Camden Oaks Courier

CAMDEN OAKS COURIER

Camden Oaks Independent & Assisted Living Vol. 2, Issue 7, July 2026 Complimentary Copy

A Community Built Around You

New Wellness Center Hours Begin This Month Camden Oaks residents will have more time to take advantage of the Wellness Center starting July 1, as the community expands its hours to 7 a.m.–8 p.m., seven days a week — an increase of four hours daily.

The change comes after months of resident requests, particularly from those who prefer earlier morning sessions before the Florida heat sets in, and evening residents who wanted access after dinner.

“We listened, and we adjusted,” said Executive Director Diane Castellano. “Whether you're here for a fitness class, a balance screening, or just to see a friendly face, we want the Wellness Center to fit your schedule, not the other way around.”

The expanded hours apply to both the fitness studio and the onsite wellness screening room, where residents can check blood pressure, weight, and other routine measures at their convenience, with a nurse available during posted hours.

More on the Wellness Center's July class schedule on page 5.

Inside A Lifetime of Lessons: Retired teacher Eleanor Bishop on what changed — and what didn't — when she moved from Independent Living to Assisted Living. Page 2 From Diane's Desk: A personal note on summer at Camden Oaks.

Page 3

What’s Cooking: Chef Antoine's new dining menu debuts this month. Page 4

Camden Oaks Courier | July 2026 | Page 2

A Lifetime of Lessons: Eleanor Bishop's Story For 34 years, Eleanor Bishop stood in front of a classroom. These days, she's just as likely to be found in the Camden Oaks library, helping a neighbor with a crossword or leading an informal book discussion that, by her own admission, “always runs long.”

Eleanor moved to Camden Oaks Independent Living in 2022, drawn by the community's proximity to her daughter in Bellgrove and its reputation for an active, social atmosphere. Last year, after a fall led to a hip replacement, she and her family faced a decision many families know well: what comes next?

“I was terrified I'd have to leave,” Eleanor said. “Everyone kept saying 'assisted living' like it was a different planet. But it's down the hall. Same dining room. Same friends. I just have a little more help getting dressed in the morning, and someone checks on me at night.”

Today, she's back to walking the courtyard most mornings — cane in hand, but unmistakably herself.

“People think moving to Assisted Living means giving something up,” she said. “For me, it meant I got to keep everything that mattered. I didn't have to say “I didn't have to say goodbye to goodbye to my friends or start my friends or start over over somewhere new. I just somewhere new. I just moved moved down the hall.”

down the hall.”

— Eleanor Bishop, Camden Oaks resident since 2022

Eleanor's transition to Assisted Living took less than two weeks to arrange, with her care team working directly with the Wellness Center to adjust her plan as she recovered.

Did You Know? Camden Oaks' Bridge Program allows Independent Living residents to access additional support — from medication reminders to help with daily tasks —

without a full move to Assisted Living. Ask at the front desk or check with your Life Enrichment Director (ext. 220) for details.

Camden Oaks Courier | July 2026 | Page 3

From Diane's Desk

Wellness Corner: Staying Cool, Staying Connected Florida summers ask a little more of all of us, especially when it comes to hydration and heat awareness. A few reminders from our Wellness team:

Summer at Camden Oaks always feels a little different. The days are longer, the courtyard garden is in full bloom (the tomatoes are, in my completely unbiased opinion, the best they've ever been), and our community calendar fills up fast.

This month, I want to highlight something I'm especially proud of: our expanded Wellness Center hours, which you can read about on the cover. This change came directly from resident feedback during our spring listening sessions. It's a good reminder that when you tell us what would make life here better, we're listening.

I also want to welcome four new residents who joined us in June. You'll find their names on page 5, and I hope you'll introduce yourselves when you see them in the dining room or at an activity.

As always, my door is open. Stop by or catch me on my Friday morning walk through the courtyard.

— Diane Castellano, Executive Director

Drink water steadily throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty — thirst is a late signal, not an early one.

Plan outdoor time for morning or early evening. The courtyard garden is loveliest before 10 a.m.

Know the signs of heat-related illness: dizziness, confusion, or unusually fast heartbeat are reasons to alert a staff member right away.

Take advantage of in-house screenings.

Blood pressure and wellness checks are available daily in the Wellness Center — no appointment needed.

Questions about wellness programs or services?

Ask any Wellness Center staff member (ext. 210) or stop by during expanded hours: 7 a.m.–8 p.m. daily.

Camden Oaks Courier | July 2026 | Page 4

What's Cooking: A Taste of Something New

Spotlight: The Bridge Program, One Year Later

Executive Chef Antoine Marchetti has spent the summer reworking the Camden Oaks dining menu, and residents are already talking. New additions include a chilled cucumber-dill soup, a roasted vegetable orzo salad, and a peach cobbler that, according to more than one resident, “should come with a waiting list.”

It's been just over a year since Camden Oaks introduced the Bridge Program, designed to give Independent Living residents access to light support — medication reminders, help with daily routines, occasional check-ins — without requiring a full move to Assisted Living.

“I want people to look forward to meals here the way they would at their favorite restaurant,” Chef Antoine said. “Food is one of the best parts of the day. It should feel that way.”

Residents in both Independent and Assisted Living can expect the new menu items to begin rotating in starting the second week of July. Full details will be posted in the dining room and on the resident bulletin board.

A Reminder for Families: Guests are always welcome to join residents for a meal. Reservations can be made by calling the front desk at ext. 200 at least 24 hours in advance.

Today, 12 residents participate in the program, a number Life Enrichment Director Renata Sosa expects to grow.

“The Bridge Program exists for the residents who say, 'I don't need to move, I just need a little help,'“ Renata said. “It's been one of the most meaningful things we've added, because it respects where people actually are, instead of assuming everyone fits the same category.”

Families interested in learning more about the Bridge Program can speak with the front desk or schedule a meeting with the care team.

Camden Oaks Courier | July 2026 | Page 6

Community Directory Front Desk: 386-555-0177 or Ext. 200 Wellness Center: Ext. 210 Dining Reservations: Ext. 215 Executive Director (Diane Castellano): Ext. 201 Life Enrichment (Renata Sosa): Ext. 220 Transportation Scheduling: Ext. 225

Community Notices Thank You: The family of the late Harold Pruitt would like to thank the Camden Oaks staff and community for the outpouring of cards, visits, and support during his final weeks. His kindness will be deeply missed.

Volunteer Spotlight: Camden Oaks is looking for residents interested in joining the Welcome Committee. These volunteers help new residents feel at home during their first weeks. Interested?

Contact Renata Sosa at the Life Enrichment desk, ext. 220.

Volunteer Opportunity: The Garden Club is looking for residents interested in helping maintain the courtyard's raised beds. No experience necessary — just an appreciation for tomatoes.

Welcome to Our New Residents Camden Oaks is pleased to welcome Margaret Chen, Robert Aldous, Sylvia Foster, and James Whitcombe, who joined our community in June.

Please introduce yourself when you see them around the community!

Margaret Chen

Robert Aldous

Sylvia Foster

James Whitcombe

Lost & Found: A pair of reading glasses with tortoiseshell frames was found in the Sunroom.

Claim at the front desk.

The Camden Oaks Courier is published monthly for residents and families of Camden Oaks Independent & Assisted Living.

Submissions and inquiries may be directed to the Life Enrichment office. The Camden Oaks Courier is produced by LG Communications. For newsletter production services, contact laurie@lauriegarrison.com.