Visiting Senior Family Members in Orlando This Holiday Season: Are They Safe?

by Michele Moon

Our families can get rather far-flung these days and never is that more apparent than during the holiday season.

If you're visiting your Mom or Dad or grandparents in Orlando or anywhere in Central Florida this holiday season, this may be the first time you've seen them in a year or longer. Often, this is the time of year when family members first notice that an older family member is beginning to really age.

Learn How to Get Help with a Late-in-Life Move in Orlando

Whether you're visiting senior family members who live in the Orlando area this season or you're a local resident whose parents or grandparents live out of state (and you're thinking about moving them to Florida to be closer to you) there are a number of things to watch for determine whether a senior is still able to live safely on their own.

The good people at A Place for Mom have compiled a very nice and complete checklist for a family caregiver to utilize when trying to determine whether or not their loved one can safely live independently. Here's the link where you can download and print out your own copy. 

Whether the senior lives in Orlando, Lake Mary, Oviedo, Winter Springs or you'll be moving them to Florida to live with or near you, we at the Estate Conversions Team of Keller Williams Realty are trained and skilled in the art of helping families and seniors navigate the entire move process, including emotional and financial upheaval and concerns. As Certified Senior Housing Professionals,we are experienced in helping family caregivers and seniors through the process of selling a house, finding senior housing, managing financial and emotional issues, and preparing for all aspects of a late-in-life transition.

We Specialize in Real Estate Services & Late-in-Life Moves for Orlando Seniors

Don't overreact. Some aging and slowing down for Orlando seniors is, of course, natural and they deserve the respect of being able to live independently for as long as possible. But if safety seems to be a valid and serious concern, it's time for you and your other family members to begin planning and then act. If not, age in place options may be viable for you. Contact us here at OrlandoSeniorHousing.com and we'll put you in touch with those who can help with age-in-place techniques and services.

Remember that help exists to help manage and implement a late-in-life transition for a senior. Whether the senior lives in the Orlando area or you'll be moving them to Florida to live with or near you, we at The Estate Conversions Team and Orlando Senior Housing are highly experienced and trained in the art of helping families and seniors navigate the entire move process, including the emotional and financial upheaval and concerns.

Our List of Orlando Senior Communities

As Certified Senior Housing Professionals (Orlando and Oviedo real estate agents specially-trained in helping seniors and family caregivers in Florida) it's our job to not only help with the sale of a home or other real estate services, but also to manage the entire process for you and your senior family member.

Contact us  for a chat or no-obligation consultation.

Sharing Info on Senior Housing at the National Federation of the Blind Convention in Orlando

by Michele Moon

It goes without saying that Orlando-area seniors who suffer from vision loss face an extra difficulty when it comes time to leave a family home and move to a retirement community, mother-in-law cottage, or smaller apartment.

That's a big reason that my colleague Lisa D'Aloise and I were thrilled last week to both speak and share our knowledge on simplifying senior moves at the annual National Federation of the Blind convention in Orlando.

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

Lisa sat and shared her information on the panel entitled "Empowerment: Options for Senior Living" with Jennifer Cochran of Visiting Angels, Rachel Alvarez of the Alvarez Law Firm, and Patty Antony of Elder Advocates to discuss whether seniors should "Age in Place" and find assistive care as needed, or move into senior housing in Oviedo, Winter Springs, Winter Park, or anywhere in Central Florida.

Later, I addressed a meeting of leaders of the National Federation of the Blind and provided an overview of the challenges faced by seniors during a late in life move and educated them on the process, allowing those leaders to better share the information with their membership and local chapters of the NFB.

I'd like to offer a special thanks to Ruth Sager, President of the Seniors division of the National Federation of the Blind for being so nice as to invite Lisa and I to speak at the convention.

She shared a gift bag with each of us and presented me with a Braille bracelet with the word "Joy" written on it in braille - a very sweet nod to the fact that I always sign off my emails with the word "joyfully."

