“I Only Wish I’d Moved Sooner”: Jeanne Findlater’s Glenview Story

When Rachel Ritter first walked through the doors of The Glenview, she wasnt leading concerts, organizing excursions, or planning community-wide celebrations.She was 15 years old, bussing tables in the dining room.Today, more than three decades later, Rachel has come full circle as The Glenviews new Lifestyle Director a role that perfectly combines her lifelong dedication to the community with her passion for enriching the lives of residents.Along the way, Rachel earned both a nursing degree and a degree in history, supported in part by a scholarship from The Glenview Scholarship Fund.  She worked at The Glenview throughout college, held numerous leadership roles in Dining Services, and built lasting relationships with residents and team members alike.Now, she has found what she calls her true calling.After 31 years at The Glenview, Ive discovered that my greatest passion is creating a vibrant lifestyle for our residents, said Rachel.  Dining Servies allowed me to create exceptional experiences around the table, but I wanted to contribute even more to daily life here.  My goal is simple: every resident should wake up each morning with something exciting to look forward to.That philosophy is reflected in every square of The Glenviews bustling Activities Calendar. A Calendar Packed with PossibilityRachels vision is ambitious: create enough variety that every resident can find something that sparks joy, curiosity, connection, or purpose.Its my job to bring joy to peoples lives, said Rachel.  I take that responsibility very seriously.Each month, residents enjoy an extraordinary mix of entertainment, education, wellness, social events, and excursions. Signature Events & EntertainmentTwo to three major events each month bring the community together for unforgettable experiences.  From jazz ensembles and classical concerts to vocal performances and thought-provoking lectures by college professors, residents can explore topics ranging from history and philosophy to pop culture and current events. Culinary ExperiencesFood lovers eagerly await the monthly cooking demonstrations led by Executive Chef David Chidsey or Pastry Chef Ashley Yedeski.  Residents learn professional techniques, enjoy generous tastings, and occasionally see favorite recipes make their way onto the dining room menu.The culinary fun continues with themed luncheons and tea parties.  Recent favorites have included French and Asian-inspired lunches, farm-to-table seasonal luncheons, a Southern Tea Party, and a whimsical Mad Hatter Tea complete with imaginative desserts.Ashley has a gift for creating memorable pastries, said Rachel.  Together, we love finding ways to surprise residents with something delicious and unexpected. Wellness for the Whole PersonAt The Glenview, wellness extends far beyond exercise.Working alongside Director of Health & Wellness Navigation Kari Bone, Rachel helps create programming that supports all eight Dimensions of Wellness:  physical, emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, vocational, health services, and environmental health.Recent speakers have included cardiologists, dietitians, meditation specialists, IT & fraud advocates, and other experts all lectures paired with refreshments and opportunities for discussion.Our residents are incredibly curious and engaged, said Kari Bone.  Its a pleasure working with Rachel to bring in exceptional speakers on topics that matter most to the quality of life for our seniors.  Lifelong learning is alive and well at The Glenview!Residents can also choose from 13 fitness classes every week, including yoga, meditation, cardio exercise, balance training, chair fitness, Tai Chi, and specialized classes led by physical therapy professionals.  For independent workouts, the Fitness Center offers access to state-of-the-art equipment seven days a week. Adventure Awaits in Pelican BayWhile there is always something exciting happening on campus, Rachel also loves taking residents on the road.  Recent outings have included a Rhythm & Blooms Jazz Concert at the Naples Botanical Garden, rooftop happy hour at The Perry Hotel, and visits to every new exhibition opening at the Artis Naples Museum.Rachel also coordinates transportation for residents who are season ticket holders for Naples Players productions and Artis Naples Masterworks Concerts.One of the best parts of my job is helping residents continue exploring the community they love, said Rachel.  