Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay: Premier Senior Living Facilities Virginia Beach VA

• Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay

• Senior living options in Virginia Beach: Westminster-Canterbury
  • Independent living: Active lifestyle by the bay
  • Assisted living: Personalized support
  • Memory care: Specialized support programs
  • Skilled nursing and rehabilitation at Hoy Health Care Center
  • At-home services and Birdsong Clinic
• Amenities at Westminster-Canterbury
  • Dining
  • Wellness and recreation
  • Education and culture
• Daily life and activities
  • Social programs and community
  • Fitness and wellness
  • Arts and culture
• Resident experiences
• Paying for senior living
  • Financial options
  • Payment sources
• Comparing senior living communities in Virginia Beach
  • Market overview
  • What sets Westminster-Canterbury apart
• First floor vs. second floor
  • First floor advantages
  • Second floor advantages
  • Which floor is right for you
• Making your decision
• Frequently asked questions

Introduction to Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay

Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay is a continuing care retirement community located at 3100 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. In 2025, it ranked #1 in Virginia and #19 nationally among America's Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities. The community offers a full continuum of care on a beachfront campus.

The location puts residents near Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, local restaurants, and other amenities. The beachfront setting offers views of Chesapeake Bay and walking access to the water.

Many families choose Westminster-Canterbury because they want one place where a loved one can age in place—moving between care levels as needed without having to leave and start over elsewhere.

Exploring senior living options in Virginia Beach: Westminster-Canterbury

Independent living: Active lifestyle by the bay

Independent living is for active seniors who want to shed home maintenance while keeping their independence. Apartments and garden homes range from studios to two-bedroom units (710–2,867 sq. ft.).

Independent living includes:

• Weekly housekeeping
• All utilities except telephone
• Maintenance-free living
• Full access to community amenities and activities
• Scheduled transportation
• Emergency response systems

One resident said: "We're more active and have more friends. My family feels like it's quadrupled in size. There's so much to do and be part of. Living here is like living in a resort."

Assisted living: Personalized support

Assisted living is for seniors who need help with daily activities but want to stay as independent as possible. Staff create a personalized care plan for each resident after assessing their needs and preferences. Plans are reviewed regularly and adjusted as circumstances change.

• Services include:
• 24/7 nursing staff
• Private apartments with emergency call systems
• Help with bathing, dressing, and grooming
• Medication management
• Three meals daily
• Housekeeping and laundry

Scheduled transportation

Memory care: Specialized support programs

The memory care program serves residents with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and other cognitive impairments in a secure environment designed for their needs. The approach balances supervision with dignity.

• Key features include:
• Secure, purpose-designed living spaces
• Higher staff-to-resident ratios
• Activities designed to engage memory and thinking skills
• Consistent daily routines to reduce anxiety

Staff trained in dementia care

Skilled nursing and rehabilitation at Hoy Health Care Center

Hoy Health Care Center provides 24-hour nursing care for residents recovering from surgery, illness, or injury—or for those needing long-term medical care. The center offers:

• Round-the-clock nursing
• Physician services
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
• Wound care
• Pain management
• Nutritional support
• Post-surgical care

Therapists and healthcare professionals work with each resident on a personalized recovery plan aimed at regaining independence and function.

At-home services and Birdsong Clinic

Independent living residents who need extra support can use At-Home Services while staying in their apartments. These include:

• Personal care assistance
• Medication reminders
• Light housekeeping
• Meal preparation
• Companionship

Birdsong Clinic, located on-site, handles routine health monitoring and urgent care so residents don't have to leave the community for basic medical needs.

Amenities at Westminster-Canterbury

The community offers dining, fitness, cultural activities, and spaces for relaxation and socializing. These are built to support an active life without overwhelming residents with too many choices.

Dining

Multiple dining venues serve different moods and occasions:

• Several restaurants with varying menus
• Private dining rooms for family gatherings or celebrations
• Flexible meal plans
• Special diets accommodated
• Professional chefs

The kitchen balances nutrition with taste and presentation. Mealtime is treated as a social event, not just a necessity.

Wellness and recreation

Physical spaces support the community's wellness philosophy:

• Fitness center with senior-friendly equipment
• Indoor swimming pool for year-round water exercise
• Walking trails through landscaped grounds
• Beachfront access
• Game rooms
• Arts and crafts studios

All spaces are designed with senior accessibility in mind: good lighting, comfortable seating, and safety features.

Education and culture

Lifelong Learning Institute programs include:

• University partnerships
• Guest speakers
• Current events discussions
• Technology classes
• Book clubs
• Art appreciation and history talks

These keep the mind engaged and let residents pursue interests and learn new things throughout retirement.

Daily life and activities

The activity calendar engages residents with different interests and abilities. Events happen regularly so people can build real friendships, not just attend events.

Social programs and community

The calendar includes:

• Holiday celebrations and themed events
• Outings to local attractions
• Social hours and resident mixers
• Family nights and intergenerational activities
• Birthday celebrations
• Performing arts with local talent

Residents often say the sense of community is the best part of living here. Regular events help people find their group.

Fitness and wellness

Physical activities include:

• Water aerobics
• Gentle fitness classes

• Yoga and tai chi
• Beachfront walking groups
• Meditation and relaxation classes
• Balance and mobility work

Activities run throughout the day so residents can join what interests them. The goal is to keep people moving, thinking, and connected.

Arts and culture

For creative residents, options include:

• Art classes and workshops
• Music appreciation
• Choir and musical groups
• Theater performances
• Cultural outings
• Resident art shows

These give people a way to create and express themselves, which matters for quality of life.

