In 2021, Margo and Harry Hiltz moved to Siena Lakes, an Erickson Senior Living community in Naples, Fla., eagerly anticipating their exciting new life.
Based on the experience of Margo's parents, Mark and Petie Snyder, who had lived at Oak Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Parkville, Md., the couple were eager to enjoy the same maintenance-free, amenity-rich lifestyle they enjoyed.
"I visited my parents at Oak Crest, between one and three times a week for 11 years. I was impressed with the way management ran things," says Margo. "I no longer worried about them. If something happened, I knew they'd be taken care of."
Retiring to Florida, from Maryland in 2015, Siena Lakes offered the couple the opportunity to enjoy the Erickson Senior Living lifestyle in Florida.
"They had everything Harry and I wanted," says Margo.
Maintenance-free living
One of the things Margo and Harry looked forward to the most with their move was the freedom from the worries and responsibilities of maintaining their house. As Siena Lakes residents they now have the maintenance-free lifestyle they wanted. If an appliance needs to be fixed or replaced, they just make one call to the General Services team, and it's taken care of.
"I'm so glad we no longer have the responsibilities of our house," says Margo. "If I have a light bulb go out, General Services comes and changes it. When I come back home on Thursdays, housekeeping has been here, and our home smells fresh, it's clean, and the glass is glistening. I think, 'Yay! I don't have to do this anymore!'"
The Hiltzes also enjoy the many benefits of Siena Lakes' monthly service package covering the costs of heating and air conditioning; most utilities; flexible dining plans in four restaurants; maintenance, including repair and replacement of appliances; a fitness center and swimming pool; and regularly scheduled transportation.
"I just write one check and I'm done! I don't have to worry about paying the utilities or for the water or anything," says Margo.
The monthly service package also includes the peace of mind that comes from 24-hour security and emergency response. When Harry experienced a medical issue, Margo simply pulled the emergency cord in their apartment, and security arrived in minutes. As trained emergency medical technicians (EMTs), the Siena Lakes security team is equipped to handle a wide variety of problems, calling an ambulance if necessary, or contacting a Siena Lakes physician who is on-call 24/7.
"I love the security here," Margo says. "I know that if we need help, we will have it within minutes."
The couple also appreciates that when they travel, they simply lock their front door and go. On-campus security ensures that their apartment is safe and secure when they're away.
An array of amenities
Free from worries, the couple participates in a variety of activities and groups that match their unique interests. Margo currently volunteers on the Resident Services Committee's guest services committee.
They plan activities like musical performances, trivia, trips to local theaters, and other events. "We do things both on and off campus," Margo says.
An avid card player, Margo organizes games of canasta with neighbors and plays the card game Hand, Knee, and Foot. She also serves as a general on the Resident Emergency Advisory Team, working with Siena Lakes management, as needed, to relay information regarding any weather emergencies to all of the residents in her building.
Like his wife, Harry enjoys giving back to his neighbors, serving on both the IT committee and of a new committee for residents who are hearing or visually impaired.
The couple also appreciates time spent with their new Siena Lakes neighbors. On Friday mornings they enjoy friendly conversation and freshly made baked goods at Pietra's Bar.
"Everybody sits down, has a piece of cake, and talks about anything that's happening in their lives," she says. "It's an hour to get together before everyone goes off to start their day."
Margo also enjoys taking the occasional moment for herself, looking out one of her apartment home windows onto the courtyard below.
"We look out at a peaceful Zen garden. Looking out at it brings you down to earth," she says. "It really is carefree living."
To learn more about senior living at this vibrant community, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.
