Guide to Retirement Living: RiverWoods

What are some of the key benefits to living in your communities?

At RiverWoods, our residents often comment they wish they’d made the move sooner because life really is better in community. In addition to the services and amenities offered at every level, residents benefit from increased social opportunities. Research shows the importance of good relationships time and time again. With locations in Exeter, Manchester and Durham, there are a variety of options to choose from, and the RiverWoods Group is the largest family of CCRCs in northern New England.

What’s the most important thing to know about your communities?

RiverWoods are not-for-profit Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), which means we are an insurance product. You move while you are still independent and able to live safely on your own (age 62 or better). As an independent resident, you enjoy meals, housekeeping services, social and fitness opportunities, complimentary transportation, planned outings and even home maintenance.

All of this means more time to do what you enjoy and get the benefit of meeting new friends. As a resident, if your health needs ever change, you have access to enhanced levels of health care like assisted living, memory support or nursing care. These are provided in the same community for a fraction of the market rate, and you are cared for by people who know you.

Taking the time to learn about CCRCs is an important step before you finalize your plans for a possible retirement move. More and more people are understanding the value of a CCRC, as we are generally living much longer, and have higher long-term care costs than we anticipated. A CCRC is a smart decision now and for the future.

What are some of the additional benefits?

Most people think of downsizing to a condo, or to an over 55 community. While downsizing is good, and enables you to free yourself from home maintenance, I personally think moving to a CCRC is a much smarter move. You have the opportunity to live in a community and enjoy home maintenance, but you get a huge added benefit of having your future long-term care settled. Additionally, with the insurance component of a CCRC, it can be financially beneficial to choose this option, and have a solid plan for the future.

— Cathleen Toomey, Vice President of Marketing, The RiverWoods Group, with locations in Exeter, Manchester and Durham