career Army officer, she had moved 25 times in 26 years. But at some point after her husband passed away Joy realized she was looking for what military families refer to as the “last post.”
She found it in the independent living community of Patriots Colony at Williamsburg and while she thinks these kinds of decisions should be carefully researched, evaluated and weighed, this one actually came easily.
“I knew some people at Patriots Colony and I had family in Virginia Beach so that helped move the process along. But the truth is I only visited once. The friends who were there introduced me to other people and it didn’t take long at all to feel like I had been here for years. I’m still driving and get around quite a bit, but I find that I spend more and more time within the community. There are so many activities I couldn’t possibly do everything that’s available. As one of my neighbors said, it’s like a cruise ship without the water.”
“There are trips to other towns and cities in the area and quite a few cultural activities that I enjoy. I’m part of a group that takes hikes in various parks nearby and part of a committee that’s video archiving, a history of residents. I also volunteer in the assisted living area and in memory care. There’s quite a bit of interaction between the different living spaces at Patriots Colony, and it adds to the feeling of community.”
“While I enjoy the activities, I can just as easily spend time relaxing and reading a good book. There’s a real sense here that you can simply be yourself and do as much or as little as you want. Another thing I appreciate is the fact that the staff is very supportive and helpful but not the least bit intrusive.”
“I was warmly welcomed when I first got here and I want to make sure I’m doing the same for new residents, too. I made the decision to make this my home relatively quickly. But I’ve never regretted it for a second.”
What’s the Next Step?
There are many online resources that will help you know what to evaluate when it comes to CCRCs – but there’s no substitute for being there. Walk around informally, talk with residents and get a guided tour. And make sure you build in enough time to go over any questions or concerns. It’s your life- your new life in a sense- and it’s worth the effort to know as much as you can. For more information on CCRCs in general and Patriots Colony at Williamsburg in particular, go to patriotscolony.org or call 757- 585-3430.
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