The Cove at Tavares Village

Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Independent Senior Living in Tavares, Fl

Articles

The Importance of Social Interaction Among Seniors

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Group of Senior Men Interacting

The effects of senior loneliness and the part social interactions play in improving health.

You can’t help getting older, But you don’t have to get old”

                       George Burns

 One of the great comedians of all time made this statement light-heartedly, but in truth, “getting older” is much more than age. 

Many seniors today are lonely. Loneliness is much more than being alone from time to time. When someone is lonely, they may be surrounded by people and still feel isolated.

Some have contributed to what is considered a “Loneliness Epidemic.” Families and friends separated by career opportunities across the country and seniors moving to warmer climates can weaken the support system as loved one’s age. This can often force a caregiving role onto a spouse, which, over time, can cause isolation. Losing a spouse can be devastating for anyone, especially seniors who may have been together for many years.

Chronic loneliness among our aging population can take a tragic toll on the mental and physical health of the senior population. There is a pretty shocking financial hit as well. A 2018 study by AARP on loneliness calculated that Medicare spends approximately $134 more for every lonely senior than for a socially connected adult. That adds up to $6.7 billion in spending each year. So America has a strong incentive to address the problems of loneliness and isolation through research and resources to slow these crises.

How Senior Living Communities can help

The reasons an aging senior chooses to move to a community are as vast as the cookie selection at the grocery store. Some do not “choose” as much as they are “urged” by loved ones to make the move. Whatever the reason, results from the AARP study reveal that overall changes in mental wellness improve for seniors who have experienced loneliness and/or depression. Social interaction, activities, and a well-balanced diet have all been shown to increase dopamine levels which can help to combat depression. 

Seniors who are busy, active, and around other people do not have as many doctor visits. This is not to say they neglect their health but do not find as many reasons to visit the doctor. As a matter of fact, active seniors have a lower risk of:

  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Depression
  • Heart disease

If you know a senior who shows signs of loneliness or isolation, try to help. Small steps can lead to bringing a friend or neighbor back to life. The following suggestions are easy ways to start.

  • Visit often and interact. Offer to shop for them or take them shopping.
  • Play cards or take them to bingo.
  • Maybe volunteering would interest them. Check into places they could do good things.
  • Ask them to visit your place of worship. People are very good at recruiting newcomers for duties that will get them involved.
  • Help them with social media. They may not have seen their grandkids in a while.
  • Go for a walk in the neighborhood. They could potentially meet a new friend.
  • Sometimes a pet is just what the doctor ordered. Maybe start with a pet visiting organization or volunteering at a shelter.
  • Keep the ears in check. Hearing concerns are often a way for seniors to opt out of conversations.
  • Make sure they can get to and from places. Help them organize local, trustworthy transportation.
  • Ask them about their life. See if they need or want help. Sometimes they just need an ear.

 Recognizing the problem is the first step. The solution can look different for each individual, but there is help available. If a Senior Living Community is an option, reach out to the professionals at The Cove at Tavares Village. We will be happy to speak with you about making the transition as simple as possible. 

Sources:

Great Senior Living – Chronic Loneliness

AARP – Pandemic Has Created Loneliness Epidemic

 

 

A Guide to Independent Living and Assisted Living at The Cove

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Are you or a loved one looking to take the next step towards independent or assisted living? We’ve put together this page as a collection of articles to serve as a guide for new independent and assisted living residents!

Senior Care Admissions:

Working in Senior Living takes experience, dedication, and a love for our wonderful senior population to walk with families on what can be an emotional journey. The process of placing a loved one in a safe, caring environment can be unfamiliar and overwhelming.

Learn More about Marketing and Admissions

Independent Living at The Cove

The Villa Neighbors at The Cove enjoy a lifestyle free of the burdens of home maintenance while making lasting connections. New experiences and new friends are the icing on the cake of fond memories.
Have questions about Independent Living at the Cove?

Check out our Independent Living Frequently Asked Questions

The Cove Assisted Living and Memory Care

We are not all trained in the caregiving profession and sometimes find that our loved ones would be safer in an environment where staff can assist with daily activities. Bathing, dressing, grooming, medication management, and more can be managed by caring staff who are licensed and experienced. Escorting our residents to dining and activities can improve mental and physical health when delicious food and great company are on the menu.
Looking for more information about Assisted Living and Memory Care?

