How big is the project?
The total project size will not be over 140 units. Unit size will vary from approximately 400 sq. ft. for an assisted living unit to 1,200 sq ft for a 2-bedroom/2-bath supported independent living unit.

Where will the community be located?
The city of Key West has set aside four acres of the approximately 34 acres of the old Navy Base property. In addition, Keys Energy Services will make available an adjoining property consisting of 1 2/3 acres. These sites are at the boundary of the old Navy base between Southard and Angela Streets..

All together, the City of Key West and Keys Energy Services have set aside approximately 5.3 acres.

How many people will be served? Who will be interested in living there?
Prospective residents will likely be senior citizens now living in the lower Keys from Key West to Marathon. These are people with sufficient income or assets to buy or rent such living accommodations but have no such options currently available to them. Of course, the goal is to provide for a mixed income community. At least 50% of the assisted living units will be subsidized to accommodate low-income residents. There will be 35% of the proposed 95 independent living units subsidized to accommodate low-income residents.

Why are most of the units for supported independent living rather than assisted care? Our concept was to create a community where an elder could “age in place.” To pinpoint the exact mix of senior independent living and assisted living, our consultants undertook a comprehensive market study. The data indicates a greater need for supported independent living units. Supported independent living is for people age 65 and up can access assistance with services they need, such as meals, housekeeping and assistance with medications. Assisted living is state definition The concept evolving is that with better care as we age, the longer we can be expected to be healthier, therefore maintain our independence.

How much will the units cost?
The community is being planned as a mixed income community. With units running at or about $200,000 to 1.5 million. And rental units from $1,000 to $4,900 monthly.

What will my monthly fees include for independent living?
Taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance, use of common areas, cable, wellness programs, recreational activities, security and parking.

What will my monthly fees include for assisted living?
Standard services include assistance with medications, medical visits, bathing and dressing, meals, transportation and assistance with other activities of daily living.

Why isn’t this community being planned as a nursing home?
Nursing homes must meet rigorous and expensive standards that are required by Florida law. The majority of elders do not require such comprehensive, round the clock care. Our community will have caregivers on site but not custodial facilities for people who require continuous, supervised skilled nursing and medical care. The convalescent center and hospital now serve these patients; it is not our goal to compete with these existing and ongoing operations.

What kind of application process will there be and how will acceptance be decided? There will certainly be a fair and equitable process established and the criteria will be made public. People within this area who meet the criteria will be given priority. Further details about the proposed admissions process and criteria are being developed by the coalition and will be available soon.

Who is on the board of directors? The Florida Keys Assisted Care Coalition, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation that has been granted 501 (c) (3) tax exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service. Its purpose is to establish an independent living and assisted care community in Key West. None of the directors has a financial interest in the project; nor will any director benefit in any financial way in its construction or operation. Each director has voted to affirm a resolution citing this criterion. Currently, the co-chairs are Joan Higgs and Ed Swift. Members are: Lucie Adams. Peter Batty. Ed Block. Bud Brewer. Sheldon Davidson. David Eyer. Rita Fabel. John Dolan-Heitlinger. Armando “Bookie” Henriquez. Steve Henson. Erica Hughes. Liz Kern. G. Jack King. Karen Lockwood. Robin Lockwood, M.D. Roberta Markow. Molly Shallow. Joe Smith. Current or future board members will not have any direct or indirect input in choosing individuals who will live in the community. The board is currently involved in developing guidelines that will be applied in the application process.

Will residents be able to own their apartments?
No. The units cannot be owned fee-simple. But for residents who elect to pay an upfront entrance fee, they will be guaranteed use of their unit for as long as they are physically and mentally capable. Rentals will be governed by leases of appropriate duration. The land will always be owned by the City of Key West as well as Keys Energy Services. The buildings will be owned by the provider.

Why is this project important?
Our senior citizen population is growing and will continue to grow. Today, there are more than 8,000 people age 65 and over in the primary market area. Because of age and disabilities many are compelled to move elsewhere, away from family and friends, as there is no community in the lower Keys.

Who will be served by this community? Who would not be served?
This community is for elders who are at a point in life where they prefer independent living without the burdens of home ownership or don’t have the option of sharing a home with children or relatives, yet they want to “age in place” in a community where assisted care is available when needed. The community is not a suitable option for elders who need comprehensive medical care on site.

How much government money will be invested in the project?
This is not a public housing program. We anticipate that the City of Key West and Keys Energy Services will contribute the land at no cost, but retain ownership under lease agreements. We also anticipate that Monroe County will participate in some way. The community will be built using conventional long term financing arrangements plus the upfront fees paid by residents. Monthly fees paid by residents will cover maintenance and operating costs. The ability for the community to offer its services to low income residents is directly affected by those who are better situated financially. Thus, families who have the ability to pay the higher “fees” and rental amounts are vital to sustaining the community.

Is this use compatible with the neighbors?
Yes. The portion of the land this will be built upon abuts existing residential neighborhoods. Also, architectural treatment and landscaping will be consistent with the traditional character of Key West.

Will there be enough units for elders with low-incomes?
Yes. The market studies indicate there will be sufficient units to meet anticipated needs. The fact remains, however, this community cannot be financed unless a substantial number of residents are able to pay upfront fees established on the basis of fair market value. In effect, residents with higher income will subsidize units set aside for low-income residents. If needed, of course, additional low-income units could be provided but that would likely require greater government participation and funding. Of course, the more money the community contributes the more we can do.

Can couples live there?
Yes.
Will I be able to work?
Yes.
Will I be able to have my own car?
Yes.

Will the community offer meals, housecleaning and other amenities?
Yes. Many services will be offered, such as meal service, housekeeping, laundry, assistance with medications, transportation, assistance with bathing and dressing, nighttime tuck-in service.

What is Respite Care and will it be available?
Respite care will be offered for those individuals who need a place to be while their family members work, or go about their daily activities.

For more information:
The Assisted Care Website is: www.fkacc.org
Email address: fkacc99@aol.com
Telephone: (305) 797-6992

Dated: 3/2007

This is going to more than double the assisted living units for low-income individuals.