RiverWoods Exeter stands as one of New Hampshire’s largest retirement communities, featuring 393 Independent Living homes spread across three distinct campuses.
Beyond the impressive size, this Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) delivers remarkable healthcare outcomes. The Ridge at RiverWoods particularly shines with its rehabilitation program, where 63.9% of residents return home after treatment—significantly outperforming both state and national averages.
While the extensive amenities catch attention—including indoor pools, fitness centers, and over 4 miles of wooded walking trails—it’s the exceptional care that truly sets this community apart. The nursing staff provides 6 hours and 31 minutes of care per resident daily, far exceeding typical standards.
However, before making such a significant life decision, you’ll want to understand the complete picture. Let’s explore what really makes RiverWoods Exeter tick, from its healthcare services to living options, and help you determine if it’s the right fit for your future.
The Complete Cost Breakdown of RiverWoods Exeter
First and foremost, understanding RiverWoods Exeter’s cost structure requires examining multiple components. The entrance fee, which ranges from USD 362,000 to USD 997,000, depends on apartment size and location. Monthly service fees start at USD 4,031 for a one-bedroom unit and can reach USD 8,497 for larger two-bedroom apartments.
Entry Fees and Monthly Costs
The community offers various refundable contracts – 50%, 70%, 80%, and 90% options. These contracts ensure asset preservation by returning a significant portion of the initial entrance fee to your estate. Monthly fees cover comprehensive services, including maintenance, housekeeping, dining points, and fitness programs. Additionally, annual increases typically range between 2-5%, though fiscal year 2023/2024 saw an 8% adjustment due to inflation.
Healthcare Services Pricing
The healthcare pricing structure follows a Life Care model, providing access to assisted living, memory support, and nursing care. Monthly costs for these services are notably discounted from market rates from the moment you move in. Furthermore, innovative contracts allow residents to use their entrance fee to fund increased care costs as needs change.
Hidden Expenses to Consider
Several additional costs warrant consideration. Premium charges of USD 5,000 apply to first-floor apartments with walk-out patios or balconies. Moreover, residents must budget for personal expenses like phone, internet, and cable services. Nevertheless, there are financial advantages – a portion of both the entrance fee and monthly service fees qualifies as tax-deductible medical expenses. In fact, New Hampshire’s tax-friendly environment offers additional benefits with no state income tax, sales tax, or estate tax.
Campus Facilities and Living Options
Nestled among evergreens, RiverWoods Exeter spans across 200+ acres in New Hampshire’s Seacoast Region.
Comparing The Ridge vs Other RiverWoods Campuses
The Ridge distinguishes itself from The Woods and The Boulders through its classic New England charm and sun-filled spaces. All three campuses share core amenities, yet each maintains its unique character. The Ridge specifically features a dedicated pottery studio, whereas The Woods houses a music room, and The Boulders offers a game room for billiards and ping pong.
Independent Living Apartment Types
The community presents diverse living spaces across its three campuses, totaling 393 independent living residences. Living options range from cozy studios to spacious two-bedroom apartments and cottages. Each residence comes equipped with:
- Full kitchens with new appliances
- Window blinds and abundant natural lighting
- Screened porches or balconies (in select floor plans)
- Personalization options to match individual preferences
Healthcare Facilities Assessment
The healthcare setup at RiverWoods Exeter encompasses 71 assisted living units and 23 skilled nursing facilities. Each nursing care resident enjoys a private room with an attached bathroom in a warm, home-like setting. The facilities feature a dedicated rehabilitation gym offering physical, occupational, and speech therapy services. Subsequently, underground parking and covered carports provide convenient access to all healthcare areas.
Healthcare and Support Services Review
At the core of RiverWoods Exeter’s healthcare philosophy lies a commitment to personalized care and support. The community maintains an impressive staff-to-resident ratio of 600 employees serving 620 residents, ensuring individualized attention for each resident.
Continuum of Care Analysis
The healthcare structure at RiverWoods follows a comprehensive approach, initially starting with independent living and seamlessly transitioning to higher levels of care when needed. Essentially, residents receive assistance through:
- Licensed nursing supervision available 24/7
- Medication management and personal care support
- Access to walk-in wellness clinics staffed by nurse practitioners
- Specialized memory support services
- Rehabilitation programs with physical, occupational, and speech therapy
Staff Qualifications and Ratios
The medical team consists of highly qualified professionals, primarily including registered nurses and several MSNs (Master’s Degree nurses). Staff retention rates remain exceptionally strong, with many team members serving for 15+ years. The community’s commitment to staff development shows through their comprehensive benefits package, including educational funding up to USD 5,000 annually.
