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Serving Southwest Florida Since 2008

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Local Resources for Seniors and Their Families in Fort Myers

Fort Myers, FL, is home to a variety of resources that offer valuable services and support for seniors and their families. These resources help seniors maintain their independence, health, and well-being while ensuring that families have the guidance and assistance they need. Here are some of the key local resources available for seniors in Fort Myers:

1. Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL)

  • Services: The AAASWFL provides information and referral services, caregiver support, meal programs, health and wellness resources, and financial assistance for seniors.
  • Contact: 239-652-6900 | Website

2. Lee County Senior Services

  • Services: Lee County Senior Services offers a variety of programs for seniors, including transportation, meal services (such as Meals on Wheels), caregiver support, and health screenings. They also offer educational classes and activities to help seniors stay active and engaged.
  • Contact: 239-533-7044 | Website

3. Senior Friendship Health Center

  • Services: Located in Fort Myers, this health center provides primary care services for seniors, including wellness exams, preventive care, and chronic disease management.
  • Contact: 239-643-7800 | Website

4. Alzheimer’s Support Network

  • Services: The Alzheimer’s Support Network provides support for families and individuals affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, offering educational resources, support groups, respite care, and memory screenings.
  • Contact: 239-437-3007 | Website

5. Meals on Wheels of Lee County

  • Services: Meals on Wheels delivers nutritious, hot meals to homebound seniors in Lee County. They also provide wellness checks and foster social interaction for those who may be isolated.
  • Contact: 239-332-7662 | Website

6. Lee County Public Library – Senior Resources

  • Services: The Lee County Library offers a variety of services and programs for seniors, including educational programs, book clubs, and access to resources on aging, health, and wellness.
  • Contact: 239-533-4000 | Website

7. Fort Myers Senior Center

  • Services: The Fort Myers Senior Center provides a place for seniors to socialize, engage in activities, and access resources. Programs include exercise classes, arts and crafts, bingo, and educational workshops.
  • Contact: 239-321-7100 | Website

8. Florida Department of Elder Affairs

  • Services: The state’s Department of Elder Affairs offers resources for seniors in Florida, including information about long-term care, caregiver support, and services to help seniors live independently in their communities.
  • Contact: 850-414-2000 | Website

9. Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC)

  • Services: The ADRC provides information, referrals, and case management for seniors and people with disabilities. They assist with applying for Medicaid, food assistance, and other benefits.
  • Contact: 239-433-3900 | Website

10. Guardian ad Litem Program

  • Services: This program advocates for seniors who are at risk of abuse or exploitation, ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect in legal situations.
  • Contact: 239-533-7586 | Website

11. Southwest Florida Agency on Aging and Disability (SWFAAD)

  • Services: SWFAAD connects seniors with resources related to health care, housing, and community services in the Fort Myers area. They also provide options for seniors who need assistance with independent living.
  • Contact: 239-229-0449 | Website

12. Veterans Services (Lee County)

  • Services: Lee County offers programs and services for veterans, including help with benefits, healthcare, transportation to medical appointments, and veteran-specific community resources.
  • Contact: 239-533-8387 | Website

13. Elder Law Attorneys in Fort Myers

  • Services: Elder law attorneys can assist seniors with estate planning, Medicaid planning, guardianship, and other legal issues related to aging. Some law firms in Fort Myers offer free consultations or low-cost services for seniors.
  • Contact: You can find elder law attorneys in Fort Myers through The Florida Bar website here.

14. Hope Healthcare Services

  • Services: Hope Healthcare provides hospice care, grief counseling, and support for individuals and families dealing with end-of-life issues. They also offer a variety of services for caregivers, including respite care and support groups.
  • Contact: 239-482-4673 | Website

15. Lee Memorial Health System – Senior Services

  • Services: Lee Memorial Health System offers a wide range of senior-focused services, including health screenings, wellness programs, and rehabilitation services. They also offer resources for managing chronic conditions.
  • Contact: 239-343-1000 | Website

16. The Salvation Army – Senior Programs

  • Services: The Salvation Army offers programs for seniors, including meal programs, emergency assistance, social services, and opportunities for fellowship and support in the community.
  • Contact: 239-334-3745 | Website

17. The Neighborhood Health Clinic

  • Services: The Neighborhood Health Clinic provides medical care for low-income, uninsured seniors. They offer general healthcare services, specialty care, and diagnostic services.
  • Contact: 239-274-1517 | Website

18. Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council (SWFRPC)

  • Services: This council advocates for the aging population in Southwest Florida, offering resources and programs that enhance seniors’ quality of life, including transportation services and aging-in-place programs.
  • Contact: 239-338-2550 | Website

19. Naples Botanical Garden – Senior Programs

  • Services: The Naples Botanical Garden offers senior programs that encourage socialization, relaxation, and enjoying nature. They often host tours and events catered to seniors.
  • Contact: 239-643-7275 | Website

These resources in Fort Myers are designed to offer a broad range of services to help seniors live a fulfilling and independent life. Whether you’re looking for healthcare, social programs, legal assistance, or simply a place to connect with others, Fort Myers has a wealth of resources to support seniors and their families.

