My Mother's Move to a Vibrant Senior Community in Naples, FL
Recently, my mother made the proactive decision to move to a service- and activity-enriched senior community in beautiful Naples, Florida. This move was not only about finding a new place to live but about embracing a lifestyle that offers independence, social engagement, and peace of mind.
Why Move Now While You’re Still Mobile and Healthy?
1. Move Before It’s a Crisis: Making this decision while you are still mobile and healthy allows you to be in control of your choice of community and apartment, rather than leaving it to your children during a crisis.
2. Be in Control: Selecting your community and apartment ensures that your preferences are met, and you have a say in your living environment.
3. Safety Considerations: If you have experienced a fall, it’s time to consider this move. Don’t wait for another fall that might necessitate a direct transition to assisted living.
4. Financial Benefits: Unlock the value of your home that no longer serves your needs. Invest the proceeds to generate income and enjoy the rest of your life. Save on expenses like yard maintenance, HOA dues, insurance, property taxes, home maintenance, and even gym fees. Instead, you can pay a single monthly fee that covers almost everything you were spending plus new benefits like two meals a day in a lovely club restaurant setting, weekly cleaning service, a personal trainer and onsite gym to help keep you strong, shopping and appointment transportation, a 24 hr medical clinic and much more.
Benefits of Southwest Florida’s Sunshine
Did you know that Southwest Florida has about 88 more days of sunshine than the Midwest? My mother’s friend, Laura, who moved to a senior community in Indianapolis after losing her husband in Bonita Springs, FL, emphasizes the importance of sunshine at this stage of life. This is a major reason we chose a retirement community in Florida over the Midwest. Additionally, avoiding snow and ice hazards during winter is a significant benefit.
Sunshine is crucial, especially as mobility decreases. It’s vital to have ample natural light in your living space to combat the depression that can come from being indoors with limited sunlight.
Overwhelmed by the Process?
Don’t let the complexity of the move hold you back. “How do I even begin?” you might wonder. Call an advisor (me 😊) to guide you through the process and connect you with all the necessary resources, from packers and movers to interior decorators who will help you settle in comfortably. I can advise on various types of communities, from those with large buy-ins (which I am not a fan of) to those with all-inclusive rental rates and flexible notice periods.
Misconceptions About Senior Living
Many people are unaware that senior communities can offer a fabulous lifestyle that is not akin to a nursing home or even assisted living. For instance, Aston Gardens of Pelican Marsh in Naples, where my mother now lives, offers a country club lifestyle with beautiful dining areas, a pool, a clubhouse, and a variety of additional services and social, recreational, and educational opportunities.
Living alone can significantly impact physical and mental well-being. I noticed my mother’s physical condition decline after losing her partner of 10 years to Alzheimer's. She could no longer care for him alone, and this can revitalize her life. More to come on this next month after her move.
Interested in Learning More?
There’s so much more to share on this topic. If you’re interested in attending a seminar on this subject, please reply to this email. I can plan an event at the Fort Wayne Country Club in September if I have enough interest. I’m eager to share all that I’ve learned about this positive lifestyle change for seniors.
