The Watermark at Marco Island opens its doors to residents

The Watermark at Marco Island, the first assisted living and memory care community on Marco Island, is officially open. The much-anticipated community welcomed home its first group of residents this month and has more than 60 residents scheduled to move in over the next several months.

Located at 1170 San Marco Road, the 92-unit community offers world-class assisted living and memory care with an emphasis on whole-person wellness and healthy aging. The Watermark at Marco Island is managed by Tucson-based Watermark Retirement Communities, an award-winning senior housing provider with communities across the nation.

“We are thrilled to open the doors at The Watermark at Marco Island and offer residents an active and vibrant lifestyle right here on the island,” said Mike Hughes, managing director of The Watermark at Marco Island. “Our unique focus on whole-person wellness will allow residents to experience new things, engage their mind in new ways and create lasting friendships in a beautiful waterfront setting.”

Amenities include a wellness center, salon and spa, as well as waterfront dining and sunset views. The community’s two dining venues will also feature seasonal menus highlighting fresh, local ingredients and restaurant-style service led by Executive Chef Salvatore Pezzella.

Pezzella is a native of Napoli, Italy and moved to Florida in 2010. He has worked in restaurants in Sardinia, Monte Carlo, Miami and along Naples’ Fifth Avenue South. He will bring a Meditteranen influence to the community and utilize the community’s open-hearth oven to prepare housemade breads, hearth-oven baked flat breads, fresh branzino, roasted meats and more.

“The Watermark at Marco Island is reimagining what senior living looks like – from our five-star dining options to our high-end amenities and unique island lifestyle,” said Robyn Johnson, executive director of The Watermark at Marco Island. “More importantly, our longevity-based care encourages independence and promotes holistic-based wellness at every turn.”

At The Watermark at Marco Island, residents will have access to Watermark’s 360Well®, a program that helps develop, manage, and implement comprehensive health, fitness, and wellness programs rooted in the four interconnected circles of wellness: mind, body, spirit, and community. Residents can also enjoy a dynamic calendar of classes through Watermark University and attend exciting daytrips through the Extraordinary Outings program.

Also exclusive to Watermark Retirement Communities is the BrainCafé℠, a collaboration with the UCLA Longevity Center to provide a comprehensive memory training series to help residents remember life’s most important details.

“Watermark is not your typical memory care and assisted living community – the standards are higher and the quality of care is far superior to any other community I’ve experienced,” said Nancy LaMarca, a family member whose loved one will move into The Watermark at Marco Island later this month. “Not to mention, the community itself couldn’t be more beautiful, offering tranquil views of the water and a large outdoor area to enjoy when visiting.”

Seniors living with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other forms of memory loss – like LaMarca’s loved one – will also benefit from Watermark’s signature approach to memory care. The Prema Memory Support program integrates residents into the rhythms of daily living, while Gourmet Bites Cuisine allows residents who traditionaly require assistance at mealtime to regain their independence and enjoy protein-packed, nutritionally balanced meals.

For LaMarca, this level of care, paired with the compassion of the leadership team, creates an environment of warmth and trust. This is important for families entrusting the care of their loved ones to a community like The Watermark at Marco Island.

“It’s a very special place that feels like family the minute I’m greeted as I walk through the door,” she added. “I know my loved one will be safe, well cared for and respected by everyone from the top down.”

The Internal Staff Training by Watermark Retirement Communities is recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association® for incorporating the evidenced-based Dementia Care Practice Recommendations in the following topic areas: Alzheimer’s and dementia, person-centered care, assessment and care planning, activities of daily living, and behaviors and communication.

*The Alzheimer’s Association statement of recognition is not an endorsement of the professional training or evaluation of the care provided by the organization. The statement is valid for two years from the date of issue.

About The Watermark at Marco Island

Located at 1170 San Marco Road, The Watermark at Marco Island is an 86-apartment assisted living and memory care community offering waterfront views, resort-style amenities, and enriching activities to seniors of Collier county. Owned and managed by Watermark Retirement Communities, The Watermark at Marco Island is committed to creating an extraordinary community where people thrive. For more information, visit www.watermarkmarcoisland.com.

About Watermark Retirement Communities®

Watermark Retirement Communities is a nationally recognized leader in senior living, managing communities across the United States with a commitment to innovation, well-being, and exceptional experiences. Watermark communities are distinguished by highly trained, compassionate associates, and a lifestyle built on choice, fine amenities, integrative wellness and innovative programs--including the award-winning Watermark University featuring a wide variety of engaging classes for residents and area seniors. Based in Tucson, Arizona, Watermark brings over 35 years of senior living experience and is known for exceptional service, a culture of inclusion and long-term financial stability. Visit watermarkcommunities.com to learn more.