Senior Living 101 The Benefits of Senior Living CommunitiesOften, home maintenance, and being tired of keeping up with it, are what start the journey and exploration into the benefits of senior living communities. But the reality is there are benefits well beyond just home maintenance. Making the move can be a healthy choice that enhances body, mind, and spirit. Here are just a few of the benefits a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) offers that you may not have considered:  Enriched Retirement living  For many seniors, retirement is a fresh start filled with possibilitiesa rare chance to live their best life now, free to pursue old hobbies, explore new passions, travel, and spend time spoiling the grandkids. In addition to a maintenance-free lifestyle, opportunities for making friends and socializing, senior communities offer many perks. Members enjoy chef-led dietary programs and amenities and services like pools, gyms, classes, clubs and eventseverything they could want to make the most of every day. A wellness-centered lifestyle Todays senior living communities direct their efforts toward helping residents stay healthy, active, and independent. They accomplish this by offering a variety of fitness facilities and programs, wellness screenings, healthy dietary options, and more. Most communities also make it easy to keep up with health-related appointments by providing transportation or on-site clinics. Some even offer an advocate to help you navigate your wellness both planned and unplanned. A safe, accessible environment Because CCRCs are designed specifically for successful aging, campus amenities are thoughtfully planned for accessibility, with unobtrusive safety features built in. Private residences are designed for safe, secure aging while remaining aesthetically pleasing. If needed, communities may be able to customize a residence with helpful devices to support changing needs and make life easier.  Adjustable levels of service While senior living communities typically provide a bundled basic service package, residents can add more services as needed. For example, someone who usually does their own cleaning could request housekeeping when preparing to entertain guests or when recovering from an illness. Likewise, residents could opt to enjoy more of their meals at the on-site dining venues. Return-to-home focus If a health event or injury occurs, a CCRC offering on-campus rehabilitation will provide the physical, occupational, and other therapies needed to help residents regain strength and independence and return to their homes. Assisted living in style If needs increase, a senior who is living in a CCRC can get the support they need within the community, while maintaining their lifestyle. They can still come and go as they please and enjoy on-site amenities, activities, and friends. This could be of particular value for a couple whose needs for care are different, enabling them to still spend most of their time together. The choice is yours Selecting and moving to a CCRC or Life Plan community while you are independent puts you in control. You gain peace of mind knowing that, if needed, assisted living, skilled nursing, or memory care, will be readily available in an environment you have chosen. This not only ensures a safety net, it spares adult children or other relatives the anxiety of searching for care during an emergency. Although making the move to a retirement community, like Jacaranda Trace for instance, is a big step, there are also many benefits to moving to a senior living community. With your residence fully maintained and your future needs secured, you can focus on staying healthy and activeand enjoying the pastimes and people you love! Wed love to schedule a time for you to visit to learn more. Contact us!

Today were living longer and staying active. So, dont we also deserve to make the most of those years and enjoy life? Yes! And while exceeding our grandparents life expectancies is a good thing, its not enough to just coast along. Youre likely to have more time on your hands, and if you have children, theyre older and busy raising your grandchildren. Thats why this is the perfect time to do something you love. Better yet, discover more things to love and achieve an active retirement lifestyle!Here are just some of the activities seniors enjoy every day. We hope youll use them as a springboard for putting more enjoyment into your years and creating the active and vibrant retirement lifestyle youve always wanted.Ways to Achieve an Active Retirement LifestyleSee the World Your retirement years are ideal for traveling, whether you prefer to go by land, sea, or air. When you select a senior living community like Jacaranda Trace as your home base, you can enjoy worry-free travel, knowing that your residence will be secure and