Residents and Staff Members Collaborate at Riderwood

At Riderwood, an Erickson Senior Living community in Silver Spring, Md., residents have a true say in what happens on campus, thanks to the Resident Advisory Council (RAC).

The RAC works closely with community leaders to not only provide feedback from neighbors but also to collaborate on matters both large and small. From sharing compliments on the General Services team's great work to weighing in on renovation plans, this open communication ensures that services and amenities reflect the needs of those who call Riderwood home.

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Recently, the Tribune sat down with Donna Suchmann, RAC chair, and Executive Director Dee Dee Gray-Weaver to learn more about how this collaboration strengthens the community and supports
residents.

Tribune: What role does the RAC play in shaping community life?

Donna: [The RAC and administration] act as a team with the same goal in mind--to make Riderwood a community where all individuals feel valued and have a sense of belonging. RAC members hear feedback and suggestions. If anything reflects a broader concern, the RAC and administration address it together.

Gray-Weaver: The RAC is such an important resource for us because they always have a pulse on what residents are thinking and experiencing. The council serves as a voice for residents, providing valuable insights that help us make decisions that shape many aspects of community life.

Tribune: How is resident feedback gathered and shared with leadership?

Donna: Sometimes, suggestions are shared through Chatterwood, a resident-run [online communication tool]. Casual conversations in hallways and dining areas are also an excellent source of feedback. The RAC brings these ideas and concerns to the leadership team.

Gray-Weaver: We meet biweekly with the RAC to discuss resident feedback, and sometimes that leads to follow-up meetings for deeper understanding.

Tribune: How do RAC committees contribute to the decision-making process?

Donna: Committees set priorities and bring them to RAC meetings with the administration. Together, we review feasibility and budget and then decide whether a project should move forward.

Gray-Weaver: Committees provide a forum for thoughtful discussion. They help prioritize what will have the greatest impact and guide decisions, so resources are used effectively.

Tribune: Can you share some positive changes that came directly from resident input?

Donna: When one clubhouse was being renovated, plans called for removing the library and replacing it with a media center.

Residents expressed concerns, so the plans were revised to include a new library with the same amount of space. Residents also shared concerns about the plans for an outdoor area with a raised stage, so the design was changed to a flat, multipurpose outdoor space.

Gray-Weaver: When residents voiced their interest in having pickleball courts on campus, it led to discussions and, ultimately, reallocating tennis court space to better meet their needs.

Another example is community composting. Previously, Riderwood sent food scraps out for composting, but the RAC's sustainability committee wanted to create a way for residents to participate directly.

Working together, we created a weekly program that allows residents to drop off food scraps collected from their kitchens at locations across campus.

Tribune: How does this collaboration enhance residents' lives?

Donna: It's important for people to know they are being heard. [RAC members] follow up with residents to explain how their suggestions or concerns are being handled. People want to feel heard and taken seriously, even if the outcome differs from the original request.

Gray-Weaver: Because of our partnership, we can make decisions that directly impact residents' lives in a positive way. The RAC helps us stay connected to a wide range of preferences and needs.

By working with the RAC, we bring all relevant stakeholders to the table, enabling us to listen and seek clarity before making any decisions or changes.

Tribune: Donna, what do you appreciate most about your involvement with the RAC?

Donna: In my opinion, we owe something to the community in which we live. Riderwood is a large community, so the RAC plays an important role. Meaningful change takes time, but when you look at the bigger picture, you can see progress. That brings a strong sense of satisfaction.

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

By Kelly K. Shue