RiverWoods Manchester FAQs

Life at RiverWoods Manchester

  • What is the square footage of the cottages?

    The cottages are 1,348 and 1,656 square feet. The floor plan names are White Oak, Sugar Maple, Willow, and Maple.

     

     

  • If I need Assisted Living, can I come back to my home?

    We anticipate residents may have intermittent, short-term needs for health care. That’s why our residents have the advantage of 30 free days in the health center each year to ensure they can get episodic care on a temporary basis without a full-time transition to the health center.

  • What is the refund policy for the entry fee at RiverWoods Manchester?

    With our 70% refundable contract, if a resident terminates the Agreement or leaves the community, the resident or estate will be entitled to a refund of 70% of the entry fee paid. Our innovative “flex” contract means you can save the refund as asset preservation, or use the refund to offset the increase in monthly service fees for the health care center. The second-person fee is nonrefundable.

  • I don’t know anyone at RiverWoods Manchester. How will I make new friends?

    New residents often remark on the friendliness and warmth of the RiverWoods Manchester community. It starts with friendly, welcoming neighbors in the hallways and common areas when you move in. You might chat with someone in the Nook over breakfast or dine with them in the evening. If you join a fitness class or visit the Game Room, Library or Woodworking Shop, you’ll meet others who share your interests. Stop by the Milltowne Tavern on Tuesdays or Fridays or better yet, be the bartender. One step leads to another, and before you know it, you’ve lots of new friends and acquaintances in your life!

  • What is your guest policy?

    RiverWoods welcomes your guests to visit as often as you like. All visitors are required to sign in and out at the reception desk for your security. As an added convenience, for a small nightly fee, any resident can reserve one of our fully-furnished Guest Rooms for visiting family and friends.

  • I don’t want to give up any freedom or independence. How will I know when I am ready?

    Our goal is to provide a vibrant, maintenance-free lifestyle for retirement-aged individuals.

    Most residents agree after moving to RiverWoods that their independence has increased, rather than decreased. Without the worries of everyday chores like home-maintenance and cooking dinner every night, our residents have more freedom and time to enjoy their best life.

  • How far is RiverWoods Manchester from Boston and the Seacoast, and other sights of northern New England?

    There’s a reason that Manchester is known as the Center of New Hampshire – it’s central to just about everything! RiverWoods Manchester is conveniently located less than one hour from Boston and the beautiful New Hampshire Lakes Region and only 40 miles from Hampton Beach and Portsmouth.

    Your friends and family will never have a problem coming to visit — with Manchester-Boston Regional Airport just 15 minutes away.

    If critical health care is ever required, rest assured that two top-rated hospitals, Catholic Medical Center and Elliot Hospital and Health System, are both just minutes away.

    Here are a few of the driving distances to some of New England’s favorite destinations:

    • Boston, MA < One Hour
    • New Hampshire Seacoast < One Hour
    • New Hampshire Lakes Region < One Hour
    • Portland, ME ~ 90 minutes
    • White Mountains ~ 90 minutes
    • Stowe, VT ~ 2 ½ Hours
  • Can I smoke?

    RiverWoods is a non-smoking campus. Smoking is not permitted in the buildings or anywhere on our campus.

  • Will you be able to accommodate my dietary requirements?

    No matter what you order, you know it will be fresh, delicious, and cooked to your liking. Our dining services team will help you meet your specific nutritional goals. From vegan or vegetarian to gluten-free or low sodium, our team provides each meal with flair, freshness and superior flavor.

  • What dining options are available?

    We are committed to providing residents with outstanding cuisine and exceptional service in a pleasant and social environment. Our trained chefs create varied, locally sourced seasonal menus. With our points-based dining program, you can enjoy lunch or dinner in our dining room depending on what suits your schedule.

  • What type of services does RiverWoods Manchester provide?

    These are a few of the many services that are offered to our residents:

    • Continental Breakfast We offer a light complimentary Continental Breakfast for our residents in The Nook, a cozy seating area where residents can sit and enjoy their coffee over a newspaper or visit with friends.
    • Flexible Dining In addition to our Continental Breakfast, our residents enjoy a points-based dining program to enjoy lunch or dinner in the dining room.
    • Award-Winning Health Care Every resident enjoys up to 30 days of respite care per year in the health center. When and if it’s needed, you can get a little extra care right down the hall from your home, without ever leaving your friends and community.
    • Complimentary Transportation We provide scheduled complimentary local transportation for our residents to appointments, religious services, weekly trips to grocery stores, and other stops, upon request.
    • Home Maintenance Services Every aspect of your home is taken care of, both inside and out — from landscaping and exterior maintenance to bi-weekly housekeeping services.
    • Snow Removal You’ll never have to lift a snow shovel, ever again. Our team quickly clears snow from all sidewalks, parking lots and driveways, as well as removing snow, plowing and reparking all cars, so when you’re ready to get out on the road, your car will be also.
    • Safety and Security You’re not alone at RiverWoods Manchester. With our 24-hour emergency response and full-time security, you will always have help at any hour, when you need it.
    • Enhanced Home Care Choose from a variety of homemaker services at an additional fee, and our staff will provide extra help to meet your needs and make life easier.
    • Fewer Monthly Bills When you select a home at RiverWoods Manchester, you won’t have to worry about keeping up with all those monthly utility bills. All utilities are included in your monthly fee, including WiFi and basic cable.
    • Religious Services Our residents who wish to do so may enjoy weekly, on-site non-denominational services and faith groups held at RiverWoods Manchester, as well as complimentary transportation to weekend religious services.
  • Have the homes and campus ever been upgraded/renovated?