Be sure to stop by our Assisted Living FAQ’s!

If you are in doubt about the next step, feel free to contact our marketing department and learn what living independently at The Cove is all about.

The Marketing and Admissions Office of The Cove at Tavares Village

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Happy Senior Couple in Park

Assisted Living and Memory Care Admissions

Marketing in Senior Living takes experience, dedication, and a love for our wonderful senior population to walk with families on what can be an emotional journey. The process of placing a loved one in a safe, caring environment can be unfamiliar and overwhelming. There are not many books written on the subject, and if there were, who has time to read when the urge strikes. Having a liaison to help decipher the State required forms, the Medicaid Long Term Care process, VA connections, and many others scenarios that may come up is vital.

Independent Living Admissions

Many seniors choose to scale down and simplify their lives while they are spry and fit. They often realize, by watching friends, that it may be wise to stop cleaning gutters and climbing the attic stairs at a certain age. Downsizing does not mean giving up places or things. It can simply mean letting go of unnecessary stress and clutter that weigh you down. Knowing your options can make the decision less daunting and possibly exciting. Begin online searches for communities nearby. Keeping familiarities such as doctors, pharmacies, and houses of worship can relieve some of the anxiety. Talk the move over with friends and family who support your decision and will help in the process. You may soon find yourself looking forward to the next chapter.

We have cataloged some of the great questions that come up during tours of our Villas at The Cove, but a familiar favorite is “what am I going to do if I don’t have to cut the grass? Or paint the trim? Or pressure wash the drive?” It is often the wife or the kids who will reply, “live longer? And healthier!” Swimming, exercise classes, Cooking in the Clubhouse, Euchre, Wii Bowling are just a few things you can add to your new “To Do” list at The Cove.

A good facility will take care of your loved ones. A great facility will do that AND be part of your family.

Marketing, Move-In Coordinator, Admissions, the position comes under many titles, but the mission is the same. Walking families through the process of placing loved ones with medical needs, establishing new social environments, downsizing from a large home, or starting a new Wii Bowling group, we’ve got your back. If, in the process, you make new friends, it’s a plus.

For questions about Admissions, Assisted Living, Memory Care, or Independent Senior Living, please contact us using the form on our Contact Us page, or give us a call at (352) 742-7111

We’re Here to Help Our Residents!

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Caring for a Senior Holding Their Hand

How the Busines Office at The Cove Serves Our Independent and Assisted Living Residents

The business office here at The Cove is happy to serve our residents and family members with their transition to our assisted living and independent living community. We take pride in making sure our residents are very well cared for in all aspects of the spectrum to the best of our ability. We are one big family here at The Cove.

We are located in Tavares, Florida, and our Business Office of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.

The business office manager supports company operations by maintaining office systems. Also, maintains office services by organizing office operations and procedures, preparing payroll, controlling correspondence, maintaining filing systems, and reviewing supply requisitions. In addition, the business office manager frequently communicates with residents and family members regarding residents’ accounts as needed. Furthermore, the business office manager ensures all vendors are paid efficiently and accurately through accounts payable.

In the Assisted Living Facility, we allow residents to open a resident trust account to withdraw money as they need it for extra expenditures. The resident trust account limit is 500.00. Furthermore, we provide the resident and family member with a quarterly account statement reflecting recent account history on the trust account. We thank our residents and family members for giving us the opportunity to care for their loved ones.

If you have questions about insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, Assisted / Independent Living information for Florida, or need a review of a financial situation, please contact us today and we will be there to help!

Another 100% Deficiency-Free Survey! – 6 Years And Counting

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Another 100% Deficiency-Free State Survey by the Florida Agency of Healthcare Administration 2017 - 2021. Proven Excellence in Care

A Tavares Senior Living Facility scored among the top in the state with a “Deficiency Free” rating on their Third State Survey in a row.

The Cove at Tavares Village Senior Living has recently announced that they have scored their third consecutive 100% error-free rating on their State Biennial Survey conducted by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). The Cove has provided Senior Living Care in Lake County for over 20 years and includes Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care options.

