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Naples has always been popular with vacationers and second home buyers seeking a fun, family-friendly environment to escape to in the Sunshine State. Known for its dreamy, white-sand beaches and world-class golf courses, this Gulf of Mexico city is also emerging as a major luxury destination in which to invest and live. The city has been part of the Blue Zones Project since 2015, which works to make communities across the country healthier and happier. Since then, East Naples has had the most significant improvement in Southwest Florida, up 6.7% since the project started. "Once you move to Naples, you can take 10 years off your age," Ardel McKenna, real estate associate at Coldwell Banker, joked, pointing out some of the city's major recreational draws such as sailing, fishing, and almost 90 golf courses. "If you want to be outdoors, it's the best place in the world because it's always sunny."
And with more people working remotely than ever, Naples has quickly become the primary home of many urbanites relocating from cities such as Chicago and New York City. In fact, it now holds the title of the safest place to live, according to a recent U.S. News survey, and is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, attracting not just retirees but also younger couples. In 2021, Naples had the most home sales per capita of all mid-size markets in the U.S., and the average home price jumped a whopping $200,000 year-over-year (more than 30%). In June 2022, the median home price in the city was $739,000..
"Our average buyer is now 42 years old. [Naples] is very vibrant. It has restaurants, nightlife, and a lot of fun things. There is always something new on the horizon in Naples," Dawn McKenna, a Coldwell Banker broker specializing in luxury real estate, told T+L. "I would say we are probably closest from a real estate perspective to Palm Beach. The difference is Palm Beach Island is — like all of Naples — walkable. But Palm Beach Island is very small, so when you go out to West Palm Beach, it gets very dense. Naples is a little bigger and doesn't have that."
Lower density is just one factor that makes Naples a more attractive destination than traditional luxury markets such as Miami or Palm Beach. Naples Municipal Airport (APF) is just a 10-minute drive from the city's downtown and caters to private and chartered flights (in 2020, it was one of only three private airports countrywide that saw an uptick in activity). Naples's 5th Avenue South and Waterside Shops are home to some of the best designer shopping, and new luxury developments are popping up all over town.
Four Seasons is making its debut on the Gulf Coast with Naples Beach Club, a Four Seasons Resort, a sprawling 125-acre community that will consist of a 216-room hotel and 185 luxury residences. The property, designed by Hart Howerton with interiors by Champalimaud Design, is projected to open in 2024. Kalea Bay, five high-rise towers in North Naples offering gorgeous Gulf of Mexico views, an open-air gym, several pools, and tennis courts, among many other amenities, features three- and four-bedroom fully furnished residences. Most of the Kalea Bay condos have been sold for two years, and residents will finally move in this fall.
In May, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts announced it is building its second Rosewood Residences property in Florida in the heart of Naples. The 50-unit development will boast 500 feet of beachfront, ocean views, and concierge amenities. The three- and four-bedroom residences have an average indoor size of 5,300 square feet each and will feature their own private elevator entries, spacious balconies, large walk-in closets, and custom kitchens.
House sales in the area are also booming. Last month, a 16,000-square-foot beachfront home sold for $62 million, making it Naples's most expensive single-family residence and beating the previous big-ticket record by $10 million. Some of the buzziest neighborhoods in the city right now are Port Royal, Old Naples, and Aqualane Shores.
"The demand [for real estate] in Naples never goes away," Ardel McKenna concluded. "It's getting bigger. The rise in interest rates or the stock market leveling off is never going to diminish the demand to be in Naples."
