What to Look for in an Independent Living Community

Tom and Sarah, aged 72, are ready to swap their hustle and bustle and snow-shoveling days in Long Island, New York for the stunning beaches and scenic landscapes of southwest Florida. After years of hard work and weekends dreaming of retirement, they want an active lifestyle filled with sun-soaked days, abundant coastline, and pleasant year-round weather.As they begin to explore senior living communities in the Naples area, they face a myriad of questions and considerations. From weighing amenities and services to asking the right questions about future care options, Tom and Sarah are determined to find the right place to live their dream retirement.In this blog, well discuss what to look for when touring a 55+ community, questions to ask independent living facilities and senior living frequently asked questions. Plus, well spotlight how The Glenview at Pelican Bay in Naples goes above and beyond to cater to the needs of seniors seeking upscale coastal retirement in southwest Florida.What To Look For When Touring a 55+ CommunityWhen exploring senior living options to find your perfect fit, there are many factors to weigh. From luxurious amenities to personalized services to future care needs and resident life, here are some things to consider during your search.Location: Check how close the community is to the people, places, essentials, and activities that matter most to youcultural experiences, recreational activities, dining, grocery stores, medical professionals, and shopping.Residences: Look at the living arrangements available, considering factors such as size, layout, and potential for customization. At The Glenview, you can choose from 18 different apartment and penthouse floor plans and custom-design your interior.Perks and pampering: Assess the amenities, services, and residence features and finishes to see if they align with your wants, needs, and lifestyle. Pay attention to the overall atmosphere, cleanliness, and maintenance of the community.Culture: Watch how residents interact with each other and with staff members. Note the energy within common areas, the upkeep of shared spaces, and the diversity of events offered.Health services: Evaluate the communitys continuum-of-care offerings. The Glenviews award-winning healthcare center, Premier Place, provides comprehensive care onsite, from physical therapy to long-term skilled care. GlenCare Home Care is another convenient service, that provides personalized in-home care.Resident insight: Chat with current residents and ask them about their experiences living in the community. What do they like most? Are there any areas for improvement?Senior Living Frequently Asked QuestionsPreparing a list of questions to ask senior living facilities when you tour communities is helpful. Here are some common senior living FAQs and answers to help guide you:1. What do some of the awards and certifications mean?Awards granted to senior living communities from credible sources serve as valuable resources, fill informational voids, bolster credibility, and help seniors and their families make informed choices. Look for designations from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities and quality ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. At The Glenview, were proud of the top honors weve received in independent living, skilled nursing, home care, and resident and family satisfaction.2. What are the different kinds of senior living contracts?Senior living contracts can vary, but options may include rental agreements, LifeCare, or fee-for-service arrangements. The Glenview is Floridas only equity-ownership LifeCare community. This means a resident owns their apartment home and reaps the benefit of appreciated value over time in other words, your money is still working for you. Additionally, equity ownership means residents may qualify for tax deductions for property tax and medical expenses. Residents continue homeownership with all the perks and privileges of owning a home in Pelican Bay. As controlling members, residents participate in community decision-making and have access to comprehensive care.3. What is included in the monthly fee?The Glenviews all-inclusive monthly fee encompasses luxurious resort-style amenities and personal services. These include a state-of-the-art fitness center with wellness programs, gourmet dining experiences, housekeeping, maintenance services, and scheduled transportation. Engaging activities, social events, lifelong learning opportunities, and live entertainment further enrich our vibrant community.4. Who should go with me to look at senior living communities?Bring someone whose opinion you trust and who knows your preferences and needswhether its your spouse, adult children, friends, siblings, or a trusted advisor. During your visits, they can offer emotional support, valuable insights, and questions you hadnt considered.5. Whats the best way to get a feel for a community?Immerse yourself in the environment. Plan a guided community experience to explore the grounds, amenities, and living spaces. If possible, join in on any scheduled activities or events during your visit. Consider staying for lunch or dinner to sample the food and observe mealtime dynamics.6. What are your different care levels and offerings?Many senior living communities offer various healthcare services, from independent living and assisted living to memory care and skilled nursing. Determine which levels of care are available and how they align with your current and future needs.7. How do I get my partner on board about moving to senior living?Start by having an open and honest conversation about your concerns and desires. Listen to their perspective and address any fears or objections. Research different senior living options together and emphasize the benefits, such as social engagement and relief from household chores. Visit communities to experience firsthand what they offer. Be patient and understanding, giving your partner time to adjust to the idea.The Glenview blends small-town allure and coastal treasures with big-city vitality and cultural amenities. Our community has everything you need to make retirement life as fulfilling as you hoped. Contact us to arrange a visit to discover more about our wealth of offerings.

