Joy in Community

Susan Shultz moved to RiverWoods in the spring of 2021 looking for a new start.

Her partner Lee had passed away in 2019. Leaving her with a large, single-family home, which required constant maintenance, yard work and so much more.

“I couldn’t manage this big house,” says Susan, 71. “I knew it was time to downsize.”

Today, Susan and her 12-year-old yellow Lab SunnyGirl are getting into the groove of their new Garden Cottage and RiverWoods senior living community in Lewisburg, Pa. “This place offers many different activities for residents,” she says. “It’s difficult to know where to start.”

Prior to her move, the cottage was renovated and redesigned with an open, spacious floor plan and a deck. There’s plenty of room for SunnyGirl to run around and play while Susan hones her cooking skills in her brand-new kitchen.

Getting into the groove

Susan and SunnyGirl spend an average of 90 minutes each day walking the campus paths – no matter the weather. Susan also works out two days a week at the Wellness Center, taking fitness classes or following an exercise routine provided by one of the on-staff certified trainers, who she says are “knowledgeable and very supportive.”

She volunteers regularly with her church, serving on the kitchen team, café team and working with the Sunday school. Susan grew up in a family where giving back was important and has continued that tradition. She also plans to volunteer in the skilled nursing center once COVID precautions allow.

“I wanted to be led to a place where I could help,” she says. “That’s what gives me joy.”

Second-generation resident

As a lifelong resident of the area, Susan was not only familiar with RiverWoods senior living community, but she also had first-hand knowledge of its health care services. Her mother had been a resident of the Lewisburg, Pa.-based continuing care retirement community’s assisted living and skilled nursing neighborhoods in the 1980’s.

“People here are wonderful,” says Susan.  “My mother’s experience definitely influenced my decision to move here.”

She also credits some divine intervention guiding her decision. “I just felt as if the Lord was pulling me here,” says Susan,

And like many residents, the move provided her with peace of mind from the worries of becoming a burden to friends and family as she ages. If her health changed, Susan wanted to be living in a place where there was a plan to address any issues.

Susan also finds joy in the many new friendships she’s formed. She loves being connected to the community, both inside and outside of RiverWoods senior living. “I love meeting people, helping people and serving others,” says Susan. “I’m blessed to be able to do that here.”