Thursday, May 29, 2014

Orlando Senior Living Review: Atria at Lake Forest

by Michele Moon

A coupe of weeks ago my partner Lisa D'Aloise and I had the opportunity to spend some time at and get to know the residents and staff at Atria at Lake Forest in Sanford, Florida, a beautiful assisted living facility in Central Florida near Orlando.

We were on hand to take part in a benefit event for the Alzheimer's and Dementia Resource Center and also walked about and surveyed the surroundings and how residents and staff spent their time together.



With more than 200 monthly events, residents have many opportunities to stay active, both on the eight-acre campus that's surrounded by oak trees, and by taking part in off-campus activities and trips throughout the local area.


The many apartments at Atria at Lake Forest come in a variety of floor plans and include studio, one, or two-bedroom designs and meet the needs of most all seniors - whether they are engaged in an active, retirement lifestyle with an independent living flair or need more support in the form of assisted living options.

What's especially ideal in the assisted living environment is that such care is provided very discreetly, enabling the senior to maintain a sense of dignity and independence.


This Orlando senior housing community also offers more hands-on, memory care assistance in a neighborhood established specifically for Alzheimer's and dementia care residents.

The amenities provided by Atria at Lake Forest are, of course, numerous and designed to engage the interest level of a wide variety of residents. The walking paths across the community are nicely designed, and residents can enjoy everything from a fitness and wellness center to a computer center, or opt to enjoy video games, community gardens, a library, theater, cocktail hour, and other social activities like taking part in the well-known "Red Hat Society."



Other benefits of life at Atria at Lake Forest include:

A full-time events director
All utilities provided, except phone
An emergency call system in every apartment
Assistance with activities of daily living
Concierge
Delicious meals served restaurant-style daily
Emergency call pendants/wristbands
Housekeeping and linen services
Individually controlled heating and air
Laundry services
Medication assistance
On-site physical therapy provider
Scheduled local transportation



As Certified Senior Housing Professionals (Orlando and Oviedo real estate agents who specialize in helping seniors throughout a move process) Lisa D'Aloise and I - Michele Moon - of the Estate Conversions Team of Keller Williams Realty are well-prepared and ready to help a senior or their family caregivers navigate the complexities of a late-in-life move or the sale of a long-held family home.

Whether you are residents of the Orlando area already or contemplating a move to Central Florida, we hope you'll contact us and allow us to share some of the many things we've learned in how to make a late-in-life move much easier and hassle-free.



HURRY IN TO SEE THIS GREAT HOUSE IN POPULAR ALAFAYA WOODS! The floor plan features a formal dining rm, eat in kitchen, and a large living rm with cathedral ceilings. The back yard is fully fenced and the home has a new A/C 2014 and newer roof. The home is located close to the neighborhood park which has a full basketball court, tennis court and a large playground.




Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Orlando Senior Housing Review: Oakmonte Village at Lake Mary

by Michele Moon

My partner Lisa D'Aloise and I recently stopped in to visit with Kay Stober and the residents at Oakmonte Village at Lake Mary, a new, 25-acre luxury senior living community in the heart of Lake Mary, Florida.

Left: Lisa D'Aloise, Right: Kay Tober

In our role as Certified Senior Housing Professionals - Orlando real estate agents who specialize in helping seniors sell their family home and move to a new community or smaller home - it's part of our job to stay up-to-date on senior living communities across Central Florida. We want to make sure that we refer our senior clients or their caregiver families to the best senior community for their specific needs.


Debuting in 2009, Oakmonte Village features 42 free-standing Villas, each with a one-car garage and two bedrooms and two baths.


You'll also find 165 Independent Living apartments with a choice of studio, one, or two bedroom floor plans. 


For those who require a bit more help, there are 114 private, Assisted Living apartments where the level of care is customized to each resident, including those in need or daily care or memory care.


Lisa and I were struck by the high-end, luxurious feel of the community, an attribute that - paradoxically - is made even more enjoyable by the fact that Oakmonte Village, unlike many Orlando senior living communities, demands no "Entrance Fee" for new residents, a nice feature that contributes to the ease of those worried about "how much do senior living communities in Florida cost"?

Along with restaurant-quality dining, served inclusively with three meals daily, those who get up a bit late may also partake of the continental breakfast option or - throughout the day - a bistro café.




Other highlights of Oakmonte Village at Lake Mary include:

All inclusive services with no entrance fee demand
On- site physician services
Personal Concierge services
On- site banking, gift shop, & fitness center
Dining Service 
Transportation 
24- Hour Security
Maintenance & housekeeping service
Monitored emergency call system
Handy convenience store with pharmacy service

If you'd like to learn more about our impressions of Oakmonte Village or have other questions concerning senior housing in Orlando, please feel free to contact either Lisa D'Aloise or me - Michele Moon - at the phone or email addresses here.

If you're a senior or the family member or caregiver of an older adult who needs advice on a real estate transaction or sale of a house, please contact us here at Estate Conversions for a no-obligation chat.

Our job as Certified Senior Housing Professionals is to serve as advisers, friends, and business partners for any senior or family member who needs help in the sale of a home or any aspect whatsoever of a late-in-life move.


Come see this custom-built home with all the "I Wants" in this exclusive Arrowhead neighborhood in Tuscawilla. The main living areas offer lovely views of the golf course from its vantage point on the 9th tee of the Tuscawilla golf course. This energy efficient home offers foam insulation in the blocks, and a 14 seer a/c system. The kitchen features custom maple cabinetry, quartz and granite counter tops, center island with sink, and pasta-filler water faucet.






Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Free Seminar: The Senior Advisory Panel at Chambrel at Island Lake in Longwood, Florida: May 15th

by Michele Moon

We'll cover a wide variety of topics relevant to seniors or their caregiver families at this Thursday's "Senior Advisory Panel" at Chambrel at Island Lake in Longwood. Join us from 11 am to 1pm on May 15, 2014.

Experts will be on hand to answer questions pertaining to elder law, senior health, veterans (VA) benefits, real estate, and Longwood and Orlando senior housing options.

Here's the panel of experts you may ask questions of:

Elder Law: Rachel Alvarez of the Alvarez Law Firm

Senior Housing Options: Holly Jennings of Premier Senior Consultants

Senior Real Estate Sales: Michele Moon of the Estate Conversions Team of Keller Williams Realty

VA Benefits: Bev Murphy, Veteran's Benefits Specialist


Join us for plenty of great information and a complimentary lunch. Although we're past the "RSVP" date, space is still available, so feel free to join us. If you'd like to call ahead:

 Address: 160 Islander Ct, Longwood, FL 32750

Phone:(877) 938-9138

Get Directions and More:







Sunday, May 11, 2014

Wine Pull & Cocktail Party to Benefit the Central Florida Alzheimer's and Dementia Resource Center

by Lisa D'Aloise

A great time and great wine for a great cause. We at the Estate Conversions Team invite you to join us in the mingle at the Atria at Lake Forest in Sanford to benefit the Alzheimer's and Dementia Resource Center.

If Alzheimer's has touched someone you care about or simply if you'd love to enjoy some vino for a fantastic cause, come join us!

This Wednesday, May 14 







5 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms: Come see this custom built home with all the "I Wants" in this exclusive Arrowhead neighborhood in Tuscawilla. The main living areas offer lovely views of the golf course from its vantage point on the 9th tee of the Tuscawilla golf course. This energy efficient home offers foam insulation in the blocks, and a 14 seer a/c system.



Saturday, May 10, 2014

Orlando Counsel for Caregivers Seminar: Choosing the Right Home for Life's Next Chapter

Please feel free to join me - Michele Moon - as I represent the Estate Conversions Team this Wednesday afternoon, May 14, 2014 and provide an educational seminar on the topic of "Choosing the Right Home for Life's Next Chapter."

I'm honored to be assisting the Orange County/Orlando Counsel for Caregivers during their Spring Seminar series at libraries across the area.

The Estate Conversions Team



Just stop by the South Creek Branch Library, Deerfield Boulevard, Orlando, FL, at 1pm.


The Orlando Counsel for Caregivers offers a marvelous opportunity for those who take care of older loved ones - be they spouses, parents, or grandparents - to learn how to better handle, navigate, and thrive in the role of being a family caregiver.

If you can't make it to the seminar but could use some advice on planning for housing for an older adult in Central Florida, please email here and arrange a time to chat.

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Orlando Mother's Day 2014 Gift Ideas, Events, Activities, Restaurants and Brunches

by Michele Moon

Whether your mother is living on her own independently in Central Florida or the resident of a retirement community in Orlando or assisted living facility, Mother's Day in Orlando is, of course, a special day for her and you.

I've compiled a list of Mother's Day gift ideas for senior citizens along with links to Mother's Day brunches & other activities in Orlando, Winter Park, Altamonte Springs, and all across our area. Enjoy and Happy Mother's Day 2014 to you.


Mother's Day Gift ideas for Seniors

Memory Jar

Grab a jar, decorate it nicely, find some small pieces of paper or cards, and pause to think. On each card, write a quick sentence detailing a fond memory of time you spent with her. It could be something from childhood or anything at all. She'll love picking one out once in awhile and smiling at a cherished memory.



Photo Bouquet

Sure, mom will love some beautiful, fresh, real flowers. But make her a photo bouquet also. Even if you're not especially "crafty," this is pretty easy to do. Cut a few shapes out of construction paper and make copies of some of your favorite, family photographs, be they "vintage" or ones you snap today with your smartphone or digital camera. Glue one photograph to each piece of construction paper, and drop by a florist and ask to buy some of the plastic sticks they use to attach cards to their floral arrangements. They should be happy to sell you a few, especially if you also purchase an Orlando Mother's Day floral arrangement from them!

Freezer Meals


If Mom is a bit older and living independently in Lake Mary, Longwood, Oviedo, or anywhere in central Florida, she'll probably appreciate you saving her from cooking. Spend some time on Mom and prepare her several casseroles, bags of vegetable treats, or other meal ideas that can be easily stored in a freezer and reheated.  



Mother's Day 2014 Brunches in Orlando

Of course, Mom will love spending time with you at the time-honored tradition of a Mother's Day brunch. From Downtown Orlando to Maitland, Sand Lake, Apopka, Sanford, and more, here are some places to take your Mom or elderly parents for Mother's Day in Orange County. 


This Sounds Fun!



Take Mom to the Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 11th for a special screening of the classic film FUNNY GIRL, starring Barbra Streisand! All guests will enjoy one complimentary Mimosa, live music by The Cook Trio, and a delectable brunch buffet. Individual Film & Brunch Tickets: $35 Kids 12 and under: $20.


Mother's Day Art Show & Sale in Winter Garden


Our friends at Serenades West Orange memory care assisted living in Winter Garden invite families of Serenades residents & the public to join them for the Mother's Day Art Show and Sale from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm. Family pictures will also be taken. Please RSVP to the concierge at 407-416-8680.



Happy Orlando Mother's Day from the Estate Conversions Team!




3 beds, 3 baths, $158,900