By Kelly A. Shue
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE
Though Bill and Marion Muldoon moved to Riderwood from Smith Mountain Lake, Va., in 2006, they began planning their move three years earlier.
The Muldoons joined Riderwood’s Priority List as a way to secure their future—something more and more people are considering as the population ages.
“We began to think about the future along the lines of ‘How long can we live in and maintain our current property?’” Bill Muldoon says. “We lived on the lake so we had docks, boats, and various other responsibilities in addition to our house. My wife and I had both watched our parents and some friends placed in various facilities, but not on their own free will. We decided that we wanted to make our own decision, in our own time. We also didn’t want to burden our children with that decision.”
Chance discovery
While visiting their daughter in Silver Spring, Md., the Muldoons happened to see an ad promoting Riderwood, a local retirement community. “We decided to check it out,” says Bill Muldoon. “We really liked Riderwood a lot, but we were not ready to move at that time. When we found out about the Priority List, we thought it was a win-win decision. We had nothing to lose.
“Our three years on the Priority List gave us time to make our decision while also giving us time to prepare to move. It was one of the best decisions we made. Also, joining when we did gave us a better opportunity to get the apartment home we wanted when we moved.”
While on the Priority List, the Muldoons went to many members-only functions. “We received lots of advanced notice enabling us to make organized visits to D.C.,” says Bill Muldoon. “We have six kids—three in the area, so we took full advantage of the opportunity.
“We went to a few luncheons where we were able to ask staff members questions. I also really enjoyed attending the open houses where we were able to see lived-in apartments and talk to the residents.”