When Sharon and Rich Groff decided to move from their house at Quail West Golf & Country Club in Naples, Fla., they were looking for a continuing care retirement community with plenty of amenities and activities. Eliminating costly maintenance to adopt a worry-free lifestyle would be a bonus.
The couple found exactly what they wanted--and more--at Siena Lakes, the Erickson Senior Living community in Naples, Fla.
"We love attending talks, presentations, and other entertainment here," says Sharon.
Rich adds, "And I don't have to worry about the lawn, the roof, the screens, the lanai, the pool, or even the hurricanes. It's such a relief!"
The icing on the cake was Siena Lakes' pricing structure, which makes budgeting a breeze and provides peace of mind.
Attractive financial options
While preparing for their move to the community in November 2022, the Groffs were happy to learn that they had financial options.
Incoming residents can choose between an 80% refundable entrance fee--which goes back to you or your beneficiaries, if or when you leave the community--or a nonrefundable entrance fee. The Groffs chose the nonrefundable entrance fee.
The couple also found a lot of value in Siena Lakes' monthly service package, which covers the costs of all utilities, including heating and air conditioning, phone, and internet; access to the fitness center and pool; regularly scheduled transportation; housekeeping; maintenance, including repair and replacement of appliances; and much more.
"I don't have to write all the various checks for things that I used to, and that's nice," says Rich.
"I like having one payment because it's simple. We no longer have to pay property taxes or for home improvements or maintenance. So much is included," adds Sharon, who simply calls General Services if a light bulb burns out or a faucet starts to leak.
Safe and secure
The Groffs no longer need to worry about the implications of hurricanes, either.
"The last hurricane we experienced in our old house, we were just hoping and praying that it didn't do any damage," Sharon explains.
When Hurricane Idalia hit last year, though, the couple was completely safe at Siena Lakes, where buildings are constructed to withstand Category 5 hurricanes--the highest ranking--and windows are rated to protect against winds up to 185 miles an hour.
"We were having such a good time here during Idalia that we couldn't even hear the wind," says Sharon. "It was really nice, and we felt safe."
Active lifestyle
But Siena Lakes residents gain more than safety and security--they gain a whole community filled with amenities, activities, and services at no extra fee or cost, bringing a true value proposition.
"About twice a month, a musical group will sing and perform. A lot of us will order dinner from one of the many restaurants and have it delivered to the common area of the clubhouse. We'll have our dinner and dance!" says Sharon.
The Groffs also attend Bible study, weekly trivia, and the fitness center--with Sharon taking balance, stretching, and toning classes and Rich working with trainers.
Easy access
"In our old house, it was hard for me to get around," says Rich. "But now that we live in a one-level apartment home and buildings are connected via elevators and climate-controlled walkways, I can get around really well."
"Here, he can just go on his scooter and be around everybody," says Sharon. "He has always been a social person, so this is nice!"
"To provide the best services possible, we create an open environment for residents to share their suggestions for improvement. We're always looking for ways to implement new activities," says Executive Director Mike McCormick. "This forward-thinking approach not only enhances the quality of life of our residents but also preserves the value of their investment in Siena Lakes."
Peace of mind
For Sharon and Rich, having access to on-site health care adds to Siena Lakes' value as well.
"It's nice to have a doctor's office here in the medical center. It's so convenient," says Rich.
"We have peace of mind knowing that, if we do have a health problem in the future, there are people here to help," she says. "We are safe here, and our children no longer worry about us."
To learn how you can make the most of your retirement, request more information today.
*As per the Residence and Care Agreement.
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