Michelle Moon (L) Ruth Sager (R)

Lisa and I are blessed to meet so many great people and to be able to offer what we've learned to seniors and their caregiver families who need assistance with downsizing or a late-in-life move to a new home, be it senior housing in Oviedo, an Orlando retirement community, or the home of a family member.

If we - the Estate Conversions Team and Orlando Senior Housing - may offer you any advice, please contact us anytime for a chat.

Our Featured Orlando/Union Park/Rio Pinar House for Sale

LOOKING FOR SPACE? Hurry in to see this spacious two-story home on a quiet CUL DE SAC! A stunning foyer, with curved staircase welcomes you home! This flexible floor plan features a formal living room, which could be a great office or play room, a large formal dining room with crown molding and a kitchen overlooking the family room. The kitchen has GRANITE counter tops, STAINLESS STEEL appliances, and CENTER ISLAND. The sliding glass doors open onto a long, screened porch overlooking a huge pie shaped back yard. Upstairs is a BONUS ROOM, which could easily be made the fourth bedroom. The master can accommodate king sized furniture and features two closets, a garden tub and a granite counter top. The exterior was just painted and the A/C was replaced in 2008. Residents of Andover Lakes enjoy close proximity to expressways, UCF, downtown Orlando and Waterford Lakes Towne Center shopping and dining.

Orlando Senior Community Review: The Bridge at Orlando

by Michele Moon

As Certified Senior Housing Professionals who specialize in helping seniors sell a family home and "downsize" to a more manageable living environment, we regularly tour and inspect senior communities in Central Florida. It's all part of our job to ensure that we - The Estate Conversions Team of Keller Williams Realty - can provide the best recommendations and senior housing options for a late-in-life transition.  

The Bridge at Orlando is an assisted living and independent living community that features five apartment floor plans to choose from. Situated amid a park-like campus complete with gazebo and picnic areas, their retirement services include:

Monthly lease with no buy-in
Variety of apartments
Restaurant-style fine dining
Scheduled transportation
Fitness center
Housekeeping services

The activity schedule features trips, socials, hobby groups, educational seminars and live entertainment, while the restaurant-quality dining may be enjoyed in the community dining room or, if you wish a larger gathering for guests, in the private dining room.

The Estate Conversions Team: We Specialize in Home Sales and Real Estate Services for Seniors on the Move

Of course, everyone loves saying goodbye to vacuuming, cleaning, dusting, preparing meals, and washing linenes. These household and apartment maintenance chores are taken care of by the staff at the Bridge at Orlando.

Health and Wellness plans are customized for each resident, and fitness classes ranging from yoga to walking groups are provided for individuals and focused on each residents' experience and fitness level, in addition to their level of independence.

The Bridge at Orlando: Visit Their Website

In addition to the exercise room, other popular areas on the grounds include:

Cozy lounge with fireplace
Comfortable lounge areas
Hair salon
Craft room
Ice cream parlor
Billiards room
Library
Laundry facility

If you are a senior or the family caregiver of an older adult and need advice or information on selling a long-held family home and potentially moving to an Orlando-area retirement community, please feel free to contact us. We - Lisa D'Aloise and Michele Moon - are specifically trained and experienced in helping seniors and their families navigate the complexities of a late-in-live move.

Our Featured Winter Springs, Florida House for Sale

There is plenty to love in this fabulous 4 bed, 3 bath, office, plus BONUS room home! This is an Engle Monterey floor plan with an added large, downstairs bonus room, extended master bedroom and screened porch with extended patio. The chef's kitchen features a built in double oven, center island, desk space, travertine flooring and overlooks the family room. The home also features bamboo wood flooring, large formal areas, plantation shutters and a side entry, three car garage.

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 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

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. 

Interview: What is a Professional Guardian?

by Michele Moon

As Certified Senior Housing Professionals in Orlando, the Estate Conversions Team - Lisa D'Aloise and I - have been trained and educated to provide a new level of expertise, service, and compassion to our senior and boomer clients.

