For more information about the author, click to view their website: Aqualane Clinical Research
When it comes to choosing a senior living community, finding the right balance of personalized care, wellness, engaging experiences, and comfort is essential. At The Watermark at Marco Island, residents can enjoy a thoughtfully designed lifestyle in a beautiful setting while receiving support tailored to the way they want to live.A Place to Call Home on Marco IslandLocated at 1170 San Marco Road in Marco Island, Florida, The Watermark at Marco Island offers assisted living and memory care in a welcoming residential environment.The community is designed to provide more than just a place to live. Here, personalized care is complemented by opportunities for wellness, enriching daily experiences, social connection, and chef-prepared dining.For seniors and their families, that means having support available while maintaining independence and enjoying the lifestyle that makes each day meaningful.Personalized Care Designed Around YouEvery resident has unique needs, interests, routines, and preferences. The Watermark at Marco Island takes a personalized approach to care, creating support around the individual rather than expecting residents to fit into a one-size-fits-all model.Whether a senior needs assistance with daily activities or specialized support associated with memory care, the goal is to help residents feel comfortable, confident, and engaged in their surroundings.This thoughtful approach allows families to have greater peace of mind while their loved ones enjoy a community designed around their well-being.Wellness and Enriching ExperiencesLife at The Watermark at Marco Island extends beyond care. The community incorporates holistic wellness and enriching daily experiences designed to encourage residents to remain active, connected, and engaged.Common areas provide opportunities to socialize with friends, participate in activities, enjoy hobbies, or simply relax in a comfortable environment. From a game of pool to sharing a meal or spending time with neighbors, residents have opportunities to make each day their own.The emphasis is on supporting the whole personmind, body, and spirit.Dining Made From ScratchGood food is an important part of a fulfilling lifestyle, and dining at The Watermark at Marco Island is designed to be an enjoyable part of each day.Residents can experience chef-prepared meals made from scratch, offering the opportunity to enjoy delicious food while dining in a social and welcoming environment.Meals can be more than simply meeting nutritional needsthey can provide residents with another opportunity to connect, celebrate, and enjoy the pleasures of everyday life.Comfortable ResidencesThe Watermark at Marco Island offers thoughtfully designed residences intended to provide comfort, privacy, and a sense of home.Bright interiors, comfortable furnishings, and inviting living spaces create an environment where residents can settle in and feel at ease. Families can visit and spend quality time with their loved ones in a setting that feels warm and welcoming.The community's design also provides convenient access to shared spaces where residents can socialize and participate in daily activities.See Your Day HereChoosing senior living is a significant decision, and seeing a community in person can make all the difference. A personal visit allows seniors and their families to experience the environment, explore the residences, learn about available care, and get a better understanding of everyday life at the community.The Watermark at Marco Island invites prospective residents and their families to step inside, tour the residences, and picture what their day could look like here.To schedule a personal visit, call 239-999-4601.The Watermark at Marco Island1170 San Marco RoadMarco Island, FL 34145WatermarkMarcoIsland.com
Moving a parent to senior living is rarely just a move. It is an emotional transitionfor the older adult, the family, and often the person making the decision.Families may feel guilt, sadness, fear, relief, and even uncertaintysometimes all in the same day.A daughter may think, Am I doing the right thing?A son may wonder, Will Mom think Im abandoning her?And a parent may be thinking, Am I losing my independence?These emotions are normal.As senior living leaders, our responsibility goes beyond providing a safe apartment, meals, activities, and care. We have to care for the emotional journey that comes with the transition.Its not about taking independence away.Its about helping redefine what independence looks like.Sometimes independence means no longer worrying about cooking, cleaning, medication management, or being alone. It means having people nearby, opportunities