Choosing the right [retirement community](https://seniorsite.org/resource/2024-guide-to-choosing-a-perfect-retirement-community/) feels like trying to solve a complex puzzle – every piece needs to fit perfectly for your future. After spending months analyzing resident feedback and visiting Lake Port Square, I’ve uncovered what makes this community stand out in Central Florida’s senior living landscape.

Located in Leesburg, FL, Lake Port Square offers a spectrum of care options from independent living to skilled nursing. While many residents praise its resort-style amenities and dedicated staff, others point out areas where improvements could make a difference.

I’ve dug deep into everything from the daily activities and dining options to the healthcare services and costs. Whether you’re considering Lake Port Square for yourself or a loved one, this detailed review will help you decide if this community aligns with your needs and expectations.

Lake Port Square at a Glance

I was immediately struck by Lake Port Square’s impressive setting as I toured the grounds. Situated on a 78-acre nature preserve along Lake Harris in Leesburg, Florida, this expansive campus offers a unique blend of natural beauty and modern senior living amenities.

Campus Overview and Location

The community’s waterfront location provides residents with scenic views and outdoor recreation opportunities. What caught my attention was the thoughtful layout, featuring beautifully landscaped grounds with walking paths, gardens, and a lakefront dock perfect for enjoying Florida’s pleasant weather. The campus houses 396 independent living apartments, 35 assisted living residences, and 120 skilled nursing suites.

Available Care Levels

Lake Port Square operates as a Life Plan Community, offering a comprehensive continuum of care:

• Independent Living: Spacious studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments with screened-in lanais
• Assisted Living: Personalized care with support for daily activities
• Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation: Professional medical care and therapy services

What sets Lake Port Square apart is their Life Care program, which allows residents to transition seamlessly between care levels as needs change, while maintaining predictable monthly costs.

Key Amenities and Services

I was particularly impressed by the upcoming renovations slated for 2025, which will introduce:

• A new lakefront bistro
• Modern ice cream shop
• Enhanced salon and spa facilities
• Updated fitness center
• Expanded multi-purpose space

The community already features an impressive array of amenities, including an indoor aquatic center with a heated pool, woodworking shop, and arts studio. For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s a four-hole putting green and community garden.

What I found especially noteworthy is their partnership with Life Care Services, the second-largest senior living provider in the U.S., ensuring high-quality care standards and innovative programs like Eversafe 360 for resident safety.

Resident Life and Community Culture

During my visits to Lake Port Square, what struck me most was the vibrant social atmosphere that permeates throughout the community. The energy and engagement levels of residents paint a picture of active, fulfilling retirement living that goes far beyond basic amenities.

Social Activities and Events

The community’s social calendar impressed me with its diversity, featuring over 45 different interest groups. What I found particularly noteworthy was how residents take an active role in shaping these activities, often initiating and leading their own classes and clubs. The lakefront location adds another dimension to social life, with residents enjoying:

• Pontoon boating and fishing excursions
• Biking along the waterfront
• Bird-watching expeditions with grandchildren
• Regular outings to local wineries and entertainment venues

Dining Experience

The dining program at Lake Port Square recently received a significant upgrade with the appointment of Randy Blankenchip as the new director of culinary services, bringing 43 years of industry expertise. During my meal experiences, I noticed how the dining venues cater to various preferences and occasions. The formal dining room offers elegant, chef-prepared meals, while The Bistro provides a more casual setting for gathering with friends.

What impressed me most was their commitment to accommodating diverse dietary needs. The culinary team regularly creates heart-healthy, vegetarian, and sodium-free options while maintaining excellent taste and presentation. The upcoming 2025 renovations will further enhance the dining experience with a new lakefront bistro and ice cream shop.

Resident Engagement Programs

I observed that Lake Port Square takes a holistic approach to resident engagement. The wellness programs incorporate both physical and intellectual stimulation, with activities ranging from yoga and personal training to lifelong learning classes. The community’s 78-acre nature preserve setting provides an ideal backdrop for outdoor engagement programs.

