Moving to Riderwood Provides Financial Security and Peace of Mind

Charlotte, N.C., residents Dr. Kevin and Rhonda James wanted to move back to the Washington, D.C., area to be closer to their two daughters and grandchildren. 

When they began exploring their senior living options, they found the search for their new home to be easier than expected.

"We looked near where our kids live in Silver Spring, Md., and came up with a list of three communities that seemed to fit the bill," says Rhonda. "We visited Riderwood first, and never went to the other two. That's how impressed we were."

Riderwood, the Erickson Senior Living community in Silver Spring, Md., boasts maintenance-free apartment homes with access to industry-leading amenities--all bundled into a pricing structure that makes budgeting a breeze and provides peace of mind. 

Predictable costs

Impressed with the wide array of amenities, activities, and resources on campus, the couple also appreciated the financial benefits of living in an Erickson Senior Living community.

Riderwood's pricing structure is made up of two attractive components: an industry-leading, 90% refundable entrance fee* and a monthly service package. 

"We liked the fact that the 90% refundable entrance fee provides financial security," says Kevin. "It removes future risk while ensuring we get our money back."

The comprehensive monthly service package covers the costs of all utilities, including cable and Wifi; a meal plan at seven on-site restaurants; maintenance, including repair and replacement of appliances; regularly scheduled transportation; and more. 

"We especially enjoy the predictability," says Kevin. "We moved from a large house with significant outlays in terms of maintenance. We were spending over $1,000 a month on landscaping and utilities. We even had a water pipe burst in our yard, costing us an unexpected $700. Now, those financial burdens are gone and our monthly bills are streamlined." 

"The peace of mind that comes with a single and stable monthly cost is a real game changer for residents," says Executive Director Dee Dee Gray-Weaver. 

A January 2024 article in U.S. News and World Report cited not only the major financial benefits of moving to a continuing care retirement community but the intangible advantages of experiencing a sense of community and having an array of convenient amenities. 

Just outside Kevin and Rhonda's front door is a state-of-the-art fitness center with a pool and hot tub, seven restaurants, a performing arts theater, a large chapel accommodating various faith communities, and more than 200 clubs and activities. 

"Riderwood offers everything you can imagine," says Rhonda. "I enjoy going to the wellness center for exercise classes, and our grandchildren enjoy coming and using the indoor pool. There are lots of educational opportunities, too--everything from philosophy discussions to voting rights groups. The socialization is wonderful." 

Rhonda also points to the convenience of the on-campus medical center and CVS Pharmacy.® "The doctors are great!" she says. 

"Our dedication to continuously investing in our buildings ensures that our community remains vibrant and up to date," explains Gray-Weaver. "We've successfully updated three of our four clubhouses, with the fourth scheduled for renovation later this year. This forward-thinking approach not only enhances the quality of life of our residents but also preserves the value of their investment in Riderwood."

'Brand-new outlook'

Since their move, the couple  has continued to discover additional benefits.

"Before moving to Riderwood, I took Rhonda everywhere she wanted to go because she uses a wheelchair," Kevin says. "But now, she has a brand-new outlook on life!" 

Thanks to the community's elevators and climate-controlled walkways, Rhonda is able to get to any activity in any building. 

"She can easily do anything she wants--getting her hair done, going to knitting club, enjoying lunch with friends. This also provides me a great deal of freedom to do the things I enjoy," he explains. "I no longer worry that Rhonda may need something when I'm out playing golf or spending time with friends."

Peace of mind for all

The couple's two daughters, Kellee and Robyn, are also pleased with their move. "They each came to us independently to say, 'Thank you for doing this for us,'" says Kevin. "They said that they love us and will always take care of us, but our move to Riderwood means that they no longer need to worry about what will happen to us in the future."

Rhonda adds, "This is such a wonderful place for this time in our lives."

To learn how you can make the most of your retirement, request more information today. 

*Carefully read the Residence and Care Agreement for the conditions that must be satisfied before the Provider is required to pay the Entrance Fee Refund.