Make Your Dream Retirement a Reality at Riderwood

When Mike and Janice Marcus started exploring their senior living options, they were looking for a community that would offer a future filled with convenience, security, and opportunities to stay engaged.

Riderwood, an Erickson Senior Living community in Silver Spring, Md., has exceeded their expectations.

"Moving to Riderwood is better than we imagined," says Janice. "We really feel at home, enjoying friendships and activities that make each day new and exciting."

The right fit

The couple's journey to Riderwood began with an invitation from a friend to an informational luncheon at the community. After that first visit, they found themselves wanting to return to campus to learn more.

"We kept coming back to events to learn everything we could," says Janice. "We also visited a few other places for comparison, but we found that they did not offer the same benefits as Riderwood."

Riderwood's diverse, welcoming community was a real draw. "The diversity of the people and the strong Jewish community at Riderwood really stood out to us," says Janice.

The couple was also drawn to Riderwood's lush, secure campus. "The campus is beautiful, almost like a nature preserve," says Mike. "There's so much room, and it's very well maintained. We also appreciated the gated front entrance. We feel very safe."

Not to mention the array of on-site amenities and dozens of clubs that offer numerous ways to pursue hobbies and make new friends.

Building friendships

Eager to embrace the community's vibrant lifestyle, the Marcuses moved in as soon as their desired residence became available and settled in quickly.

"The day we unpacked, we felt very comfortable," recalls Janice. "Everything fit and looked nice. That's the day Riderwood truly became our home. And it's also the first time I thought, 'This is better than I imagined.'"

The couple immediately began meeting their new neighbors and participating in activities they were interested in.

"The first thing I did was attend a book club and discovered all these lovely, intelligent, welcoming women," says Janice. "In the days that followed, people came over, introduced themselves, and made an effort to get to know us. Everyone here is so warm and welcoming."

Riderwood's nine on-site dining options provide the Marcuses with an additional way to meet people and socialize. They appreciate both the quality and variety of the menu options, all made-to-order, as well as the flexibility to accommodate dietary needs when family visits.

"The food quality is very good," Janice says. "I really enjoy sitting down with friends every night."

"And our daughter, who is gluten-free, has no problem finding something she enjoys when she visits us for dinner," says Mike.

A wealth of activities

Mike and Janice enjoy having the freedom to choose how they spend their time.

Together, they registered for a tai chi class offered at Riderwood through Prince George's Community College. They also attend Jewish services, lectures, films, musical performances, and wine tastings, often deciding what to add to their schedule by checking Riderwood's activities calendar.

"There are so many things to choose from, and you don't have to make a long-term commitment. You can try something and see if it fits," says Mike, who recently signed them up for their first off-campus excursion--a jazz performance at The Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C.

"We get on the bus right here, go to the show, and they bring us back," he says. "It makes it very easy."

He continues, "Our life feels immeasurably richer. We've met people from all over the country and enjoy educational opportunities and entertainment that enrich our lives greatly."

No maintenance

Perhaps the biggest benefit of all is how empowered Mike and Janice feel.

"Recently, our shower door came off the track, and the best part was that I didn't have to worry about fixing it or finding someone else to do the work," says Mike.

"Less than an hour after making a repair request, someone was at our door."

"People unfamiliar with Riderwood may mistakenly believe that moving to a senior living community means losing your independence, when in reality, the opposite is true," says Sales Director Josh Runkles.

"By moving to Riderwood, you gain independence, giving you more time to truly enjoy life."

"We are very, very happy here," says Mike.

To learn more about senior living at this vibrant community, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.