Theres always another adventure waiting in Pelican Bay. The Power of Shared InterestsSome of the communitys most beloved activity programs are resident-led.  Book lovers can join either the Fiction Book Club, led by resident Lynn Nolan, or the Non-Fiction Book Club, led by resident Cynthia Bye.  Creative residents can gather for the Social Crafting Bee, where simple projects are paired with cookies, lemonade, and conversation.  The newest project a handmade greeting card was suggested and organized by resident Carol Levy.The Card Room is always a hub of activity at The Glenview.  Card players gather regularly for bridge, Mexican Train, mahjongg, and other favorite games, while movie enthusiasts enjoy Saturday matinees complete with buttered popcorn.Rachel has a remarkable talent for turning resident ideas into reality, said Lynn Nolan, resident and Chair of the Lifestyle Committee.  She listens, encourages participation, and helps create the sense of community that makes The Glenview so special.  Rachel is much loved by all our residents. Giving Back TogetherSome activities focus on something even bigger than fun.Through a partnership with Meals for Hope, residents participate in quarterly philanthropy events that help organize and distribute food for local families in need.Many residents want hands-on ways to serve others, Rachel said.  This program allows them to make a direct impact while working together as a community.The Glenview knitting group has found a similarly meaningful mission by connecting with the global non-profit Knitted Knockers, where they create soft knitted prostheses for women recovering from breast surgery.Its amazing to watch residents use their talents to comfort someone theyve never met, said Rachel.  The project gives purpose to every stitch. A Scholarship That Came Full CircleOne activity especially close to Rachels heart is the monthly Scholarship Bingo fundraiser.  All proceeds benefit The Glenview Scholarship Fund, which helps employees further their education.I was fortunate enough to receive one of those scholarships myself, said Rachel.  It changed the course of my life.  Every time we host Scholarship Bingo, Im reminded of how much this community invests in its people. Always Looking AheadRachel is already looking to expand the already full Activities Calendar.A new Dining Out Club is in development, giving residents opportunities to explore local restaurants together.  Rachel is also working with yoga instructor Marjorie to launch a Senior Salsa class and continues partnering with the resident-led Lifestyle Committee to bring new ideas to life.The best ideas often come from residents, said Rachel.  When people share their passions, we can create even more opportunities for connection and fun.Resident Judy Johansen agrees.  Rachels enthusiasm is contagious, said Judy.  She creates opportunities for everyone to get involved, make friends, and try something new.  Theres always something exciting on the horizon here.For Executive Director Daniel Gomez, Rachels impact is impossible to miss.  Rachel brings tremendous energy, creativity, and heart to everything she does, said Daniel.  Her decades of experience at The Glenview, combined with the genuine relationships shes built with residents, make her truly irreplaceable.  She helps create the culture of joy that defines this community.Rachel sums up her vision with characteristic enthusiasm: I want The Glenview to feel like a cruise ship that never leaves the dock, she said.  There should always be great food, lively conversation, and exciting activities waiting around every corner!Judging by the packed calendar and the smiles it creates Rachel has certainly contributed to making The Glenview a destination of choice for seniors.We invite you to experience The Glenview personally.  Join us for lunch, tour the community, meet the residents, and see firsthand why so many discerning individuals choose to call it home.To learn more about our community or schedule a visit, call us at (239) 977-9744 or complete our Contact Us form.