AltaVita Senior Residences is a dream come to fulfillment for the Macy Family. The longtime Longmont locals desired a way to give back to the community in which they grew up. And what better way to deliver on that commitment than to provide a multigenerational housing opportunity for Colorado families: three levels of continuing senior care on one campus in an unmatched, upscale environment. Filling a niche for older folks who want a place to call home for years to come, AltaVita has thought of every lifestyle element that seniors desire and deserve in an adult living community. Here a foundation for a brighter future is built on a unifying philosophy: Always put the resident first. This means providing for all aspects of the aging process 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. People are living longer and healthier lifestyles, and theyre remaining active, says Linda Berens, the campus Executive Director. Because of that many are looking for a multi-tiered campus offering continuing care within the familiar lifestyle. From involving family members in each residents life to creating a secure residence for those with advanced memory-related illnesses, AltaVitas well-designed campus and comprehensive services are built from the ground up to address and enhance every moment of daily living. One AltaVita residents family member said it best recently: I cant truly convey the appreciation I have for all that you have done. You have all been such a blessing to my mom and our family. The AltaVita team holds one another to a higher standard, which honors the important work they do, assisting the people who need them most. Enrich and enhance the lives of everyone we serve with respect and excellence: the AltaVita mission is confirmed daily by all the smiling faces. Three levels of care on one campus AltaVitas Longmont campus consists of the Memory Care Community, which opened in 2012; the Assisted Living Community, which followed in 2016; and the Independent Senior Living Community, which opened in June 2019. By building the community in three phases, planners have been able to thoughtfully design each building with residents in mind, taking into consideration the type of care they need and the amenities that will best suit them, explains Don Macy, owner.Memory Care Dr. Haleh Nekoorad-Long, M.D., a certified geriatric psychiatrist, is the medical director of AltaVita Senior Residences and works primarily with aging adults and issues regarding dementia, depression, and bipolar disorder. Recognized by the Alzheimers Association as a Leader in Dementia Care, the AltaVita Memory Care Centre is setting a new standard in Colorado for exceptional care for people with memory-related issues. AltaVita Memory Care Centre runs an adult day program, with respite services in suites specially designed for residents with Alzheimers and dementia. Additionally, care is customized for every residents level of dementia, ranging from acute medication management to the sense of freedom that comes with visiting AltaVitas beautiful garden patios and spacious, secure courtyard.Assisted Living With access to the same welcoming outdoor landscape, the AltaVita Assisted Living Community offers an upscale service focused intention. On the main level a great room welcomes visitors with a cozy fireplace, tavern, bistro and ice-cream parlor, and plentiful seating areas. The second floor overlooks the great room and features a large community room for varied activities as well as a comfortable lounge. Inclusive to the Assisted Living lifestyle are three meals every day, housekeeping and laundry services, social and recreational activities, 24-hour staffing, medical transportation, and emergency and nurse call systems. Independent Senior Living This is AltaVitas newest addition to the campus, a community for active adults who would like the enrichment of community life free of the responsibilities of home repairs. This maintenance-free lifestyle, including housekeeping, dining and transportation services, is designed to maximize that freedom and minimize those pesky daily duties. The new three-story building contains 84 stylish apartments with nine different floor-plan designs ranging from one bedroom, one bath to two bedrooms plus den and two baths. All include full kitchens, walk-in closets, large showers, washers and dryers, and private patios. The independent lifestyle program includes top-notch services and amenities like a full-service salon, fitness center, wellness programs, Tai chi classes, bistro and bar, housekeeping, and restaurant-style dining room. And when the outdoors beckons there is easy access to hiking, biking, and walking trails. On behalf of the family, we wish to extend our gratitude to such an excellent place for Vern to live, report family members of the experience of their loved one at AltaVita. The friendliness of the staff is beyond compare. We are very impressed with the quality and freshness of the food; the execution of meals; the presentation of such meals.Whole-life WellnessAltaVita believes one of the most important aspects of maintaining good mental and physical health among an aging population is lifestyle. And thats where AltaVita really shines. Supporting every part of the individual, AltaVita subscribes to Whole-Life Wellness. The methodology is envisioned to enhance residents health through seven critical aspects of wellness: social, emotional, spiritual, environmental, vocational, physical, and intellectual. For more information on AltaVitas progressive approach to maximizing the lifestyle of seniors, visit altavitaliving.com or call 888.745.8268 to schedule a free tour. 

Located in the heart of Maple Grove, Garland Commons offers a brand-new, affordable living option for adults 55 and older. Opened in 2024, this thoughtfully designed community combines modern amenities, spacious floor plans, and a prime location to create the perfect home for active adults seeking comfort and convenience.Modern Apartments Designed for Your LifestyleGarland Commons features a variety of one- and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring you can find the layout that meets your needs. Each apartment is designed with convenience and style in mind, offering:In-unit washer and dryerAvailable quartz countertopsWalk-in closetsPrivate balconiesFree underground heated parking, with electric vehicle charging stations availableAmenities to Enhance Your Everyday LifeGarland Commons boasts an impressive array of community amenities designed to foster social connection, relaxation, and entertainment:Fitness center for maintaining a healthy lifestyleLibrary with a fireplace, perfect for quiet readingGame room featuring a pool tableCommunity and activity rooms for gatherings and eventsSunroom for unwinding in natural lightOutdoor patio with grillsDog run for furry companionsA playground for visiting grandchildrenPrime Location in Maple GroveLocated at 9651 Garland Lane N, Garland Commons is surrounded by conveniences and attractions. Residents can enjoy walking to Walgreens, Walmart, Aldi, Culvers, and other restaurants and shops. With easy access to I-94, the entire Twin Cities metro area is within reach.Visit Garland Commons TodayManaged by Velair Property Management, Garland Commons is open seven days a week for tours. Call (763) 298-3113 to schedule your visit and see why this vibrant community is the perfect place to call home.If youre looking for a safe, modern, and affordable living option in Maple Grove, Garland Commons is ready to welcome you. Experience the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and community today!