Education has always been a way of life for Coby and Robert Simerly. As former college professors and deans focused on instruction, academics, and curriculum, they place a high priority on learning.
So, it comes as no surprise that when they were researching retirement communities, the educational opportunities at Siena Lakes, an Erickson Senior Living community in Naples, Fla., caught their eye.
"When we first visited campus, they were holding presentations by Florida Gulf Coast University [FGCU]in the sales office," says Coby. "We thought that was wonderful and were really quite taken with it."
She adds, "We were interested in the wide variety of talks being offered, so we attended them for close to a year before we even moved in."
Since moving into their two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath apartment home at Siena Lakes in March 2022, the Simerlys have continued attending those presentations--and discovered many new ones.
College-level learning
Resident Event Coordinator Brittanee Kakar coordinates the program, working with a representative from FGCU to line up university professors to speak at Siena Lakes each month.
Some past sessions have been Codebreaking During WWII, iPhone and iPad Tips and Tricks, and Apollo 11--We are going back!
"Residents don't even have to sign up for these lectures," says Kakar. "They are open to anyone who shows up!"
All the talks are held in the community's Life Enrichment Center and usually last an hour--or more, if residents have a lot of questions or a lively discussion.
"Topics vary from month to month," says Coby, "and a different professor will come on campus for each session."
Residents find out about new FGCU programs and other educational events in their weekly newsletter, about a month in advance, so they can determine which ones they'd like to attend.
"I check them out and put them all on my calendar!" says Coby.
In addition to FGCU's educational talks, residents often suggest local and intriguing speakers to the Resident Life team.
"We go to all the presentations that are offered--usually three or four each week," Coby says.
"They're excellent," agrees resident Joan Vazakas. "I'm interested in a lot of things, so whatever enrichment comes my way is great!"
In fact, Joan suggested speaker Steve Yussen, who presented Book Clubs in America: Past, Present, and Future.
Music and more
A musician by avocation who played both violin and piano in various orchestras throughout her life, Joan has used her expertise to develop music-related events.
Students from the Music Foundation of Greater Naples played at a recent event, and this past spring, she arranged for adult musicians from the foundation to speak about and play some musical pieces.
Other presentations that resulted from resident suggestions are Understanding Modern Art: The Transition from Renaissance to Modern Art; Art of the 19th Century French Salon and The Rebellion Known as the Impressionist Movement; What Happened to America's Amusement Parks; Learn to Live More Joyfully; and Nature of Siena Lakes and Naples.
"The one on amusement parks was absolutely fascinating," says Coby. "I didn't know about their history, like where they began and that there are four different kinds of amusement parks."
Making new friends
Although learning is the reason why Coby and Robert began attending Siena Lakes lectures, they've gained another benefit they weren't expecting: making new friends.
"One of the reasons I look forward to going to the talks so often is because of the other residents who will be there. It's another place on campus to make friends," says Coby. "These educational opportunities give us another venue to meet, interact, and communicate with people who share similar interests."
After the presentations conclude, residents will often continue talking about what they learned, heard, saw, and felt.
"The topics become a basis for conversation--whether it's over wine or dinner," she says. "We talk about what we learned and liked about it."
Looking ahead
Joan looks forward to all the lectures ahead and all the new faces she'll get to meet.
"I think that the more we learn, the more interesting we become, giving us other things to talk about," she says. "That's one reason why I enjoy this continuing education."
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