Riderwood Maryland

I telephoned Riderwood Maryland by Erickson Communities, located in Silver Spring, to see how I could visit and review it. They suggested I make a reservation to attend their marketing luncheon and so I did. They had mentioned the homes just sold out but had a few. The idea was to review Riderwood, and, if I liked it, to get on the Priority Wait List.

Riderwood Maryland, while not strictly an active adult community (they also have assisted living and continuing care), is still on my website for active adults because their main emphasis is on independence and activity. The age you must be to reside there is also a little older than 55 at 62. During our visit, we noticed that there were many active seniors on the younger side (or the early baby boomers.)

When we arrived, it was very well organized. There were at least 100 people and we were divided into groups so to enter the dining room at different times. First, there was an introduction speech and instructions on how to view the model homes and then we were taken to the dining room. While dining, there was a sales presentation.

The elegant entry..

First, I was checked in at the Riderwood Maryland security gate.

During the introductory speech, we were shown where things are located including the informal restaurant-pub for casual eating and where the one meal per day may be taken. The pub at Riderwood is a model for other Erickson communities but is not in all of them.

There are four clubhouses at Riderwood Maryland, one in each complex, and each houses a main restaurant area where we were given a delicious 3-course meal. The table setting was elegant and the crystal sparkling. The food was healthy with dressing served on the side, lean chicken, and a dessert of a very light whipped cream iced layer cake with fresh strawberries.

The sales presentation was in the main dining room. We were allowed to ask questions so it was very open.

During the presentation, we were told to consider if Riderwood was the right place for us and if it was a great value. We were told to fill out the worksheet given to us to determine this. We were told that the deposit was fully refunded and the amount related to the size of the apartment. There are no 100% guarantees on deposits refunded, of course, but we were told they are refunded by the person taking the apartment after us and refunding back to us. There was also a monthly service fee which included everything except telephone or upgraded cable. One meal per day is included.

85% of the residents use the Erickson doctors. The doctors are for Erickson residents only and take only 2 appointments an hour. There is also a pharmacy available. The Fitness Center was integrated with the wellness program and file that goes with you.

There is no outdoor pool at Riderwood Maryland. The indoor pool is located next to the Fitness Center in the Village Square building.

The activities are driven by the residents so that none of the communities are exactly the same. Card playing is a very popular activity here. There is a connection at this community with the Prince Georges Community College. They come to Riderwood to give the residents college classes that they sign up for. There are also many trips to DC and surrounding area attractions, activities, clubs, arts, etc.

1960 apartments are now rented. There are 3000 residents, 1200 staff members of which 500 are high school students helping out. 2800 residents are independent and active and 200 are assisted living or continuing care at Rennaissance Gardens. Please confirm all numbers to be accurate. The waiting list is long so it is advised to get on it asap and it is $1000 to be on the list, fully refundable or applied to your deposit.

The monthly deposit can have yearly increases. This is common in all communities to keep up with inflation and costs. If you are at some time moved to where you will need more care, your monthly fee would also be higher. Therefore, we were told your financial position is taken into consideration before you move in. Please confirm all information.

One of the best features of Erickson communities are the indoor walkways. You never have to go outside when it is cold as these walkways connect to the clubhouse restaurants, banks, convenience market, beauty salon, mailboxes and activities. As I wandered around, I heard many positive comments from residents.

Also important, the residents were very warm and friendly. I felt very "at home" at Riderwood Maryland.

After lunch, we were ready to tour the model homes. We saw a 1 bedroom/1 bath, 2 bedroom/2 baths, 2 bedroom/1 1/2 bath, and 2 bedroom/1 bath. However, there are over 30 different apartment types at Riderwood.

You are allowed to give your apartment home your personal decorating touches.

Riderwood is located at 3140 Gracefield Rd, Silver Spring Maryland 20904 - 301-495-5700. Website: www.ericksoncommunities.com.

For more information on the Wellness Program, call Teresa Reymann at 301-572-8333. To arrange a tour, call Sally Sager at 301-495-5700.

You may also request the Monthly activities calendar, a list of activities and clubs, and a map and list of amenities.