well-maintained when you return.Preplanned group tours are an easy option and a way to make new friends. Or, choose your own adventure on a timetable that works for you. Make your trips more fun by choosing a theme or a goal. Perhaps youd like to visit all fifty states or attend a game at all the Major League Baseball stadiums. Maybe art museums, botanical gardens, or historical sites are more your style. Or set your sights on taking a safari, touring the Louvre, or visiting the countries where your ancestors lived.Jacaranda Trace has an active travel club that plans cruises and other exciting trips. Best of all, they do all the work for you, so all you need to do is bring your sense of adventure and enjoy!Use Your BrainUsing your brain doesnt have to be all book learning. Keep your mind healthy and active by pursuing a topic that has always interested you. Read the great classics, learn about astronomy, or study Native American culture. You can watch a video or join a class to learn how to speak a world language, build a bookshelf, or make your own pasta. Join a club to focus on photography, making pottery, or fly fishing.Living in a maintenance-free, concierge-style community frees your time from home maintenance and other chores, so youll have time for yourself. At Jacaranda Trace, theres a robust calendar of on-campus activities, including educational programming and clubs where you can learn from others who share your interests:Travel, book, and card clubsEducational, creative, and exercise classesQuality entertainment is hosted in our modern and spacious auditoriumOutings regularly planned for local entertainment, sports, and eventsIn addition, community colleges, libraries, and senior centers also offer a variety of free lectures and inexpensive classes.Rise to the ChallengeWho doesnt love a challengeor a good competition? As you get older, continue to challenge yourself to be better, stronger, and smarter. Challenge yourself to beat your best time when walking a mile or completing a tough Sudoku or crossword puzzle. You might want to let mans best friend join the fun by learning to compete in dog agility together.Friendly competition with friends will keep you on your toes! Match wits with neighbors during a spirited evening of Scrabble, Bridge, or Trivia at a local hangout. Many senior living communities like Jacaranda Trace host regular card-playing groups and game nights on campus, making it easy and convenient to find friendly participants at their level. Competition can also add fun and motivation to your fitness routine, whether playing golf, enjoying pool volleyball, or entering the Senior Olympics.Support a CauseEven if youre not usually a joiner, becoming part of an organization can invigorate your life. Consider getting involved in a cause youre passionate about, whether local, national, or international. Your enthusiastic participation might even lead to opportunities you wouldnt otherwise have, such as planning events, attending conferences, or appearing on TV.You might want to use your energy for a church or charity, for a political campaign, or to support an environmental initiative. Whether you serve meals at a homeless shelter, advocate for a child in foster care, or help clean up a local park, youll meet interesting people, get exercise, and make a difference.Step Out of Your Comfort ZoneShake things up by trying something completely new and differentoutside your comfort zone. An easy first attempt might be listening to some new musicconsider a style or artist recommended by a grandchild or from a culture thats very different from yours. Or choose a restaurant offering a type of cuisine youve never eaten, whether its vegan, Middle Eastern, or Caribbean. Some senior living communities like Jacaranda Trace make it easy to learn about new cultures with themed programming, including food and activities.As you progress, explore things that arent considered typicala former accountant could try out for a theater production. An ordinarily shy bookworm could sing with friends on Karaoke night. Try your hand at knitting or macram or tinker with the cars engine. You could discover some new favorites or not. But whatever you try, plan to enjoy the experience!With a bit of imagination, you are sure to come up with some original ideas for spicing up your retirement lifestyle. Some may not work out, but thats okay. Just keep going! Keep an open mind and a positive attitude as you try out your ideas. Add a smile to your face, and you could have a fantastic timeand make new friends, too.Want some help getting started?Contact Jacaranda Trace in beautiful Venice, Florida, and let us show you all the services and amenities our residents have at their fingertips to create a vibrant lifestyle and get the most out of every day. You can give us a call at (941) 208-1536.

