Resident Story – Mary Lou and George
Mary Lou and George moved to Buena Vida Estates in 2013. Totally independent, both Mary Lou and George participated in activities they didn’t have in their home, like bocce ball, shuffleboard, bridge, and other card games.
Slowly, Mary Lou started noticing George was showing memory loss signs. She started noticing and seeing a difference. George still enjoyed socializing and talking with other residents in the common areas and in the dining room. He loved sharing and talking about his ancestry and the family farm. The socialization was important for Mary Lou as well. As George progressed, she had support and “community” with residents who had become friends over the years.
The Continuing Care Promise
Fast forward to the end of 2023, George needed rehab and eventually skilled nursing. As a part of the Continuing Care Contract, George was at West Melbourne Health and Rehab, Buena Vida’s partner for skilled nursing. Mary Lou says that the care was “extraordinary”! WMHR was spotless, the food is excellent – even the puréed food that George eventually needed smelled and tasted so flavorful! The care was wonderful as the nurses were so attentive to George’s needs throughout his stay.
Mary Lou has visited other Buena Vida residents who have spent time at WMHR. She has noticed such a difference in the level of care and building maintenance lately. Mary Lou said the atmosphere is credited to the management staff currently running this facility. Ms. Caiati has made a difference in her ability to turn a facility around over the years in skilled nursing administration. Mary Lou said the care George received was the whole human – whether he was aware or not!
Mary Lou and George came to Buena Vida Estates for the “total Experience” and after 11 years as residents, Mary Lou said the joy of the first nine years and the care of the last two have been exactly what they had hoped for.
New blog posts:
Questions to Ask When Evaluating a Continuing Care Retirement Community
Choosing a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is a significant decision. Asking the right questions about regulation, financial disclosures, care services, and leadership structure can help families make informed choices with confidence. This guide outlines what to look for when evaluating a CCRC in Florida.
Featured Resident: Mike Russell
Meet Mike Russell, a Cottage resident at Buena Vida Estates since April 2025. From Army veteran to animal rescue officer to “Tilapia Relocation Program” volunteer, Mike has found an active and fulfilling lifestyle at Buena Vida.
What a CCRC Is Designed to Do and the Protections You Should Look For
Understanding how a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) works (and how it’s regulated) is key to making an informed decision. In Florida, Chapter 651 outlines financial reserve and disclosure requirements designed to promote transparency and oversight. In this blog, we explain what a CCRC does, what protections to look for, and how Buena Vida Estates fits within Florida’s highly regulated framework.
