Review: Oviedo, Florida Senior Living Community: Savannah Court and Savannah Cottage

This is part of our continuing tour and review of senior living communities near Orlando in Central Florida. As Certified Senior Housing Professionals (real estate agents who specialize in working with older adults and their caregiver families) part of our service is focused on having full knowledge of Orlando Senior Housing options and understanding where best to refer our senior clients who are considering a late-in-life move.

We (Lisa D'Aloise and I) recently stopped in to visit with the folks at Savannah Court and Savannah Cottage, two distinct - yet equally exceptional - assisted living communities in Oviedo, Florida, just a few miles from I-4 and minutes from metro Orlando.

Linda Johnson

We had a great time with Linda Johnson, who is simply full of great energy and information! (We call her the "commander of communications.") The community's Marketing Director, Sandra Rivera, is also wonderful and loaded with details and advice.

The first thing you'll notice when you pull up to the campus is that there are three adjacent - yet unique - communities, each situated just a sidewalk apart.

Two of them offer full, senior assisted living options in Florida while the third - Savannah Cottage - is a secure environment dedicated to Alzheimer's care, dementia, and similar memory-impaired residents.

Visit the Savannah Court and Savannah Cottage Website

Orlando family caregivers will also find Savannah Court and Savanna Cottage to be a helpful resource in the areas of respite care and senior day care services. Their respite care program in Florida is available for those who need a senior housing option for several weeks or even several months. It's ideal for family caregivers who require a safe spot for their loved one to stay for a short period of time - even just a week or two while the family caregiver relaxes on a much-deserved vacation or attends to other business or personal matters.

The senior day care program serves as an option for impaired seniors to spend the day - typically no more than 8 hours.

We Specialize in Real Estate Services for Orlando Seniors on the Move

Services and amenities available to all residents include:

24 hour access to trained caring associates
Restaurant-style dining
Linen and housing services
Emergency response system
Diverse activities program designed to enhance daily living
Scheduled transportation to shopping, medical appointments and other outings
Medical appointment scheduling
Utilities are included - telephone and extended cable television service is optional
Climate controlled air conditioning and heating
Spacious bathrooms and kitchenettes
Common areas and suites with beautiful views and manicured landscaping for your enjoyment
Supervision with activities of daily living
Supervision of self administration of medications

If you're an older, senior adult of the adult child of an elder who requires a move to senior housing in the Orlando area, please feel free to contact us - Michele and Lisa of the Estate Conversions Team of Keller-Williams Realty and Orlando Senior Housing. There is no-obligation and we'll be happy to offer you advice in any area or on any challenge that you may be facing as a senior or the caregiver of a senior.

View the Floor Plans

If you need our help selling a family home we'll be happy to provide that. But we're also happy to offer advice and suggestions in other matters that may be helpful and an enhancement to the lives of both seniors and their adult children/family caregivers from Oviedo to Winter Park to Altamonte Springs to Orlando.

Our Featured Orlando, Florida House for Sale from The Estate Conversions Team

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.

Lisa and Michele: We Specialize in Orlando Real Estate Service for Seniors On the Move

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.

Learn More About Oakmonte Village at Lake Mary Here

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.

Follow Oakmonte Village on Facebook

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.

Our Featured, Winter Springs, Florida House for Sale

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.

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

We Specialize in Home Sales and Services for Seniors on the Move

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

See Upcoming Seminar Topics and Resources for Orlando Family Caregivers

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.

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.

We Specialize in Home Sales and Real Estate Services for Seniors on the Move and All Adults 55+ in Central Florida

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. 

OpenTable.com: Orlando Restaurants Open for Mother's Day Brunches

This Sounds Fun!

Mother's Day Brunch at the Enzian Theater

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.

More Orlando Mother's Day Events & Activities

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!

We Specialize in Home Sales and Service for Seniors on the Move in Central Florida

Our Featured Orlando, Florida House for Sale

3 beds, 3 baths, $158,900

Contact Us: Lisa D'Aloise or Michele Moon for More Information

Orlando Adults and Long Term Care Insurance Information

by Michele Moon

Central Florida baby boomers – those between the ages of 49 and 67 – and even older, senior adults, face the question of whether or not to purchase a long term care insurance policy.

Less than 20% of older adults have such a policy, a number that means many older people in Florida could spend long years living in less-than-ideal situations.

We Specialize in Home Sales and Services for Orlando Adults 55+

A very real possibility is that those without long term care insurance could be forced to spend down all of their assets before qualifying for Medicare. According to the National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information, about 70% of people over age 65 require some type of long-term care in their lifetime.

