Buena Vida News
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October 2008, Hometown News
Registering Players Now!
Buena Vida Foundations’ Annual Golf Tournament
Play golf and help support the Community Services Council of Brevard County’s Meals on Wheels program
Brevard County, FL. — The Buena Vida Foundation is registering all players now --- for their second annual Winter Golf Tournament, Saturday, January 17, 2009 at the Duran Golf Club, 7032 Stadium Parkway in Viera. The driving range opens at 7 a.m. with a putting contest at 7:30 a.m. and a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. The format is a scramble.
Once again, the Buena Vida Foundation will donate proceeds of the event to the Community Services Council of Brevard County. This year, the Council has selected the Meals on Wheels program to receive the money raised from the event. The Meals on Wheels program provides meals services to people in need. George Alter, event chair says, “Help us exceed last years donations to Brevard County’s Meals on Wheels program by making this year’s tournament an even bigger success.”
Registration is limited to 120 golfers. Call today to secure your spot. The registration fee includes: green fees, golf cart, driving range, water/soft drinks and delicious buffet lunch in the clubhouse. Players will also enjoy ongoing contests throughout the day such as a Hole-In-One contest on all Par 3’s, and Closest to the Pin on designated Holes for both Men and Women.
Whether you're a beginner or a pro, join us for an exciting day of golf with friends and colleagues on this championship golf course. Every player will receive a free “Goodie Bag” which will include, a 62” golf umbrella, certificate for a free Magique Golf Bag and much more Some of the prizes include: Cash, Trophy’s and Golf Equipment. Hole-In-One prizes include a 2009 Mustang.
A putting contest sponsored by Keith Williams of GOLF USA will highlight the event. Sponsorship opportunities are still available so don’t miss the chance to have your name advertised at this event. All sponsors will receive excellent publicity and opportunities for networking while making a difference in the lives of many seniors. A Silent Auction will follow the Golfing.
Tickets are $125 per player. For more information and registration, contact George Alter, or Susan Luisi at Buena Vida Estates. To view the golf course, visit www.durangolf.com.
All checks should be made payable to The Buena Vida Foundation and mailed to Buena Vida Foundation, 2119 West New Haven Ave., West Melbourne, FL 32904.
Buena Vida Foundation is a 501(c) (3) “not for profit” organization whose mission is to help serve the needs of seniors in Brevard County.
June 2008 – Florida Today, How To Guide
How To Plan for Your Future and Fully Enjoy Your Retirement Years.
West Melbourne, FL. — After years of working or caring for others, today’s seniors are looking forward to retirement --- retirement that is anything but retiring. Many are looking for new adventures and finally taking some time for themselves. But retirement without financial security, long term health care and social interaction, won’t last too long. That’s why a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), offers a life long lease for independent living and unlimited assisted living or skilled nursing to each resident throughout their life.
Remember, a CCRC is a retirement community designed for the independent senior who expects to fully enjoy their retirement years by planning for their future. A CCRC guarantees comprehensive health care services to each resident throughout their life and some all within the same community.
Upon retirement, ask yourself these questions:
- Is it important to you that your physical and financial health is planned for and protected from the rising costs of nursing care - now and throughout your retirement?
- Is it important for you to know your family won’t be worried about your physical and financial care or how to afford it throughout your retirement?
- Would you like assurance that whenever you or your loved one needs the additional care that comes with assisted living or skilled nursing, you’ll have it - right where you live?
- Does living in a luxury private apartment home in a resort-style community suit your style?
- What about surrounding yourself with activities, entertainment and friendly neighbors?
- Do you like knowing you can have someone else do the cooking, housekeeping and maintenance for you?
- How about 24-hour security?
If you answered YES to these questions, then a CCRC is perfect for you.
A CCRC gives you the opportunity to preserve your estate
- A CCRC contract assures that the community will accommodate your long term care needs.
- A CCRC contract assures residents an estimated 60 percent discount for unlimited assisted living and skilled nursing care.
- A CCRC charges monthly maintenance fees, customized for its residents. A portion of these fees are tax deductible.
- Monthly maintenance fees can cover one or more of the following services: transportation, meals, housekeeping, activities and entertainment.