to socialize, and support when it is neededwhile still having choices about how each day is lived.Families need reassurance, not judgment.The decision to move a parent is often made after monthsor yearsof difficult conversations, falls, sleepless nights, increasing care needs, or simply realizing that living alone isnt working anymore.Families dont need someone to make them feel guilty.They need someone to say:Youre not failing your parent. Youre helping create a safer, more supported chapter of their life.The first days matter.A successful transition isnt just about getting someone moved in.The process starts before they move in. Person Centered Selling truly makes a difference from an average senior living to a fantastic senior living. It is about learning who they are.What makes them smile?What did they do for a living?What music do they enjoy?What foods do they love?Who are the important people in their life?What makes them feel comfortable?When we know the person behind the resident, we can begin creating a sense of belonging, not just care. And sometimes the greatest measure of success isnt the beautiful apartment or the activity calendar.Its when a family member says:I havent seen Mom this happy in a long time. That is priceless! That is when we know the transition is becoming a new beginning.From a senior living leaders perspectiveI have learned that families arent simply looking for a place for Mom or Dad.They are looking for peace of mind.They want to know their loved one is safe.They want to know someone will notice when something isnt right.They want their parent to have friends.They want to be a daughter or son againnot a full-time caregiver.And most importantly, they want to know:Will you love and care for my parent when I cant be there?That is the promise behind great senior living like Springwood Court. Because at the end of the day, we arent just helping someone move into a community.Were helping a family move into a new chapter and season of their life, one filled with support, connection, dignity and love.Fran Gray RNExecutive Director Springwood CourtAssisted Living12780 Kenwood LaneFort Myers, FL33907239-278-0078
Naples, Fla. Behind Naples' image as one of Florida's most affluent communities lies a growing and often invisible crisis: a rising number of seniors who can no longer afford both groceries and essential bills. As Collier County's population continues to age rapidly, local hunger-relief organizations are reporting that older adults are becoming one of the fastest-growing groups in need of food assistance.A County Growing Older, FasterCollier County is already one of the oldest counties in Florida, with 36 percent of residents age 65 or older a figure expected to climb to 46 percent by 2050. While the county's overall poverty rate sits at roughly 10.7 percent, a closer look reveals a more troubling picture for older adults: nearly a third of Collier County seniors live below the ALICE Survival Budget threshold, the income level required to cover basic necessities such as housing, food, transportation, and health care. For a single older adult, that threshold is $26,680 a year; for a couple, $45,564 figures that fall far short of what many face in a high-cost coastal market like Naples.Many of these seniors live on fixed incomes from Social Security or modest pensions that have not kept pace with rising housing and condo fee costs, property insurance premiums, and medical expenses. Meals of Hope Seeing the Shift and The Glenview at Pelican Bay is Ready to HelpUnlike younger families facing food insecurity, senior hunger often goes unseen. Many older adults are reluctant to ask for help due to pride, limited mobility, or simply not knowing where to turn. Meals of Hope, the Naples-based hunger relief nonprofit founded by President and CEO Stephen Popper in 2007, is one of the organizations seeing this shift firsthand and The Glenview at Pelican Bay has a personal connection. Stephens mother, Christine Popper, who is a current resident at The Glenview at Pelican Bay and a former nurse, came up with the idea 19 years ago. My mother saw a need to support a school in Haiti but found that the children couldnt learn because they did not have enough to eat, remarked Steve, I did some research, learned about meal packing opportunities, and hosted an event in Naples in August 2007 where 500 volunteers showed up to pack 135,000 meals. That event was life-changing, and Meals of Hope was born. The Glenview at Pelican Bay is a willing and regular packing partner and the next Meals of Hope event will take place on Monday, August 24 at 1pm. The press is invited to watch the process. Now the largest food pantry network in Southwest Florida, Meals of Hope operates roughly 21 weekly