Peter Zimmermann enjoys savoring a cup of coffee as he watches the world awaken through the large windows of his lanai. When he's checking the news online, his wife Mary joins him for a light breakfast.
The Zimmermanns couldn't imagine a better start to their day than being in their comfortable apartment home at Siena Lakes, the Erickson Senior Living community in Naples, Fla.
"The best part of living here is the freedom--to do whatever I want, whenever I want to do it," says Peter.
Mary adds, "Peter's right--it's the freedom. You can be as active or as quiet as you want to be."
Most of the time, though, the Zimmermanns are on the go! Since moving to Siena Lakes three years ago, the couple has made the most of their carefree lifestyle by utilizing the community's industry-leading amenities and participating in numerous clubs and activities.
Enjoyable mornings
After breakfast, Peter--who's earned the nickname of "Mayor" from some of his neighbors for his community involvement--heads to a Resident Advisory Council (RAC) meeting or a meeting for one of the three RAC subcommittees he sits on.
"He can't help himself. He's always been a volunteer," says Mary, with a laugh.
In addition to starting a men's bridge group, Peter also practices his swing using the on-campus golf simulator.
Mary also keeps a busy schedule, taking balance and strength classes in the fitness center and going for walks with friends around campus. When the summer heat becomes too intense, they continue their routine via the community's climate-controlled walkways.
A book club she started has now been meeting for three years, and she enjoys playing mah-jongg as well. More recently, she began learning a new skill from a neighbor who's an expert basket weaver.
"I wanted to get fancy, so I made a wine cooler!" Mary says.
Out and about
Around noon, the Zimmermanns enjoy lunch in their apartment home--often leftovers from dinner in one of the community's restaurants the night before.
"The portions here are so big--it's always two meals," says Mary.
They volunteer at St. John's Episcopal Church nearby and with the Literacy Volunteers of Collier County. Peter sits on the Board of Directors and Mary teaches English as a Second Language (ESL) and preparation for citizenship tests.
Whenever the couple leaves their apartment home for a busy, back-to-back afternoon, they never have to worry about maintenance. If a light bulb needs to be replaced or a faucet starts to leak, they just make a call to General Services.
"We don't have to worry about fixing the roof, gardening, cutting the grass, housekeeping, or painting the walls. We don't even have to be home when the repair people come," says Mary. "We just get to live and spend our time how we want!"
And when the couple wants to travel, they just close their door and go because they know their apartment home is safe and secure at Siena Lakes.
Valuable feedback
The Resident Services team at Siena Lakes works hard to ensure that the community continues to provide the services, amenities, and infrastructure that residents value most.
"We hold Resident Services Committee meetings to discuss and receive feedback on past, current, and future activities, events, clubs, and programs," says Resident Services Manager Matt Verborn. "Residents give us their ideas and we try our best to make them happen."
As a result, residents always have a robust calendar of events and activities to choose from.
Relaxing evenings
In the evenings, Mary will often cook a meal in their spacious kitchen. On others, the Zimmermanns enjoy cocktail hour and dinner out with neighbors.
"We frequent The Gulf, the restaurant which is closest to us. We like to eat outside there," says Peter.
Every couple of weeks, they join friends at Chianti's and share a more formal meal on campus.
In the winter, Peter and Mary will occasionally enjoy a night out at local theater Broadway performances. Last spring, they attended an opera.
'Love it here'
Above it all, they have found that the best aspect of life at Siena Lakes is the people.
"We love it here. Residents and staff are kind, sweet, and eager to help," says Mary.
Peter agrees. "The other thing that I've noticed are the smiles. Everybody is really happy here!"
To learn more about the benefits of moving to a maintenance-free community, request more information today.
Most Medicare drug plans have a coverage gap (also called the donut hole). This means theres a temporary limit on what the drug plan will cover for drugs. You enter the coverage gap when your total drug costsincluding what you and your plan have paid for your drugsreaches a certain limit.In 2024, that limit is $5,030. While in the coverage gap, you are responsible for 25% of the cost of your drugs.A SHIP (SHINE) counselor can answer your Medicare questions and help you understand coverage and options!To reach SHINE, call the Helpline at 866-413-5337.
The Adult Protective Services Program, a division of the Florida Department of Children and Families, is dedicated to preventing further harm to vulnerable adults who are victims of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or self-neglect, as outlined in Chapter 415, Florida Statutes.The Florida Abuse Hotline plays an important role in this process by screening allegations of adult abuse or neglect. It assesses whether the information meets the criteria for an abuse report. If the criteria are met, a protective investigation is initiated to determine if there is evidence of abuse, neglect, or exploitation; to assess immediate or long-term risks to the victim; and to identify any additional services needed to ensure the victims well-being.If you see or suspect anyone one of being abused or neglected. Please reach out via the Abuse Hotline 1-800-962-2873 or via this link: https://reportabuse.myflfamilies.com/s/Elder Abuse Prevention TrainingThe AAASWFL provides complimentary training on Elder Abuse Prevention for both professionals and community members. Participants will receive a certificate of completion upon finishing the training. For more information or to schedule a training session, please contact Gloria Lappost at (239) 652-6914 or via email at Clorivel.Lappost@AAASWFL.org.
Medicares Open Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7 and is the time of year when you can make certain changes to your Medicare coverage. The last change you make will take effect on January 1. Take action during Medicares Open Enrollment to make sure your coverage will meet your needs in 2025.What changes can you make during Medicares Open Enrollment?Joining a new Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D prescription drug planSwitching from Original Medicare to Medicare AdvantageSwitching from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare (with or without a Part D plan)Call 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227) or visit www.Medicare.gov to make changes.Review your coverage for 2025Medicare Advantage and Part D plans usually change each year. Make sure that your drugs will be covered next year and that your providers and pharmacies will still be in the plans network.Original Medicare: Visit www.Medicare.gov or read the 2025 Medicare & You handbook to learn about Medicares benefits for the upcoming year.Medicare Advantage or Part D plan: Read your plans Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and Evidence of Coverage (EOC).What to consider when choosing a new plan:Ask yourself the following questions before choosing a Part D drug plan:Does the plan cover all the medications I take?Does the plan have restrictions on my drugs?How much will I pay for monthly premiums and the annual deductible?How much will I pay at the pharmacy (copay/coinsurance) for each drug I take?Is my pharmacy in the plans preferred network? Can I fill my prescription by mail order?What is the plans star rating?If I have other drug coverage, will the Medicare drug plan work with this coverage?For a full checklist of questions to ask before choosing a Medicare Advantage Plan, where to find Medicares Plan Finder tool, and tips on protecting yourself from marketing violations and misleading marketing, download SHIPs full handout here.Where can I go for more help?State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): Contact your SHIP if you have questions about any notices you receive or have experienced a potential marketing violation. SHIP counselors can help you review your options and pick a plan that meets your needs. SHIP counselors provide trusted, unbiased, and individualized Medicare counseling. Contact information for your local SHIP is below. Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP): Contact your local SMP if you believe you have experienced a potential marketing violation. SMP team members can help you to prevent, detect, and report potential Medicare fraud, errors, or abuse.In Southwest Florida, SHIP/SMP are also known as SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders), to contact your local SHINE Medicare Counselors, call toll-free 866-413-5337 or visit floridashine.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. [September 2024]
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