Summer can be one of the most joyful seasons for seniors, offering opportunities for movement, connection, and fun. By choosing the right activities and staying mindful of heat and hydration, older adults can enjoy everything the season has to offersafely and comfortably.Summer offers the perfect opportunity for seniors to enjoy the outdoors, soak up some vitamin D, and stay socially and physically active. However, rising temperatures and increased sun exposure can also bring unique risks, especially for older adults. With a bit of planning and awareness, seniors can make the most of the season while prioritizing safety and well-being.Here are some enjoyable and safe summer activities for seniors: 1. Morning or Evening WalksWalking is one of the best low-impact exercises for seniors. During the summer, its safest to walk early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid peak heat. Local parks, botanical gardens, or shaded trails offer refreshing scenery and a chance to connect with nature.Tip: Wear a hat, sunscreen, and breathable clothing, and bring water to stay hydrated. 2. GardeningGardening provides gentle physical activity and can be a therapeutic hobby. Whether its tending to flowers, vegetables, or herbs, it allows seniors to be outside while staying in control of their environment.Tip: Use raised garden beds to reduce strain on joints, and aim for shaded gardening times to avoid heat stress. 3. Outdoor PicnicsGathering with family or friends for a picnic is a great way to enjoy warm weather without exertion. Seniors can bring a comfortable chair and enjoy a meal, music, or a game of cards under a shaded tree or pavilion.Tip: Choose locations with accessible seating and restroom facilities. 4. Water Aerobics or SwimmingSwimming and water-based activities are ideal for seniors because theyre easy on the joints and help with mobility and flexibility. Many community centers offer senior-friendly aquatic programs in the summer.Tip: Always swim in supervised areas and wear water shoes to avoid slips and falls. 5. Outdoor Arts and CraftsFor those who love being creative, setting up a shaded table for painting, sketching, or crafting outdoors can be relaxing and inspiring. This combines artistic expression with the calming influence of nature.Tip: Use portable umbrellas or tents to create a cool, shaded workspace. 6. Farmers Markets and Outdoor FairsExploring a local farmers market is a pleasant way to get some light exercise while supporting local growers. Seniors can sample fresh produce, enjoy live music, and engage with their community.Tip: Go early in the day and use a rolling cart or bag to make carrying purchases easier. 7. Bird Watching or Nature ObservationBird watching can be both calming and mentally stimulating. A pair of binoculars and a local field guide can turn a simple outing into an enjoyable and educational experience.Tip: Choose a quiet, shady spot with seating and bring a journal to record observations. 8. Attend Outdoor Concerts or MoviesMany communities host free or low-cost concerts and movies in the park. These events offer great social opportunities and entertainment in a relaxed, outdoor setting.Tip: Bring a chair with good back support, a fan or mister, and snacks to stay comfortable. Safety Tips for Summer Fun Hydration is Key: Older adults may not feel thirsty as often, so its important to drink water regularly. Dress for the Weather: Light, loose-fitting clothes and a wide-brimmed hat help protect against heat. Use Sun Protection: Sunscreen with at least SPF 30 should be applied 20 minutes before going outside and reapplied every two hours. Know the Signs of Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, excessive sweating, and confusion. If any of these occur, seek shade and medical attention immediately.
Pennsylvania offers Medicaid waiver programs under the Community HealthChoices (CHC) umbrella and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) Waiver (often referred to as the PA Council on Aging Waiver). These programs help older adults and individuals with physical disabilities remain in their homes or community settings instead of entering nursing facilities. CHC and the PDA Waiver provide long-term services and supports (LTSS) based on assessed functional needs, emphasizing assistance with ADLs and IADLs. Covered services may include personal care assistance, adult day services, home-delivered meals, transportation, home modifications, assistive technology, and respite care for family caregivers. In addition, Pennsylvanias CHC Waiver offers Participant-Directed Services that allow participants to hire and manage their own caregivers, including family members. To qualify, applicants must be Medicaid-eligible, at least 60 years old (for PDA Waiver) or 21+ (for CHC), and require a nursing facility level of care as determined through a standardized functional assessment of ADLs/IADLs. In this article, we explain what Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are and how needing help with these tasks is central to qualifying for Pennsylvanias Medicaid waivers like CHC and the PDA Waiver.What Are ADLs (Activities of Daily Living)?Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are fundamental self-care tasks that a person must perform daily to maintain independence. Difficulty with ADLs often signals a need for supportive services. Core ADLs include: Mobility (Ambulating/Transferring): Safely walking, getting up from a chair, or transferring from a bed to a wheelchair. Dressing: Selecting and putting on appropriate clothing (including handling fasteners) without assistance. Eating: Feeding oneselfusing utensils to get food from a plate to the mouth and consuming it. Personal Hygiene: Bathing or showering and performing grooming activities like shaving, brushing teeth, and combing hair on ones own. Toileting (Continence): Independently using the toiletgetting to the toilet, transferring on and off, and cleaning oneself afterward. When someone can no longer perform several ADLs without help, it indicates that ongoing care or support is likely needed.What Are IADLs (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living)?Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are more complex tasks that allow a person to live independently in the community. While not necessarily performed daily, they are essential for managing ones household and life. Key IADLs include: Shopping for Essentials: The ability to shop for groceries, pick up prescriptions, or purchase clothing and other necessities. Meal Preparation: Planning and cooking mealsgathering ingredients and safely using kitchen appliances. Housekeeping: Keeping the home clean and livable tasks like cleaning, laundry, and taking out the trash. Money Management: Handling finances, such as paying bills on time, managing bank accounts, and budgeting. Transportation: Getting around or arranging transportationdriving oneself or using public transit or rides to run errands and attend appointments. Medication Management: Managing and taking medications properly remembering to take the correct medicines at scheduled times and refilling prescriptions. Communication: Using the phone or computer to communicatelooking up phone numbers, making calls, sending emails, and staying in touch with others. Trouble with IADLs is often one of the first signs that someone needs more support, even if basic ADLs are unaffected.Why ADLs and IADLs Matter for Medicaid Waiver EligibilityIn Pennsylvania, needing help with ADLs and IADLs is a central eligibility criterion for the CHC and PDA Waiver programs. These waivers serve individuals who would otherwise qualify for nursing facility care but prefer to remain in their own homes or community settings. Eligibility is determined through both financial and functional assessments. The functional assessment evaluates whether an individual requires hands-on assistance with ADLs and/or significant help with IADLs, thereby meeting a nursing facility level of care. Pennsylvania uses standardized toolsoften the Pennsylvania LongTerm Care Assessment System (PaLTAS) or the Minimum Data SetHome Care (MDSHC)to score independence in ADLs and IADLs.During the functional evaluation, an assessor reviews abilities such as transferring from bed to chair, walking safely, eating, toileting, meal preparation, housekeeping, medication management, and managing money. Cognitive issuessuch as memory problems due to dementiaare also considered since they impact daily functioning. If an individual cannot perform multiple ADLs without assistance or has significant deficits in IADLs, they are likely to meet the level-of-care requirement and become eligible for waiver services.Community HealthChoices (CHC) WaiverCommunity HealthChoices (CHC) is Pennsylvanias comprehensive HCBS waiver program for individuals aged 21 and older who require a nursing facility level of care. Administered by the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL), CHC is a managed care program that combines physical health, long-term services and supports, and pharmacy benefits under a single plan (with behavioral health carved out). To qualify for CHC: Be age 21 or older. Meet Medicaid financial eligibility guidelines. Require a nursing facility level of care (confirmed through functional assessment). Live in a setting that meets HCBS requirements (e.g., home, apartment, assisted living). Be a Pennsylvania resident. Once enrolled, participants receive a comprehensive package of services tailored to their needs. Covered services may include personal assistance, home-delivered meals, adult day services, behavioral support, professional nursing, home modifications, assistive technology, transportation, and respite care. CHC also offers Participant-Directed Services, allowing participants to recruit, hire, train, and supervise their own caregiversoften family membersto assist with ADLs (bathing, dressing, toileting) and IADLs (meal preparation, medication reminders).PDA Waiver (Council on Aging Waiver)The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) Waiver, also called the Council on Aging Waiver, serves seniors aged 60 and over who require nursing facility level of care but choose to remain at home or in other community-based settings like domiciliary care homes. To qualify: Be age 60 or older. Meet Medicaid financial eligibility requirements. Be assessed as requiring nursing facility level of care (through the functional assessment). Live in a qualifying community setting. Covered services under the PDA Waiver may include personal care assistance, home-delivered meals, homemaker services, personal emergency response systems, respite