food pantries across Collier and Lee counties and distributes more than 125 million meals each month, serving approximately 4,000 families a week. Popper notes that older adults on fixed incomes are showing up in growing numbers, often for the first time in their lives, as inflation and rising local housing costs erode the purchasing power of Social Security checks.How The Glenview at Pelican Bay Is RespondingBesides housing the idea person behind this effective community service, The Glenview at Pelican Bay partners with Meals of Hope regularly with residents who volunteers hundreds of hours of time to organize, sort and pack meal boxes. They will be doing it again this month on Monday August 24 at 1pm. We feel it is important to support our community in every way, adds Daniel Gomez, Glenviews Executive Director, We are so proud to have Mrs. Popper among our residents and it has become something our residents and staff look forward to helping with.It will be a family affair for the Poppers as Christine, her son Steve, his wife, their children and her grandchildren will be among the volunteers. Notes the Matriarch Christine Popper, It is a wonderful way to teach our children about community service and I get a nice visit out of it as well. I am so grateful for The Glenview at Pelican Bay and how they readily embrace helping the community.In addition to regular packing events, Meals of Hope has expanded its infrastructure and reimagined how it reaches vulnerable seniors and families, including:A new 18,000-square-foot distribution center in Naples, featuring more than 9,000 square feet of refrigerated space to store fresh produce, proteins, and dairy at a much larger scaleYour Neighborhood Pantry, a mobile "choice" pantry launched with support from the Collier Community Foundation, where residents walk through and select their own groceries including fresh produce, dairy, eggs, and proteins preserving dignity and reducing wasteNeighborhood-based mobile pantries, including a location at the River Park Community Center currently serving close to 100 families per week, with room to grow to 160A Home Delivery Initiative aimed at reaching homebound residents in Immokalee and Golden Gate who face transportation or mobility barriers that a traditional pantry can't solveThe Hunger to Hope capital campaign, which has raised $2.8 million toward a $4.5 million goal to fund long-term infrastructure behind this workStarting and watching Meals of Hope grow and help so many people has been life changing for me and my family, Steve added. And, it just goes to show, listen to your mother because she knows what is right. About The Glenview at Pelican BayThe Glenview at Pelican Bay is Naples' only equity-ownership LifeCare community, offering residents a rare combination of financial security, resort-style living, and access to award-winning care all within one of Florida's most desirable coastal settings. Managed by Life Care Services (LCS), ranked No. 1 in customer satisfaction among independent senior living communities by J.D. Power, The Glenview delivers an exceptional standard of living at every level. Residents enjoy chef-driven dining and a rich calendar of activities and enrichment programs, all steps from home. For those who need it, Premier Place the community's on-site health center provides a full continuum of care. For more information, visit glenviewnaples.com or call (239) 977-9744.
HistoryWith a combined 50+ years of clinical research, Dr. Justiz, Dr. Baker, and Kelly Calistri founded Aqualane Clinical Research in 2022. Since 2005, Dr. Justiz and Dr. Baker have been conducting studies together as Principal Investigators for their private practice. With a shared vision for a larger research institute, Kelly, a long-time consultant to the doctors, joined them in forming Aqualane Clinical Research.Message FromOur FoundersAt Aqualane, we always put our patients first.We promise to educate each potential participant and their family members on all options available to them and to support them in their decision-making process. Striving to make clinical trials a practical healthcare option, we provide a comfortable, caring and compassionate environment.Our founders are passionate about their contributions to the advancement of medicine and to the opportunities they provide to people searching for new treatment options. With expertise and experience in research and the central nervous system, you can trust our team of neurologists and researchers to provide the best possible opportunity for you or your loved one.OurTeamDr. William A. Justiz, MDMedical Director, Principal InvestigatorDr. William Justiz completed his undergraduate degree at Northwestern University before receiving his medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine. He is board certified in neurology and is a certified physician investigator through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals.With over 20 years of research experience and specialization in degenerative diseases of the nervous system, he has been in continuous practice in Naples, Florida since 1999. He is a founding member of the clinical research program that has grown into Aqualane Clinical Research.Community outreach and service is one of the core values of Dr. Justiz and Aqualane Clinical Research. Dr. Justiz demonstrates this with his 23-year commitment to providing low-cost or free services to epilepsy patients through Epilepsy Services of Southwest Florida. In addition, he has delivered a free educational lecture series every month on all Alzheimer's topics since 2015 through the Alzheimer's Support network.Kelly E. Calistri, B.A.Chief Operating Officer, Site DirectorKelly is a native Floridian, born and raised in Central Florida. Shortly before graduating from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a degree in Psychology, she was introduced to the research industry. Almost immediately, she knew this would be her career path.While working at a privately owned clinical research site in Atlanta, she gained experience in several areas, including patient intake, research coordinator, regulatory, and cognitive rater. Working for years across many therapeutic areas, her passion for research grew. With this experience, Kelly received promotions into management roles. Her responsibilities included conducting training, oversight of a staff of 50 people, managing Phase I studies in a unit with 40 beds, and being responsible for business development by attending industry meetings to represent her site. Before opening Aqualane Clinical Research in 2022, she used her expertise and experience to build two startup research sites. Building a team of experts who excel in their field is among her strongest qualities. Her passion for people and the advancement of medicine drives her daily to continue learning. Kelly has seen how new medications can change the lives of people around her.In her free time, you can find Kelly and her husband, who are high school sweethearts, at local baseball fields cheering on their two sons. They are a close family who loves to travel and spend time together. Kelly also loves reading business and personal development books.Dr. Matthew J. Baker, MDPrincipal InvestigatorDr. Baker is a board-certified neurologist practicing for over 20 years. He has been a Principal Investigator in numerous clinical trials, many of which have resulted in regulatory approval of novel therapeutics across the spectrum of neurologic disease, both here and abroad. His primary areas of interest include Neuroimmunology, migraine, and the Neurobehavioral manifestations of disease. Dr. Baker is a nationally recognized educator and lecturer. He enjoys teaching colleagues, medical residents and patients on such topics as Multiple Sclerosis and Myasthenia Gravis. In his spare time, he loves riding roller coasters with this family and playing with his two dogs.Micaela M. Acres, RN, BSNInfusion NurseJacqueline E. BradyCommunity Outreach Coordinator/ ReceptionMatthew B. Cagney, B.S.Clinical Research CoordinatorElena Capron, B.S.Regulatory Coordinator / Social Media CoordinatorBrittany N. Cordero, B.S.Office Manager / Human ResourcesJessica M. DEntremont, RN, MPH, BSNInfusion NurseDarious T. Davis, M.A.Head of Business DevelopmentLaura Gold, B.S.Finance CoordinatorKarma L. Hamilton, M.S.Lead RaterBethany J.M. Henchesmoore, MBAClinical Research CoordinatorJennifer Jimenez-Perez, RN, BSNInfusion NurseCarmen L. Ojeda, M.S.Quality Assurance / Quality ControlMichelle A. O'Neill, M.S.RaterMayve SantosResearch PharmacistAlexandria L. SmithClinical Research Coordinator
HistoryWith a combined 50+ years of clinical research, Dr. Justiz, Dr. Baker, and Kelly Calistri founded Aqualane Clinical Research in 2022. Since 2005, Dr. Justiz and Dr. Baker have been conducting studies together as Principal Investigators for their private practice. With a shared vision for a larger research institute, Kelly, a long-time consultant to the doctors, joined them in forming Aqualane Clinical Research.Message FromOur FoundersAt Aqualane, we always put our patients first.We promise to educate each potential participant and their family members on all options available to them and to support them in their decision-making process. Striving to make clinical trials a practical healthcare option, we provide a comfortable, caring and compassionate environment.Our founders are passionate about their contributions to the advancement of medicine and to the opportunities