    RiverWoods Manchester has undergone a complete transformation! Over $50 million in renovations have taken place around the campus, from newly-updated hallways and common areas to the expansion of our campus to include the addition of bright and spacious multi-purpose and fitness rooms. In 2022 the exterior was renovated with a new roof, siding and balconies.

    Newly-Renovated Apartment Homes

    Our apartment homes have undergone a makeover as well! In addition to creating new, open living spaces and integrated dining areas, all our homes now include:

    • New Kitchen Appliances
    • Stone Countertops
    • New Cabinets
    • Updated Flooring
    • Updated Bathrooms
    • Fresh Paint
    • Updated Lighting
    • In-Home Washer/Dryer

    Recent upgrades and additions to the RiverWoods Manchester campus include:

    • Renovated Dining Venues
    • Fitness Center
    • Multi-Purpose Room
    • Updated Common Areas
    • Newly Designed and Updated Hallways
    • Exterior including roof, siding and balconies
    • Garden beds and landscape redesign
    • Salon & Spa
    • Tavern
  • Am I buying an apartment or a condo?

    A CCRC is an insurance product, not a real estate transaction, and there is no ownership involved. What you are primarily purchasing is the promise of future health care if and when you need it. At RiverWoods Manchester, you have the security of knowing you’ve planned for your future health care needs.

  • Are all CCRCs the same?

    Every CCRC is different – including within the RiverWoods system itself! There are three major types of CCRC contracts: Type A (all inclusive) Type B (Moderate) and Type C (rental). RiverWoods Manchester is a Type B Flex Contract. We encourage you to speak with a senior living sales counselor to learn more about the benefits of this type of contract.

  • What is a CCRC and what are the benefits?

    A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is an insurance product that provides housing and health care for its residents through a full continuum of care, all on the same campus.

    There are 1900 CCRCs across the country, and the concept has been around for 100 years.

    Residents enter when they are independent and 62 years or older.

    One of the greatest benefits of a CCRC is easy access to health care. As health needs change and higher levels of care are required, a CCRC offers Assisted Living, Memory Support, and Nursing Care right on the same campus.

  • Does RiverWoods Manchester allow pets?

    At RiverWoods Manchester, we encourage our residents to bring their furry friends. Dogs (and their owners) love to explore our wooded walking trails. More time for you means more time for family, friends, and your pets. We welcome two pets per home, dogs, cats, and even some reptiles are welcomed.

Financial Questions

  • Is the second person entrance fee refundable?

    No, the second person entrance fee is not refundable with any contract type at any RiverWoods community.

  • Are your financials available for viewing?

    The RiverWoods Group has earned an excellent reputation as a smart and strong family of not-for-profit communities. The organization continues to grow thoughtfully and maintain strong occupancy while consistently outperforming industry benchmarks. In 2016, RiverWoods Manchester became an affiliate. In 2019, the doors were opened to the first residents of RiverWoods Durham.

    RiverWoods Exeter has earned an excellent reputation for financial strength. We are in the Top 2% of CCRCs in the nation with a Fitch A- rating.

    The last five years of our audited financials and annual reports may be viewed and downloaded here.

  • What does my monthly service fee include?
    • Complete Home Maintenance Every aspect is taken care of, inside and out — from landscaping and exterior maintenance to bi-weekly housekeeping, weekly flat linen laundry, and annual heavy cleaning.
    • Speedy Snow Removal When winter rolls in, be confident that snow will be removed from parking lots, walkways, and cars in a timely manner.
    • Delicious Dining Dine when you wish, where you wish, with our flexible meal plan points. We provide a seasonal menu of fresh and varied chef-prepared choices in our dining rooms and bistros.
    • Fitness Program No matter what your current level of fitness, our Fitness Manager and staff make it easy to stay fit. Each campus has an indoor pool, sauna, and fully-equipped fitness room. Or, choose from over 65 free fitness classes each week.
    • Complimentary Transportation Don’t worry about missing an appointment on a snowy day or driving in bad weather — we offer scheduled complimentary local transportation as well as daily transportation between campuses.
    • Complete Continuum of Care If or when your health needs change in the future, you can receive Assisted Living, Memory Support, and or Nursing Care services delivered by staff you know and trust.
  • How can I choose a CCRC over leaving money to my family?

    When you choose a RiverWoods community, you have the promise of asset preservation and financial security. Our 50%, 70%, 80% and 90% refundable contracts ensure that when you leave the community, a large percentage of your original entrance fee will be refundable to your estate.