care, adult day services, minor home modifications, and transportation. Like CHC, the PDA Waiver emphasizes managing ADL and IADL needs to keep participants safely in their homes.Participant-Directed ServicesBoth CHC and the PDA Waiver offer Participant-Directed Services, which empower participants to choose and manage their own caregivers, including family members, friends, or neighbors. Under this model, participants develop a service plan with guidance from a care coordinator, set schedules, and handle payroll tasks. This flexibility helps ensure that personal care and IADL support align with participants preferences and routines.Signs That Your Loved One May QualifyBelow are practical indicators that someone may be eligible for Pennsylvanias CHC or PDA Waiver due to difficulty with ADLs and IADLs: Trouble with Personal Care: Skipping showers, unkempt hair, or wearing dirty clothes may indicate difficulties with bathing and dressing (ADLs). Malnutrition or Weight Loss: An empty fridge or significant weight loss suggests issues with meal prep or feeding oneself (ADLs/IADLs). Mobility Decline and Falls: Struggling to walk without assistance, needing help to stand, or experiencing frequent falls signals reduced mobility (ADL: transferring/ambulating). Medication Errors and Memory Problems: Missing doses, mixing up pills, or forgetting appointments point to challenges with medication management and scheduling (IADLs). Household Neglect: Piles of mail, unpaid bills, or a cluttered home reflect trouble with housekeeping and money management (IADLs). A combination of needing help with several ADLslike bathing and toiletingand difficulties with IADLssuch as meal prep and housekeepingstrongly indicates a nursing facility level of care. Document these challenges for the functional assessment to demonstrate eligibility.Were Here to Help: Next Steps and Contact InformationNavigating Pennsylvanias Medicaid waiver programs can be complex, but you dont have to go it alone. At Passion to Care, we specialize in guiding Pennsylvania families through the CHC and PDA Waiver application processesfrom the initial functional assessment of ADLs and IADLs to completing paperwork and coordinating services once approved. If you notice your loved one struggling with daily tasks or if a professional has recommended nursing facility care, it may be time to explore CHC or the PDA Waiver. Our compassionate, family-first team ensures your loved ones needs are met with dignity and respect. Call us or contact us today to learn how to get started with Pennsylvanias Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services.
Social interaction is a cornerstone of health and well-being, particularly for seniors. Engaging in social activities can significantly impact their mental, emotional, and physical health. This post aims to underscore the importance of socializing your parents or elderly loved ones and provide practical suggestions for encouraging meaningful social engagement.Research has consistently shown that seniors who maintain active social lives enjoy numerous health benefits, including reduced risks for chronic diseases, lower blood pressure, and decreased rates of depression and anxiety. Social interactions can also play a critical role in preserving cognitive function, thereby potentially delaying the onset of dementia and Alzheimers disease.However, fostering social connections for seniors can sometimes be challenging. Mobility issues, health conditions, and the loss of peers can make it difficult for them to maintain their social networks. Here are several ways to help your elderly loved ones stay connected and engaged:Leverage Community Events: Many communities offer events tailored to seniors, such as exercise classes, art workshops, and social clubs. Encourage your loved ones to participate in these activities, which can be great opportunities to meet peers with similar interests.Embrace Technology: Online platforms and social media can be invaluable for seniors, allowing them to connect with friends and family members despite physical distances. Introducing your parents to simple-to-use apps and devices can open up a world of interaction.Encourage New Friendships: Help your elderly loved ones find new social circles by encouraging them to join clubs or groups based on their interests. Whether its a book club, a gardening group, or a cooking class, these activities can provide both a sense of community and a chance to learn something new.Volunteer Together: Volunteering is not only a way to give back but also a powerful method for socializing. Engaging in volunteer work allows seniors to feel connected to their communities and provides a sense of purpose.Schedule Regular Visits: Regular visits from family members, friends, or caregivers can significantly boost a seniors mood and sense of belonging. Even short, frequent visits can make a big difference in their overall well-being.Facilitating social interaction for seniors is about creating opportunities for connection and ensuring they have the support needed to engage with their community. By prioritizing social activities and leveraging resources both offline and online, we can help enrich the lives of our elderly loved ones, contributing to their happiness and health. If you have any questions, please contact AmazingCare at 303-755-3170.
