For more information about the author, click to view their website: https://www.keystonesenior.com/senior-living/fl/bonita-springs/keystone-place-bonita-springs/
The decision to transition into a Senior Living Community is a major one, but it is only the first step. Next comes what many families experience as a much more daunting process — sifting through the options to find the right community for their loved ones.
After all, with increasing life expectancy, today’s seniors may call this community home for a decade, possibly much longer. These years are no longer a time of inevitable decline but can and often do represent a new phase of a bright and vibrant life. This also means making the right choice is even more important, with many vital years ahead, it had never been more important to make the right choice the first time, minimizing traumatic disruptions, which can be especially detrimental with age or with memory-related concerns like Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
Although the transition from living on ones own into a Senior Living community is not without challenges, choosing a community that feels like home is paramount to creating the energy of hope and possibility. The confidence of knowing that the community is a safe and secure place, has the ability to provide the highest level of care and offers a multitude of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual enrichment activities, will allow everyone to embrace this new phase with excitement instead of trepidation.
Visiting websites and reading marketing material is a good first start, but nothing can compete with visiting the communities you are considering, experiencing an extended tour, and interacting with staff and fellow residents.
Imagine the process of choosing the right college for yourself or your graduating teenager - just as all colleges are not created equal or a correct fit for every student, there are many variations in senior living communities that can determine the correct fit. It is important to ask the right questions so that solid decisions can be made right from the start.
Read on for our top tips for before your tour, as well as x questions to ask during your tour.
Agree on the most important factors
What factors matter the most to you and your loved ones. Location? Amenities? Cost? Care levels? What are your must-haves and deal breakers? Deciding which factors matter most will help make the process of filtering through your options much easier.
Do your research
Decide on the best person in the family to handle the research and sift through the options. Have them do research via the website, request marketing materials and speak with a Senior Living counselor at the community, as many times as you need, to answer any initial questions.
Narrow your options down to your top choices
Use the research above to narrow the options down to the top choices of Senior Communities that provide the best fit for your selected criteria.
Brainstorm your questions in advance
Sit down with all involved parties and brainstorm your questions in advance to ensure that by the end of your tour you’ve collected all the information you need to make an educated decision.
Remember, don’t be afraid to ask questions. This is one of the most important decisions of your life. A good community will welcome each and every one of your questions and go above and beyond to not only listen to your desires and concerns but to provide answers that more than satisfy each inquiry. It is vitally important to understand your needs and desires and communicate them thoroughly in order to choose the right location.
Most importantly, trust your gut. Can you see you or your loved one living happily there? If a community looks great on paper but doesn't feel like the right fit for you and your loved one, it’s probably not the right fit. Don't’ compromise, the right community is out there!
Move to a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) and prearranging your future for security and peace of mind, is a wise investment. But for many, the prospect of selling their homeand determining whether the housing market is favorablecan feel like a daunting hurdle.Holding off might seem like the safest choice, but waiting could present unexpected challenges. In reality, knowing when to move to a senior living community could make all the difference.So why is 2025 the time to make the move? Keep reading to learn more.National Housing Market in 2025As of January 2025, the U.S. housing market presents the following trends:Home Prices: Zillow forecasts a 2.6% increase in home values for 2025, indicating a relatively modest appreciation similar to the previous year's growth.Mortgage Rates: Mortgage rates have surpassed 7% for the first time since mid-2024, with the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage rising to 7.04%, according to Freddie Mac.Housing Starts: In December, U.S. single-family homebuilding reached a 10-month high, rising to 3.3%, according to the Commerce Department.If you're like many of our residents and have owned your home for several years, selling in 2025 could be a highly profitable move. With home values expected to rise by 2.6%, you can look forward