Residents Peter and Nancy Sturm Independent Living Story
The Sturm’s Move to The Chesapeake in 2015
Peter and Nancy Sturm moved into their Gloucester cottage, a senior home, at The Chesapeake in November 2015. This retired couple had always planned to move to a Continuing Care Retirement Community. They downsized from a large home with four acres of land to an apartment in Williamsburg, Virginia, to move forward with their plans for the transition. The couple visited communities in Williamsburg, Richmond, Charlottesville, Virginia Beach, and even North Carolina before they decided where to spend their retirement.
The Chesapeake in Newport News, VA. stood out to them for multiple reasons. The residents were one of the main factors in their final decision. “We looked at 10 different places. It immediately hit us how nice the people were,” Peter said. The couple wasn’t intimidated moving to a community where they didn’t know anyone; they were excited to make new friends. But, it wasn’t just the residents that made the couple choose The Chesapeake as their home. “All of the staff that we met had such great interaction with the residents,” Nancy said.
Having visited a variety of communities, the couple noticed how The Chesapeake stood out from others.
“We were very impressed with the hospitality committee. The first week we moved in several people stopped by and introduced themselves. It really made us feel welcome. It was very personalized. The new resident orientation was excellent and definitely helpful. We were just so impressed with the people,” said Nancy.
In their first few months in the community, the couple has taken full advantage of the activities offered, participating in wellness program that includes brain fitness class, attending evening concerts, and helping out in the community garden. They are also quite fond of the dining room and café meals. “The food is excellent, which means the wife doesn’t have to cook!” said Nancy.
The couple offered advice to those thinking about making the move to a CCRC. “Do it before you have to. We are glad we are in while we can enjoy our retirement and all the Chesapeake has to offer. It has taken the burden of our future off anyone else,” said Peter.