Spectacular views, gorgeous residences, wide-open spaces, and a relaxed and engaging way of life. These are some of the reasons why so many active people looking to simplify make their homes at The Arlington. And why its one of the best retirement communities in Naples, Florida. Opened in 2015 in Lely Resort, The Arlington offers luxury, maintenance-free Estate Homes and apartment residences together with premier amenities and a wellness-based lifestyle. As a Life Plan Community, residents also benefit from lifetime access to comprehensive care services at our Oakton Place Healthcare Center.Life Plan Communities: A Great Life Today. And a Plan for the FutureThe Arlington is not only Naples premier address for luxury retirement living. Its also a Life Plan Community. Its designed for people who want the recreational, social amenities, and quality-of-life of an active adult community and the assurance of future care as they age. In addition to Independent Living, The Arlington provides on-site Assisted Living, Heartfelt Connections A Memory Care Program, Skilled Nursing, and Short-Term Rehabilitation. These services are also available to older adults in the greater Naples area.A Home for Life. Care for LifeLiving at The Arlington allows people to age in place as their needs change. For example, an independent living resident can temporarily move to short-term rehab to recover from a knee replacement. And a resident who is beginning to need more assistance can transition to assisted living. This flexibility makes The Arlington ideal for couples who may age at different rates. With a continuum of care available, they can remain near to each other without having to leave the community.An Active Lifestyle and Exceptional AmenitiesCompared to other types of communities, The Arlington provides greater opportunities for social interaction, a focus on wellness, a wider range of activities, and life-enriching amenities and services.Estate HomesExperience the peak of luxury living in Naples with our single-family Estate Homes. These residences are packed with amenities and situate you in a vibrant neighborhood filled with like-minded people and social events.Apartment HomesEnjoy stylish independent living with a wide variety of floor plans available. Whether you choose large and lavish or cozy and compact, youll always live just an elevator ride away from all the action.Assisted LivingOur Assisted Living is designed for those who seek a thoughtful balance of a maintenance-free, resort lifestyle with all the benefits of dignified assistance, when needed.Skilled Nursing CareWe provide nursing care for those whose wellness depends on consistent attention from relational, person-centered professionals.Heartfelt Connections A Memory Care ProgramThis nationally recognized memory care model makes a real difference for those with Alzheimers disease or other forms of dementia. Caregivers are specially trained to provide a continuum of care that focuses on the individual person.Short-Term RehabilitationOur short-term rehabilitation and care services help individuals move forward and regain their optimal level of performance when an illness, injury, or surgery has set them back.Short-Term StaysOakton Place at The Arlington offers convenient and flexible Transitional Stays, Respite Care, and Trial Stays in both our award-winning Assisted Living and Heartfelt Connections A Memory Care Program areas.
Spectacular views, gorgeous residences, wide-open spaces, and a relaxed and engaging way of life. These are some of the reasons why so many active people looking to simplify make their homes at The Arlington. And why its one of the best retirement communities in Naples, Florida. Opened in 2015 in Lely Resort, The Arlington offers luxury, maintenance-free Estate Homes and apartment residences together with premier amenities and a wellness-based lifestyle. As a Life Plan Community, residents also benefit from lifetime access to comprehensive care services at our Oakton Place Healthcare Center.Life Plan Communities: A Great Life Today. And a Plan for the FutureThe Arlington is not only Naples premier address for luxury retirement living. Its also a Life Plan Community. Its designed for people who want the recreational, social amenities, and quality-of-life of an active adult community and the assurance of future care as they age. In addition to Independent Living, The Arlington provides on-site Assisted Living, Heartfelt Connections A Memory Care Program, Skilled Nursing, and Short-Term Rehabilitation. These services are also available to older adults in the greater Naples area.A Home for Life. Care for LifeLiving at The Arlington allows people to age in place as their needs change. For example, an independent living resident can temporarily move to short-term rehab to recover from a knee replacement. And a resident who is beginning to need more assistance can transition to assisted living. This flexibility makes The Arlington ideal for couples who may age at different rates. With a continuum of care available, they can remain near to each other without having to leave the community.An Active