The Financial Benefits of Living in an Independent Living Community

Sometimes in life, fate intervenes in the best way. That's exactly what happened to Janine Dionisio. Last Labor Day weekend, Janine and her husband Tom were on vacation when they happened to drive past Siena Lakes, the Erickson Senior Living community in Naples, Fla. While Tom had recently retired, Janine intended to continue working back home in New York. "I told Tom that if I could work at a magnificent place like Siena Lakes, I would move to Naples sooner rather than later," she recalls. "His eyes lit up, and he suggested we stop in and get a brochure." In the Sales Center, the couple met with Sales Director Suzy McAllister, who mentioned that she was interested in hiring an experienced sales representative."We had a great conversation, and I was thrilled," says Dionisio. "I saw this beautiful environment and knew that I would love to represent Siena Lakes. When I was offered the position of sales counselor, I knew it was clearly meant to be."A people personDionisio has always loved working with people. While in high school, she took a job as a part-time receptionist at Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, N.Y., welcoming guests. "I was considered a 'people person' before I even knew what that phrase meant," she says, with a laugh. "I enjoy talking with people, and I thought there would be a lot for me to learn while making some extra money." One day, Dionisio was notified that the country club's owner wanted to meet with her. To her surprise, he offered her a full-time position in the banquet sales department.She continued working at Crest Hollow full-time for 20 years, even while earning a business degree at Adelphi University. Dionisio honed her skills in corporate events and worked her way up the ladder to be named director of sales and marketing."We did a lot of events for big personalities, even presidents," Dionisio explains. "For me, it was all very exciting."Looking for a new challengeDespite her success, Dionisio decided that she wanted a new challenge, so she planned to take some time off to think about it. Her time off didn't last long, though, as she was soon recruited to be sales director for a senior living community."I went into the interview thinking I'd learn a little bit about senior living," says Dionisio. But once she was hired, she realized she really enjoyed working with seniors and remained there for four years. All this experience led her to exactly where she was meant to be: Siena Lakes. "Working with seniors has always been high on my priority list," she says. "That's the generation that I love spending time with. I love to listen to them and learn from them!"Giving backWhile in New York, Dionisio founded an organization helping animals called Pet Peeves: The Voice of Long Island Pets."I did a lot of research and learned so much," says Dionisio. As an animal lover, she worked hard to  raise nearly $2 million to support rescue groups and shelters in Long Island.Now that she's moved to Florida, she's looking forward to finding new volunteer opportunities in Naples."Giving back is really the best feeling in the world," she says. A happy householdDionisio met her husband Tom a blind date. "It was set up by his cousin and my best friend," she says. These unlikely matchmakers knew what they were doing, as the Dionisios have been married for 28 years. They share their Naples home with what Dionisio calls their "four-legged children:" Archie, a one-eyed rescue cat, and Topo Gigio, a 13-year-old Yorkshire Terrier who is named after the mouse on The Ed Sullivan Show.When she's not working with prospective residents at Siena Lakes, you can find Dionisio picking up a new book, visiting the theater (especially Broadway shows), and listening to all kinds of music. She and Tom are both foodies, and they've already found some gems in Naples. "We love a great restaurant experience. It's important to us," Dionisio says. "We're very social, and we really enjoy spending time with friends and family."To learn more about senior living at Siena Lakes, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.