Earlier this week, Joel Anderson, CEO, revealed to residents, neighbors, and future members of Convivial Jacaranda Trace the initial plans for expanding and reinventing the 33-acre retirement community.Convivial Life, a Florida not-for-profit senior living organization headquartered at Jacaranda Trace, acquired a substantial portion of the retirement community in June 2022, presently consisting of 245 independent living apartment homes and villas, 55 healthcare apartments and suites, a private duty home health agency, an 85,000 square foot clubhouse with fitness center, heated outdoor pool and jacuzzi, multiple dining venues, billiards, activity rooms, woodworking shop, and library. Convivial also purchased 2.2 acres for the announced expansion of two mid-rise residential towers featuring 39 independent living apartments per building.  Floor plans will include one-, two-, and three-bedroom designs with up to 2,200 square feet, each with a private outdoor terrace. The towers will provide convenient under building parking and elevator access to each residence, an active courtyard for outdoor entertainment and recreation, the addition of a heated leisure and activity pool for year-round use, a pavilion for cookouts and seasonal events, and a covered breezeway to access a fully renovated members clubhouse that Anderson expects to begin phased improvements next year.Also announced were plans to reinvent Jacaranda Traces on-site healthcare by adding a new 5-story building providing 64 residential-style assisted living apartments, a new dining venue, a modern rehabilitation and therapy gym offering occupational, physical, and speech therapy services, and physician offices.  The new assisted living building is expected to neighbor the current assisted living and memory support cottages, known as Cadbury Park, which will offer 18 private suites for member-exclusive skilled nursing services.We are delighted to share our progress to date, says Anderson.  Our members and neighbors at Jacaranda Trace were pleased with the initial plans and are excited about sharing ideas and considerations for the future of this beautiful community.  They are accomplished retirees that desire and deserve elevated experiences for retirement living.  They are also progressive thinkers who understand the importance of establishing a sound plan to receive priority access to quality healthcare, and tailored care and support, as their needs may change in the future.Floor plans for Convivials new 78 independent living residences are expected to be released for reservation in late 2023.  Priority deposits are currently being taken for prospective members to have first view and selection of the new residences and the newly renovated existing apartment homes and villas.  The multi-year improvement plan is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

When considering a senior living community, finding the one that best fits your personal goals and needs can fill you with a new sense of hope and a plan for your next life stage. And because more than 56 million seniors are making their wants and needs clear, many great options exist today. The key lies in choosing the right community for you, which is why weve put together a list of questions we think youll find helpful that you can take with you when you start touring senior living communities.Senior living communities are not one size fits all.When considering your options, its important to read marketing materials, attend events, and tour each community. But the most important thing you can do to increase the likelihood of finding the perfect fit is to be proactive in asking questions that relate to your personal wants and needs.ResidencesMost independent living senior communities offer a selection of home options for you to choose from. Youll want to know what your options are and whats included.What are my home options? (villas, condominiums, apartments, etc.)How many bedrooms and bathrooms?Whats the square footage?Can I customize my home?Are routine maintenance and repairs included?Is exterior maintenance covered?Who covers the cost of electricity, gas, water, and trash pickup?Is housekeeping included?May I have pets?Do any of the homes have garages and/or additional storage? PricingQuestions about affordability and pricing are at the top of everyones list when looking for retirement communities. Being clear on the price is important.Is there an upfront fee? (sometimes called entrance fee or buy-in fee)What are your plans and pricing structure?What is the monthly fee?What does the price cover? What items are additional?Do fees increase annually?How will the price change if I move to a different level of care? (for example, from independent living to assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing)DiningIndependent living residences have their own kitchens. Even so, many prefer the convenience and ambiance of restaurant-style dining onsite. Having the option means they can cook when they want and dine out when they dont. Most communities offer several dining venues that differ by type of cuisine, dress code, hours, and aesthetic. Its important that these onsite venues align with your preferences and will make your dining experience enjoyable.Is there an available dining program or culinary allowance? If so, how many meals are included?May I look at the current menu? (Ask for a copy)Are friends and family able to join me for dinner?Is there a dress code?Do you offer private dining for special events?Can you request meal variations or substitutions?What types of dining venues are available? (dining room, to-go, casual/bistro, private)Social & WellnessSocial interactions and staying active play a crucial role in the quality of life for independent living residents. Housing options, dining, and community amenities are important, but remember to ask about a communitys social events, activities, classes, and outings.What does your life enrichment calendar look like? (Ask for a copy)What kind of events/activities/classes do you offer?Does your calendar change month-to-month?What clubs do you offer?Do you plan trips outside of the community?Do you have a pool, fitness studio, and wellness center?Care ServicesChoosing a community that offers multiple levels of care means the convenience of aging in place with a community and care team youre familiar with. It also means couples can often stay together on the same campus even when their needs are no longer the same.What services or levels of care do you offer (e.g., assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation)?Can you continue to live in your home and access these services?What is your staffing ratio?Do your staff members have a certification or degree?Do you have staff available 24/7?Do you have an in-house physician?Do you have any specialty licensing beyond the standard (e.g., ECC, LNS, or LMH)?Can I tour your care communities?A Few More Important QuestionsIn addition to the very specific questions above, there are general questions that help you to determine if the community is right for you.How many residents live in the community?What is the average age of residents?Do you have security onsite, and is the community gated?What is the protocol in case of hurricane or other inclement weather?The truth is, asking the right questions will empower you to make the best decision. But before you decide, you have one more thing to do. We recommend that you chat with current residents. They can tell you better than anyone what life is like in their community.Senior living communities are as different as the people who live in them and the towns and cities theyre part of. Once you decide on a preferred location, you can start looking in the area. Communities like Jacaranda Trace, in beautiful Venice, Florida, are sought after for their ideal location and club-style indulgent lifestyle. To learn more about Jacaranda Trace and all it has to offer, call (941) 408-2040.

