At Maplewood Park Place in Bethesda, we celebrate the special people who call our community home. Meet Leslie Roberts, an owner resident who has been with us for several years and is delighted with her decision to move to Maplewood.

Moving from India to the U.S.

Leslie was born and educated in India. Raised as a Christian in the Church of England, she was a minority in her home country as result of her religious affiliation. After high school, Leslie attended a local university, graduated, then moved to New Delhi to find a good job in accounting. She also met her future husband, Harley, at a party in the American Embassy where he worked as an American Foreign Service Officer. The two moved to the United States in the late 1950s. “It was a little difficult to adjust to being in another country,” she said. “But after a few months, I became an American citizen.” Her husband’s career took the couple across the world. They returned to the States in 1972 and rented an apartment in Washington, DC. The couple eventually moved to Garrett Park, Maryland, to raise their three children. “Life got better when we moved to the suburbs,” Leslie said. “We were at home.”

Choosing Maplewood Park Place

After Leslie’s husband passed away in 1998 and her children moved out, she felt alone in her large house. At one point, she had an accident and broke a few bones. Her injuries didn’t require a rehabilitation center, but she needed assistance from her home nurse and neighbors to attend to her wounds and help with her household tasks. “Good neighbors are a gift, but how long can you depend on them?” she asked herself. That’s when she decided to move to a retirement community in Bethesda. Leslie wanted to find a facility that offered a full continuum of care. “I didn’t want to move more than one time. I wanted to stay in a community where I could age in place, and have the help I needed, when I needed it,” she explained. “That’s why I chose Maplewood.”

Loving the Maplewood Experience

Leslie starts her day in her spacious, one-bedroom apartment, and then heads to one of Maplewood’s many exercise classes. “From there, I spend the day doing whatever I want to do!” she said. Along with enjoying the community’s plentiful amenities, she devotes her time to the budget committee, where she helps in planning the community’s overall finances. “Living at Maplewood offers the opportunity to work—and keep my brain engaged,” she said. “Getting involved in groups and activities is so important.” The community is governed by its owner residents, who contribute to running day-to-day business through an array of committees. Although homes at Maplewood can be customized, Leslie chose to keep hers simple. “My apartment overlooks a forest,” she said. “I appreciate just sitting and taking in the view from the window, enjoying breakfast while the sun rises over Bethesda. I’m really happy living here, knowing my neighbors, and interacting with the wonderful staff.” If you’re looking for a welcoming senior living community in the Bethesda area, consider joining us at Maplewood Park Place. Our community gives owner residents diverse opportunities to engage with their local community, make new friends, and retire with style. We offer a variety of customizable floor plans to best suit your lifestyle. To schedule your personalized visit, click here or call us at 301-571-7444.