The State Biennial Survey conducted by AHCA thoroughly examines factors such as staffing, facility & housing conditions, health & safety, and quality of life for the residents. The surveyors arrive unannounced and spend a few days at the facility observing care, interviewing residents and their families, and making sure the facility complies with the rigorous standards set by the AHCA. According to Debbie Kenny, Marketing Director of The Cove, “Earning a 100% rating on the survey does not come lightly or easily. We are diligent in our efforts to comply with the standards set by AHCA and make sure checks and balances are conducted regularly.”

Earning a 100% rating on the survey does not come lightly or easily.

The staff at The Cove at Tavares Village were elated to receive their 3rd biennium State Survey. There was no doubt in the mind of Sheril Mitcham, a 23-year employee in the nursing department at The Cove. When asked about her feelings on their sixth consecutive year as a 100% Deficiency-Free facility, she says, “It was excellent news!” She feels that her entire team was a vital part of the successful survey results this year. “We are a family,” Sheril says. “And that is what I love about The Cove.”

We are a family, and that is what I love about The Cove!

The Cove attributes its success by giving each resident individualized care, focusing on physical, emotional, and social needs. Individualized care plans are communicated frequently to our residents and their friends and families. Ensuring peace of mind is essential. One thing that makes The Cove unique is that Independent, Assisted, and Memory Care Living environments are all included in one facility. Many seniors come to The Cove as independent living residents knowing they have options for higher care should their needs change.

When speaking with Jane Smedly, a 2 ½ year resident of The Cove, we discussed our most recent and 3rd Deficiency-Free Survey, and Jane was over the moon. Asking her how it feels to be in a facility with such a good track record, she said, “It means everything to me. I know I am being cared for, especially during COVID. I didn’t necessarily enjoy the lockdowns, but I know they followed the rules and got us through it as safely as possible. I would recommend The Cove to anyone who asks. If I weren’t satisfied, I would not be here. The staff couldn’t be nicer. I know I am in the right place.”

I know I am in the right place.

In addition to finding no deficiencies on the overall survey, the AHCA also found no deficiencies in a third consecutive COVID-19 Infection Control Survey completed over the past 12 months. The Cove has been hard at work implementing rigorous cleaning protocols and innovations such as hospital-grade UV-C lighting to kill 99.99% of pathogens, including human coronavirus.

The Staff at The Cove

Tommy Pridemore, Maintenance Director; Michael Besinger, Nursing; Paula George, Dietary; Jose Rojas, Nursing; Stacie Rojas, Nursing; Mirzza Rivera, Dietary; Leila Wagner, Dietary; Lisa Kimbrel, Dietary; Amy Lesner, Activities Director; Tracey Phillips, Nursing; Barbara Campbell, Administrative Assistant; Jessica Milligan, Business Manager; Susan McCurry, Activities coordinator; Sierra Langley, Nursing; Alyce Hartsock, Nursing; Debbie Kenny, Marketing Director; Shawn Schulze, Executive Director; Rick Calkins, Dietary Supervisor

About The Cove at Tavares Village

The Cove is a senior living facility offering Independent Senior Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care, focusing on providing a comfortable, safe, and engaging experience for their residents. The Cove has been a part of the Tavares Community for over 20 years providing excellent service to seniors from across the country.

To learn more about our facility, schedule an appointment for a walkthrough and see The Cove for yourself!

Facility Care at The Cove

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Facility Grounds Upkeep at the Cove at Tavares Village

Facility Care and Maintenance at The Cove

Our beautiful senior care facility is one of the many points of pride in Tavares, FL! Maintenance in The Cove has the highest priority for safety for residents, guests, and employees. As members of our family, we want to provide a welcoming and clean environment for our residents! This year, we have installed some new and exciting equipment to help our resident’s safety and the battle against COVID-19, including hospital-grade UV-C disinfection in our air conditioning. 

In maintenance, some tasks are:

  • Monitors and maintains Building Inspection Schedule that includes preventative maintenance program and all required system inspections.
  • Ensure all aspects of the facility are in a good state of repair, which means keeping up with our grounds and upkeep of the inside of our facility, including our groundskeeping, taking care of our floors, painting walls, and fixing things in disrepair. 
  • On-call 24 hours a day for emergency maintenance.
  • Ensure the highest quality of customer service is available for the residents.
  • Orders maintenance supplies and monitors inventory.