- Most CCRCs cost less than regular retirement communities -there’s no rising nursing care costs, no more real estate taxes, no home insurance or home maintenance expenses. Outside of your monthly maintenance fee, normally you are only responsible for your telephone bill.
- Most CCRCs offer tax advantages: A portion of the entry fee is considered prepayment of your long-term care and allows you to take a one-time medical expense tax deduction. Consult your personal tax advisor.
Without a CCRC contract, life care can really add up ...
- Home health care will cost an average of $19 per hour. At four-to-eight hours per day, the cost per month could be from $2,200 per month (for four hours per day) to $4,500 per month (for eight hours) per day).
- Assisted living will cost approximately $6,000 per month (depending on the level of assistance you receive).
- Nursing home living includes skilled nursing care and will cost approximately $5,000 - $6,000 per month.
To find a CCRC near you, contact AARP and your local yellow pages, Area on Aging Council, Chamber of Commerce and Better Business Council.
And since not all CCRC’s are exactly the same, start researching each one by asking about their unique services
Is a private tour available?
What are the credentials of the staff and their experience level?
What is my financial investment?
Do you offer estate preservation planning?
Is on-site discounted healthcare available?
What services, activities and amenities do you offer?
What is included in the monthly maintenance fee?
Is weekly housekeeping and transportation an extra charge?
Do you offer private apartment living?
Do you offer special services for Alzheimer/Dementia residents?
Do you offer on-site physical therapy and laboratory services?
Is the community a designated hurricane protection site and do you have a hurricane preparedness plan?
Are there guest accommodations?
How close are you to healthcare facilities and shopping centers?
Is the assisted living and skilled nursing care located on the same campus as independent living apartments?
Then, visit a few communities and learn more
The community’s physical features:
Is there 24-hour maintenance?
What services are available?
Is dining self-serve or wait-staff serving?
Can you sample the food?
The activities program:
What types are available for social, entertainment, exercise and educational use?
Where do the activities take place?
The safety features:
Are there well-lit hallways and stairways?
Do the elevators have backup generator support?
Do the apartments have backup emergency lighting?
Are there bathroom handrails?
Is there handicap accessibility?
Do resident have access to emergency response equipment?
Is 24-hour emergency response and security offered?
The staff:
Do they greet the residents?
Do they treat the residents with respect?
Are they well groomed?
The independent apartments:
Are they well maintained?
Are the apartments fully renovated prior to a move-in?
Is there ample space and storage for furnishings and belongings?
How many floor plans are offered?
Is free move-in coordination offered?
Continuing care program:
What are the types and sizes of rooms in the assisted living and the skilled nursing areas? Are they private or semi-private?
How close is their location to the independent apartments?
The residents:
Do they appear to be happy?
Are they well cared for?
Are they active?
Why did they choose the community?
How long have they lived there?
What do they like or dislike about it?
Are they happy with their choice?
Soon you’ll have all the facts needed to select the perfect retirement living community. Good luck and best wishes on your retirement!
Buena Vida Estates, 2129 W. New Haven Avenue, West Melbourne, Florida 32904, Toll Free 1-800-724-0060, www.BuenaVidaEstates.org.
April 14, 2008 – Florida Today Health and Medicine:
Not all retirement communities are the same. You should expect physical and financial security from yours.
West Melbourne, FL – Choosing to live in a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) has been recommended by many healthcare and financial planning professionals because it is a safe and effective way to protect your physical and financial security --- throughout the rest of your life.
With the rising cost of health care services and the uncertainty that it will be available when you need it, coupled with the stresses and expenses of home ownership, young seniors are taking time to learn how they can enjoy retirement in a CCRC.
Why is there only one CCRC in Brevard County?
Buena Vida Estates is the only CCRC in Brevard County and has been, for the past 25 years. This can be credited to Buena Vida’s foresight and passion to meet the needs of Brevard’s aging population. Did you know the State of Florida has placed a moratorium on adding additional skilled nursing beds? Even though Brevard County is growing and the need for additional living space for seniors is apparent. Because of this, Buena Vida, responding to the needs of seniors, is adding 27 luxury apartment homes and 32 private assisted living apartments with Extended Congregate Care Licensing (ECC).
