BLUE ZONES PROJECT RECOGNIZES SENIOR HOUSING SOLUTIONS
The Blue Zones project is based on the world travels of Dan Buettner, who identified communities worldwide where people share traits of great longevity. He wrote a New York Times bestseller about the nine principles of longevity. The “Power Nine” principles include eating a plant-slant diet, moving naturally by walking, biking or similar activity, having a sense of purpose, limiting alcohol intake, putting family first, belonging to a social group and more.
Buettner retained Healthways for program guidance in communities that are seeking Blue Zones
designation, where a significant percentage of the populace is taking steps to change their
environment and lifestyle so healthier choices are preferred.
“Blue Zones Project is thrilled to have Senior Housing Solutions as our newest organization to become Blue Zones Project Recognized in Southwest Florida! Not only did Senior Housing Solutions go above and beyond in their commitment to the project, but Bruce Rosenblatt has become a wonderful ambassador- helping to foster well-being throughout the community.”
“After learning more about the Blue Zones project, I feel that the core principles are very similar to that of my organization in promoting successful aging… Living with a purpose, making healthy choices, staying physically and socially active and enjoying a community lifestyle.” “The more people can embrace these principles, the less likely they will need extended long term care as they age,” said Bruce Rosenblatt
To date, 25 businesses, country clubs, schools churches, nonprofits, restaurants and the like
in Southwest Florida have earned Blue Zones designation where at least 25 percent of people
within each group have taken the pledge to adhere to healthier selections and the business or organization
has made structural changes accordingly.
The NCH Healthcare System is the sponsor of the local project.
It may seem very easy to open a phone book or search the internet for a name of an elder law attorney; however, finding the RIGHT one that fits your needs actually will require some research.
Over a cup of coffee, I met with a friend and colleague to discuss how exactly do you chose the right Elder Law attorney. According to Elder Law attorney, Ed Smith of Southwest Florida Estate Planning, (www.southwestfloridaelderlaw.com), there are some key factors involved in selecting the right elder law attorney. These include:
Seek a referral/recommendation. Talk with your friends, your financial advisor, your accountant, your family attorney and your anyone else that may know of an elder law attorney.
Evaluate the credentials. Attorneys must be licensed in the state that they are practicing law and must be registered by the Bar Association of that specific state. In addition, Elder Law attorneys can be members of National Elder Law consortiums, such as ElderCounsel (www.eldercounsel.com) or NAELA (www.naela.org) which can be a resource to use for credentials and overall information. Attorneys can also become Board Certified or maintain other awards which can assist with learning about the attorney’s credentials.
It’s all about the relationship. Utilizing the services of an elder law attorney is very personal. It is important that you trust that your attorney is looking after your best interests. Many attorneys can provide you the end result, however a good elder law attorney will present you with a number of options to help solve your situation. Empathy is an important consideration as well. Your attorney should truly understand your situation and have a genuine interest in helping you.
Understand the fee structure. Some attorneys will charge hourly while others will charge a flat rate. It is important to know this upfront and be comfortable with the arrangement. A flat rate might appear a bit high at first, however you won’t be nickel and dimed for every 5-minute phone call you make. The scope of work should be defined as well terms should be clear should you want to terminate the agreement.
There are many types of attorneys, however an Elder Law attorney specializes in Medicaid and Long term planning, veteran benefits, and other special need and government assistance planning. An Elder Law attorney is not a financial planner but should be willing to work with your financial planner and CPA to help you develop a solid plan for your future.
A good elder law attorney should help understand your current status and have an open discussion about what you want to accomplish in the end. You and your attorney should openly discuss goals, objectives, as well as pros and cons of certain approaches.
Am I’m ready to consider a move to a retirement community?
Determining the time frame of when you may want to consider moving to a retirement community is a very complicated decision process. Many people wait for a crisis to occur before considering such a move; while others plan ahead and move before something happens.
So when is the right time?
As we say in this business, it is always better to be 5 years to early than 5 minutes to late. Planning for your tomorrows today is some I am constantly sharing with my clients, No one is invincible and unfortunately, waiting for something to occur before you have a plan in place is not a smart move.
So why should you consider a retirement community now versus later?