Emergency Response Systems
RiverWoods Exeter prioritizes resident safety through a sophisticated 24-hour emergency response system. The community’s upcoming state-of-the-art health center will ultimately centralize all care services, consequently improving emergency response times and coordination. This new 158,000-square-foot facility will house 126 rooms designed for assisted living, skilled care, and memory support.
The community’s healthcare approach primarily focuses on maintaining independence while providing necessary support. Each resident receives a personalized care plan, ensuring privacy and dignity in a comfortable, home-like setting. Looking ahead, RiverWoods plans to enhance its healthcare capabilities through a new centralized facility, designed to offer an even more coordinated approach to resident care.
Comparing RiverWoods to Other NH CCRCs
Among New Hampshire’s six Continuing Care Retirement Communities, RiverWoods Exeter maintains a distinctive position with its 98.7% independent living occupancy rate. This remarkably high occupancy, coupled with a waitlist exceeding 400 members, demonstrates strong market demand.
Value Proposition Analysis
RiverWoods Exeter’s value proposition stems primarily from its national draw, attracting 45% of residents from outside New Hampshire. The community’s location in Rockingham County offers favorable demographics with above-average population growth and median income levels. Accordingly, the community maintains consistent rate increases while preserving high occupancy levels.
Healthcare Programs Comparison
Comparatively, RiverWoods Exeter’s healthcare model stands out from other NH CCRCs through its:
- Assisted living occupancy at 81.2%
- Skilled nursing occupancy reaching 84.4%
- Innovative health center repositioning project valued at USD 168 million
- Centralized continuum care services across three campuses
Financial Stability Assessment
Undoubtedly, RiverWoods Exeter’s financial strength surpasses industry benchmarks. The community maintains an A- credit rating, placing it among the top 2% of CCRCs nationwide. Altogether, key financial metrics showcase this stability:
The community achieved a 100.7% operating ratio and 11.1% net operating margin in 2024. Rather impressively, RiverWoods Exeter maintains 681 days cash on hand, markedly exceeding industry standards. The organization’s debt service coverage ratio stands at 2.0x, emphatically demonstrating its robust financial position.
Looking ahead, RiverWoods Exeter plans a strategic healthcare repositioning project, estimated at USD 108 million for phase one and USD 60 million for phase two. This investment aims to enhance operational efficiencies while maintaining the community’s strong market position.
Conclusion
RiverWoods Exeter stands out as a remarkable choice for retirees seeking both luxury and security. After analyzing its comprehensive offerings, the community’s strengths become clear – particularly through its exceptional healthcare outcomes and financial stability. The A- credit rating places it among the top 2% of CCRCs nationwide, while the 98.7% occupancy rate speaks volumes about resident satisfaction.
Though the entrance fees starting at $362,000 might seem substantial, the value becomes apparent when considering the extensive amenities, healthcare services, and New Hampshire’s tax-friendly environment. The community’s commitment shines through its impressive staff-to-resident ratio and upcoming $168 million health center project.
Based on my thorough assessment, RiverWoods Exeter offers an ideal balance of immediate comfort and long-term security. The combination of top-tier healthcare, diverse living options, and strong financial backing makes it a standout choice among New Hampshire’s retirement communities. While no community is perfect for everyone, RiverWoods Exeter certainly deserves serious consideration for those prioritizing quality care and peace of mind in their retirement years.
FAQs
Q1. What are the costs associated with living at RiverWoods Exeter? The entrance fee ranges from $362,000 to $997,000, depending on apartment size and location. Monthly service fees start at $4,031 for a one-bedroom unit and can reach $8,497 for larger two-bedroom apartments. Additional costs may include premium charges for certain apartments and personal expenses like phone and internet services.
Q2. What healthcare services does RiverWoods Exeter offer? RiverWoods Exeter provides a continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing care. The community features 71 assisted living units and 23 skilled nursing facilities, with 24/7 licensed nursing supervision, medication management, and rehabilitation programs.
Q3. How does RiverWoods Exeter compare to other retirement communities in New Hampshire? RiverWoods Exeter stands out with its 98.7% independent living occupancy rate and an A- credit rating, placing it among the top 2% of CCRCs nationwide. The community attracts 45% of residents from outside New Hampshire and maintains higher-than-average assisted living and skilled nursing occupancy rates.
Q4. What amenities are available at RiverWoods Exeter? The community offers extensive amenities across its three campuses, including indoor pools, fitness centers, over 4 miles of wooded walking trails, a pottery studio, and various recreational spaces. Each campus has its unique features while sharing core amenities.
Q5. How does RiverWoods Exeter ensure resident safety and emergency response? RiverWoods Exeter employs a sophisticated 24-hour emergency response system. The community is developing a new 158,000-square-foot health center to centralize care services, improving emergency response times and coordination. With a staff-to-resident ratio of 600 employees serving 620 residents, individualized attention and care are prioritized.