to growing your home equity, resulting in a strong return on your investment. This makes 2025 an excellent time to cash inyouve earned it!Mortgage rates are another key factor that makes selling now a wise choice. While mortgage rates are expected to ease in 2025, improving affordability for buyers, this will also likely lead to increased demand. As a result, home prices are expected to remain high and could even rise further.Another encouraging sign for sellers is the limited housing inventory. A recent Zillow analysis revealed that the U.S. is short by 4.5 million homes to meet demand. When supply can't keep up with demand, its the perfect time to enter the market. Leaving behind the hassles of homeownership, you can enjoy a more relaxed, resort-like lifestyle thats better suited for your retirement!No more worries about finances.Unlike being at the mercy of the unpredictable housing market and the financial challenges of maintaining your own home, moving to a continuing care retirement community gives you control over your future at fixed, predictable prices. With a range of convenient amenities designed to make life easier and more enjoyable, you can rest assured knowing your well-being is supported by a reliable, long-term health plan.All Acts Retirement-Life continuing care retirement communities offer Acts Life Care, a contract that secures your future health care needs and protects your savingsno matter the economic or global uncertainties. This contract guarantees access to care options like assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and more, should you ever need them.Acts Life Care isnt just about planning for the unknownits about offering peace of mind. Imagine knowing that your future health care costs are already covered and that your monthly fee remains stable. This solution shields you from the fluctuations of the stock market and the rising costs of health care.Staying Active and Engaged in a Vibrant CommunityAs we age, maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle is important, and there's no better way to do that than by having a plethora of activities available at your fingertips to engage your body, mind, and spirit. Many of us find that isolation increases as we get older, which can lead to depression and other health concerns. Moving to a senior living community means staying social and fostering meaningful companionship.Residents also have easy access to a wellness suite with a full-time Nurse Practitioner who is available to address common health concerns and provide regular check-ups, helping you stay ahead of your health needs.Check out the amazing health benefits of a social lifestyle in retirement.Peace of Mind with Acts RetirementWe've highlighted that every Acts community is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), but what does that truly mean? Simply put, a CCRC allows you to move in as a healthy and independent adult, choosing from apartment homes, villas, or cottages, depending on your preference. You make a one-time entrance fee payment that secures the benefits of Acts Life Care, along with a predictable monthly fee that covers essential services like maintenance, utilities, chef-prepared meals, and a range of other amenities.Should your care needs evolve, the Acts Life Care contract ensures your monthly fee wont change because of it. Your fee stays consistent regardless of the level of care you need.The Acts Life Care contract isnt just a benefitits a promise that gives you peace of mind. Knowing that your future health care needs are already paid for, at todays prices, allows you to rest easy and focus on enjoying life without worrying about unexpected costs.No such thing as a "free" home! Learn about the hidden costs of home ownership.As we age, managing the day-to-day upkeep of our homes can become a real burdenone that may be too much to handle. In an Acts continuing care retirement community, you can say goodbye to the stress of home maintenance: no more costly repairs, lawn care, snow removal, hurricane preparations, or fixing broken appliances.Security with Acts RetirementWhen it comes to senior living, the options can be overwhelming. So, why choose continuing care retirement living with Acts Retirement-Life Communities? One word: Security.With over 50 years of leadership in the senior living industry, Acts is one of the most trusted and experienced organizations in the field. As a not-for-profit entity, our focus is on improving the lives of our residents, not generating profits for shareholders. Additionally, our Acts Life Care plan ensures that residents savings are protected for life. All these factors, along with the other benefits well highlight below, contribute to Acts maintaining a 98% satisfaction rating among current residents.Acts communities also benefit from the strength of its network. With 28 continuing care retirement campuses in nine states, Acts provides a range of options for residents to experience our unparalleled lifestyle. Our on-site healthcare centers consistently rank among the nations top facilities according to state and federal agencies.When it comes to retirement living, Acts Retirement offers unmatched strength, security, and peace of mind.