That includes building a resource team of other professionals who provide specific services to seniors and family caregivers - businesses and people that we have vetted and feel confident in referring our clients to. As Certified Senior Housing Professionals, it's our job to help you with real estate transactions, including the sale or purchase of a home, and also know the right people to refer you to when a need outside of our scope of business appears.

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

One of those needs that may develop when one embarks on a late-in-life move is that of a Professional Guardian. Here's an overview of what a professional guardian in Orlando, Orange County, and all across Central Florida does.

H. Leonard (Lennie) Burke, Professional Guardian.

Michelle: Lennie, I have worked with several Professional Guardians, so I have some idea of what you do, but I’m not sure I understand the whole story. Why is guardianship necessary in the first place?

Lennie: Sometimes an individual won’t be able to make decisions for him or herself. This could be as a result of Alzheimer’s or other dementia, a stroke, injury or some other mental deficiency. In that tragic circumstance, someone else will have to make important decisions for them. So, the Circuit Court can be asked to appoint a guardian to take over that responsibility so that their health is protected and their property is not wasted or stolen.

Michelle: Shouldn’t this be the role of a family member?

Lennie: Generally, yes. The law specifies a preference for a family member to act in this critical role. Sometimes there is no family member available, willing or qualified. In that case the Court might have to seek the assistance of a Professional Guardian.

Michelle: So, you’re only appointed when there is no family member to be appointed?

Lennie: There are other situations. One is a dispute within a family. In that case, a judge may appoint a Professional Guardian because they are neutral. I’ve been appointed in this situation several times.

Michelle: So, let’s say you are appointed. What kinds of decisions are you empowered to make?

Lennie: The powers can be divided into two categories – guardian of the person and guardian of the property. Guardian of the person might include medical decision making, determining social environment and residential placement. Guardian of the property might include managing funds, receiving benefits, protecting personal and real property and paying bills.

Michelle: You said “might”. Can you explain that word choice?

Lennie: When the judge determines that an individual is incapacitated, the judge will remove certain rights from that person based on that individual’s capacity. The judge will also determine specifically which rights and duties will be assigned to the guardian.

Michelle: Are Professional Guardians licensed?

Lennie: No, not exactly. We are technically not “licensed”. We are required to be registered with the Department of Elder Affairs. In order to be registered, we have to complete a training course, pass a competency exam, obtain a bond, and pass both criminal background and credit checks. We also have to obtain regular continuing education and renew our registration every year. So, it’s very similar to licensing.

Reach H. Leonard (Lennie) Burke, Professional Guardian at 321-251-8133

Michelle: Is there any review of the actions of a Professional Guardian and are there any professional standards?

Lennie: The guardian serves at the discretion of the Court and all actions are subject to Court review. A guardian of the person must submit an annual plan to the Court. That plan documents care during the previous year and forecasts what care will be provided during the coming year. A guardian of the property must submit an annual accounting of all assets and transactions for audit by the Court.

The State of Florida does not impose an ethical standard or standards of practice on guardians. Some Professional Guardians enjoy national certification (by the Center for Guardianship Certification) which obligates them to follow an ethical standard subject to discipline. Both the National Guardianship Association and the Florida State Guardianship Association have published standards of practice which are advisory.

Michelle: Do you have any final comments?

Lennie: Guardianship is not something anybody wants. It should be regarded as a last resort. It can be expensive and intrusive. I liken it to a heart bypass operation. Nobody looks forward to having their heart cut open. Sometimes it is necessary for the patient. Guardianship is similar in that it may be the necessary step to protect someone from danger. Lastly, guardianship doesn’t have to be forever. We are required to review on an annual basis whether rights could be restored and the person under guardianship always has the power to petition for restoration of their rights.

Michelle: You mentioned a moment ago disputes within families and we have talked about that before. Can we talk in the future about your efforts to help families in conflict?

Lennie: Absolutely. I look forward to that.

Indeed, Lennie also provides mediation, a service that - in some cases - may allow guardianship to be avoided.

Learn more about Lennie and mediation here at his website. 

Featured Listing from the Estate Conversions Team: Ovideo, Florida House for Sale

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/