New friends and activities create a sense of family, and bring peace of mind at Buena Vida Estates

Smiling faces, cheerful décor and a warm atmosphere welcome everyone at Buena Vida Estates. A residential maintenance-free community that offers the peace of mind of on-site independent, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care in a comfortable, resort-style setting.

Retirement living protects the physical and financial well being of seniors. It doesn’t mean giving up friends, activities or pleasures, it’s just a change of address.

“Buena Vida Estates actually strives to open up new doors to activities and friends and frees residents from the burdens and the worries of taking care of a home,” Director of Marketing Doreen Boudreau says.

Residents enjoy activities and programs geared toward improving their lifestyle.

On-site amenities include a fitness & wellness center, full service beauty/barber salon, library, cocktail lounge, private dining room, business center with Internet access, and concierge services.

“You can participate as much as you want,” says resident Pat Murphy.

“Our community creates a fun and social atmosphere where new friendships build a sense of family. Residents enjoy a stress-free lifestyle with daily chef prepared meals, exercise programs, art classes, educational programs, card games and more. But most of all, our residents have the peace of mind of guaranteed long-term care — for the rest of their lives,” Doreen explains.

Dan Carter, president of Buena Vida Management, helped his parents Jay and Mary Carter move into the community nine years ago. Dan’s philosophy is “all residents are treated the way I would expect my parents to be treated.” Staff and residents are like family at Buena Vida, evident when you speak to the residents and in the warm and friendly atmosphere when visiting the community.

“The staff is wonderful. They truly care about us,” says resident Doris Gallbraith.

The staff includes 118 employees. “We are one of the few businesses that have increased their employee enrollment in the last year and were awarded 2009 West Melbourne Area Business Council Champion Award and Employer Award 2010 by The Brevard Business Leadership Network,” says Doreen. The administrative staff has over 200 years of professional experience working with seniors in the areas of gerontology, nursing, finance, marketing, program development, housekeeping – maintenance and food service.

Home Sweet Home

The newly renovated, apartments at Buena Vida’s retirement community are comfortable and spacious. Residents may choose from nine different floor plans and can bring their own furniture to make their new place feel like home. Options include studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and two bedroom grand apartments. All apartments have a full kitchen, bathrooms, a screened in porch/patio with enclosed storage area, individual heating and air-conditioning, wall-to-wall carpet and window treatments.

All utilities, including basic cable TV are included.  Also includes are the one meal per day plan, complimentary continental breakfast, weekly housekeeping, flat linen service, twenty-four hour security, activities and transportation.

Certified Executive Chef Carl Fortenberry is the Food Services Director for Buena Vida Estates and a graduate of Texas A&M and received a certification from the World Food Protection Agency from Rutgers University. “Chef Carl is a favorite with our residents for not only his wonderful food and inspiring menus, but for his very caring attitude,” says Doreen.

Peace of Mind

Buena Vida Estates’ Life Care Program provides a continuum of care when needs arise, and is a sensible option for seniors looking to protect assets from the uncertain cost of future health care needs.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) aim to provide a wide range of residential and medical services that are flexible according to seniors’ needs. At Buena Vida, residents enjoy independence, health, wellness and financial security that a CCRC provides. But most of all, the residents and their families gain the peace of mind knowing they will never be asked to leave due to a medical or financial reason because they have a contract for life to live at Buena Vida.

Buena Vida Estates celebrated their 28-year anniversary in August and is the only Continuing Care Retirement Community in Brevard County, Florida.

Visit www.buenavidaestates.org or call (321) 724-0060.

Continuing to Grow

Innovative programs offered at Buena Vida, like the Moving Assistance Program and Real Estate Assistance Program, for prospective residents help seniors make a stress-free move to the Continuing Care Retirement Community.

The moving assistance program provides move-in assistance at no charge to prospective residents. Buena Vida’s move-in coordinator will visit the future resident at their home and provide expert advice on furniture placement and resources for unwanted items.  Movers are arranged as well as services for packing and unpacking. Personalized assistance is provided with new apartment home selections as well as general orientation to the community. ITG Realty, LLC oversees the real estate program that provides real estate listing services to prospective residents of Buena Vida.  In addition to listing services, ITG Realty provides staging advice and a guarantee to buy the resident’s house if it is not sold in 18 months. Financial assistance is also available for people who want to move in before their home is sold.

Buena Vida continues to increase offerings to residents with the Jay Carter Memorial Chapel, located in the new wing of the Sullivan Building.  It is a non-denominational chapel dedicated to broadening the spiritual health of the Buena Vida Estates community.  The chapel is designed to have eight custom designed stained glass windows and seat approximately 50 participants.  “We are excitedly looking forward to the completion in time for Christmas programming in early to mid December 2010,” says Doreen.