“I have found this company to be the most personally involved and caring with each and every resident and family. I look forward to being a member of this team for many years!”
Tommy Pridemore, Maintenance Manager

To view our beautiful facility, contact us today to set up an appointment! Looking for a career in maintenance at The Cove at Tavares Village? Visit our Careers page!

 

 

Rehabilitation Therapy at The Cove

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Physical Therapist working senior patient

The Cove at Tavares Village, our primary focus is to provide a quality senior living experience for our Tavares, FL Assisted Living and Memory Care Community. Occasionally, our residents will have a need arise for therapy services. While we do not have a dedicated rehabilitation department, we offer rehab through many Home Health Agencies that the resident or family chooses. Home Health Agencies will come into the resident’s home here at The Cove.

Rehabilitation at The Cove offers the following services through Home Health Agencies:

  • Skilled Nursing Services: Our Skilled Nursing Services include wound management, diabetic teaching, medication information and teaching, and more.
  • Physical Therapy Services: Physical therapists evaluate and record a patient’s progress. Physical therapists help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain. They are often an essential part of preventative care, rehabilitation, and treatment for patients with chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries.
  • Occupational Therapy Services: Occupational therapists treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.
  • Speech-Language Therapy Services: Speech-language pathologists work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults.

Our standard practice is to monitor each of our residents daily for any changes or needs. If we identify any rehabilitation needs on our daily checks, we will report to the resident’s doctor so they can write orders. The family is notified and will choose the Home Health Agency, the referral is sent to the agency, and rehabilitation start of care is carried out typically within 24 hours.

If you have questions about rehabilitation, options for Home Heath, or would like to speak to someone directly about your needs or the needs of a loved one, please contact us today for more information!

Infection Control Practices at The Cove

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Nursing Staff Member Washing Hands

The Cove at Tavares Village is proud of our veteran staff in our Nursing Department. Many of our associates have been with us for 10-20+ years and go above and beyond every day.
To keep our nursing staff fresh, we have mandatory continuing education courses throughout the year to keep us all up to date on the latest in nursing care.

When it comes to caring for our extended family (our residents), we follow CDC, DOH, and AHCA guidelines. Our staff is constantly updated on the current regulations with daily audits to make sure we are all doing the best we can. Following these guidelines are the top priority next to caring for our residents. Our nursing department works tirelessly to make sure our residents are happy and healthy.

We are pleased to announce we are in full swing regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, which began in January 2021. What a fantastic service offered by Walgreens. Our senior living facility is stocked with a plentiful bounty of PPE (personal protective equipment) to ensure our residents and staff are safe. Twice daily temperature checks and symptom monitoring throughout the day for everyone make it easy to quickly identify any changes that may occur regarding residents and staff’s health and safety.

Our facility has spared no expense when it comes to the safety of our staff and residents. We have the latest equipment to sanitize both the air we breathe (UV-C Disinfection in our Air Conditioning) and the surfaces we come in contact with, such as our new hospital-grade disinfection device kills which kills 99.99% of pathogens, including the human coronavirus.
So when you choose to come to The Cove, know that you are entering one of the safest, state-of-the-art equipped environments for your family member.

We would to extend a huge THANK YOU to the nursing department and every department, staff member, resident, and family member. Without all of us working together, we would be just an average place to live or work. We are far from that……We are THE COVE AT TAVARES VILLAGE……This is where you want to be……

If you would like more information on COVID-19, please contact us or visit our COVID-19 Resources page.

Senior Living Dining

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Dining Meal options at Senior Living FacilityAt The Cove, our goal is to provide our residents with healthy and delicious food. New residents are often surprised how great senior living dining can be!

Dining at a Senior Living Community

Our kitchen offers homemade chef-inspired meals with a Homestyle touch that makes mealtimes a comfort. We also offer fresh homemade soups and healthy salads to accommodate every individual’s needs. Our rolls are baked fresh daily, and we offer a variety of desserts and specialty ice creams.