Many (if not all) of the folks that I have helped move to a retirement community all told me prior to their move that they are not ready. It is a mantra that I hear in my sleep. “I love where we live and I don’t see any need to do anything right now.” “We’re just not ready.”
What is interesting that if you speak with these folks today, 99.9% of them will tell you that it was the best decision they ever made, they only wished they would have made it sooner. So, here are intelligent and successful people all saying the same thing… we wish we would have done it sooner.”
So when it the right time?
Unfortunately, there is not an easy answer. In my opinion, there are different time frames to consider. When do you want to start your research, when do you see yourself narrowing down your choices and when do you want to move? By doing your research early, you may find that the community you are considering has a long waiting list or is planning to expand. Getting your name on list is many cases is a positive first step.
If you have a long term plan to move, try to figure out what needs to occur between now and this fictitious date in the future to make you ready. Trust me, you are not going to wake up 5 years from now and all of sudden be ready to move. It does take planning, however procrastination is a form of denial, which creates its own problems.
A the root of the timing question is the misconception that retirement communities are nursing homes and by moving to a retirement community, you are losing your independence. Retirement communities offer a wide spectrum of services and amenities, including dining, social activities, fitness & wellness programs and residents are able to keep active and healthy longer.
We do meet people who, through their own stubbornness, elect to “stick it out” in their own homes. This then creates a tremendous burden on their family and friends. There is also a great deal of loneliness and isolation that occurs and well as a level of vulnerability to abuse from outsiders. Access to services is very limited, plus simple chores like driving to the grocery store or picking up your prescription medication becomes a major challenge. Maybe these won’t happen to you, but this needs to be factored into the equation. What is important to consider is your life, not only today, but tomorrow as well. Try to look into a crystal ball and image what your life will be like a year from now… five years from now. This may be difficult to for you to do, but it will help you plan ahead. Denial doesn’t make it any easier either. It is important that you are realistic and that you thoroughly think through this process.
An important factor to consider when determining if you are ‘ready or not” is that some retirement communities will have a medical acceptance criteria to be considered for residency. People who wait for a crisis to occur are frequently denied residency.
Today, retirement communities are more like luxury resorts than an old folk’s home. Moving does take physical and emotional energy so it is much better to move while you are healthy and active so you can enjoy all the amenities of the community.
Bottom line… don’t wait for something to occur. Plan for your tomorrows today!
12 new Memory Care facilities expected to open in our area.
Can the demand handle the supply?
By 2025, an estimated 18,508 Alzheimer’s cases projected in Collier County and 29,992 cases expected in Lee County of full time residents. Source – Catherine Cruisksank, Alzheimer’s Association.
Bruce B. Rosenblatt, a national senior housing expert and owner of Senior Housing Solutions has done a review of the new memory care facilities that are either opening or are projected to open. “The market is being saturated right now, which does provide many choices for the consumer, however finding and retaining quality staff, especially with so many new facilities entering the market place will present challenge that unfortunately will impact the care that is provided, states Rosenblatt. “It is important to find a facility that has a proven track record.”
The new facilities opening in our area are:
Brand New:
Discovery Village
The Villas at Terracina Grand
American House in Bonita Springs
Opening Soon:
Bay Shore
Beach House of Naples
All Seasons of Naples
American House at Coconut Point
Arlington Memory Care
Autumn House (Bonita Springs)
The Carlisle of Naples
Mooring Park at Grey Oaks Memory Care (2017)
Recently Renovated:
Memory Care of Naples
Moorings Park
In addition, there 10 existing memory care facilities that are already opened.
According to Rosenblatt, it is important for the consumer to be aware of the differences between each of these facilities since there are major differences in the pricing, physical layout, lifestyle enrichment programs, licensure capabilities and staffing requirements. Senior Housing Solutions provides valuable advice to people who are researching facilities. www.seniorhousingsolutions.net
Leading Age Florida, was established in 1963 as a Florida not-for-profit corporation. We are the only statewide association representing the full continuum of care for seniors. We serve nearly 400 mission-driven communities trusted with providing quality care and services. We promote practices that support, enable and empower people to live fully as they age.
Leading Age Florida member communities share a common bond of providing high quality care and services to the elderly. Our members include:
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) and Full Service Rental Retirement Communities
Retirement Housing and HUD Financed Housing for the Elderly
