Bob and Gloria Antonio

Navy couple made the move to Patriots Colony at just the right time

Bob and Gloria Antonio compare living in Patriots Colony At Williamsburg to one long cruise.

Meals are included.

No housekeeping is involved.

An emphasis on wellness and quality of life keeps residents fulfilled and moving.

Seven years ago, the Naval Academy graduate and his wife moved from Annapolis, Maryland, to the Riverside Health System continuing care retirement community designed for those who share the common bond of service to country.

“We were at that age that we felt by doing this we would take a burden off of the kids to make a decision for us that we could make on our own,” Bob said. “We made the decision at the right time. I had a really nice house, but I knew I wasn’t going to always be able to take care of it.”

At Patriots Colony, Bob no longer has to climb on a ladder for repairs or rake leaves or deal with the snow that is more frequent in Annapolis than Williamsburg. Every residence includes interior and exterior maintenance and a full array of services and amenities.

Four of his classmates lived at Patriots Colony when the Antonios made the move. They have a daughter nearby in Chesapeake and a son who was previously stationed at Naval Station Norfolk, so they knew the area well.

“We looked at other places,” Gloria said. “I really felt the warmth of the staff here.”

“I really feel like the staff appreciates the residents, too,” Bob said. “Last year we had three of the staff who became citizens. We threw them parties, and they really appreciated that.”

Both stay active. Bob is a Life Master at bridge and always in the mood for cards. Gloria volunteered at the memory unit on campus and initially served on the Residents Council.

“That really cemented my feeling about this place,” she said. “It’s home.”

Gloria frequently signs up for regular bus jaunts into Williamsburg for shopping excursions. She was particularly appreciative when arrangements were made for the bus to take her to and from church.

“There will come a time when I can’t drive and I really like that amenity,” she said.

Patriots Colony residents also benefit from health services from Riverside Health System, the area’s leader in innovative, research-based care and support for aging adults. Bob is pleased that the nurses know him by name, and he and the medical director both share a connection in their Italian roots.

All Patriots Colony independent living residents have guaranteed priority access to The Berkeley Assisted Living, Springhouse Memory Care and the skilled nursing care if a need should arise.

“I would move here all over again,” Bob said. “Make the decision when it’s your decision. Do it when you can do it, not when you have to.”