Nestled behind a sprawling, tree-lined garden off the busy Biscayne Boulevard thoroughfare lies The Sterling Aventura, a five-star, resort-style senior residential community known for offering stellar service in assisted living and memory care. The complex– which was recently named among the nation’s best senior liv- ing facilities for 2024 by U.S. News & World Report– delivers a compassionate, multi-faceted lifestyle experience promoting independent lifestyle activities allowing men and women to maintain confidence and autonomy in a supportive environment.
“There comes a time when our loved ones will need to depend on others to help them navigate the challenges faced with aging,” shared Stacy Hernandez, RN, Director of Health Services (DOHS) for The Sterling Aventura. “Choosing a home where they will receive the help that they need and be able to face those challenges while maintaining their independence and dignity is the best gift that we can give them.”
The residential community’s exemplary reputation among the 55+ community continues to garner nationwide recognition. In 2023, Life Care Services– the center’s management company– became J.D. Power’s Most Awarded Brand in the history of its Senior Living Satisfaction Survey
after ranking first in customer satisfaction for five consecutive years in the Independent Living category. Similarly, the company received the 2023 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award for workplace culture and employee engagement.
The Sterling Aventura continues to differentiate itself from comparable communities by offering accessible, onsite provisions for specialized services enabling mobility and holistic health care. Onsite staff facilitates the needs of residents living with neurological disabilities including mild cognitive impairment, late-stage dementia, and Alzheimer’s Disease. For residents requiring assistance with everyday activities, staff remains on hand to help with prescriptions, bathing, dressing, exercising, errands, transportation, transfers, and medical appointment coordination. The Sterling has also forged partnerships with the region’s most respected occupational, physical, and speech therapists who treat residents onsite for optimal functionality. The health care programs also introduce pathways for residents to engage with others, participate in stimulating hobbies, and build meaningful relationships.
“The City of Aventura is flourishing every day, and we are located right in the heart of the city. One of the benefits offered here lies in our proximity to spe- cialists and professional medical offices located in the area, preventing the need for residents to travel to Miami or Fort Lauderdale for medical care,” stated Mark Monaghan, Director of Sales and Marketing for The Sterling. “Our medical partners look after our wonderful family of residents and provide some great qual- ity care, and they have strong relation- ships in terms of referrals.”
The exceptional availability of plush, long-term and short-term housing accommodations rivals the most luxurious hotel brands. The 8-story building provides residents with move-in coordination, concierge services, housekeeping, laundry, linen services, and 24-hour security, along with 24-hour access to health monitoring and an emergency response system. The facility offers intimate open floor plans designed to create a familial setting where residents feel right at home in their new surroundings. One-room studios, 1-bedroom condos, and 1-bedroom suite options are available for singles or couples seeking to live in a comfortable environment. All units are equipped with walk-in showers– which contain grab-bars and built-in seats– along with spacious walk-in closets. Individuals preferring the company of an emotional support animal are in luck as the building is pet-friendly, welcoming canine and feline family members with open arms.
The centralized location of The Sterling Aventura makes it one of the most desirable senior residential communities in South Florida. According to the company website, “there are 33 hospitals within 25 miles of The Sterling Aventura. The two closest hospitals are Aventura Hospital and Medical Center which is 1.6 miles away and Memorial Regional Hospital which is 5.5 miles away.” Retail havens such as the Aventura Mall, Publix, Target, Whole Foods, Fresh Market, and countless retail strip malls are right around the corner, so residents frequently
enjoy venturing to nearby attractions for a change of pace. The community offers a complimentary shuttle service which operates on a daily schedule for residents needing a lift to run errands around town or enjoy the surroundings.