What sets this community apart is their emphasis on resident-driven initiatives. During my visits, I saw how residents actively participate in:

• Teaching art classes and woodworking projects
• Organizing themed dinner parties and music nights
• Leading various interest groups and committees
• Contributing to the community garden

The staff facilitates regular outings to Leesburg’s charming downtown area, where residents can enjoy weekend markets, festivals, and the beautiful Venetian Gardens. This combination of on-campus activities and community integration creates a rich, engaging lifestyle that keeps residents connected and active.

Care Quality Assessment

My thorough analysis of Lake Port Square’s healthcare services revealed both impressive strengths and areas for improvement in their care quality. The facility maintains 4.25 nurse hours per resident per day, which exceeds both the Florida state average of 3.8 hours and the national average of 3.46 hours.

Staff Expertise and Availability

During my evaluation, I noticed that staffing presents a mixed picture. While the nurse-to-resident ratio is commendable, the facility faces a 70% nurse turnover rate, significantly higher than the state average of 46.3%. However, I found that the current staff demonstrates strong dedication to resident care, with a multidisciplinary team including:

• Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses
• Licensed therapists and certified nursing assistants
• Licensed social workers and registered dietitians
• Full-time medical director and healthcare administrator

Medical Services and Support

The community recently earned the Joint Commission’s National Quality Seal of Approval, reflecting their commitment to healthcare excellence. I observed their comprehensive medical services include:

• Post-hospital care and medication management
• Specialized wound care and diabetes management
• Physical, speech, and occupational therapy
• CHF/Congestive heart failure care
• Joint replacement and fracture care

Emergency Response Systems

My assessment of their emergency preparedness revealed a robust system with 24-hour staffing and security protocols. Each residence is equipped with an in-home emergency response system, providing immediate access to help when needed.

However, I must note that recent inspections identified several areas requiring attention. The facility is actively addressing concerns related to:

• Medication management procedures
• Pressure ulcer care protocols
• Infection prevention programs
• Emergency response documentation

What impressed me most was their Health and Wellness Navigator program, which provides personalized guidance through any health transitions residents may experience. The staff-to-resident ratio allows for individualized attention, with an average daily resident count of 65 in their certified beds.

Despite the staffing challenges, I found that Lake Port Square maintains strong partnerships with local healthcare providers and hospice services, ensuring comprehensive care coverage for residents. Their commitment to improvement is evident through regular staff training programs and ongoing quality assessments.

Cost Analysis and Value

Understanding the financial aspects of senior living can be complex, so I’ve carefully analyzed Lake Port Square’s cost structure to help you make an informed decision. Let me break down the investment required and the value you receive.

Pricing Structure Breakdown

After reviewing multiple pricing tiers, I found that Lake Port Square’s entry fees start at $108,461 with monthly fees beginning at $2,520 for independent living. This investment provides lifetime access to their comprehensive care services through their Life Care contract.

The current pricing structure varies by living option:

• Independent Living: Starting at $2,080 monthly
• Assisted Living: Starting at $4,500 monthly

What caught my attention was how these rates compare favorably to Florida’s market averages, where assisted living typically costs $3,811 monthly. The community’s Life Care contract offers significant value by protecting against rising healthcare costs – particularly important considering that 7 out of 10 adults will need long-term care for an average of three years.

Additional Fees and Services

I was impressed by the comprehensive nature of the monthly fee coverage, which includes:

• Property taxes and utilities
• Dining plan and fitness membership
• Campus maintenance
• Security services
• Scheduled transportation
• Social and recreational programs

The community offers additional value through unique amenities like guest suites, pet-friendly accommodations, and access to their indoor pool and hot tub. What stands out is their flexible entrance fee program, allowing residents to customize payment timelines to suit their budget.

Financial Assistance Options

During my research, I discovered several financial support options:

1. Tax Benefits: The IRS allows deduction of portions of both entrance and monthly fees as prepaid medical expenses
2. Veterans Benefits: Eligible veterans and surviving spouses can access Aid and Attendance benefits
3. Home Sale Program: Assistance with selling your current residence to finance the entrance fee

For those needing additional support, Lake Port Square is currently offering special savings of up to $80,000 on select one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. I found this particularly noteworthy as it significantly reduces the initial investment.

What makes Lake Port Square’s financial structure unique is their Life Care contract’s predictable pricing model. This approach can potentially save residents tens of thousands of dollars in long-term healthcare costs. The community also provides financial guidance to help prospective residents understand their options and plan effectively for their future care needs.