they provide to people searching for new treatment options. With expertise and experience in research and the central nervous system, you can trust our team of neurologists and researchers to provide the best possible opportunity for you or your loved one.OurTeamDr. William A. Justiz, MDMedical Director, Principal InvestigatorDr. William Justiz completed his undergraduate degree at Northwestern University before receiving his medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine. He is board certified in neurology and is a certified physician investigator through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals.With over 20 years of research experience and specialization in degenerative diseases of the nervous system, he has been in continuous practice in Naples, Florida since 1999. He is a founding member of the clinical research program that has grown into Aqualane Clinical Research.Community outreach and service is one of the core values of Dr. Justiz and Aqualane Clinical Research. Dr. Justiz demonstrates this with his 23-year commitment to providing low-cost or free services to epilepsy patients through Epilepsy Services of Southwest Florida. In addition, he has delivered a free educational lecture series every month on all Alzheimer's topics since 2015 through the Alzheimer's Support network.Kelly E. Calistri, B.A.Chief Operating Officer, Site DirectorKelly is a native Floridian, born and raised in Central Florida. Shortly before graduating from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a degree in Psychology, she was introduced to the research industry. Almost immediately, she knew this would be her career path.While working at a privately owned clinical research site in Atlanta, she gained experience in several areas, including patient intake, research coordinator, regulatory, and cognitive rater. Working for years across many therapeutic areas, her passion for research grew. With this experience, Kelly received promotions into management roles. Her responsibilities included conducting training, oversight of a staff of 50 people, managing Phase I studies in a unit with 40 beds, and being responsible for business development by attending industry meetings to represent her site. Before opening Aqualane Clinical Research in 2022, she used her expertise and experience to build two startup research sites. Building a team of experts who excel in their field is among her strongest qualities. Her passion for people and the advancement of medicine drives her daily to continue learning. Kelly has seen how new medications can change the lives of people around her.In her free time, you can find Kelly and her husband, who are high school sweethearts, at local baseball fields cheering on their two sons. They are a close family who loves to travel and spend time together. Kelly also loves reading business and personal development books.Dr. Matthew J. Baker, MDPrincipal InvestigatorDr. Baker is a board-certified neurologist practicing for over 20 years. He has been a Principal Investigator in numerous clinical trials, many of which have resulted in regulatory approval of novel therapeutics across the spectrum of neurologic disease, both here and abroad. His primary areas of interest include Neuroimmunology, migraine, and the Neurobehavioral manifestations of disease. Dr. Baker is a nationally recognized educator and lecturer. He enjoys teaching colleagues, medical residents and patients on such topics as Multiple Sclerosis and Myasthenia Gravis. In his spare time, he loves riding roller coasters with this family and playing with his two dogs.Micaela M. Acres, RN, BSNInfusion NurseJacqueline E. BradyCommunity Outreach Coordinator/ ReceptionMatthew B. Cagney, B.S.Clinical Research CoordinatorElena Capron, B.S.Regulatory Coordinator / Social Media CoordinatorBrittany N. Cordero, B.S.Office Manager / Human ResourcesJessica M. DEntremont, RN, MPH, BSNInfusion NurseDarious T. Davis, M.A.Head of Business DevelopmentLaura Gold, B.S.Finance CoordinatorKarma L. Hamilton, M.S.Lead RaterBethany J.M. Henchesmoore, MBAClinical Research CoordinatorJennifer Jimenez-Perez, RN, BSNInfusion NurseCarmen L. Ojeda, M.S.Quality Assurance / Quality ControlMichelle A. O'Neill, M.S.RaterMayve SantosResearch PharmacistAlexandria L. SmithClinical Research Coordinator
