Lifestyle Options Attract Area Seniors
Seniors researching lifestyle options in the Naples area are generally drawn to communities offering a well-rounded array of services and amenities that afford them certain freedoms. And while they can appreciate the convenience of access to on-site dining facilities and assistance with the daily tasks of home maintenance, this independent generation is doing its homework before making major decisions that will impact the rest of their lives.
In the Southwest Florida area, senior lifestyle options are plentiful. Several developments offer options ranging from deeded ownership to “life care,” and both of these options have enjoyed popularity through the years. Another option within the senior living arena are communities offering rental arrangements. The differences are noteworthy.
The deeded ownership option is the one with which seniors are most familiar, since this post-depression generation worked hard for their independence and takes pride in the time-honored tradition of home ownership. The concept of “life care” is less understood. While many seniors assume they are buying property with their substantial “entrance fees,” what they are buying in life care communities is the lifestyle. No deed is granted, “equity” is diminished over time, and there are no advantages of ownership similar to those offered in deeded ownership communities. Rental communities offer lease arrangements, typically on an annual basis, where tenants pay monthly for room and board during the term of the lease with the uncertainty of unpredictable annual rent escalations.
Since no ownership transfers in either life care communities or rental communities, residents have no ownership rights and, therefore, no voice or vote in condominium management decisions. The structure of deeded ownership communities affords senior residents these rights, as well as the opportunity to remain in their residential units for as long as they choose, regardless of health circumstances.
The Arbor Trace community along Vanderbilt Drive in North Naples was developed as a deeded ownership community. Through condominium ownership, property owners have a vote through their community association and control their condominium maintenance fees through an annual budget. And even though the community offers a well reputed assisted living facility on site, property owners also maintain full control over decisions regarding their future health care. Some choose to receive health care in the privacy of their residential units; others make the decision to relocate to the on-site facility, while others decide to relocate closer to children or other family members.
Community residents enjoy exclusive access to a private Clubhouse within Arbor Trace for socializing, special events, and gourmet dining. Designed with conversational groupings, baby grand piano, bridge tables and catering facilities, the 17th level Top of the Pointe Club has received rave reviews from residents and visitors alike. The 40-foot wide expanse of the Top of the Pointe Club’s outside observation deck encompasses views to the north, south and west, spanning from Sanibel Island in the distance with close-up views over Barefoot Beach’s public park and preserve, before sweeping south over Vanderbilt Beach to the Ritz-Carlton and the Pelican Bay landscape. The declared wetlands between the Tower Pointe building and the Gulf of Mexico offer haven to all types of flora and fauna.
Additional peace of mind is ensured for owners throughout the Arbor Trace community with round-the-clock emergency response from the licensed nursing staff in Arbor Glen, the on-site assisted living facility. Supplemental licenses for limited nursing services and extended congregate care, allow residents who choose to relocate to this facility to “age in place” near family members and friends in the community. As property owners, these independent residents also retain the right to opt for health care in the privacy of their own condominium residences should they choose.
For more information or a community tour, the on-site sales center is open daily or contact Arbor Trace Realty at 239-598-3490.
