When John and Toni Rosenbaum first visited Siena Lakes, the Erickson Senior Living community in Naples, Fla., they knew it was the right fit for them.
"The community was bustling with activity!" recalls John. "So many residents were out and about, participating in clubs and stopping to chat with one another. That's the kind of lifestyle we were looking for."
Recently, the Tribune spoke with the couple to learn more about what motivated them to make the move to Siena Lakes and how they're enjoying the community's vibrant environment.
Tribune: What led you to choose Siena Lakes?
Toni: Having lots of amenities and activities to choose from was a huge plus, but the main reason we chose Siena Lakes was the levels of health care available. Even though we're pretty active, we considered how our needs might change in the future.
We knew that moving to a continuing care retirement community would provide us peace of mind. We also thought of it as a gift to our children, since they wouldn't have to worry about us.
John: Safety was a priority as well. If there had been an emergency in our condo, we would've had to dial 9-1-1, describe the situation and where we live, and then wait.
Here, we just have to simply contact security--and wait no longer than three minutes for emergency responders to arrive. It was also reassuring for us to see doctors for routine check-ups through the medical center right on campus.
Tribune: Did your move go smoothly?
John: Yes! Thanks to Siena Lakes' realty and moving services, our move was stress-free from beginning to end. We received referrals for trusted real estate agents and information and assistance on downsizing.
Planning and Moving Consultant Kristine Kluge even came to our condo and reviewed the floor plan for our one-bedroom, two-bath apartment home--with a den--to help us determine what we could bring and where it would fit.
Toni: We've moved a lot in our lives, and this move was the easiest of them all by far. They really know what they're doing!
Tribune: What else has impressed you about Siena Lakes?
Toni: The maintenance-free living. When we lived in a condo, we owned it, so we had to take care of it. Out of habit, when our refrigerator here stopped working, John got out the manual. It took me a minute, but then I said, "You don't have to do that anymore! We can call somebody."
John: I'm glad she stopped me! I called maintenance, and they said they were going to replace the refrigerator. To our surprise, the new fridge was installed the same day.
At our condo, we would've had to call a repair person, wait for them, then have them tell us we need a new one. Then, we'd have to go shopping, buy one, and wait for delivery. How many weeks would that have taken? Since I'm no longer pulling out manuals and tools, I have more time to pursue the activities I enjoy.
Tribune: What kind of activities are you involved in?
Toni: We visit the on-site fitness center to take classes three days a week--two are for strength and balance and the other is for strength and toning. I volunteer at the sales office every Friday afternoon as a resident receptionist for walk-ins.
I've also joined a volunteer group called Helping Hands, which helps residents with short-term needs. If someone sprains their arm, I can bring dinner up to them or go get their mail.
John: We have a program called Siena Stories, in which people talk about something that's been important in their lives. I had fun doing a presentation at one of those sessions. I was a teacher, so I'm most excited about a new program here called ESL [English as a Second Language] Resident Tutors, run by a fellow resident.
I'm teaching students one-on-one for a few hours each week. It's so rewarding to watch my students learn and improve!
Toni: We love the engaging culture here. I enjoy socializing with people who have common interests and goals that brought them here. Doing everything right within the community--without having to get in the car and drive somewhere--is so convenient!
To learn more about the benefits of moving to a maintenance-free community, request more information today.
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