Accreditation, Awards & Recognitions - RiverWoods Exeter Retirement Community

RiverWoods Exeter Retirement Community

Accreditation, Awards & Recognitions

An Industry Leader Since 1994

There are more than 1,900 CCRCs around the country, but only 10% of them are accredited. RiverWoods was one of the youngest communities to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), the nation’s only accrediting body for these types of communities.

In the spring of 2019, RiverWoods was re-accredited for five additional years while also earning placement in the top three percent of accredited communities nationwide.

The Leadership team encourages resident feedback

Through resident and staff surveys with analysis, open discussion forums, resident council forums, and regular town hall coffee gatherings with the CEO.

Awards & Recognition

RiverWoods, our staff, and residents have received many awards and honors, including:

  • LeadingAge Catalyst Innovation in Environmental Sustainability
  • Innovation of the Year Award by LeadingAge Maine and New Hampshire for two programs: Hearing Loop System Tables and RiverWoods Business Management Program
  • Business of the Year NH Magazine and NH Association of Chambers of Commerce
  • Business of the Year Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Leading Age – 50th Anniversary Celebrate Age Exhibit Honoring four RiverWoods Residents for making a difference by sharing their creative talents, serving others and making the world a better place to live.
  • Health Innovator Award For dedication to wellness by New Hampshire Business Review
  • Business New Hampshire Magazine’s Best Companies to Work For
  • American Industry of Architects (AIA) Merit Award Design and planning of the Ridge and the Boulders communities
  • American Heart Association Fit-Friendly Company RiverWoods is a 3-Year Gold-Level Start! Fit-Friendly Company
  • Outstanding Women in Business Justine Vogel, President and CEO of RiverWoods

Certified Organic Landscaping

Since our founding, one of our Core Values has been Sustainability. In the last 10 years, the Landscaping Services Team at RiverWoods Exeter has pursued a holistic, natural regimen of care for our grounds and lawns, using cutting-edge organic alternatives to synthetic products. This effort allows our residents and staff to enjoy the natural environment in which we are located without exposure to potentially harmful products.

RiverWoods Exeter is working towards accreditation with the New England Organic Farming Association, to be the only certified organic organization in New Hampshire, and the first CCRC in the nation — and the world — to utilize organic estate management procedures.

Our Sustainable Landscaping Program has resulted in:

  • Reduced water consumption
  • Elimination of fertilizers that harm the Great Bay and other waterways.
  • Enhanced/repaired organic structure of our soil
  • Reduction of the RiverWoods Exeter carbon footprint
  • Minimized contact by employee and residents with synthetic compounds
  • Upcycle of kitchen waste into useful compost

Going Even Greener

Sustainability has been one of our Core Values since the founding of RiverWoods Exeter. Rooted by that early commitment, both residents and staff are empowered to seek out and make changes which are happening every day.

  • Two hybrid cars and a fully-electric shuttle added to our fleet of vehicles
  • On-Campus bike-share program for residents and staff to use between our three communities in Exeter
  • Locally sourced fruits, meat, and vegetables
  • Home-grown organic garlic
  • Experimental greenhouse project that will lead to a permanent greenhouse for hydroponic vegetables and garden therapy programs.

Our combined efforts have resulted in the Green Alliance awarding RiverWoods Exeter their highest possible rating. Even with such assurances that we’re on the right track, we always strive to Be Better, ever more thoughtful and consistent. We’re exploring ways to be even greener in the future, which is where our community will always be looking.