American Flag Desserts at Senior Living Facility

We also remember the holidays and special events and plan our menus accordingly to make everyone feel at home.

Following CDC guidelines, we offer separate meal settings with table partitions to maintain social distancing and ensure resident safety. Our friendly staff ensures that tables and chairs are sanitized between each meal setting in accordance with the Department of Health guidelines.

Dining options include a full breakfast, including Belgian Style Waffle with fruit topping, Texas French Toast, crisp bacon, and Sausage Patties. Cereal, fresh fruit, and yogurt are available also.

Our lunch menu includes Home-style favorites, including Pepper Steak with Jasmine rice, Homemade Meatloaf, Rotisserie style chicken, and Lemon Pepper Tilapia. Don’t like what we’re having? We also offer our “Café menu” With items like Cheeseburgers, Chicken strips, Chef Salad, and cold-cut sandwiches. We also take into consideration your special dietary needs.

Snacks are delivered every day at 2:00 to satisfy that sweet tooth, salty crave or just a cup of coffee, cocoa, or tea.

Want to learn more about Senior Living dining at The Cove? Contact us to learn more about our food options, dietary programs, meal plans, and more!

 

100% Deficiency Free Again!

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A Tavares Senior Living Facility scored among the top in the state with a “Deficiency Free” rating on their second State Survey in a row.

Local Senior Living Facility Scores Second Consecutive Deficiency-Free Rating

100% Deficiency Free Again! Survey Rating by the State of Florida Agency for Healthcare AdministrationThe Cove at Tavares Village Senior Living has recently announced that they have scored their second consecutive 100% error free rating on their State Biennial Survey conducted by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). The Cove has provided Senior Living Care in Lake County for over 20 years and includes options for Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care.

The State Biennial Survey conducted by AHCA thoroughly examines factors such as staffing, facility & housing conditions, health & safety, and quality of life for the residents. According to Debbie Kenny, Marketing Director of The Cove, “Earning a 100% rating on the survey does not come lightly or easily. We are diligent in our efforts to comply with the standards set by AHCA and make sure checks and balances are conducted regularly.”

“The team was really excited to hear about our awesome results. However, they were not surprised at the outcome. They know that when you go above and beyond every day the results show. We have staff that has been with The Cove for 20 plus years and they still shine every day. We couldn’t do it without them.” – Shawn Schulze, Executive Director

The Cove strives to give individualized care to each of their residents. Focusing on physical, emotional and social needs, a plan is put into place to ensure the quality of life for, not just residents, but families and friends who entrust them with their loved ones. Ensuring peace of mind is important. The facility is very unique in that they have Independent, Assisted and Memory Care Living environments in one facility. Many seniors come to The Cove as independent living residents knowing they have options for higher care should their needs change.

Always striving to improve, The Cove has focused on enhancing communication with their residents, families, and staff. While this is not a new philosophy for The Cove, the team credits their ability to be present and available as a core value. “Families and guests who visit always comment on our warm and friendly environment. We are very fortunate to have the perfect space for socialization and interaction between our residents and staff. The social and living areas, offices and residential spaces are well laid out and on one floor for easy access.” – Debbie Kenny, Marketing Director.

The Cove would like to credit their owners for giving them the flexibility to go above and beyond without limitations. “We are encouraged to think outside the box and to create an environment that feels like a home not only to our residents and families but also to our staff.  When you love where you work, it is reflected in your performance.” They would also like to recognize the awesome work of the dietary, nursing, housekeeping, activities and maintenance staff each and every day.

“When you love where you work, it is reflected in your performance.”

In 2019, The Cove looks forward to opening their brand new beautiful Independent Living Villas. They have had a huge demand for their peaceful, maintenance free community and the villas are NOW AVAILABLE. And always striving to be among the best Senior Living Facilities in the state and continuing their core family values by building relationships with residents and their loved ones.

About The Cove at Tavares Village

The Cove is a senior living facility offering Independent Senior Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care with a focus on providing a comfortable, safe and engaging experience for their residents. The Cove has been a part of the Tavares Community for over 20 years providing excellent service to seniors from across the country.

To learn more about our facility, schedule an appointment for a walkthrough and see The Cove for yourself!