How to Negotiate with an Assisted Living Facility

How to negotiate with an assisted living facility

HOW TO NEGOTIATE WITH ASSITED LIVING FACILTIES

The price isn’t always the price at a senior living community.  Use these tips to help you get the best price. 

1).     Time is a leverage.  If you are able to move sooner, rather than later, you might have some room to negotiate.  Senior Living communities are businesses, and a vacant apartment is a non-revenue producing asset.  A quick move-in is a good thing for a community.  Conversely, if you are unsure of when you are able to move and/or planning for the future, you should not try to negotiate and wait until you are ready to make a decision.

2).     Well-established communities may not have a need to negotiate, especially communities with long wait lists.  You can always ask, however don’t be disappointed if you are told “no.”

3).     Many things are negotiable, this includes rate locks, monthly fees, apartment upgrades, community fees, and even levels of care. 

4).     Usually, medical approval is non-negotiable.  If someone is denied residency based on their health, it is highly rare that the community will negotiate acceptance. 

5).     Contractual terms are difficult to negotiate since any changes to the community’s residency agreement may involve corporate legal review. 

6).     Negotiations are a two-way street.  Be prepared offer something on your end. 

7).     When negotiating, try to talk directly with the decision-maker.

8).     Some communities have special incentives if you are able to move within a certain time frame.  If you are in a position to make a decision, you should inquire about any current promotions.  

9).     Do not have a “take or leave it” attitude.  The decision to move to this community is bigger than the incentive you are requesting.  

10).   Seek the advice of a professional.  We have years of experience in this business and have relationships with most of the communities in our area and can help you get the best price possible.  Contact us at www.seniorhousingsolutions.net to learn more. 

The Role of a Senior Housing Advisor

The Role of a Senior Housing Advisor

The Role of a Senior Housing Advisor

Do you handle your legal affairs without consulting with your attorney?  Do you file your own tax returns without consulting with your CPA?  Do you handle your financial matters without speaking with your financial advisor?  Seeking the advice of an expert is a wise decision.  An expert has years of experience in the specific area you are considering and has much more knowledge and resources available to give you the best possible advice.

Selecting and moving to a senior community is a life-changing decision.  It involves a financial commitment, lifestyle choice, downsizing adjustment and many emotions. The last thing you would want to do is move somewhere and not be happy or find out the senior community has some financial or operational issues.  Yes, you can try it do it on your own, however wouldn’t it be better to seek the advice of someone who truly knows the ins and outs of all the places you are considering?

Be wary of senior housing internet search providers. These companies aggressively advertise on the internet.  What you don’t know is that once you call them or fill out their online form, they basically “own you” and will sell your contact information to third parties.  You will be bombarded with phone calls and emails. The worst part is that these internet search providers know very little about the senior communities they are recommending.  They seldom visit these places and are not current on any issues the senior community could be experiencing. They provide you with a list of places that they have under their contract, which may or may not fit you needs. It is much better to work with a Senior Housing Advisor who is knowledgeable about the local market and all the senior living options.

We know what you don’t know!  

As a trusted senior housing advisor, our role is to provide you with the possible advice.  We are familiar with all the places in the area and keep current on pricing, availability, significant operational and staffing issues as well as future trends in the market place.  We do our best to match your needs and preferences to the best options available.   We know that some folks are ready to make the move, but want the peace of mind of knowing they have reached ahead for their future options.

Senior Housing Solutions is locally owned and operated and has over 30 years’ experience in the senior housing industry.  Our personalized approach allows us to get to know you and help you every step of the way.  Our proven 5 Step process provides you with a comprehensive and objective information to help you with your decision.  Best of all, our services are 100% FREE!   It’s what we do!

  • Step 1:   We meet with you to get to know you, most of the times, this is done in the comfort of your own home.  We discuss your needs and preferences and provide you with a list of assisted living options best fits your needs.
  • Step 2:   We schedule visits with communities of your choice and join you during these community visits to help represent you. We ask questions on topics you may not know to ask and follow up with you to discuss pros/cons of each of your options.
  • Step 3:   We review pricing, level of service plans and residency agreements to make sure you fully understand the fine print at these communities. We review State of Florida Health Care survey reports and negotiate pricing, as appropriate.
  • Step 4:   We provide you with comprehensive and trusted resources to assist you with the move transition and provide you with recommendations of key professionals, as necessary. We also provide you with resources to assist you with your Veteran’s Benefits.
  • Step 5:   After you move in, we will follow up with you to make sure you are happy with your decision.  We will discuss any issues with community staff for resolution and communicate with your family, as appropriate.

We are in your corner, every step of the way!

We hear reviews from many of our clients who tells us that could not have done it without our help.  Personally, I am not sure how anyone can make this type of decision with our expert advice and why would you want to?  Our services are free so why wouldn’t you utilize them?    We look forward to speaking with you.

www.seniorhousingsolutions.net