Why Louise Lloyd Loves Living at Riderwood

When Louise Lloyd decided it was time to simplify her life, she began looking for retirement communities that offer maintenance-free homes as well as on-site amenities and activities.

Riderwood, an Erickson Senior Living community in Silver Spring, Md., checked all her boxes, providing the convenience she wanted for her next chapter.

Recently, Louise sat down with the Tribune to share more about why she made the move to Riderwood, why she's loving community life now, and how she knows she made the right decision.

Tribune: What led you to choose Riderwood?

Louise: I was looking for a community that would make everyday life more convenient. I also wanted choice, comfort, and community.

At Riderwood, choice begins with the variety of floor plans. There are also so many restaurants and activities. Residents can choose to be as active as they want. If you want to spend the day at home, you can do that. If you want to stay busy, there are plenty of opportunities throughout the day.

To me, comfort comes from feeling safe. At Riderwood, I can walk around campus freely, even after evening movies. I feel very comfortable here.

Community is all about people. Everywhere I go here, I meet interesting residents with different backgrounds and interests. Riderwood is a welcoming place where everyone can find meaningful opportunities to connect.

Tribune: What prompted you to make the move?

Louise: After visiting several retirement communities with friends, it became clear to me that Riderwood offered everything I wanted. My friends agreed that it was the right choice.

The sales team helped me find exactly what I was looking for--a two-bedroom residence with a southern exposure that fills my home with sunlight. I often sit and look out my huge windows, watching the trees during the day and the moon at night.

Tribune: How has your maintenance-free home impacted your life?

Louise: Living in a maintenance-free home has given me more freedom in my everyday life. When something needs attention, the [General Services] team takes care of it quickly.

Tribune: How did Riderwood help make your move easier?

Louise: The whole moving process exceeded my expectations! My sales counselor, Leire Moulier, was patient with a capital "P." She never rushed me while I looked at different floor plans.

She suggested I use [one of Riderwood's] preferred movers, and they handled my move beautifully. When I arrived, my bed was already made, everything had been put away, and every cabinet was labeled. The next morning, I had an early appointment, and I didn't have to search for the coffee pot or anything else. The move wasn't stressful at all.

Tribune: What are some ways you've gotten involved on campus?

Louise: I've joined the photography club and the African American History Club, and I spend time at the fitness center. Music is a big part of my life, and Riderwood offers so many opportunities to enjoy it. I believe everyone can find a club or activity that matches their interests.

Tribune: Has it been easy to meet people and make new friends?

Louise: Yes! I was pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome I received. People stopped by to welcome me the day I moved in, and within my first week, I had invitations to dinner from neighbors.

When my next-door neighbor and I started talking, we quickly discovered we had so many things in common.

Tribune: Have Riderwood's health care services provided peace of mind?

Louise: I continue to see my longtime doctors because I lived nearby before moving to Riderwood. But I do visit Riderwood's physical therapy department, and I couldn't be happier with the care I received. I believe they are the best physical therapy practice in town!

I do appreciate knowing that help is always close by. If there's an emergency, you simply pull the emergency cord [in your residence], and the security team responds immediately. I haven't had to use those services, but it's reassuring to know that they are available whenever I need them.

Tribune: Now that you're settled in, how do you feel about your decision to move?

Louise: I am very happy here! Looking back on my first year, I know I made the right decision.

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

By Kelly K. Shue