Residents Provide a Unique Perspective on the Riderwood's Vibrant Lifestyle

At Riderwood, an Erickson Senior Living community in Silver Spring, Md., word of mouth plays a powerful role in helping prospective residents learn more. When current residents share their firsthand experiences with friends and former neighbors, they're offering an informative glimpse of life at the community.

Marian and Lincoln "Linc" Hallen spoke with several residents before moving to Riderwood.

"Referrals are so important," says Marian. "When you hear from people who live here, you get a real sense of what it's like day to day. Residents offer a unique perspective."

Sales Director Josh Runkles agrees, saying, "We encourage prospective residents to talk with current residents. Their real-life experiences offer valuable insights into life on campus!"

The Hallens' story has come full circle, as they now enjoy sharing their own positive experiences with members of their synagogue, former neighbors, and prospective residents.

Guided by resident wisdom

When Marian and Linc were researching their senior living options, they were looking for a community that would "provide next steps, if we needed them," says Marian.

As a continuing care retirement community, Riderwood offers services such as assisted living, memory care, and rehabilitation to support residents' changing needs.

"We were also attracted to Riderwood's large Jewish community. Our Jewish faith is important to us," says Marian, who appreciated how diverse and welcoming the community is.

But their deciding factor was hearing incredible feedback from many Riderwood residents.

"They told us what life was like here, what they enjoyed most, and how they adjusted," Marian recalls. "Those conversations gave us confidence [to move]."

After settling into their new home, Marian and Linc were ready to explore the community's wide range of activities and meet new people.

"The people are the best part of living here," notes Marian. "Everyone is so friendly!"

Linc begins each day with exercise, regularly attending yoga and swimming classes at the on-site fitness and aquatics center. He also contributes time to the resident recycling and compost committee.

Marian volunteers at the Village Square library, where fellow bookworms affectionately refer to her as "Marian the Librarian," and serves as a greeter for new residents in their building.

Together, they're active members of Riderwood's Jewish community and enjoy dining with new friends at the nine on-site restaurants. "Almost every night, we go to dinner with neighbors. Dining together is such a wonderful benefit of living here," says Marian.

Sharing their story

Because resident referrals played such a meaningful role in their journey to Riderwood, Marian and Linc felt inspired to pay it forward. Now, they serve as ambassadors, greeting prospective residents when they visit and answering their questions.

"We are able to provide insight into what day-to-day life is like," says Marian. "People want to know what it's like to dine in the restaurants or learn more about the various activities."

She adds, "Visiting Riderwood and spending time with residents is so important. Seeing real life here makes all the difference."

The couple has also shared their experiences with longtime friends, who are intrigued by their active, engaging lifestyle. "So many people are eager to know how we like living at Riderwood," says Marian. "They are all in the same age group and considering the same step."

In fact, when members of their synagogue began looking for a retirement community, Marian and Linc encouraged them to visit Riderwood. "We invited them to come to Riderwood. They made their decision pretty quickly after that," says Marian, with a smile.

The couple also referred their longtime neighbors, who moved to Riderwood in November. "They lived around the corner from us for decades," notes Marian.

"We stayed close after our move, and when they came to visit the community, they knew right away it was the right place."

The Hallens knew they found the right community for them, but hearing great reviews from family is gratifying.

Happy family

"Our two boys are happy about our move," says Marian. "They've visited and really like the environment. One son compared our lifestyle to that of a college campus, and the other to a country club! They are very happy because we are very happy."

For Marian and Linc, referring friends and former neighbors to Riderwood is a natural extension of the happiness and peace of mind they experience every day.

"Referrals matter because they come from experience," says Marian. "When you love where you live, it's natural to want to share that with others. Each day, we wake up and know we made the right decision."

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.

By Kelly Shue