The Mayflower Navigator Fall 2019

MAYFLOWER inside this issue: KEEP ON GROWING Strategic Decision-Making EXPANDING HORIZONS

A PUBLICATION OF THE MAYFLOWER AT WINTER PARK FALL 2019

AT THE MAYFLOWER, IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO KEEP ON

GROWING From the community itself to the people who live there, The Mayflower has always followed the mantra of continuous quality improvement. Today, that path has led to the launch of a new, on-campus neighborhood and an expanded view of next-generation senior living.

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hen The Mayflower at Winter Park recently announced plans for the largest expansion in its history, the decision was the culmination of a thoughtful, deliberative process.

“This is a big step in the life of The Mayflower, and we took it very seriously,” says CEO Steve Kramer.

“We need to be ready to accommodate the next generation of residents who are likely to have different needs and expectations.”

With that in mind, Mayflower management and Board studied and visited similar communities, examined best practices, engaged industry experts, and listened closely to current residents and prospects to learn what mattered most to them.

The result was a strategic, data-driven Master Plan that will come to life in a new neighborhood called Bristol Landing at The Mayflower. Nestled among green space, ponds and walking trails on the west side of the existing campus, Bristol Landing will comprise:

• Spacious 2- and 3-bedroom waterview

residences up to 2,036 square feet, with open-plan living spaces, eat-in kitchens, high ceilings, large windows and lots of natural light.

• A stunning Club House and Bistro with an open-kitchen concept, lounge area and bar, game room with billiards, video room and al fresco dining on a waterfront deck.

• A state-of-the-art Health Center that

will house Skilled Nursing, Memory Support and Rehab, designed around a “household” model that will be warm, inviting and homelike.

“Site work on the project has already begun – and we expect it to be completed by year-end,” adds Kramer. “We’re hoping to go vertical in early 2020.”

MORE CHOICES, SAME UNIQUE VALUE

With the addition of Bristol Landing, The Mayflower will have a newconstruction option to complement its current portfolio of residences. “We have something here for everyone – elegant Architect's renderings, subject to change.

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apartments in our main building and single-family villas for those who want their own backyards,” says Marketing Director Taylor Womack. “But whatever home you chose, you’ll get the same truly unique combination of features, benefits and value: resort-style living, luxury amenities, a strong sense of community, a prime location nestled in a peaceful, quiet enclave just minutes from downtown Winter Park – and, above all, the security of guaranteed onsite long-term healthcare.”

PREPARING FOR TOMORROW In fact, the availability of long-term care is pivotal in the decision to move to a Life Plan Community like The Mayflower.

“By and large, people who move here are planners,” notes Steve Kramer. “They think ahead about healthcare and financial stability. They envision ‘what-if’ scenarios.

They research and gather information.

They look at all the options.”

That’s precisely what residents Bob and Toni Barr did before moving to The Mayflower several years ago. “We wanted to have fun and enjoy life,” they say, “but we also wanted to be prepared.”

After conducting online research and visiting communities in California, Texas and Florida, the couple chose The Mayflower, citing the quality of healthcare services as one of the main reasons. “Today, we feel good, thank God,” says Bob. “But tomorrow, who knows?

Moving here has given us peace of mind.”

Fellow resident Lawrie Hall sums it up: “The thing about The Mayflower is that here, I can have it all: the safety and security of long-term care, a beautiful apartment with a gorgeous view, and a wonderful group of friends. And now, with the expansion moving forward, I know that the community is planning for its future, as well. In my opinion, the best is just getting better.”

ALL THIS . . .

AND A LIFE PLAN, TOO!

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ne of the primary benefits of moving to a Life Plan Community is the guarantee of continuing, long-term care, if and when you need it. But, take note: Not all communities are created equal. Make sure you know what each contract option offers – and what it doesn’t. Because while it might seem like you’re saving money on your entrance fee, you could be spending far more if you need extended care.

KNOW YOUR “ABCs”

A

The new Club House and Bistro will offer brick-oven pizza and beer on tap.

TYPE A (Life Plan) contracts provided by communities like The Mayflower offer the most comprehensive, turnkey package of services – including pre-funded, guaranteed, unlimited Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing accommodations at no additional charge – plus meal plans, services and amenities.

TYPE B (Modified) contracts provide a set of services (often at a discounted rate) for a specified period of time . . . after which you’ll pay higher monthly fees.

B

C

TYPE C (“Fee for Service”) contracts offer a lower initial enrollment fee – and provide healthcare services on campus – but if you need Assisted Living or Skilled Nursing care, you’ll pay market rate . . . which can be drastically higher. Be prepared for sticker shock.

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STRATEGIC DECISIONMAKING FINANCIAL FORETHOUGHT

Often applied in the business world, the old saying, “Failing to plan is planning to fail” is equally valid when it comes to preparing for life’s later years.

In fact – although many of us don’t like to think about the “what-ifs” in life – the truth is: we can’t afford not to.

Mayflower residents know this.

That’s why they’re here. Meet a few of our “planners.”

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F

ate certainly brought Elaine and Doug Kerr together back in 1962 when they met during orientation week as Rollins College students. But during their subsequent 54 years of marriage, they didn’t leave much else to chance.