Tips for Downsizing Before You Move to a Retirement Community.Are you or a loved one planning a move to a senior living community? If so, youre not alone. Nearly 50% of all baby boomers and older adults are downsizingrealizing that less can actually be more. A smaller home makes sense if you want more time and money to travel, pursue your passions and just enjoy retirement. Many choose to make the move to a senior living community so they can seize opportunities to meet new friends, have engaging and exciting experiences, and simplify their lives with a clutter-free residence and no maintenance worries.  Although the goal is to downsize, getting there can feel a bit daunting. Whether you are actively considering a move to a senior living retirement community, or are just starting to think about your downsizing options, weve gathered tips that will make decluttering and simplifying your life easier than you ever thought possible.  Get started  Its that simple. Often the anticipation is worse than doing it. So, if you start as soon as possible, you can give yourself time to properly sort through your home without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The rule of thumb is to start at least three months before you plan to move. But truth be told, the sooner, the better. Concentrate on one room at a time  The thought of decluttering or organizing your entire home is daunting. Taking things one step at a time is the key. Youre more likely to complete the whole process if you break it into several manageable projects. Put it on the calendarWhen it comes to downsizing, mapping out what you want to accomplish beforehand will help you get it done.  Also consider creating a schedule with both busy, productive days and resting days that allow you to step back and assess your progress.  Single out the sentimental Downsizing is as much about your mindset as it is your drive to get the job done. Although the sentiment is a great thing and a natural human emotion, people often mistake items that arent dear for possessions that are. Here are three questions that will go a long way in helping you decide what youre keeping and what youre not: Does this item have memories that are cherished? Is it something thats been passed down for generations? Can I emotionally do without it? Look at your possessions through practical glasses   Weve established that sentiment is a beautiful human emotion. However, we should make sure that we dont neglect the practical side of things. To help with this, ask yourself questions like: Do I ever use this? Does it have a place in my new clutter-free residence and lifestyle?  Gift the things you no longer want There are bound to be some sentimental items that wont fit into your new home. Go ahead and reach out to your family so you can give the items a good homeespecially if its an item youd like to keep in your family. This will make you and the recipient feel good. You can even put friends on the list as well. But be sure to do this early and schedule pick-up times at least a week or two before your move. Pay it forward  If theres no interest in certain items from family or friends, consider donating them to a good cause. Perhaps the local schools music department could use a piano, or the community college art department some camera equipment. And you can feel good about your donation because youre giving items a new life. Work smart and have fun! Theres another thing about downsizing you should know; there are professionals who do it for a living and are great at it. Hiring the services of a move manager or transition specialist can help make your move as stress-free as possible, and theyll be there to guide you every step of the way.  The fruits of downsizing can be satisfying and rewarding. Seniors who have gone through the process and have made a move to a senior living retirement community like Jacaranda Trace now enjoy and appreciate an active, maintenance-free lifestyle. Simplifying their lives has allowed them to pursue the important things in life, whether engaging in new and long-time hobbies or having more time with friends and family. Thats the sweetest part of downsizing!To schedule an appointment to learn more about living at Jacaranda Trace, contact us!