When you move to The Glenview, youre gaining more than a beautiful apartment home. Youre gaining a trusted guide dedicated to helping you stay healthy, connected, independent, and confident as you embrace this exciting new chapter.That guide is Kari Bone, Director of Health & Wellness Navigation.My goal is simple, Kari said. I want every resident to feel supported, confident, and excited about whats ahead. Whether someone needs help finding a new physician, has questions about available services, or wants to learn new ways to stay healthy and active, Im here for them.Its a role thats part educator, part advocate, part problem-solver and one that helps residents truly optimize life at The Glenview.Wellness That Helps You Live Your Best LifeWellness at The Glenview isnt measured by the number of fitness classes on the calendar. Its about creating opportunities to live with greater purpose, energy, and peace of mind. Kari develops engaging programming that supports all eight Dimensions of Wellness physical, emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, occupational, financial, and environmental health giving residents new ways to learn, connect, and thrive.On the first Wednesday of every month, residents gather for Health & Wellness Presents, a popular speaker series featuring physicians, therapists, dietitians, wellness experts, and other specialists discussing topics that matter most as we age.Our residents are incredibly curious, Kari said. Every month we have a wonderful turnout because people genuinely enjoy learning something new. They ask great questions, share their experiences, enjoy a healthy lunch or cooking demonstration, and spend time with friends. You leave feeling a little smarterand a little happier.Recent presentations have explored everything from heart health and nutrition to mobility, meditation, fraud prevention, and healthy aging. Interactive demonstrations and lively discussions turn every program into an opportunity to learn something practical while building meaningful friendships.Between presentations, Kari also shares practical advice through her popular Navigator Nuggets easy-to-save wellness guides included in the monthly resident newsletter. Covering topics like hydration, fall prevention, and seasonal wellness, theyre another way The Glenview helps residents make informed choices that support healthy, independent living.More Than Answers Peace of MindKari also introduces residents to the many services available to support successful aging in place, including GlenCare, The Glenviews personalized in-home support program.I never want someone to feel like theyre on their own, Kari said. Whatever question comes up, whatever challenge they face, well figure it out together. Thats what were here for.That reassurance begins long before move-in day.Kari is a results-driven leader with a humanitarian heart, said Krisandra Panting, Director of Marketing & Sales. Shes an incredible resource for prospective residents and their families because she has a solution for virtually every question or concern. She has a remarkable way of helping people feel comfortable, cared for, and confident about their decision to move to The Glenview.Helping Residents ThriveThis October, Kari will launch LifePlus, an exciting new wellness initiative built around four pillars of healthy aging: Connection, Movement, Nutrition, and Longevity. The program debuts with a week-long celebration featuring presentations given by nationally recognized physicians, wellness talks, fitness classes, interactive demonstrations, pop-up events, and the One Million Step Challenge, where residents join forces to track their steps throughout the month, turning walking and healthier habits into a shared community goal.Kari brings so much heart to everything she does, said Daniel Gomez, Executive Director. She doesnt just organize outstanding programs she builds relationships. She helps people discover new interests, make new friends, and feel confident that theyre supported every step of the way. Her guidance is one of the many things that makes life at The Glenview so special.For Kari, thats the real purpose behind every program, every conversation, and every connection.When someone chooses The Glenview, theyre choosing so much more than a place to live, she said. Theyre choosing a community that wants them to feel their best, keep learning, stay connected, and enjoy every stage of life. Seeing residents discover new friendships, new interests, and new confidence thats why I love what I do.Optimizing your life isnt about doing more. Its about living in a community where youre encouraged to be healthier, stay curious, build meaningful relationships, and embrace each day with confidence.Thats the difference youll discover at The Glenview.We invite you to experience The Glenview personally. Join us for lunch, tour the community, meet the residents, and see firsthand why so many discerning individuals choose to call it home.Schedule your private visit today by calling (239) 977-9744 or click here.