By John NicoletteWhether its deciding what we want for breakfast in the morning or when our next trip to visit family is going to be, life is filled with decisions, and each one makes some kind of impact on our lives big or small. When it comes to aging, we all have a choice to make how do we want to live out retirement? Perhaps you think youd best thrive in an independent living community, where you can make friends with like-minded individuals and indulge in high-quality dining and a robust calendar of engaging activities. Or, like most retirees, you may prefer to enjoy your retirement in the home you worked so hard to achieve. AARPs 2024 Home and Community Preferences survey discovered that seven in 10 adults aged 50+ want to stay in their own homes and live independently for as long as they can. Only 6% would prefer to move in with a family member or friend. Since most older adults want to independently age in place, what steps can they take to make possible?This doesnt have to be a journey you embark on alone the right resources, like an age-in-place program, can provide a plan that you have control over. Age-in-place programs ensure that while you live the life youve worked so hard for, your current needs and future health care needs, as well as financial assets, are covered through a comprehensive, membership-based program. An age-in-place program, which is also known as continuing care without walls, allows you to live in your home, while also providing the comfort and security of a life plan community it's the best of both worlds.Similar to a life plan community, healthy, independent retirees can join with a one-time membership fee and an associated monthly service fee that will ensure future care in their home. With membership, you receive a life-long guarantee of personal care coordination and care for if or when you require it. Age-in-place programs bring security to your doorstep by making sure that your home is safe for you to continue to live in as you age. For example, Senior Choice at Home, the only age-in-place program based here in Southwest Florida, provides its members with a home inspection upon joining the program. That inspection addresses current and potential safety concerns, like tripping hazards, uneven staircases and inadequate hallway lighting.Personal care coordinators included in the programs membership also learn members medical history, medications and preferred physicians so that in an event that a member cannot advocate for themselves, their coordinator will. They also arrange for services if needed in the future, including homemaker services, home health aides, live-in companions and a transition into assisted living if that is preferred or needed.Just as you would any other major life decision, its imperative that you dedicate time to proactively plan for your aging in place journey it is a financial commitment and requires proper planning to ensure your assets are in order prior to selecting a program that works best for you. Enrolling in an age-in-place program comes with a set cost. It means you won't have to worry about rising long-term costs or what insurance will cover. Youll know exactly what you will pay for a lifetime of long-term care right from the start.In the era of an influx of Baby Boomer retirees, thousands of older adults will soon have a decision to make will you age in place, or take the leap into a senior living community? Whatever your decision may be, there are resources to guide you through the journey. Aging in place with the security of a membership-based program presents numerous benefits, but at their core, they guarantee retirees exactly what they need in this new chapter advocacy, financial and emotional security, and freedom.About the author John Nicolette is the director of Senior Choice at Home, an age-in-place program serving older adults in Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties. Senior Choice at Home is regulated by the state of Florida as a premier life plan community without walls. To learn more, visit SeniorChoiceatHome.com or call 239-788-0694.
By Diana NicolOne of the most valuable things in life is time. Each second, minute and hour count toward something, big or small. In Southwest Florida, volunteerism is embedded in our community. With over 600 nonprofits in Lee County alone, its clear that Southwest Florida has a heart for giving. That generosity, care and patience spans across generations, from adults spending their weekends off work cleaning up our beautiful beaches, to high school students helping out at local food banks after school wraps up for the year.For students at Oasis High School in Cape Coral, theyve chosen to venture over to a local senior living community, Gulf Coast Village, after the final bell rings. Why? To offer support on a subject most Gen Zers consider themselves experts at: technology.Computer Literacy Education Outreach, or CLEO, is a student-run organization at Oasis High. The program initially started in 2022 at Canterbury School in Fort Myers, but it quickly took the community and nation by storm. Since its inception, CLEO has expanded to more than 50 schools in 20 states and has served over 3,000 older adults. Its mission is to empower seniors with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the digital world, helping them stay connected