  • How much do monthly fees increase each year?

    Rates typically increase from 2-5%. Due to a higher period of inflation, the fiscal year 2023/2024 increase was 8%.

  • What happens if I outlive my assets?

    We do a comprehensive financial analysis during your application process, to ensure that your future is secure. However, RiverWoods has a benevolent fund that residents may apply for should they outlive their assets through no fault of their own.

  • How do I know if I can afford RiverWoods?

    RiverWoods has a confidential financial data application that must be completed prior to admission. This will help determine if you have adequate assets/income for your actuarial determined life expectancy.

  • What are the tax advantages of moving to a RiverWoods Community?

    There are many financial implications to consider before moving to a CCRC. Becoming a resident at a RiverWoods community may present worthwhile tax and financial advantages.

    Pre-Paid Medical Expenses
    A portion of the non-refundable entrance fee may be deducted as a prepaid medical expense on your tax return. A portion of the monthly service fee may also be deducted.

    RiverWoods engages an outside expert each year to calculate the specific amount of the monthly service fees and entrance fees that are deductible as a medical expense on federal tax returns that year.

    New Hampshire’s Tax Advantage

    New Hampshire is one of the most attractive states to retire in, due to an appealing tax profile:

    • No general sales tax.
    • No state income tax.
    • No state estate tax.
    • No capital gains tax.
    • Lowest tax burden of any New England state.
    • In the Top 10 of Lowest Tax States in the US. (www.taxfoundation.org)
  • What amenities are available to residents at your communities?

    Each RiverWoods community is unique but one thing they have in common is an active and carefree lifestyle without the hassles of housekeeping or home-maintenance. On every RiverWoods Group campus you will find:

    • Vibrant Activities and Social Opportunities 
    • Dining Options
    • Underground and Covered Parking
    • Housekeeping and Home Maintenance Services
    • Snow Removal
    • Pet-Friendly Living 
    • Wellness Clinic 
    • Salon Services
    • Guest Accommodations 
    • Gardening Opportunities

    For more information on the amenities available at each community, please visit RiverWoods Exeter, RiverWoods Durham, RiverWoods Manchester.

Health Center

  • Can I get health care in my home if I want or need it?

    When you want to remain in your independent home, but you need some extra help, Enhanced Living is available to you. Choose from a diverse menu of services, at an additional fee, and our staff will provide extra help to meet your needs and make life easier.

  • What health care services do you offer?

    As a nationally-accredited Continuing Care Retirement Community, at RiverWoods you benefit from living within a vibrant and active senior living community and the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have a plan, no matter what your future health care needs may be. Join us as an independent resident, and if your needs change in the future, you are able to receive Assisted Living, Memory Support, or Nursing Care cared for by staff you know and trust.

    When or if you ever need help with the activities of daily living, we’ll design a personalized plan to help you live life to its fullest — while maintaining your privacy and your highest level of independence.

    Sometimes, all it takes is one patch of ice, one missed step or one minor fall, and your entire life can be thrown into discord for months. A routine hip surgery or knee replacement becomes a significant lifestyle struggle. Be assured that rehabilitative care is here, when or if you ever need it.

  • What if my spouse needs health care before I do?

    Often spouses age differently, and one spouse may need more care than another. Caregiving can put a strain on any relationship, but at RiverWoods these relationships are preserved. One person can receive Assisted Living level of care, allowing the other to be a spouse, not a caregiver.

  • Who decides if I need more care and what type of care I need?

    Moving from Independent Living to health care is a conversation you participate in, not a decision made on your behalf. If care needs are increasing, and you need more help, we will invite you and your family to meet with our team and discuss what kinds of additional help you may need, and how RiverWoods can help. We would decide together if a change would be more beneficial for you and where it would make the most sense for you to receive that care.

  • What happens if I need a higher level of care?

    By choosing RiverWoods you are ensuring a complete continuum of care plan as your health needs change. Our residents are able to transition from Independent Living to Assisted Living to Memory Support or Nursing Care, whenever it is needed and for as long as necessary.

    Each person is unique. With our professional, caring staff, we provide our health center residents with a highly-individualized, personal care plan. Each resident enjoys a private room and bathroom, in a comforting, home-like environment. Going beyond the activities of daily living to provide more intensive and individual care, our staff treats each resident with respect and dignity.

  • Do you accept Medicare?

    We do not accept Medicare for payment toward your service fee at RiverWoods. If you see a visiting medical provider, such as visiting nurse, physical or occupational therapist, or the on-site Provider at a RiverWoods healthcare setting, Medicare is billed.

  • Do I need long-term care insurance?

    Long-Term Care insurance is not a requirement at RiverWoods. However, depending on what your policy covers, it may reimburse you for expenses when utilizing the services in Assisted Living, Memory Support, Nursing Care.

  • What type of a health assessment is done?

    Some CCRCs exclude pre-existing conditions, but not at RiverWoods. We simply ask that you complete a medical questionnaire and conduct a health assessment, which includes a conversation with our on-site medical provider and a brief cognitive and balance evaluation.

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