Theres a word for a growing number of older adults: solo-agers. They never married, or they lost a spouse. They never had children, or the children they have live far away or arent in the picture at all. Whatever the path that led them here, the result is the same: No built-in caregiver. No adult child to call the doctor, drive to an appointment, or notice when somethings wrong.For most families, aging comes with a safety net, however imperfect. Solo-agers build their own and that takes planning most people never think to do until they need it.Solo-agers are redefining what it means to plan ahead, said Daniel Gomez, Executive Director of The Glenview. Those that move to The Glenview come to us with a clear vision, huge energy, and a desire to stay in the drivers seat of their own lives. Making smart, proactive decisions early isnt just practical its empowering, and it ensures every single door stays wide open for their future.The Weight of Going It AloneThe challenge of aging solo isnt just physical theres a mental load to it as well. Who do you call when youre not sure if a symptom is serious? Who makes sure the right medications are taken at the right times? Who notices the small changes that, when caught early, keep a minor issue from becoming a crisis? For someone without a spouse or nearby family, these questions dont have easy answers.Thats precisely the gap GlenCare Home Care was created to fill.Four Levels of Care, One Consistent TeamGlenCare isnt a single service its a continuum of four unique care options, built so a clients care can evolve without ever having to start over with a new agency. Care Option #1 is Companion Care, which covers the everyday essentials: rides to appointments, grocery runs, errands, help with bills and correspondence. Care Option #2 is Home Health Aides who take on personal care bathing, dressing, meal prep, mobility and exercise support. Care Option #3 addresses medical needs, and GlenCares Registered Nurses and LPNs do everything from managing wound care to medication management, as well as provide help navigating the healthcare system. And Care Option #4 is for clients facing memory loss. Every GlenCare caregiver and clinician is trained in the Heartfelt Connections Memory Care Program, a research-based care approach focused on dignity, safety, and quality of life for those with cognitive impairment.Because all four care options operate under one agency, a client who starts with a few hours of companion care a week can gradually and seamlessly transition into skilled nursing support later without losing the relationships and routines theyve built along the way. Consistent caregivers notice subtle health changes faster. They can adjust care while keeping routines stable. Clients appreciate being supported by people who actually know them not a rotating roster of strangers learning their preferences from scratch each visit. For solo-agers, that consistency of care correlates to a better quality of life.What sets GlenCare apart from any other home care service is that a nurse case manager leads the care team from Day One, said Kim Dapper, Director of Nursing for GlenCare. Thats the individual who first builds a relationship with the client, establishes the care plan, and stays engaged over time not just a service that shows up and leaves. For a solo-ager, that ongoing relationship becomes the closest thing they have to a family member managing their care.And most importantly, GlenCare isnt limited to residents of The Glenview its available to anyone who needs home care throughout Collier and Lee Counties.Why Aging in Place Works When the Care is RightOne of the biggest advantages of home care is that you dont have to move. A change in health doesnt have to mean packing up a home, adjusting to a new environment, and starting over. With an experienced GlenCare care team that scales alongside changing needs from weekly help to 24/7 support clients can remain in the home they know, on their own schedule, for as long as its safe and sensible to do so.A Sterling Reputation Built With Years of ExperienceGlenCare has been recognized as a Best of Florida home care provider year after year a distinction earned through consistent outcomes, not advertising. Every GlenCare aide is rigorously screened and English-speaking, chosen not only for clinical competence but for the kind of temperament that turns a caregiver into a trusted companion. Clients often say the relationship becomes the most valuable part of the care experience someone who shows up reliably, knows their history, and genuinely cares about their future.That kind of continuity matters most for solo-agers who dont have someone else double-checking on their behalf. Its also why GlenCare builds a consistent care team around each client from the start the same familiar faces returning visit after visit, year after year, rather than a rotating cast of strangers.What It Costs and How to Make It More AffordableCost is often the first concern solo-agers raise. What many people dont realize is that home care is a covered benefit under many long-term-care insurance policies. GlenCares team has experience navigating that paperwork and will work with clients to pursue client reimbursement for eligible home care costs one more piece of the process solo-agers dont have to figure out on their own.Solo-agers are making these care decisions entirely on their own, which can feel overwhelming, said Krisandra Panting, Director of Marketing & Sales at The Glenview. Its our job is to make sure they never have to figure it out alone. Our clients know they will always have the GlenCare team in their corner.Proof It WorksAging without a built-in support system shouldnt mean aging without support. Solo-agers need to be deliberate about building their own support system, and partnering with GlenCare is an excellent first step. The key to building a support system that works is to make a plan now, not wait for crisis to force the issue.The bottom line is that the right care, delivered consistently and personally, can extend not just independence, but the lifespan of an individual. One long-time GlenCare client, now 107 years old, continues to live independently today with the support of GlenCare aides. That is the power of home care at work!Take the Next StepIf you are navigating aging solo, dont wait for an emergency to start the conversation. Contact GlenCare Home Care today to schedule a complimentary in-home assessment and learn how personalized care can help you stay safe, independent, and supported on your own terms, in your own home.