Whether to enroll in Part B or use FEHB as primary coverage is a personal decision, based on your individual circumstances. You should look at the costs and benefits of each insurance plan and make the choice thats best for you.Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB)Cover current and retired government employeesAdministered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM)Can be:Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs): Have networks of providers that you usually must see. Out of network costs may be lower.Fee-for-service (FFS) plans: Allow you to see any medical provider, but you may have higher costs.When you become Medicare-eligible, you have a few options:Keep FEHB and turn down Medicare.Even if you have FEHB retiree coverage, it will continue to provide you with primary coverage if you dont enroll in Medicare. In this way, FEHB retiree coverage is different from most other retiree coverage.If you choose this option, consider turning down Medicare Part B but still enrolling in Part A. Part A is usually premium-free, meaning that you can have this additional coverage at no cost to you.Keep FEHB and enroll in Medicare.The two will work together to cover your health care costs, but you will owe premiums for both.Disenroll from FEHB and enroll in Medicare.You might not be able to enroll in FEHB again in the future if you change your mind.For a full list of questions to ask yourself when choosing the option that is best for you and more on identifying billing errors download this helpful handout by the Medicare Rights Center.Who to contact for more information: Contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) if you want to discuss your Medicare enrollment options with a Medicare counselor. Contact your Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) if you may have experienced Medicare fraud, errors, or abuse. In Southwest Florida it is 866-413-5337 or email shineinfo@aaaswfl.org. Contact the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) if youre a federal employee or retiree and want to learn more about FEHB. You can call 317-212-0454 or visit www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance. Contact United States Postal Service (USPS) if you are a USPS employee, retiree, or eligible family member and need more information on PSHB. Current employees can visit www.liteblue.usps.gov and retirees can visit www.keepingposted.org.The Medicare Rights Center is the author of portions of the content in these materials but is not responsible for any content not authored by the Medicare Rights Center. This document was supported, in part, by grant numbers 90SATC0002 and 90MPRC0002 from the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy. [April 2024]
Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May. Led by a federal agency, the Administration for Community Living (ACL), OAM is a time to recognize older Americans contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving the older adults in our communities.This years theme, Powered by Connection, focuses on the profound impact that meaningful connections have on the well-being and health of older adults a relationship underscored by the U.S. Surgeon Generals Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community.Its not just about having someone to chat with, its about the transformative potential of community engagement in enhancing mental, physical, and emotional well-being. By recognizing and nurturing the role that connectedness plays, we can mitigate issues like loneliness, ultimately promoting healthy aging for more Americans.How can community groups, businesses, and organizations mark OAM?Spread the word about the mental, physical, and emotional health benefits of social connection through professional and personal networks.Encourage social media followers to share their thoughts and stories of connection using hashtag #PoweredByConnection to inspire and uplift.Promote opportunities to engage, like cultural activities, recreational programs, and interactive virtual events.Connect older adults with local services, such as counseling, that can help them overcome obstacles to meaningful relationships and access to support systems.Host connection-centric events or programs where older adults can serve as mentors to peers, younger adults, or youths.What can individuals do to connect?Invite more connection into your life by finding a new passion, joining a social club, taking a class, or trying new activities in your community.Stay engaged in your community by giving back through volunteering, working, teaching, or mentoring.Invest time with people to build new relationships and discover deeper connections with your family, friends, colleagues, or neighbors.For free local events and services, visit our event calendar. For more information, visit the official OAM website and follow ACL on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #OlderAmericansMonth.
Many people assume that their family members would automatically be able to make decisions about medical treatments if they were to become incapacitated. However, rules vary greatly from state to state:Your family may have to go through a costly and time-consuming court process to get the legal right to make medical decisions for you.Your family members may disagree on who should make medical decisions on your behalf, which could lead to legal disputes.Someone unfamiliar with your preferences may be placed in charge of your treatment choices.Its important to have a plan ahead of time to avoid disagreements around treatment issues and to ensure your wishes are honored if you are incapacitated. Advance directives, living wills, health care proxies, and powers of attorney can help ensure that decisions made on your behalf meet your needs and preferences.Important documents to have include:Health care proxy Names someone you trust as your proxy, or your agent, to express your wishes and make health care decisions for you if youre unable to speak for yourself.Living will A written record of the type of medical care you would want in specified situations.Advance directive Often refers to a combination including both a living will and health care proxy documents.Power of attorney Names someone you trust as your agent to make property, financial, and other legal decisions on your behalf.For detailed tips on preparing these documents download the Preparing for Future Health Care Needs handout by the Medicare Rights Center. To understand how Medicare covers hospice and for answers to other Medicare coverage questions, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). You can visit www.shiphelp.org or call your local SHINE Medicare Counselors at 1-866-413-5337.
Experience the good life at Siena Lakes, a distinctive senior living community in an ideal location. Our Sales Center is now open in North Naples on Orange Blossom Drive just east of Airport-Pulling Road.Siena Lakes has everything you need for active, independent living:A variety of spacious floor plans with contemporary finishesResort-style amenities including a pool, fitness center, and multiple dining venuesAn extraordinary location close to shopping, dining, and beachesOn-site medical center with future plans for continuing careSmart financial options to fit your budget and lifestyle