After graduation, the couple decided to settle in Winter Park for good. Doug worked at Martin Marietta and got his master’s degree at Crummer. Meanwhile, Elaine plied her artistic skill in area craft shows with a collection of textile art pieces. The couple raised two daughters and became part of the fabric of the community.

Even when retirement seemed far off, the Kerrs planned for their future – and when Doug was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, they had everything in place to make the right decision for his health. “It was a big transition,” Elaine says. “But we were ready for it – and moving to The Mayflower was an easy choice. It’s the best in the area.”

Doug and Elaine Kerr planned early for their future – and they’re glad they did.

Doug’s financial forethought also helped smooth their path. “He did all our finances, so when we met with our advisor to discuss the move, the first thing he said was, ‘Congratulations – you’ve done it right,’ ” Elaine recalls.

At The Mayflower, the Kerrs are busier than ever. “We love the ambience here,” Elaine adds. “When you’re always moving, you don’t stagnate. Sometimes you try new things and find out, ‘Hey, I really like that!’ That’s how The Mayflower has been for us.”

ALL THE “MUST-HAVES”

In preparing for their future, Reverends John and Diana Jackson were focused and specific. “From a planning perspective, we had a list of ‘must-haves’,” Diana says.

“We wanted a community with a pool, seated dining service, a Health Center and an in-house doctor – and everything had to be under one roof.”

The Jacksons visited four communities in three states, seeking those criteria.

They found them at The Mayflower. “As members of the Captain’s Club, we had been acquainted with it for many years,” notes Diana. “Also, both my mother and my motherin-law lived here – and what’s amazing is that there are still staff in the Health Center who were here back then. There’s a lot to be said for that.”

As ordained ministers who held pastorates in Central Florida, the couple take pride in promoting charity, tolerance and justice. Diana founded Multi-Faith Center in Orlando to celebrate the diversity of faith; John’s passion for environmental conservation led him to create National Presbyterians for Earth Care.

“By the time you get to be our age, you stop worrying about a lot and just enjoy living,” adds John. “You are who you are – and that’s the wonderful thing about aging.”

Reverend John and Reverend Doctor Diana Jackson knew exactly what they wanted in a senior-living community, and they found it at The Mayflower.

CHECKING ALL THE BOXES

A move to The Mayflower gave Steph Nagelson a new perspective on life.

CHANGING COURSE

As long-time residents of Winter Park, Steph Nagelson and her late husband had long planned to move to The Mayflower.

But when he passed away, Steph had a decision to make. “It was either continue on the same path, or change course,” she says. “I was skeptical at first – but I knew this was the best place for me.”

Once “on board,” she was determined to try something that had long been on her wish list. “When I was a child, I used to watch my father paint with watercolors – and it sparked my love of art,” she recalls.

“But I chose to take up oils. I never followed in his footsteps.”

The Mayflower gave Steph the opportunity to take that path. The accomplished artist joined the community’s painting class, where she is expressing her creativity in watercolor. “I didn’t want to keep doing the same things over and over,” she says. “With art, you have to keep learning. You have to try something new.”

When she’s away from the easel, Steph can be found at The Mayflower’s book club, sharing impressions of modern literature and treasured classics. “Through reading, you see the world from a new perspective,” she says. “You learn history and a little culture. When you hear different opinions, you notice things you would never have seen on your own.”

After retiring from a long career in civil service and public administration, Jerry Kimmitt began planning his next move in 2017 – and he knew exactly what he was looking for.

“I wasn’t interested in living alone, but I did want to be independent,” says the World War II veteran. “I wanted to know my health would be taken care of. And I wanted somewhere I could challenge myself physically and mentally. The Mayflower was one of the few places that checked every box.”

“In the first couple months after I moved here, I found myself in the middle of everything,” he adds. “Busy . . . but happily so.”

He started with an exercise class. Then he joined the choir. Not long afterwards he was asked to speak at a Veteran’s Day

Jerry Kimmitt wanted a community where he could challenge himself physically and mentally. ceremony and share his life story. “Before I knew it, I was singing at concerts, and I was exercising five days a week,” he says.

“My life went from being very limited to being completely engaged.”

Now, Jerry’s enjoying his freedom to try everything the Mayflower has to offer. His advice: “Unless you try new things, life will pass you by.”

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EXPANDING H These art lovers, world travelers and former businesswomen recognize that, at any stage of life, finding fulfillment is an ongoing process of growth and discovery.

“I

f you don’t diversify and try new welcome and Caribbean-inspired styles. things, you’re not growing,” says She is best known for her iconic hook Sonya Hough. “Anyone can create bracelet, as well as her “hurricane bracelets” one great painting. But if you stop there, series, commemorating named storms that you miss your potential.” affected either the Virgin Islands or the She’s talking about her late husband’s U.S. mainland. artwork, which graces the walls of her As a businesswoman, Sonya understood Mayflower apartment – the importance of the but the words are an apt “If you don’t diversify “customer experience” – descriptor of her own on making and try new things, focusing life. An artist by trade, shopping “fun” and Sonya began by designing you’re not growing.” treating customers with mosaics. Then, after she patience and respect. and her family moved to St. Croix, she Equally devoted to her employees, she took up jewelry making. The rest, as they provided healthcare and retirement-savings say, is history. benefits, as well as daily lunch vouchers.