What is the difference between a CCRC and other retirement living options?
It is fairly easy to describe what a CCRC is and is not. A CCRC is a retirement community that offers a full continuum of care for the rest of your life. It is NOT a nursing home.
There are two main points of difference between a CCRC and other retirement living options. First, at a CCRC such as Buena Vida, you must be able to live independently to join the community. This creates a fun and social atmosphere where new friendships build a sense of family. Second, each resident enjoys the peace of mind knowing they’ll receive assisted living and skilled nursing care, should they need it, all on the same campus. And the costs associated with this care have been pre-planned for each resident --- that is what Continuing Care or “Life Care” is all about.
Other retirement communities offer their residents independent living and maybe limited assisted living at market rate for limited time and may eventually ask them to leave if they need a higher level of care for either assisted living or skilled nursing care.
With a CCRC contract, the type Buena Vida Estates offers, and estate planning assistance, each resident is guaranteed a lifetime of premium health care services regardless of the increase in healthcare rates and shortage of nursing care professionals. Non-CCRC communities are unable to provide the higher level of skilled nursing care their residents may require. And, without the benefit of a CCRC contract, residents are subject to the rapidly rising cost of nursing care and shortage of care professionals. Sadly, residents who cannot afford private duty nursing care are forced to leave their friends and community and live in either a skilled nursing care facility, or assisted living facility. Unfortunately, assisted living facility care is not covered by Medicare or most insurance programs. Even if you have a long term care policy, you may only be covered for part of the cost. Because Buena Vida Estate’s CCRC program deeply discounts assisted living and skill nursing care, most long-term care policies cover the entire cost --- saving you money in additional fees.
Learn more --- call for a private tour and see for yourself. Buena Vida is a beautiful resort style community where your private apartment is surrounded by warm and friendly neighbors and staff who truly care about each other and just might become your new best friends.
Ask about our new luxury apartment homes, we’re taking reservations now and offering a wait list! What are you waiting for? Call 321-724-0060 or toll free: 800-742-0060. Visit: www.BuenaVidaEstates.org, 2129 West New Haven Avenue, West Melbourne, Florida 32904. Buena Vida is a not-for-profit- organization.
February 4, 2008 – Brevard Business News:
Buena Vida Foundation Raises $9,000 for Brevard’s Seniors.
Community Services Council of Brevard County to allocate funds.
Brevard County, FL --- The Buena Vida Foundation, whose mission is to provide care to Brevard County’s seniors, raised more than $9,000 at their Inaugural Winter Golf Tournament, January 19, at the Duran Golf Club in Viera. The Community Services Council of Brevard County was selected to allocate these funds.
“The tournament was a huge success. We exceeded our goals with 104 players and have already scheduled next year’s tournament at Duran for Saturday, January 17, 2009!” says Norm Boudreau, golf committee co-chair.
Winners were announced by Melbourne’s own golf pro and event Emcee, Russ Glasby. First place was awarded to a mighty foursome from Palm Bay; Classic Lawn Services’ Steve Clark, Mike Brochu, Adam Skarbek and Doug Hinderliter with Melbourne’s John Lowman’s foursome coming in second. From Vero Beach, John Toliver’s, foursome took third place. Hole/closest to the pin winners included: Melbourne’s John Lohman and Dan Jimenez, Vero’s Bert Kemp and Satellite Beach’s’ Jim Frey. For the women’s longest drive, Cathy Frost of Melbourne was the winner while Tim Shockley of Merritt Island won for the men’s.
George Alter, from Buena Vida Foundation adds, “We are thankful for our generous sponsors and hard working volunteers --- without their support, we wouldn’t be able to fulfill our mission of caring for Brevard’s seniors.”
For information about the Second Annual Winter Golf Tournament, call Norman, 321-427-0580 or George, 321-724-0060 at Buena Vida Foundation.
Buena Vida Foundation is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to help serve the needs of seniors in Brevard County. “To date, the Foundation has donated more than $100,000 dollars in financial, legal and transportation services to seniors in the local community” says Bill Ranieri, Buena Vida Foundation Executive Director. For more information about Buena Vida Estates and the Buena Vida Foundation, visit www.buenavidaestates.org.
