After extensive research into the perfect location for its newest premier assisted living and memory care community, Blake Management Group and developer, Cardinal Ventures, discovered the perfect spot in one of the country’s top 15 master-planned communities. “In looking at the market for our communities, we look at an area with high growth and income and a good mix of housing,” said Harrison Young, principal with Cardinal Ventures. “We found it in Viera.”
In Viera, Cardinal Ventures also found a significant population of older residents who would appreciate the security of knowing that continuum of care in familiar surroundings was readily accessible. Surveys by organizations such as AARP reveal that older adults prefer to remain in the communities where they have established relationships rather than to relocate. Areas like Viera, with its easy access to healthcare, outdoor spaces, entertainment venues, and healthy living options, are at the top of seniors’ list of desirable places in which to live. “We expect that most of our residents will be from the area or will have children living in the Viera area,” said Misty Zulli, Executive Director of The Blake at Viera.
The Blake at Viera will be a formidable size at 88,000 square feet. The facility will be located on five acres in Borrows West at 5700 Lake Andrew Drive and will feature 64 assisted living and 33 memory care suites, all designed with a resort lifestyle in mind. Staff will provide housekeeping, meals, personal care, and medication help for assisted living residents. Memory care, the fastest growing sector of the senior housing market, adds a layer of structure and support so residents can navigate safely throughout the day and offers activities that improve cognitive functioning. The Blake complex, anticipated to open later this year, is currently accepting reservations. It is the latest addition to a portfolio of upscale senior communities in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
“What differentiates us from others is the level of service we provide.”
Misty Zulli
Executive Director of The Blake at Viera
5-Star Luxury
The Blake at Viera has been carefully designed by Young , Wier+Boerner Architecture to blend seamlessly with Viera’s architectural style. Amenities reflect the community’s blending of hospitality, luxury, comfort, and security. According to Zulli, what others promise, The Blake delivers. “What differentiates us from others is the level of service we provide,” added Zulli, who, as part of the senior living industry for 14 years, has experience in the field of nursing as well as in the administration of senior living communities. While Blake residents are assured of 24/7 care from a team of licensed nurses, they can also enjoy five-star hotel luxuries such as well-balanced, yet tasty, chef-curated á la carte dinners served in an atmosphere of elegance and style. “Residents can order from the menu whatever they want whenever,” said Zulli. “We will also have grab-and-go snacks throughout the day.”
Built Right In
With the goal of helping residents welcome and celebrate each day, The Blake also offers a breadth of concierge services, including social, recreational and cultural activities. Wellness programming is custom tailored to each resident and may include visits to their on-site therapy clinic. If residents wish to try their hand at cooking, they can use the well-equipped kitchenettes that are part of each of the assisted living suites. Residents are encouraged to remain connected to their families and friends both physically and virtually. They can access personal laptops or iPads in their suites or use the similar technology equipment provided by the facility. A hair salon and barbershop will be available so residents—and the general public— need not have any bad hair days. The assisted living model will offer one- and two-bedroom suites. The Blake is also pet-friendly and does not require long-term commitment. “It’s just as if you were renting an apartment,” said Zulli.
Memory Care
Families with loved ones struggling with memory loss can expect unmatched attention and support from The Blake, where memory care residents can reconnect with nature within two secure, elaborately landscaped courtyards that will also serve as a backdrop for special events such as concerts. Custom amenities for memory care residents include specially designed floor plans, a monitoring system that matches individual behavioral pattern for protective yet non-invasive security and the unique “Walk with Me” memory care program and iN2L, a state-of-the-art interactive system that helps with memory impairment and engages residents. Residents will have daily activities to stimulate all five senses and all areas of the brain.
“By investing in industry-leading engagement tools and The Blake’s exclusive “Walk with Me” memory care program, we will provide what we believe is an unrivaled experience for residents with cognitive changes, and peace of mind for their loved ones,” said Zulli. Memory care residences will feature studio and one-bed- room suites. Memory care and assisted living residents alike will be able to enjoy a variety of trips, from adventures at nearby Brevard Zoo to visits to Tampa and Orlando attractions and shopping excursions. With memory care residents, we will have specific programming to keep them active and engaged,” said Zulli.
Today’s seniors, not content to sit back in their rockers, are upping the ante for senior communities. They’re active and engaged and they expect the community they choose to keep up with them. “We have people in their 80s cycling and doing marathons,” said Zulli. For these individuals, the camaraderie found at The Blake is reason enough to make the move. “They move for the sense of friendship they find,” said Zulli.
The Blake at Viera may prove to be the shape of senior housing to come. As baby boomers age, experts in the senior housing field expect a surge of demand for communities like The Blake, which offer all the comforts of home with a customized layer of assistance so residents can pursue their passions without the time-consuming hassle of life’s daily chores. “We are creating a community residents can call home,” added Young.