Riderwood is a continuing care retirement community in Silver Spring, Maryland

Riderwood is a large continuing care retirement community (CCRC) located in Silver Spring, Maryland. It offers independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care on one campus, which means residents can stay in the same community as their care needs change. The community is operated by Erickson Living, a national senior living company.

Riderwood serves people who want to move to a planned community with built-in access to higher levels of care if needed later. Unlike a traditional apartment or house, a CCRC requires an entrance fee and monthly fees, and residents sign a long-term agreement. Understanding how Riderwood works — what it costs, what's included, and how the care model functions — helps you decide whether it fits your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Riderwood is a continuing care retirement community, meaning independent living, assisted living, and nursing care are all on the same campus.
  • Entrance fees and monthly costs vary by apartment size and care level; you will need to contact Riderwood directly for current pricing.
  • Riderwood residents can move between care levels within the community as their health changes, without having to relocate.
  • The community includes dining, activities, fitness, and healthcare services as part of the CCRC model.
  • Riderwood is operated by Erickson Living, a for-profit senior living company with communities across the United States.

How the continuing care model works at Riderwood

A continuing care retirement community is built on the idea that residents can age in place. When you move to Riderwood's independent living section, you are joining a community where assisted living and skilled nursing are already on-site. If your health changes and you need help with daily tasks or medical care, you can transfer to the appropriate level without leaving the community or starting over with new staff and neighbors.

This model appeals to people who want security — knowing that if their needs increase, they won't have to search for a new home or move far from friends. It also appeals to adult children who want their parent in one place where the organization already knows their medical history and preferences.

The trade-off is cost. You pay an entrance fee upfront (sometimes called an "entrance fee" or "community fee"), which is typically non-refundable or partially refundable depending on the contract you sign. You also pay monthly fees for housing, meals, activities, and access to healthcare. If you move to assisted living or nursing care, your monthly fee usually increases.

Entrance fees and monthly costs

Riderwood's entrance fees and monthly costs depend on the size and type of apartment you choose, your age, and the contract terms. Because these prices change and vary widely, you will need to contact Riderwood directly to learn current figures. The community's sales team can walk you through the different floor plans and pricing tiers.

When you speak with Riderwood, ask about the contract type. Some CCRCs offer a "life care" contract, where your monthly fee stays the same even if you move to assisted living or nursing care. Others use a "fee-for-service" model, where your monthly fee increases as your care level increases. The contract type significantly affects your long-term costs.

You should also ask whether the entrance fee is refundable, partially refundable, or non-refundable. Some communities refund a percentage of the entrance fee if you leave within a certain time period. Others do not. This matters if your circumstances change and you need to move.

What's included in Riderwood's independent living

Riderwood's independent living apartments typically include utilities, maintenance, trash removal, and access to common areas. Residents usually have access to dining options (often including a main dining room and café), fitness facilities, a library, activity programs, and social events. Many CCRCs also include basic healthcare services, such as wellness clinics or nurse consultations, as part of the monthly fee.

Housekeeping and meal plans vary by community and contract. Some residents pay extra for housekeeping; others have it included. Some meal plans are unlimited; others include a set number of meals per month. Ask Riderwood what is covered in the base monthly fee and what costs extra.

Independent living at a CCRC is not the same as assisted living. You are expected to live on your own, manage your own medications, and handle your own personal care. If you need help with bathing, dressing, or medication management, you would move to assisted living.

Assisted living and nursing care on campus

If you move to Riderwood's assisted living section, staff help with activities of daily living — bathing, dressing, grooming, and medication management. Assisted living is for people who can no longer safely live alone but do not need 24-hour medical care. Monthly fees for assisted living are higher than independent living.

Riderwood's skilled nursing facility provides 24-hour medical care for people with serious illnesses, injuries, or advanced dementia. Nursing care is the highest level of care on campus. Monthly costs are higher still, and care is more intensive.

The advantage of having all three levels on one campus is continuity. Your doctor, your friends, and the staff already know you. You don't have to move to a different building across town or adjust to a new organization's routines.

How to learn more about Riderwood

Riderwood's main campus is located at 3050 Clarendon Boulevard, Silver Spring, Maryland. You can visit the community's website or call their sales office to request information, schedule a tour, or speak with a counselor about your specific situation.

Before you visit, write down your questions: What are the current entrance fees and monthly costs for the apartment size you want? What is included in the monthly fee? What contract types are available? What happens if you need to leave? How long is the waiting list? What is the process for moving from independent living to assisted living?

If you are considering Riderwood for a parent or family member, bring them along on the tour if possible. Seeing the community, meeting residents, and getting a feel for the social environment matters as much as the logistics.

Questions to ask before you commit

A CCRC is a significant financial and lifestyle commitment. Before you sign a contract, make sure you understand the terms. Ask Riderwood for a copy of the resident agreement and have an attorney or financial advisor review it if you can. Pay special attention to the refund policy, what happens if you need to move to a higher level of care, and what occurs if the community closes or you pass away.

Ask about the community's financial stability. How long has Erickson Living been operating? Does Riderwood publish financial statements? What is the occupancy rate? A well-established, financially stable community is more likely to maintain quality care and services over time.

Talk to current residents if you can. Ask them what they like about living there, what surprised them, and whether they would recommend it to others. Their honest feedback is often more useful than marketing materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay an entrance fee to move to Riderwood?

Yes. Riderwood is a continuing care retirement community, and entrance fees are standard in this model. The fee is typically non-refundable or partially refundable depending on your contract. You will need to contact Riderwood directly for current entrance fee amounts, as they vary by apartment type and floor plan.

Can I move from independent living to assisted living without leaving Riderwood?

Yes. That is one of the main advantages of a continuing care community. If your health changes and you need help with daily activities, you can transfer to Riderwood's assisted living section. Staff and medical records stay within the same organization, and you remain part of the same community.

What if I change my mind and want to leave Riderwood?

Your ability to leave and recover your entrance fee depends on your contract. Some contracts allow a full or partial refund if you leave within a certain time period; others do not. You must review your resident agreement carefully and ask Riderwood about the refund policy before you sign.

Is Riderwood part of a larger company?

Yes. Riderwood is operated by Erickson Living, a national senior living company that manages multiple continuing care communities across the United States. Erickson Living is a for-profit organization with decades of experience in senior housing.

How do I schedule a tour of Riderwood?

Contact Riderwood's sales office by phone or through their website to request a tour. You can also visit the campus in person at 3050 Clarendon Boulevard, Silver Spring, Maryland. Tours are usually available by appointment, and the sales team can answer questions about current availability, pricing, and the community's services.