with loved ones and maintain independence.Gulf Coast Village, the only life plan community in Cape Coral, has been working with CLEO students since the summer of 2023, when they welcomed students from Cape Coral High School into the community. When the 2024-25 academic year began, the community began partnering with the Oasis High School division of CLEO. Shya Ruiz, a 2025 graduate of Oasis High, joined the program with a friend in 2023 during its first year at her school. After her first year, she loved it so much that she was elected to the role of president in 2024. I just like the feeling of helping other people when theyre needing help, said Ruiz. The smiles that you get when they finally understand or their problem gets solved...its rewarding.As president, one of her primary responsibilities was scheduling the sessions at Gulf Coast Village. Its an organized system: once a month, a group of five to six student volunteers visits Gulf Coast Village to assist residents. If theyre in need of help, residents can register for a 15-minute time slot. When their time comes, they are matched up with a student to receive specialized one-on-one support for whatever technology issues theyre having. And the possibilities are endless. Whether its needing help getting their printer connected to their cell phone or trying to figure out how to change their profile picture on Instagram, the students are able to help with whatever the residents need. The troubleshooting is diverse. One resident, Bill, had a few finnicky issues with his Samsung cell phone. He needed some help setting up his facial recognition and managing notifications, but his main issue was that when he received a text message, he was unable to find it. After a few minutes with Oasis students, Bill figured out how to access his texts. Now, hell never miss a text from his loving wife, Marguerite.Some residents, like Jayne Jennings, face some challenges with social media, as it continues to be an ever-popular way for retirees to stay connected to their loved ones. Luckily, Zers are social media afficionados. Ava Plainte, a CLEO student, showed Jennings the ropes, and she left the session with a new profile picture and a newfound knowledge of how to favorite photos in her iPhone camera roll.Some issues are a bit trickier, like connecting a printer to a cell phone or clearing out the junk storage of an iPad, while some are simpler, like showing residents how to set a morning alarm or mute an Instagram story they didnt want to see. With each presented issue, the students and residents work together for a solution. Most importantly, the students are compassionate, patient and attentive. They walk the residents seeking help through the process step-by-step so that when the session is over, theyre able to navigate the solution on their own.Opportunities for generations of both older and younger to connect are special. Intergenerational relationships present several benefits, like relationship building and avoiding adolescent egocentrism, but they also present the opportunity to learn. Through CLEO, retirees across the nation have the chance to learn something new every day from the generation that grew up on technology.About the author Diana Nicol is the life enrichment coordinator at Gulf Coast Village, Cape Corals only life plan community. To learn more, visit GulfCoastVillage.org or call 239-510-8712.
Live With ConfidenceIf the only thing standing between your loved one and the independent life they love is some difficulty with the tasks of daily living, Keystone Place at Bonita Springs will be the right place for them. We thrive on lending a helping hand! At Keystone Place at Bonita Springs, we will tailor a care plan to specifically address areas of stress in each residents life, providing the support needed to do the things they really love to do.Each of our private and stylish apartment homes will offer easy navigation and comfortable living, with carefully chosen elements including a bright sunroom, kitchenette, and private balcony or patio.A caring team of associates will be available around the clock, ready to offer a helping hand anytime you should need it. Maintenance-free living at Keystone Place at Bonita Springs will include three fabulous chef-prepared meals each day, household upkeep, weekly housekeeping and laundry services, and all utilities except phone.No need to worry weve got you covered. Your Best Day, Every DayWith renewed energy, our Assisted Living residents will be able to take advantage of everything we have to offer at Keystone Place at Bonita Springs.This will include full access to our uniquely engaging enrichment and entertainment programming, featuring a sparkling menu of opportunities to stretch, strengthen, be curious, and have fun. Residents can join friends for a lunch outing or a shopping trip. They can visit the fitness center for an exercise class, and then catch a matinee in the theater.Theres nothing that cant be done with a bit of assistance and the support of a wonderful community.Help your loved one get to know their own strength again.Embrace the possibilities of Assisted Living at Keystone Place at Bonita Springs in Bonita Springs, Florida. Assisted Living Services & Amenities Spacious Apartment Homes with Kitchenette Sunrooms & Private Patio or Balcony Restaurant-Style Dining Serving 3 Meals Daily Elegant Theater & Activity Center Fitness Center High Staff-to-Resident Ratio Full Calendar of Enriching Activities & Fun Events Complimentary Resident Laundry Center On-Site Wellness Services & Therapies Care Associates On-Site 24/7