December 3, 2007 – Florida Today
Buena Vida Estates Starts Construction of Multi-Million Dollar Expansion
Brevard’s ONLY Continuing Care Retirement Community
Adds 27 Luxury Apartment Homes and 32 Private Assisted Living Apartments
West Melbourne, FL. — Buena Vida Estates, a not-for-profit 501(c) 3 organization located on New Haven Avenue (Hwy 192) just west of the Melbourne Square Mall, is the only Continuing Care Retirement Community in Brevard County and credits its 25 years of success and current multi-million dollar expansion to this highly favored retirement living model.
In June, Buena Vida celebrated its 25th anniversary with a groundbreaking ceremony that marked the beginning of their expansion project that includes 27 new luxury apartment homes, 32 private assisted living apartments and 16 specialized memory care apartments. The 91,000 square foot expansion increases the size of the Community from 151,000 square feet to more than 242,000 square feet. The project is scheduled for completion by Spring of 2009, according to Proctor Construction Company of Vero Beach, Construction Manager for the expansion.
Although Brevard County offers many retirement living options, Buena Vida Estates is the only community licensed to provide three levels of care on the same campus: independent, assisted and skilled nursing care and the only retirement community that provides access to Assisted Living or Skilled Nursing Care for life at deeply discounted rates. This continuum of care, at predictable and affordable rates is the heart of Buena Vida’s continuing care program.
Erik Shuman, attorney with Gray Robinson Attorney at Law comments, “Buena Vida is the only Continuing Care Retirement Community in Brevard County and has been serving the Melbourne area for more than 25 years. The expansion will provide local seniors with state-of-the-art accommodations, which will provide enjoyment, activity, safety, compassion and most of all, the continuum of care throughout their life. This lifts the burden of worry from the resident and their family regarding where the next level of care will be.”
“This expansion comes in direct response to the growing need for luxury retirement living in Brevard County,” says Blaine Barton, Executive Director for Buena Vida Estates. “And now that we’ve received our tax-exempt bond financing, construction can begin,” he adds.
Ralph Bishop, CFO at Buena Vida Estates says, “To qualify for tax-exempt bond financing, a community must meet strict financial criteria. In addition, the State of Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulators, regulates Continuing Care Communities and has stringent financial guidelines that each community must adhere to. In addition, CCRC’s that are true not-for-profit communities with strong ties to the area and a deep commitment to service have historically proven to be more successful than other models.”
“During the past 25 years, our resort style retirement community has remained one of the premier communities of its type in Florida,” says Doreen Boudreau, Senior Retirement Counselor at Buena Vida Estates. “In addition to the expanded residential space, planned expansion features include: wireless emergency call systems for each resident and a quaint “Main Street” area that offers everyday services such as banking, a hair salon and barber shop, general store, the Waterview Café and even more club-like amenities,” she adds.
It is evident that the concept of a CCRC is becoming widely known as a cost effective and life long solution for retirement living. A CCRC contract includes tax advantages regarding the sale of a principal residence as well as a portion of the Buena Vida entrance fee and monthly service fee. Consult with your tax advisor for details.
Currently, the luxury apartment homes under construction are pre-sold. Seniors interested in the community are encouraged to join the priority wait list now. For more information on the priority wait list or to schedule a lunch and a tour, please call Debbie Williams in marketing at Buena Vida Estates: 321-724-0600.
Buena Vida Estates is the only Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Brevard County. The tree covered campus includes luxury apartments for independent, assisted and skilled nursing care. A CCRC, also known as a Life Care Community, is a retirement community designed for the independent senior, 65 years and older who expects to fully enjoy their retirement years. Unlike other retirement communities, a CCRC guarantees assisted living and skill nursing care services at deeply discounted rates to each resident throughout their life and some all within the same community. Buena Vida Estates is governed by an independent volunteer Board of Directors and is a not-for-profit, 501(c) 3 organization regulated under Florida Statutes Chapter 651 by the State of Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.