Resident experiences

Residents report high satisfaction. One said: "We're more active and have more friends. My family feels like it's quadrupled in size. There's so much to do. Living here is like living in a resort."

Family members value knowing their loved ones are safe and engaged. Because the community offers all levels of care in one place, residents can stay put as their needs change. They don't have to uproot and start over.

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Paying for senior living

Senior living costs vary by care level and contract type. Westminster-Canterbury offers a few models so you can match your financial situation to the right payment plan.

Financial options

Most continuing care retirement communities offer three basic structures:

1. Traditional entrance fee model:
   • One-time entrance fee plus monthly service fees
   • Entrance fee may be partially refundable
   • Monthly fees cover housing, services, amenities, and some healthcare
2. Modified contract:
   • Lower entrance fee, higher monthly fees
   • Includes some healthcare with extra costs for extended care
3. Fee-for-service contract:
   • Lower entrance fee
   • Pay for healthcare as you use it
   • Works well with long-term care insurance

Payment sources

Most residents fund their stay with a mix of:

• Personal savings and investments
• Home sale proceeds
• Long-term care insurance
• Veterans benefits (if eligible)
• Social Security and pension income
• Family contributions

Talk to a financial advisor about what makes sense for your situation. Westminster-Canterbury's financial counselors can also walk you through the options and help you understand the long-term costs of different contracts.

Comparing senior living communities in Virginia Beach

A few things set Westminster-Canterbury apart in the local market.

Market overview

Facility

Key features

Care focus

What stands out

Westminster-Canterbury

Beachfront, full care continuum, on-site clinic

Full CCRC

Ranked #1 in Virginia

Atlantic Shores

Waterfront views, extensive amenities

Independent and assisted living

100-acre campus

First Colonial Inn

Central location, all costs upfront

Independent and assisted living

No entrance fee

The Crossings

Modern facility, strong memory care

Memory care specialty

Newer building

Harbor's Edge

Urban setting, near cultural activities

Luxury apartments

Downtown Norfolk location

What sets Westminster-Canterbury apart

Westminster-Canterbury's main strengths:

1. Beachfront location with bay views
2. Complete care continuum—independent living to skilled nursing on one campus
3. On-site medical clinic and hospital-level care center
4. Ranked #1 in Virginia
5. Multiple restaurants, pool, fitness center, and robust activity schedule

These features appeal to families looking for a place where a loved one won't need to move between facilities as care needs change.

First floor vs. second floor

The choice between floors depends on what matters most to you: access, quiet, or views.

First floor advantages

• Easier access for people with mobility issues
• Direct access to outdoor spaces and gardens
• No elevator waits
• Faster emergency exit
• Closer to dining and common areas

If you walk with a cane or walker, or prefer direct garden access, first floor makes daily life simpler.

Second floor advantages

• More private and quieter
• Better views of the bay
• More secure entry
• Less noise from ground-level activity and maintenance
• Better air flow (in some cases)

If you value privacy and views, and you're comfortable with stairs or elevators, second floor often feels more peaceful.

Which floor is right for you

First floor works better if you have mobility challenges or want easy outdoor access. Second floor suits people who prioritize quiet and views and are still quite mobile.

Tour both options while you're visiting. You'll know which feels right once you walk them.

Making your decision

Westminster-Canterbury is a strong option if you want a beachfront setting, a full spectrum of care, and an active community.

Before deciding, think through:

• Will the care levels meet my needs as they change over time?
• Do the activities and amenities match what I enjoy?
• Does the community culture feel like home?
• Is the cost reasonable for what I'm getting?
• Do I prefer first or second floor?

Visit in person, take the tour, and talk to current residents if you can. That's the best way to know whether this community is right for you.

Contact Westminster-Canterbury's admissions office to schedule a tour or ask questions. Staff can answer questions about availability, pricing, and what to expect.

Frequently asked questions

What levels of care does Westminster-Canterbury offer?
Westminster-Canterbury provides independent living (maintenance-free apartments with utilities, housekeeping, meals, activities, and transportation), assisted living (24/7 nursing, medication management, three meals daily, and help with daily tasks), memory care (secure neighborhood with higher staffing for dementia), skilled nursing and rehabilitation (Hoy Health Care Center with round-the-clock nursing, therapy, and post-surgical care), plus at-home services and an on-site clinic for residents staying in independent living apartments.

What amenities and activities are available?
Dining options include multiple restaurants, private dining rooms, and an on-site brewery. Recreation includes an indoor pool, fitness center, walking paths, beachfront access, arts studios, library, game rooms, and a lifelong learning program. Daily activities feature holiday events, guest speakers, fitness classes, cultural outings, book clubs, music, and social gatherings.

How is senior living priced?
Most contracts include a one-time entrance fee (often partially refundable) plus monthly fees covering housing, utilities, meals or dining dollars, housekeeping, and basic care. Alternative contracts offer lower entrance fees with higher monthly costs, or lower fees with pay-as-you-go healthcare. Residents typically use savings, home sale proceeds, long-term care insurance, veterans' benefits, and pension income.

What are the starting costs for each care level?

• Independent living: About $3,300/month (studio)
• Assisted living: About $5,040/month (studio)
• Memory care: $6,000–$8,000/month (depends on individual needs)
• Skilled nursing: Varies based on medical care level

Base rates include housing, core utilities, dining, housekeeping, activities, and foundational care.

Should I choose first or second floor?

• First floor: Choose this if you prefer easy access, direct garden access, no elevator dependence, and proximity to common areas.
• Second floor: Choose this if you want privacy, quieter surroundings, better security, better views, and less noise.

Your decision should factor in mobility, noise sensitivity, outdoor access, and personal preference. Tour both to see what feels right.