Sonya’s 55 years in the jewelry business Adding a personal touch, she made a began when she transformed a small home-cooked meal every day for the tourist shop into Sonya, Ltd., a high-end artisans who worked on her jewelry. boutique, beloved for its warm island Recognizing that “giving back” is integral

Artwork in Sonya’s home runs the gamut from oils to lithographs and from traditional to modern. to good business practice, Sonya regularly donated money to local causes. “You should help the people who need it,” she says.

That sense of community now resonates for Sonya at The Mayflower. “I love being a part of a community where you feel like family,” she says. “That’s part of what drew me here: the elegance, the fresh flowers and the smiles I saw everywhere.”

With continued growth in mind, Sonya is planning to study stained glass-making as she settles in at The Mayflower. “The more you try, the more you see and experience, the better off you are,” she says.

KEEP GOING, STAY POSITIVE

Artist, jewelry maker and entrepreneur, Sonya Hough continues to explore new avenues of creativity.

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For Suzanne Schneider, trying new things is part of a healthy lifestyle.

“A person is happiest who gets up in the morning and has something to look forward to, and is excited to be doing something, the way I am here,” she says. “That’s true at any age. You have to keep going, stay positive and do your best every day.”

Suzanne is living that philosophy at The Mayflower. Although she’s relatively new to the community, she is taking advantage of every opportunity to grow – attending programs and taking classes. Fluent in four languages (English, Spanish, French and Polish), she also plans to volunteer with Assisted Living residents, to make use of her language skills.

ORIZONS

DON’T JUST MAINTAIN...

GROW Research Shows That Adding New Skills Improves Brain Health

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Among Suzanne Schneider’s impressive art collection: pieces by Jovan Obican, a Croatian painter and lithographer, whose art style is an amalgam of history, legends, customs and folklore.

Born in eastern Poland (now Ukraine) of her varied art collection – like the just before the Second World War, colorful Haitian folk art acquired in the Suzanne survived the Nazi occupation and Iron Market of Port-au-Prince or the set subsequent liberation by Russia before her of Obican originals. “We were on a visit family moved west to France, where she to Dubrovnik, and Obican invited us up grew up. At 14, she moved to the United to his studio,” says Suzanne. “He painted States for high school and college. them for us, right there.”

After teaching Among her language at a “A person is happiest who gets many memories Long Island high globetrotter up in the morning and has asarea“just school, she also driving led a successful into a town, something to look forward to.” second career as finding a lovely an antique jewelry dealer. But the true little bed and breakfast, and staying a constant in her life was traveling the while.” She recalls: “People were just lovely world – visiting dozens of countries from everywhere we went.”

Argentina to the Netherlands and from the At The Mayflower, she says, the Middle East to the British Isles. atmosphere is just as friendly. “You can’t The tale of Suzanne’s travels is reflected pass someone in the hall without them in the quirkiness and bright attitudes saying hello.”

o . . . we’ve all heard the tired cliché: “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Turns out, that’s hogwash.

Truth is: Acquiring new skills is a powerful prescription for brain health. And it’s never too late to learn. So says a recent article in Scientific American, recounting a 2019 study conducted by researchers from University of California – Riverside.

The study, which was published in Journals of Gerontology, was based on the hypothesis that learning multiple new skills in a supportive environment promotes cognitive growth, just as it does in childhood.

Researchers examined older adults who learned several new skills, such as speaking Spanish, using an iPad, and painting. In less than two months, participants showed significant improvement in short-term memory and cognitive control.

"The benefits of learning and mentally growing outweigh those of maintaining," explains Rachel Wu, UC psychology professor, who led the study.

Dr. Wu’s research joins a wave of studies overturning the “critical period” model: the idea that new skills can only be acquired during childhood. Rather than age, new evidence shows that, in addition to environment, the key indicators for successful learning include openness to change and willingness to make mistakes.

According to researchers, the study “brought older adults out of their comfort zones and made them feel fearless about new challenges. Many thought they could barely walk a mental mile, but they completed a triathlon.”

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1620 MAYFLOWER COURT | WINTER PARK, FL 32792

88141 PRAD FNL 10/2019

Time for a

NEW DIRECTION?

Chart Your Next Course As you’ve read in this issue of Navigator, people who move to The Mayflower are planners, forward thinkers and individuals who love to try new things. If that describes you (or even if it doesn’t), you might want to learn more about the brand-new neighborhood we’ve just announced.

Now is the time to discover what The Mayflower has in store. Here’s why:

• You’ll be eligible for pre-construction pricing – the lowest it will ever be You’ll be among the first to choose locations, floor plans and views Your deposit is fully refundable And, you don’t get a second chance to be first

• • •

There are lots of other senior-living communities – but there is only one Mayflower. Don’t miss the boat!

Discover What Our New Neighborhood Has To Offer

CALL TODAY TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN PRE-BOARD:

407.672.1620