While growing up in a suburb of Chicago, Ill., Matt Verborn often visited his great-grandparents, who lived in a retirement community.
"I've always loved hearing residents' stories and spending time with seniors, even as a kid," he says.
During college, while preparing for a business career in the health care industry, he started volunteering with a life enrichment program at a continuing care retirement community.
"I helped out with all kinds of events, activities, and outings for residents," he recalls. "That's when I decided to alter my career path. The activities brought such joy to the residents--I knew that was the kind of work I wanted to do."
Joining Siena Lakes
Verborn has certainly brought a lot of joy to residents at Siena Lakes, the Erickson Senior Living community in Naples, Fla., since becoming the community's resident services manager in November.
Previously serving as director of life enrichment and then as director of admissions at a nearby retirement community, Verborn brought a wide range of skills to the community--from event planning and activities to admissions and sales.
"The positive, vibrant culture at Erickson Senior Living--embraced from the top down--really impressed me. I just knew this was the right fit for me," he says.
In his new role at Siena Lakes, Verborn manages a team of five staff members who coordinate a robust roster of events, activities, clubs, groups, and outings. He also oversees community resources to support the fitness and aquatics center and the on-campus TV station, ensuring everything is running smoothly.
In addition, he supervises the popular Welcome Home program, which helps new residents feel comfortable and connected to the community from the day they move in.
Verborn says one of the most gratifying aspects of his new job is the strong resident involvement. As part of their regular meetings, Verborn and his staff not only brainstorm ideas for activities and events, but also listen to resident suggestions.
"We really encourage feedback, so most activities are resident-driven. They give us their ideas, and then we try our best to make them happen," Verborn says. "This is their home, so we want to provide many opportunities that they'll enjoy. Having such active residents and getting their input is huge!"
He continues, "The residents have built Siena Lakes' vibrant, engaging environment from the ground up. When you walk in, you can feel the community buzzing with energy. It's always bright and the residents are so happy here."
Work and play
When he's not collaborating with teammates and residents at Siena Lakes, Verborn spends his free time with Kendra, his wife of 10 years, and their two children: Kylie (8) and Brayden (4).
The couple met in college while playing basketball, which they still enjoy.
"Sports are a big part of our lives," says Verborn.
In fact, in addition to playing basketball with a group of college friends, Verborn is an excellent tennis player and often takes on local professionals in the Naples area.
Even their kids are sports fanatics. Kylie plays tennis, basketball, and pickleball, and Brayden plays basketball and soccer. Verborn says his son also loves fishing and anything outdoors.
A fantastic community
Just as he wants his family to pursue their interests and hobbies, Verborn wants that for all Siena Lakes residents.
"Working here is so wonderful. It's doesn't feel like a job," he says. "I come to work, and it's like an extended family. Everyone--from the residents to the staff--is so nice, and the conversations flow easily. I love coming to work every day. This community is fantastic!"
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.
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