Lake Howard Heights

Here at Lake Howard Heights, we have both Independent and Assisted Living residents. Amongst the full population, the average age is 84. We have always been described as a more active community, with residents that remain active within our community and the local community of Winter Haven.

Some would describe us as having zestful activities here at Lake Howard Heights. We understand that activities provide an abundance of health benefits, as seniors gain a lot of staying physically and socially active. Upon visiting our home, you are likely to find residents enjoying a variety of scheduled activities such as, but not limited to, the following: Pakino, Sittercise, Bingo, Men's Club, Outings for dining and shopping, Book Club, and so much more. Scheduled programming and energetic activities are as fun as they are helpful in maintaining physical condition, mental sharpness, appetites and overall health.

Our Senior Living community is located on Lake Howard Drive, which travels the perimeter of one of the most popular lake on the Chain of Lakes here in Winter Haven. Many of our apartments and common areas face the lake, known for its exquisite sunsets. There is a lovely walking path and dock located within walking distance from the front doors of Lake Howard Heights, to add to the perks of lakeside living. Our community is also located within 1.5-2.0 miles from the city's downtown area, full of lively shopping and dining, as well as the local library.

Let's take a ride together! With our community bus we are able to offer scheduled outings such as trips to the grocery store, pharmacy, local shopping, doctor's appointments, as well as joy rides of all sorts within the local area for our Independent and Assisting Living residents. We are also able to provide added transportation needs with the use of our Ford Flex.

The Artful Dining program here at Lake Howard Heights is second to none. Our Chef and dining staff take provide in serving not just meals to our residents, but also happiness and satisfaction! The chef also takes the time during a resident's orientation period, coined the HEART program here at Lake Howard Heights, to sit with them and learn their dietary restrictions if any, their preferences, as well as determine best meal times in relation to their med-pass times. It is important to us that we serve the residents with something as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate in our restaurant-style dining room. Independent and Assisted Living residents choose from a menu of options at their table and are served delicious meals in a bright and cheerful lakeview dining room. It is a belief here that superior dining experiences elevate the morale of patrons and associates in a way that traditional dining cannot.

Safety and security at Lake Howard Heights is of upmost importance. We are able to provide peace of mind by providing staffing 24 hours a day, a nightly security guard, interior/exterior video surveillance, and parameter/parking lot security lights in the evening. We also maintain and up to date emergency evacuation plan that is shared with residents upon moving in and throughout their residency to ensure they have the most recent procedures. You will also find this evacuation plan posted throughout the building. As of recently we have installed and fully integrated a generator that has the ability to power the building in its entirety, including but not limited to air conditioning and function of elevators. All rooms and common areas are equipped with up to code fire suppression systems. In fact, according to Winter Haven Fire Department and their inspections, we are the most safe building in this regard. All exterior doors are locked at sundown, requiring access by staff.

Here at Lake Howard Heights, our residents' families are considered our family! We utilize and encourage communication via telephone and email. Every month we send out a community newsletter to families and residents to keep them up to date with current events and happenings at Lake Howard Heights. We also maintain a Facebook page, where families can see and interact with both staff and residents. All managers' contact information can be found on their business cards and encouraged to be utilized if and when needed.

Lake Howard Heights has staff in the community 24-hours per day. Our staffing is reported maintained to be above the State of Florida's minimum requirement, and adjusted based on the level of care needs of the current residents. Residents have access to front desk personnel 24-hours per day.

We are a pet friendly community. We require a one-time only $350 pet deposit upon signing of a lease. Pet must be no larger than 25-30lbs. We allow cats, dogs, and birds. Resident must agree to and abide by a pet policy established by our Executive Director. Designated areas on the outside parameter of our community are available for walking of pets.

Upon being hired, all staff are required to complete 12 hours of training prior to having any interaction with residents. Once this is completed, on job training begins and lasts approximately two weeks (varies with department). Beyond the initial training period, staff are required to complete continued education through Collins Learning, and receive monthly in-services, regardless of department. We find it important that we are all knowledgeable as a team regarding all aspects of the community and its needs. It is also required of our staff to maintain an up-to-date CPR and First Aid Certification.

It is important to note that our community is Independent and Assisted Living. Unlike a Memory Care unit, we do not have locked facilities. However, if and when a resident does develop or have a tendency to wander, there are protocols in place. The individuals are reviewed at our multiple standups throughout the day, where we communicate any happenings or needs amongst the staff present for the current shift. This puts staff on alert to maintain a sense of supervision on these particular residents. Increased checks occur for such residents, as part of their carefully developed care plan, when in our Assisted Living. We are here to maintain a good quality of life and safe environment. If this ever becomes a concern of safety or concern of elopement, the family and care team are brought together in order to discuss and discover a more appropriate setting for their loved one, and we assist them in further placement.