That means your house, savings, and all assets liquidated in order to pay for any assisted housing needs that may arise.

Here are some basic facts that explain long term care insurance. I thought the infographics do a fine job of explaining more numbers:

And here's another

If you're an Orlando-area adult 55+ or the family caregiver of an older senior adult, Lisa and I - The Estate Conversions Team - are specifically trained as Certified Senior Housing Professionals. That means we do far more than simply help people buy or sell a house in Orlando. Feel free to contact us anytime for information and advice on preparing for your future as it pertains to real estate, senior housing, and any other issues that involve a late-in-life move for those 55+. 

If we don't know the answer or can't help specifically, we'll refer you to other resources, organizations, or professionals who can be of service. Find us here or fill out the form to the right of this page.

Our Featured Orlando Condo for Sale

Oviedo, Florida Condo for Sale

How Much Does a Nursing Home Cost in Orlando?

by Michele Moon

As Certified Senior Housing Professionals (real estate agents who specialize in real estate transactions for boomers, seniors, and their caregiver families in Orlando) one of the most important things that my partner Lisa D'Aloise and I can do is provide information to people on all of the various issues involved in a late-in-life transition.

We Help Central Florida Seniors Who Are On the Move

Moving into a senior retirement community or - if health concerns demand it - an assisted living facility or nursing home is a big choice, and we want to make sure that you are well aware of all the issues, both financial and otherwise.

I recently came across an infographic that provides an overview of the costs involved when a move to a nursing home or assisted living community in Orlando is necessary.

Of course, these numbers can and will vary drastically, but they provide an educational starting point.

While a significant part of our job at the Estate Conversions Team is centered on helping older adults 50+ sell their houses and prepare for the future, we also wish to educate and inform you on options aside from the sale of a Central Florida home.

Here's How We Help Orlando Adults 50+ Sell a House

Those options can include age-in-place possibilities designed to help a senior remain in their home for as long as possible. If a move elsewhere is indeed necessary, part of our senior real estate services include putting you in touch with other senior-focused professionals who can help you through the process, including elder law attorneys, financial planners, tax specialists, professional organizers, and a variety of other service providers.

To make the entire process easier for you and your family, we serve as the hub for all of these professionals, ensuring that they are all coordinating their efforts properly for you and your late-in-life move.

We'll be happy to answer any questions or offer advice. Please feel free to contact us anytime right here. 

Our Featured Orlando House for Sale

Hurry in to see this nice home in the Conway area. The floor plan features a split bedroom plan, separate living room, dining room, and family room. The family room features a wood burning fireplace and sliding glass doors to the screened porch. The large backyard is fully fenced. The home also has hurricane shutters. It is conveniently located close to the Conway recreation park, Barber Park is across the street and the schools are all top rated. Just needs a little TLC to make it yours.

Are You Part of Orlando's "Sandwich Generation"? Help for Baby Boomers with Older Parents

by Michele Moon

Are you a part of the "Sandwich Generation" in Central Florida?

You are if you are between the ages of 40 and 60 and responsible for the care of not only your aging parents, but also your own, dependent children. This generation, “sandwiched” between two other generations, experiences both the joys and the stress of being responsible – financially, emotionally, and energetically – to the needs of two distinct members of their family.

Baby boomers are typically a large segment of this generation, but even those in their 40's in the Orlando area are increasingly finding themselves pressed for money and time as they care for elderly parents. This is especially true if your parent has medical issues and is nearly completely dependent on you.

In some cases, members of the "Sandwich Generation" are in the process of - or will soon have to - begin the large amount of work necessary to settle some of Mom or Dad's estate, learn how to find an assisted living facility, sell their parent's house, and attend to a rather large number of variables and red tape that make up the work of a late-in-life transition.

Senior Housing in Orlando

If you're a member of the Sandwich Generation in Orlando and are feeling sandwiched and squeezed, the most important thing to remember is that help is available. A wide variety of professionals exist to be of service where a baby boomer or family caregiver in their 40's may require help in senior-related issues.

And not all of it costs money. For example, as Certified Senior Housing Professionals, part of our job at Estate Conversions in Oviedo is to help boomers and seniors understand their options in senior housing, while also directing the family caregivers to other senior-centric professionals in metropolitan Orlando – businesses we have personally vetted and can recommend for their excellence.

As Orlando realtors, Lisa D'Aloise and I - Michele Moon - are able to help with the sale of a family home anywhere from Winter Park to Sanford.  