Along with its daily activity itinerary, the all-inclusive dining room experience sets the stage for memorable meals with the entire family. Menus offer a multicultural array of breakfast, lunch, and dinner items from 7:30 am to 7:00 pm. Meal plan service is available to each resident in need of special provisions for allergies, dietary restrictions, and diabetes prevention. “Our residents range from 63 to 104, so we want to create a safe environment that is worry-free so they can relax in comfort,” said Monaghan. “Our building is set up like a condo resort where we offer a superb dining experience each day and some of the best hospitality services to our residents and their families. Our goal is to assist our seniors in maintaining their dignity and holistic care, 24 hours each day. We believe that they should maintain their individuality, and our team strives to facilitate avenues of independence for them while they maneuver through life changes.”
The long-term success of The Sterling Aventura is largely attributed to the steadfast dedication and commitment of its staff. Led by the vision of Executive Director Kristin Landahl, MBA, CDAL, CDP – one of the newest additions to its management team– the majority of the community’s employees have served the organization between 15 and 20 years. “Such an extensive tenure in the senior care industry is simply unheard of in contemporary times,” said
Monaghan. “We commend our longstanding team as our company’s reputation has remained stellar for the past 22 years.”
Monaghan enthusiastically commended the presence and foresight of two new employees, who are upholding the humanistic mission of The Sterling Aventura while bolstering the frequency and effectiveness of in-house medical services. Along with the recent appointment of Stacy Hernandez, RN as the community’s Director of Health Services (DOHS), he announced the hiring of Ana Perez, RN, the Assistant Director of Health Services (ADOHS). Together, they will facilitate sustainable and preventive health care solutions for residents while collaborating with local practitioners to provide medication, appointments, and therapy.
“Both experienced registered nurses have been positioned at the forefront of their fields for several years and are able to connect with families from both clinical and personal perspectives,” Monaghan said. “We are pleased to see what level they can obtain through their strategies to engage residents in the health care process,” Monaghan said.
The medical team bases its practices on a Continuum of Care model. This blueprint employs community partners, which include ancillary services with doctors who do house visits, licensed clinical social work, and in-house physical and occupational therapy in our onsite gymnasium. Hernandez also describes an interactive, “hands-on” approach to health care strategies enabling residents to advocate for their holistic needs.
“What sets The Sterling Aventura apart from others is our commitment to applying our Health and Wellness Navigation model to the care we provide for each and every resident,” she said. “Our Health & Wellness Navigation Program is a resident-centric approach to assist our residents in assessing and identifying their health and wellness needs and connecting them to the appropriate services and resources to meet those needs to enhance or maintain overall health and wellness. The Sterling Aventura is a place our residents can call home with the benefits of quality healthcare, daily activities and outings to promote health and wellness, and the opportunity to enjoy a fulfilling social life.”
“The person-centered care provided to residents here is unparalleled to others due to the careful selection and training of our caregivers, which makes an exceptional difference in the delivery of care,” stated Perez. “The most rewarding part of working here has been getting to know all the staff from all departments, providing care to our residents, and collaborating closely with Stacy Hernandez in the development and the implementation of best practice systems within the nursing department to better serve our residents and their families.”
Leaders at The Sterling Aventura are in the process of rolling out the renovation of their eighth floor, which will contain additional community occupancy for studio units, 1-bedroom condos, and 1-bedroom suites. Group housing options are also available by request. When asked about the work philosophy governing their residential and health care services implementation, team members credited developing personalized success plans for each resident while collaborating with colleagues.
“The most rewarding part of working here has been working alongside an amazing team that is dedicated to making our community a great place to work and an even better place to live as well as the opportunity to meet and connect with the residents and their families that have entrusted us with their care,” said Hernandez.
The Sterling Aventura strives to build their 100% occupancy status by providing the most commendable, socially responsible service culture in the industry. When selecting a senior residential community, Perez offers sage advice. “Research carefully all options presented to you and ensure that you and your family’s clinical needs, along with lifestyle preferences, are offered,” she said. For more information on the senior residential community or to schedule a walking tour of the property, visit www.thesterlingaventura.com