Enjoy Your FreedomAfter residents make the leap to maintenance-free Independent Living at a Keystone community, its never long before we overhear them wondering aloud what they ever did without our astonishing list of amenities and services.Your journey to a truly fulfilling lifestyle begins with a spacious and private one or two bedroom apartment home, gracefully appointed with hardwood-style floors and a full modern kitchen.One all-inclusive payment will cover extended basic cable, all utilities except personal phone service, and all household maintenance from the plumbing to pulling that last garden weed.Residents will have the option to choose from a myriad of dining options and watch the sunset over a glass of wine, a pint in the pub, or from their table in the elegant and exclusive Independent Living dining room. At Home in Our CommunityLiberated from chores, you will experience a host of opportunities for fitness, fun, and enrichment. Pop into a painting class or card game in the activity room. Get a new do at the salon or barbershop. Stop at the pub to chat with friends, and play some cards. Watch a movie in the theater.Pursuing your interests at Keystone will be easy!Our community will also offer onsite wellness programming and resources and be located near quality local health care options.Good times, good health, and good friends at Keystone Place at Bonita Springs, they will all be waiting for you. Pet Friendly ApartmentsAt Keystone Place at Bonita Springs, we understand that your four-legged friend is an important part of your life. Thats why we're happy to extend a warm welcome to your little friend, on a case-by-case basis.If you are interested, be sure to mention it when you contact us with your questions.Begin planning your move to an independent lifestyle that supports your freedom and your goals at Keystone Place at Bonita Springs. A Glimpse at Just Some of Our Plethora of Services & Amenities Independent Living Advantages Large 1 & 2 Bedroom Floor Plans Full-Size Modern Kitchens with Stainless-Steel Appliances Chef-Prepared Cuisine Beautifully Appointed Walk-in Showers Inviting Common Spaces & Fitness Center Enriching Events & Entertainment Gorgeous Maintained Landscape Private Dining Room & Pub Utilities Included (Excluding Personal Phone) In-Home Washer & Dryer
Memory Careat Keystone Place at Bonita SpringsWe are always evaluating ways in which we can best care for and support our residents living with Alzheimers and other dementia. For more than 30 years Keystone Senior has provided holistic and innovative support for residents and their families through a commitment to individualized care plans that honor each residents personal history, skills, values, passions, and family connections.Our state-of-the-art memory preservation program Holistic Harbors is a deeply inclusive and holistic approach to Memory Care that prioritizes a focus on connection rather than loss. Our programming encourages and utilizes lifestyle choices that have been shown to not only maintain but improve brain fitness, as well as general wellbeing as we age. Enrichment activities are carefully chosen and customized to connect with each residents interests and preserve skills that are still there. At Keystone Place at Bonita Springs, we provide all our Memory Care residents with physical exercise, stress management and reduction, cognitive exercises, sensory activities, and meaningful social and individual engagement.Compassion. Connection. Community.For a person living with memory loss, a welcoming environment thats easy to navigate is essential. This is why Keystone Place at Bonita Springs will offer spacious, easy to navigate studios designed with comfort in mind.Residents will enjoy an in-room refrigerator and private bathroom, with secured access to community spaces and beautifully landscaped walking paths. In our bright and elegant dining room, they will enjoy nutritious meals that not only awaken the palate, but more importantly support brain health by slowing the loss of brain function. Our executive chef will prepare delicious food daily that follows the MIND diet guidelines, and our residents will have the option to choose from these offerings with every meal.Keystone Senior cherishes every Memory Care resident for the individuals they are, with the knowledge that every moment and interaction is precious.At Keystone Place at Bonita Springs, residents will find that a fulfilling lifestyle is front and center. Get in touch to learn more about our innovative and holistic approach to Memory Care coming to Bonita Springs, Florida. Holistic Memory Care Studio Suites with Mini Fridge and Private Bathroom Warm Community Designed for Easy Navigation 3 Nutritious, Inviting Meals Daily Specially Trained Associates Available 24/7 Meaningful & Engaging Activities Calendar Secure Access to Private Outdoor Courtyard Linen & Personal Laundry Service Thoughtful Wellness & Exercise Programs Health Status Monitoring by Licensed Nurse Holistic Harbors Cutting Edge Memory Preserving Enrichment Programming for Memory Health & Lifestyle Enrichment