In 2019, before construction even began on Siena Lakes, the Erickson Senior Living community in Naples, Fla., Jim Forte visited the Sales Office. Jim and his wife Kathy were looking for a continuing care retirement community where they could maintain their active lifestyle."We did our due diligence and visited other retirement communities in Naples before making our final decision," says Kathy, "but Siena Lakes was clearly the front runner from the get-go. It checked every box on our wish list."Staying fitOn the top of their wish list were fitness amenities and activities. "I like walking on campus and exercising in Siena Lakes' fitness center four to five days a week. My fellow 'gym rats' are great people, and we enjoy friendly camaraderie as we go through our routines," says Kathy, who also plays golf three or four times a week.With industry-leading amenities and activities that are designed to enhance physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, Siena Lakes residents like Kathy and Jim find it easier than ever before to maintain their healthy routines.Worry-free livingJim, also an avid golfer, cites the couple's maintenance-free apartment home as the reason why he can play almost every day. Thanks to the predictable Monthly Service Package, which covers everything from appliance repairs and utilities to a meal plan at on-site restaurants, Jim and Kathy have even more time to stay active and engaged. "I'm able to spend most of my time doing what I love," says Jim. "It's my dream retirement!"Suzy McAllister, sales director, notes that the community's worry-free lifestyle has positively impacted the mental health of many residents. "Not having to worry when something breaks--even when a lightbulb needs changing--greatly reduces residents' stress," she explains. "General Services takes care of it all and gives them peace of mind! They get to do whatever they want--head to the fitness center or pool, participate in clubs, or attend lectures--instead of waiting hours or days for a plumber to arrive."Active and engagedLike the Fortes, Dick Rogan is always on the links. And when he's not playing a round, you can find him in the fitness center four or five times each week."I'd rather work out than take a day off," he says, with a laugh. "I've been committed to fitness since high school. My energy level and my ability to deal with stress is significantly better when I work out than if I don't." Because all buildings on campus are connected via climate-controlled walkways, Dick's stroll to the fitness center from the two-bedroom, two-bath apartment home he shares with his wife Jo is the perfect warmup. "And the walk back is the perfect cooldown!" he says. Although Jo isn't one to pick up a club, she is a serious bridge player. "I tell people, 'She doesn't play golf, and I don't play bridge. That's what keeps our marriage together!'" Dick laughs.The one thing they both love is socializing--a lot. As resident ambassadors, they reach out to newcomers to welcome them and take them out to dinner. They also get together often with their neighbors and have organized parties for residents on their floor.Having a variety of clubs, groups, and events to choose from on campus also makes it easy for the Rogans to make new connections. "There's a terrific amount of activity, and everything is so well-done and well-orchestrated," says Dick. "There's so much to do!"Investing in well-beingTo further support residents in their wellness journeys, Erickson Senior Living is investing $500 million in upgrades to its communities, focusing on amenities that enhance physical, mental, and spiritual health. At Siena Lakes, people are already enjoying the improvements to the dog park and bocce courts."Bocce is very popular here," says McAllister. "People love it! They are out in the beautiful weather, getting a bit of exercise, and socializing with old and new friends alike. We're lucky to have such nice, welcoming residents."Kathy couldn't agree more. "What really makes Siena Lakes so special are the people," she says. "From organized activities to meals and regular entertainment, there are so many ways to interact with other residents. It's very much a family atmosphere here." She continues, "This is much more than just a place to live; it's a lifestyle. The fact that Siena Lakes focuses on the 'whole person'--physical, mental, and social well-being--is a real plus. Our move here was fortuitous!"To learn more about the benefits of moving to a maintenance-free community, request more information today. 

To meet the growing demand for maintenance-free retirement living, Siena Lakes, an Erickson Senior Living-managed retirement community in Naples, Fla., is expanding its residence offerings. Belle Isle, scheduled to open in 2025, will feature 67 stylish apartment homes with a variety of stunning floor plans. "Demand for Siena Lakes is at an all-time high," said Executive Director Mike McCormick. "We are excited more people will be able to enjoy our active and maintenance-free retirement lifestyle." All residences at Belle Isle will feature spacious open-concept designs, high ceilings, stylish kitchens and bathrooms, luxurious finishes, screened lanais, and under-building parking. Belle Isle residents will have easy access to Dolce Commons, the new amenity area and restaurant. The addition of an indoor walkway connecting buildings continues to make it easy for residents to stay active, engaged and enjoy the Siena Lakes lifestyle.  Residents at Siena Lakes have convenient access to resort-like amenities, including a swimming pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, theater, salon and day spa, on-site medical center, several restaurants featuring chef-prepared cuisine, outdoor dining options, library, dozens of clubs, walking paths, and much more.    Siena Lakes also began construction of its 66,000 square-foot continuing care neighborhood, Torre Square, scheduled to open in late 2024. The two-story building will feature 53 residences consisting of assisted living apartments and memory care and long-term care suites, along with ample amenity spaces and interior courtyards.