Lifestyle and Exceptional AmenitiesCompared to other types of communities, The Arlington provides greater opportunities for social interaction, a focus on wellness, a wider range of activities, and life-enriching amenities and services.Estate HomesExperience the peak of luxury living in Naples with our single-family Estate Homes. These residences are packed with amenities and situate you in a vibrant neighborhood filled with like-minded people and social events.Apartment HomesEnjoy stylish independent living with a wide variety of floor plans available. Whether you choose large and lavish or cozy and compact, youll always live just an elevator ride away from all the action.Assisted LivingOur Assisted Living is designed for those who seek a thoughtful balance of a maintenance-free, resort lifestyle with all the benefits of dignified assistance, when needed.Skilled Nursing CareWe provide nursing care for those whose wellness depends on consistent attention from relational, person-centered professionals.Heartfelt Connections A Memory Care ProgramThis nationally recognized memory care model makes a real difference for those with Alzheimers disease or other forms of dementia. Caregivers are specially trained to provide a continuum of care that focuses on the individual person.Short-Term RehabilitationOur short-term rehabilitation and care services help individuals move forward and regain their optimal level of performance when an illness, injury, or surgery has set them back.Short-Term StaysOakton Place at The Arlington offers convenient and flexible Transitional Stays, Respite Care, and Trial Stays in both our award-winning Assisted Living and Heartfelt Connections A Memory Care Program areas.
Spectacular views, gorgeous residences, wide-open spaces, and a relaxed and engaging way of life. These are some of the reasons why so many active people looking to simplify make their homes at The Arlington. And why its one of the best retirement communities in Naples, Florida. Opened in 2015 in Lely Resort, The Arlington offers luxury, maintenance-free Estate Homes and apartment residences together with premier amenities and a wellness-based lifestyle. As a Life Plan Community, residents also benefit from lifetime access to comprehensive care services at our Oakton Place Healthcare Center.Life Plan Communities: A Great Life Today. And a Plan for the FutureThe Arlington is not only Naples premier address for luxury retirement living. Its also a Life Plan Community. Its designed for people who want the recreational, social amenities, and quality-of-life of an active adult community and the assurance of future care as they age. In addition to Independent Living, The Arlington provides on-site Assisted Living, Heartfelt Connections A Memory Care Program, Skilled Nursing, and Short-Term Rehabilitation. These services are also available to older adults in the greater Naples area.A Home for Life. Care for LifeLiving at The Arlington allows people to age in place as their needs change. For example, an independent living resident can temporarily move to short-term rehab to recover from a knee replacement. And a resident who is beginning to need more assistance can transition to assisted living. This flexibility makes The Arlington ideal for couples who may age at different rates. With a continuum of care available, they can remain near to each other without having to leave the community.An Active Lifestyle and Exceptional AmenitiesCompared to other types of communities, The Arlington provides greater opportunities for social interaction, a focus on wellness, a wider range of activities, and life-enriching amenities and services.Estate HomesExperience the peak of luxury living in Naples with our single-family Estate Homes. These residences are packed with amenities and situate you in a vibrant neighborhood filled with like-minded people and social events.Apartment HomesEnjoy stylish independent living with a wide variety of floor plans available. Whether you choose large and lavish or cozy and compact, youll always live just an elevator ride away from all the action.Assisted LivingOur Assisted Living is designed for those who seek a thoughtful balance of a maintenance-free, resort lifestyle with all the benefits of dignified assistance, when needed.Skilled Nursing CareWe provide nursing care for those whose wellness depends on consistent attention from relational, person-centered professionals.Heartfelt Connections A Memory Care ProgramThis nationally recognized memory care model makes a real difference for those with Alzheimers disease or other forms of dementia. Caregivers are specially trained to provide a continuum of care that focuses on the individual person.Short-Term RehabilitationOur short-term rehabilitation and care services help individuals move forward and regain their optimal level of performance when an illness, injury, or surgery has set them back.Short-Term StaysOakton Place at The Arlington offers convenient and flexible Transitional Stays, Respite Care, and Trial Stays in both our award-winning Assisted Living and Heartfelt Connections A Memory Care Program areas.