HistoryWith a combined 50+ years of clinical research, Dr. Justiz, Dr. Baker, and Kelly Calistri founded Aqualane Clinical Research in 2022. Since 2005, Dr. Justiz and Dr. Baker have been conducting studies together as Principal Investigators for their private practice. With a shared vision for a larger research institute, Kelly, a long-time consultant to the doctors, joined them in forming Aqualane Clinical Research.Message FromOur FoundersAt Aqualane, we always put our patients first.We promise to educate each potential participant and their family members on all options available to them and to support them in their decision-making process. Striving to make clinical trials a practical healthcare option, we provide a comfortable, caring and compassionate environment.Our founders are passionate about their contributions to the advancement of medicine and to the opportunities they provide to people searching for new treatment options. With expertise and experience in research and the central nervous system, you can trust our team of neurologists and researchers to provide the best possible opportunity for you or your loved one.OurTeamDr. William A. Justiz, MDMedical Director, Principal InvestigatorDr. William Justiz completed his undergraduate degree at Northwestern University before receiving his medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine. He is board certified in neurology and is a certified physician investigator through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals.With over 20 years of research experience and specialization in degenerative diseases of the nervous system, he has been in continuous practice in Naples, Florida since 1999. He is a founding member of the clinical research program that has grown into Aqualane Clinical Research.Community outreach and service is one of the core values of Dr. Justiz and Aqualane Clinical Research. Dr. Justiz demonstrates this with his 23-year commitment to providing low-cost or free services to epilepsy patients through Epilepsy Services of Southwest Florida. In addition, he has delivered a free educational lecture series every month on all Alzheimer's topics since 2015 through the Alzheimer's Support network.Kelly E. Calistri, B.A.Chief Operating Officer, Site DirectorKelly is a native Floridian, born and raised in Central Florida. Shortly before graduating from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a degree in Psychology, she was introduced to the research industry. Almost immediately, she knew this would be her career path.While working at a privately owned clinical research site in Atlanta, she gained experience in several areas, including patient intake, research coordinator, regulatory, and cognitive rater. Working for years across many therapeutic areas, her passion for research grew. With this experience, Kelly received promotions into management roles. Her responsibilities included conducting training, oversight of a staff of 50 people, managing Phase I studies in a unit with 40 beds, and being responsible for business development by attending industry meetings to represent her site. Before opening Aqualane Clinical Research in 2022, she used her expertise and experience to build two startup research sites. Building a team of experts who excel in their field is among her strongest qualities. Her passion for people and the advancement of medicine drives her daily to continue learning. Kelly has seen how new medications can change the lives of people around her.In her free time, you can find Kelly and her husband, who are high school sweethearts, at local baseball fields cheering on their two sons. They are a close family who loves to travel and spend time together. Kelly also loves reading business and personal development books.Dr. Matthew J. Baker, MDPrincipal InvestigatorDr. Baker is a board-certified neurologist practicing for over 20 years. He has been a Principal Investigator in numerous clinical trials, many of which have resulted in regulatory approval of novel therapeutics across the spectrum of neurologic disease, both here and abroad. His primary areas of interest include Neuroimmunology, migraine, and the Neurobehavioral manifestations of disease. Dr. Baker is a nationally recognized educator and lecturer. He enjoys teaching colleagues, medical residents and patients on such topics as Multiple Sclerosis and Myasthenia Gravis. In his spare time, he loves riding roller coasters with this family and playing with his two dogs.Micaela M. Acres, RN, BSNInfusion NurseJacqueline E. BradyCommunity Outreach Coordinator/ ReceptionMatthew B. Cagney, B.S.Clinical Research CoordinatorElena Capron, B.S.Regulatory Coordinator / Social Media CoordinatorBrittany N. Cordero, B.S.Office Manager / Human ResourcesJessica M. DEntremont, RN, MPH, BSNInfusion NurseDarious T. Davis, M.A.Head of Business DevelopmentLaura Gold, B.S.Finance CoordinatorKarma L. Hamilton, M.S.Lead RaterBethany J.M. Henchesmoore, MBAClinical Research CoordinatorJennifer Jimenez-Perez, RN, BSNInfusion NurseCarmen L. Ojeda, M.S.Quality Assurance / Quality ControlMichelle A. O'Neill, M.S.RaterMayve SantosResearch PharmacistAlexandria L. SmithClinical Research Coordinator