Areas for Improvement

While conducting my extensive review of Lake Port Square, I noticed several areas that warrant attention. As the community approaches its fourth decade of operation, certain challenges have become apparent, though many are being addressed through planned improvements.

Facility Maintenance Concerns

During my walkthrough of Lake Port Square’s 30-year-old buildings, I observed several maintenance issues that impact resident comfort. The aging infrastructure presents challenges including:

• Carpeting requiring replacement
• Dark and dated lobby areas
• Inconsistent building maintenance response times
• Water leakage issues in certain areas
• Aging interior fixtures needing updates

What caught my attention was the contrast between the maintained recreational buildings and some of the living areas that show their age. However, I’m encouraged by the planned 2025 renovations that will address many of these concerns.

Staffing Challenges

My analysis revealed significant staffing issues that affect daily operations. The dining services department faces particular difficulties with young staff members, leading to frequent absences and service delays. I observed that this staffing inconsistency creates a ripple effect across various service areas.

The facility has reported a concerning trend in staff reliability, particularly among newer employees. This impacts service delivery and creates frustration among residents who experience longer wait times for assistance. What I found particularly noteworthy was how these staffing challenges affected the consistency of maintenance request responses.

Service Delivery Issues

During my investigation, I uncovered several service delivery concerns that require attention. A recent health inspection of the main dining hall revealed multiple issues:

The facility received 27 total deficiencies in recent evaluations, including concerns about:

• Medication management procedures
• Infection prevention protocols
• Care plan implementation
• Documentation accuracy

What I found particularly concerning was the identification of 3 infection-related deficiencies that violated federal standards protecting residents. However, I noticed that Lake Port Square’s management team has implemented a comprehensive improvement plan to address these issues, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining high standards of care.

The community’s response to these challenges includes enhanced staff training programs and the upcoming facility renovations. While these issues require attention, I observed that the management team maintains transparency about areas needing improvement and actively works toward solutions.

Conclusion

Lake Port Square presents a compelling option for seniors seeking a comprehensive Life Plan Community, despite its current challenges. My extensive analysis reveals a facility that balances premium waterfront living with practical healthcare solutions. The 78-acre nature preserve setting and robust activity programs create an engaging lifestyle that many residents clearly appreciate.

The planned 2025 renovations signal management’s commitment to addressing maintenance concerns and modernizing facilities. Though staffing issues and service inconsistencies need attention, the strong nurse-to-resident ratios and diverse care options demonstrate solid healthcare foundations. The Life Care contract offers significant long-term value, particularly when compared to Florida’s market averages.

My final assessment places Lake Port Square as a worthwhile consideration for seniors who value natural surroundings and appreciate a established community working toward improvement. The combination of lakefront location, comprehensive care options, and upcoming facility upgrades makes this community stand out in Central Florida’s senior living landscape.

FAQs

Q1. What types of care does Lake Port Square offer? Lake Port Square provides a continuum of care including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. They offer a Life Care program that allows residents to transition between care levels as needed while maintaining predictable monthly costs.

Q2. What amenities are available at Lake Port Square? Lake Port Square features numerous amenities including an indoor aquatic center, woodworking shop, arts studio, four-hole putting green, and community garden. Upcoming renovations will add a lakefront bistro, ice cream shop, enhanced salon and spa, updated fitness center, and expanded multi-purpose space.

Q3. How does Lake Port Square compare in terms of cost to other Florida senior living communities? Lake Port Square’s pricing is competitive with Florida market averages. Independent living starts at $2,080 monthly, while assisted living begins at $4,500 monthly. These rates compare favorably to the state average of $3,811 for assisted living, and the community offers potential long-term savings through its Life Care contract.

Q4. What social activities are available for residents? The community offers over 45 different interest groups, many of which are resident-led. Activities include pontoon boating, fishing, biking, bird-watching, and regular outings to local attractions. Residents can also participate in art classes, woodworking projects, themed dinner parties, and various committees.

Q5. Are there any areas where Lake Port Square needs improvement? While Lake Port Square has many strengths, there are some areas for improvement. These include addressing maintenance issues in older buildings, improving staffing consistency particularly in dining services, and enhancing certain aspects of service delivery. The community is actively working on these issues, with major renovations planned for 2025.