Riderwood Offers Impressive Amenities, Predictable Finances, and Lasting Value

When David and Diane Bechtol moved from Frederick, Md., to Riderwood, an Erickson Senior Living community in Silver Spring, Md., they did so with their future in mind.

"We knew that we wanted to move to a senior living community," says Diane. "David's parents lived at Oak Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Parkville, Md., for over twenty years. That experience helped us appreciate the community's many lifestyle and financial benefits."

With maintenance-free residences, predictable monthly expenses, and convenient access to an array of amenities, Erickson Senior Living residents spend less time stressing over unexpected repairs and finances and more time pursuing their hobbies and interests. Now, as residents at Riderwood, David and Diane are making the most of their newfound free time and enjoying retirement!

Finding the right fit

Conducting their due diligence, the Bechtols researched several retirement communities--with financial stability being their top priority.

"As we compared communities, Oak Crest was our gold standard," explains David. "When we visited Riderwood, it was clear the community offered the same high-quality amenities and a solid financial structure. With my brother living in Silver Spring, the location also made perfect sense."

Riderwood's pricing structure is made up of two components--a monthly service package and a 90% refundable entrance fee.* The monthly service package bundles the costs of utilities, home maintenance and repairs, a meal plan at on-site restaurants, regularly scheduled transportation, and more into one predictable bill.

"There is peace of mind in just picking up the phone and asking someone [on the General Services team] to fix a window lock or replace a light bulb," says Diane. "You don't have to go to the hardware store or find a contractor. It's all taken care of, and that makes a big difference."

Peace of mind

The couple's financial stability and peace of mind is further strengthened by Riderwood's industry-leading, 90% refundable entrance fee--the heart of the community's pricing structure. The entrance fee, collected as part of the residency process, will go back to you or your beneficiaries if or when you leave the community.

"We appreciate that 90% will go back to the kids when we move on," says David. "It made financial planning much clearer. We could see the path forward."

David and Diane were also impressed by the community's Home for Life promise.*

No one ever expects to run out of money, but sometimes unforeseen issues arise that can quickly deplete your hard-earned savings and put you at risk. At Riderwood, we've planned for life's uncertainties and are prepared to assist eligible residents who outlive their resources. No one will be asked to leave the community because of a genuine inability to pay.

"The Home for Life promise is very reassuring and added another financial benefit to our move," says David.

A vibrant lifestyle

Without the stress and hassle of home maintenance, residents have more time to pursue their hobbies and interests--especially since access to the community's amenities is also included in the monthly service package.

Riderwood boasts an expansive wellness and fitness center, creative arts studio, hair salons, woodshop, pickleball and shuffleboard courts, and more.

Dave likes to visit the fitness center and woodshop, while Diane participates in a weekly Bible study and spends time in the various libraries on campus. Together, they attend movies, evening events, a wine tasting class, and science and technology lectures.

"How often do you get to hear a lecture from a Nobel Prize laureate?" says Dave. "Things like that are fabulous."

He adds, "We've come to realize that, even though we have a car and can go out, everything we need is right here. There's also a shuttle to places like the mall or grocery store. Knowing that all of these services--plus a bank and medical care--are on campus gives us peace of mind."

Executive Director Dee Dee Gray-Weaver notes that Riderwood's financial strength--backed by Erickson Senior Living--creates opportunities to reinvest in community amenities and services, ensuring residents enjoy the best value, now and in the future.

"We always look for ways to refresh the clubhouses and residence buildings," says Gray-Weaver.

The right move

For David and Diane, moving to Riderwood was more than just a positive lifestyle change. It was a smart financial decision that provides stability, security, and the freedom to enjoy their retirement with confidence.

To learn more about the ways you can explore senior living, 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.

By Kelly Shue