Loving life in the Florida sun at Devonshire

Palm Beach Gardens, FL - Elena Portoles, a community member at Devonshire at PGA National, a senior living community managed by Erickson Living in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, says that relocating to Florida from her previous home in Virginia was one of the best decisions she ever made.

“I lived and worked in Northern Virginia for 40 years,” says Elena. “A few years ago, I realized I no longer wanted the responsibilities that came with homeownership. I began to think about places I might wish to relocate. Since I have always enjoyed the outdoors, warm weather, and spending time at the beach, I thought—what better place than Florida?”

Making a decision

With her sights set on the Florida sunshine, Elena next began looking at a variety of retirement communities. “I was very familiar with the Erickson Living lifestyle, so that is where I directed my search,” she says. “In 2004, I helped moved my father from New York to Greenspring [an Erickson Living-managed community in Springfield, Va.]. It was a wonderful community for him and a great experience.”

Ten years later, many of Elena’s friends were reserving homes at Erickson Living’s newest community, Ashby Ponds, in Ashburn, Va.

“Many of my former neighbors, also wanting to leave homeownership behind, moved to Ashby Ponds and raved about their new lifestyle,” she says. “With this in mind, and deciding that my own move was imminent, I scheduled a visit to Devonshire.” It was a visit that would alter the course of Elena’s life.

“I immediately liked what I saw,” says Elena. “Everything was so pretty; the architecture is beautiful and everyone was open and friendly. And because I love spending time outdoors, the ability to enjoy the resources at PGA National was an added bonus.”

Moving forward

In preparation for her move south, Elena worked with Devonshire’s Personal Moving Consultant Donna Schneider, who helped her determine what pieces of furniture from her single-family home would work well in her new Devonshire home.

“That was extremely helpful,” she says. “Everything worked out beautifully. I was also given a list of places to donate my downsized items. Prior to my move, anticipating my new lifestyle as a Floridian, I donated my big orange snow shovel to Habitat for Humanity. It was my greatest moment!”

On her first morning as a Devonshire community member, Elena enjoyed breakfast in the beautiful Verandah on-campus restaurant. “It quickly became a part of my daily routine,” she says. “My neighbors soon realized that I was new and came over to introduce themselves. I learned about upcoming activities, received invitations to dinner, and met other newcomers.”

With introductions made, Elena did not hesitate in finding ways to volunteer for the greater good of the community. “My personality is to be involved,” she says. “When I lived in my single-family home, I was an active part of the HOA. Community involvement is important to me.”

Getting involved

Based on the suggestion of her neighbor, Bob Frasier, chair of the Resident Council, Elena joined the newly formed resident house committee, dedicated to managing a variety of housekeeping issues.

“It was from this work that people got to know me,” she says. “This year, I was elected to the Resident Council serving as secretary and a committee chair. I love it. This type of volunteering is right up my alley. People ask a lot of questions, and if I can’t answer, I direct them to the right person.”

In addition to volunteering on the Resident Council, Elena dedicates three days a week to working at the on-campus library.

“I enjoy greeting the residents, recommending books, and keeping our library inviting to guests.”

Elena also makes a point to enjoy dinner with new residents who are eager to acclimate themselves to their new life at Devonshire.

“It is quite a compliment to be thought of as someone who is able to help a neighbor,” she says. "I remember how much I enjoyed meeting people. I’m happy to do the same for someone else. I consider myself very fortunate to live at Devonshire where my days are full, surrounded by the many new friends I have made. I am truly loving life at Devonshire.”

Whether you're ready now or in the future, request your free brochure to continue exploring all the benefits that Devonshire has to offer.

About Devonshire at PGA National: Devonshire at PGA National, is one of 20 continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living® and is situated on a scenic 28-acre campus on the grounds of prestigious PGA National. The community is located in Palm Beach County and is home to more than 350 community members.

Written by Kelly Shue