But we do more than sell a house. We'll also sit down with you and help educate you on what we've learned over the course of many years of helping seniors and their families navigate the emotional and financial complexities of moving an older adult to a new home. We're also specifically trained to coordinate the efforts of these various professionals as part of our job of taking some of the strain away from you, our client.  

Need Advice, Information, or Just Someone to Vent to?

Email Us Here

Learn More About What We Do

Our Featured Winter Springs, Florida House for Sale: Contact Michele or Lisa to Schedule a Showing

Five bedrooms, Five Baths. 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. 

{Video} Interview with Orlando (Winter Park) Attorney on Estate Planning, Wills, and Power of Attorney

by Michele Moon

Simply downloading a legal form from the Internet and expecting it to be - or remain - valid can be a dangerous proposition.

As Orlando real estate agents who specialize in helping seniors downsize, sell a house, and prepare to move into more manageable housing, we at Estate Conversions regularly work with other professionals who provide important services for Orlando seniors or their caregiver families.

We Specialize in Home Sales and Assistance for Orlando Adults 55+

I had a chance to sit down for a few minutes and chat with Orlando attorney Rachel Alvarez to discuss a wide variety of legal issues that impact Central Florida baby boomers, senior citizens, and their family caregivers.

In this video segment we specifically talk about the often misunderstood attributes of a power of attorney. For example, did you know that a power of attorney goes into effect immediately in the state of Florida?

Rachel discusses how you can protect yourself, the different types of power of attorney (like financial or health), and the importance of ensuring that your power of attorney is structured to be legally sound.

Rachel's law office is located in Winter Park, Florida and she specializes in Real Estate, Asset Protection, and Estate Planning, among other areas of practice.

Visit the Alvarez Law Firm

About Rachel

Lake Mary, Florida Townhouse for Sale

Lovely townhome in desirable Heron Cove is ready for its new owner. The home features a large L shaped great room with a wood burning fireplace, dining area and sliding glass doors that lead out to a fenced back yard. The eat in kitchen has all the appliances and access to the laundry room and garage. Upstairs you'll find two generous sized master suites with full baths. 

One bedroom has sliding glass doors that lead to an upstairs balcony. The home has brand new, neutral carpeting throughout and has been well maintained. Residents of Heron Cove enjoy a community pool and quiet tree lined streets, easy access to shopping, restaurants and I-4. Hoa covers roof, skylights, driveway, gutters, trees, lawn care, bldg exterior and more. Easy to see and buy!

Lisa D’Aloise and Michele Moon are Recognized for Expertise in Senior Housing and Late-in-Life Transitions

Oviedo, FL, January 31, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Prestigious Real Estate and Senior Housing Certification Reflects Knowledge of Distinct Market and Passionate Commitment to Service

Online Press Release

Having recently completed a rigorous two-day curriculum, Lisa D’Aloise Real Estate Consultant and Michele Moon Senior Move Coach with the Estate Conversions Team at Keller Williams Advantage Realty have achieved the prestigious Certified Senior Housing Professional (CSHP) designation from the Seniors Real Estate Institute.

Awarded only to a select number of real estate professionals in any market, the CSHP designation equips senior housing professionals to serve the distinct needs of seniors and their families with an unsurpassed level of compassion, expertise and connectedness.

Demographic shifts and improvements in life expectancy have given rise to senior housing options that far exceed those of previous decades. CSHPs are not only in touch with the full range of options within their communities, they have the specific skills needed to help seniors to get where they want to go – unraveling the complexities involved in downsizing and selling a family home.

“Despite the fact that seniors are the fastest growing segment of the population, this segment of the market remains largely underserved,” noted Nikki Buckelew, Founder and President of the Seniors Real Estate Institute.

Buckelew, who has a graduate degree in gerontology, pointed to the fact that 10,000 Baby Boomers will turn 60 every day for the next 18 years. At the other end of the senior spectrum, the 90-plus segment of the population nearly tripled over the past three decades, and is expected to quadruple over the next 40 years.

“Professionals such as Lisa and Michele have a clear vision of how the real estate market is evolving,” Buckelew added. “As such, they have sought out the training, the resources, and the access to trusted experts within the Orlando market, in order to serve senior clients and their families at a high level.”

“This expertise, combined with a passion to ensure the dignity of elderly clients, is not just a benefit to seniors and their families,” Buckelew emphasized. “It’s a profound asset to the entire community.”

For more information on the Seniors Real Estate Institute or the Certified Senior Housing Professional Designation, visit seniorsrealestateinstitute.com

Contact Information

Lisa D'Aloise
407-234-5074

Contact
www.estateconversions.com/