May 24, 2007 – Florida Today
Buena Vida Estates Announces it’s 25th Anniversary and Multi-Million Dollar Expansion
Brevard’s ONLY Continuing Care Retirement Community
Adds 27 Luxury Apartment Homes and 32 Private Assisted Living Apartments
West Melbourne, FL. — Residents, employees, community leaders, and friends of Buena Vida
Estates, will celebrate Buena Vida’s 25th anniversary with a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of a major expansion project. The celebration will be held on June 7th at Buena Vida Estates, located on New Haven Avenue (Hwy 192) just west of the Melbourne Square Mall.
By the Fall of 2008, 27 new luxury apartment homes, 32 private assisted living apartments and 16 specialized memory care apartments will become available, filling the increasing need for luxury retirement living in Brevard County. Plus, Buena Vida is the only Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Brevard County and the only retirement community that offers three levels of care on the same campus: independent, assisted and skill nursing care. Reservations are being accepted now for the 27 new luxury apartment homes.
“Our residents have the peace of mind that when additional care is needed they will receive it at a deeply discounted rate,” said Glenn Braswell, Executive Director for Buena Vida Estates.
“The new residential units, a cocktail lounge and bistro and even more county-club amenities are just a few of the special features planned for the expansion of our Community. Over the past 25 years, our resort style retirement community has remained one of the premier communities of its type in Florida,” added Mr. Braswell.
The 90,000-square-foot expansion almost doubles the size of the community from 125,000 square feet to more than 215,000 square-feet and will take almost 12 months to complete, according to Proctor Construction Company of Vero Beach, general contractor for the expansion.
In addition to the expanded residential space, planned expansion features include: wireless emergency call systems for each resident and a quaint “Main Street” area that offers everyday services such as banking, a hair salon and barber shop, hobby shop and cocktail lounge and bistro.
“There is a lot of excitement and anticipation from the community concerning our Community and the expansion. Our existing apartment homes are filled and our waiting list continues to grow. It is evident that the concept of a CCRC is becoming widely known as a cost effective and life long solution for retirement living,” said Mr. Braswell.
For more information or to schedule a lunch and a tour. please call Debbie Williams, Marketing at 321-724-0600.
Buena Vida Estates is the only Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Brevard County. The tree covered campus includes independent living apartment homes, assisted living services and skilled nursing care. A CCRC, also known as a Life Care Community, is a retirement community designed for the independent senior who expects to fully enjoy their retirement years. Unlike other retirement communities, a CCRC guarantees comprehensive health care services to each resident throughout their life and some all within the same community. Buena Vida Estates is a 501(c) 3 Not-For Profit Community that is regulated by the State of Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulations (OIR).
May 2007 – Senior Scene
Buena Vida Estates. Brevard County’s ONLY Continuing Care Retirement Community.
West Melbourne, FL – Not all retirement communities are the same. You should expect physical and financial security from yours. That is why choosing to live in a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) such as Buena Vida Estates, has been recommended by many healthcare and financial planning professionals.
Make your retirement dreams come true at Buena Vida Estates!
- Remain independent
- Shed the stress and expense of home ownership
- Experience resort style living, activities and entertainment
- Benefit from deeply discounted healthcare rates without worrying about rate increases and the shortages of nursing care
- Enjoy fine dining and house keeping services
- Receive 24-hour security and hurricane protection
- Tend to the flower gardens and stroll through the nature preserve
- Relax in the heated pool or work out in the exercise room
- Meet the caring residents and make new friends
- Gain peace of mind with TOTAL LIFE CARE all in ONE community!
Buena Vida is expanding to better meet your needs.
- 27 new luxury apartment homes
- 32 private Assisted Living Apartments with Extended Congregate Care Licensing (ECC)
- 16 private Specialized Memory Care apartments
- Additional resort style conveniences offered along the communities’ “Main Street”
- Expanded health and wellness services
What are you waiting for?
Call for a free lunch and tour: 321-724-0060
Or visit us at: www.buenavidaestates.com
2129 West New Haven Avenue, West Melbourne, Florida
Buena Vida is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 that is regulated by the State of Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulations (OIR).
Plan for your future...Call us today!
(321) 724-0060 or Toll Free 800-742-0060
