Canterbury Court Celebrates 60 Years of Service

Canterbury Court has kicked off the celebration of its 60th anniversary as Atlanta’s first Life Plan Community for older adults.

A Life Plan Community is a residential option for older adults that combines independent living with a continuum of care — including assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing — all on one campus. The properties allow residents to age in place while enjoying amenities like fitness programs, dining, and social activities.

Throughout the year, a continuing bevy of special activities will be hosted by Canterbury Court, such as themed parties and events, decade-specific fitness classes set to music from the 50s through the 60s, and a 60th birthday party. Most recently, a garden party was held for residents and board members in the newly expanded woodlands and park surrounding the community.

The community is known for its signature nametags that residents and staff wear each day. Staff at Canterbury Court believe the nametags foster familiarity, friendliness, and camaraderie among residents and staff. The many activities — ranging from classical music concerts to glass etching classes — keep residents busy and engaged and help them to meet others. Frequent lectures by experts, Mah Jong, and movies help round out a busy schedule of activities.

A dedicated car, van and bus take residents to area shopping malls, theatres, and to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, a resident favorite. Each year, residents stage a full-scale opera performance on-site, and several groups perform regularly at the community, including Bob’s Broadway Chorus.

“Once people experience our community, feel the warmth, and see all the activities, they are more likely to make their decision to move here,” said Elaine Scheelk, chief strategy officer.

For Jewish residents, there is a weekly Shabbat minyan and service held, as well as a parsha class organized and held by the residents. The prayer books were originally donated by a local congregation, but now the new prayer books include English, Hebrew, and transliteration so all may participate. During Chanukah, the menorah is lit and residents participate in a holiday celebration. This past year, for the first time, a sukkah was erected on-site for residents.

As senior care needs have evolved, Canterbury Court continues to invest in its campus, services, and programs to meet residents’ expectations — including significant expansions such as the Garden Tower, a 10-story building that overlooks the beautiful community gardens and offers some of the largest, most luxurious apartments, as well as the Monarch Pavilion healthcare center, home to healthcare services and higher levels of living at Canterbury Court.

The recent addition of land purchased from a neighboring property has also added to the beauty of the existing 10 acres of gardens, a dog park, and greenhouse. This special woodlands area was created for community enjoyment, and its development illustrates the property’s ongoing commitment to creating eco-friendly spaces. As part of the addition, Canterbury Court reused concrete from the existing property purchased to create a concrete retaining wall.

Founded in 1965 by members of All Saints’ Episcopal Church and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Canterbury Court was created to provide a welcoming and secure home where older adults of all religions could live fulfilling lives while embracing modern innovations and emerging needs in senior living. “We are dedicated to weaving together a tapestry of lives and cultivating lives of purpose and possibility,” said Scheelk, echoing the community’s mission and vision.