Amavida is creating jobs, along with new lifestyle options for active seniors in Fort Myers

Amavida is ramping up hiring for its new luxury, resort-style independent living, assisted living and memory care community in Fort Myers. Developed by international real estate development, investment and management firm Quadrum Global, the $95-million community opens in early December and is expected to create up to 175 health care, hospitality and service positions.

Despite the area’s low unemployment rate of 2.9 percent, Amavida has received strong interest in job postings. An emphasis on both resident and employee culture at the community is one reason for the high level of interest.

“We want to build the right team, and we want these positions to be more than just a job,” said Colin Marshall, Quadrum Global’s president of senior living management. “Amavida means ‘a love of life.’ We want our residents to feel that, so it’s important for the people who work here to have that same kind of positive attitude and outlook.”

To help foster employee satisfaction, all staff members will have access to the community’s on-site pharmacy and medical clinic that is available to residents.

“We want everyone to be treated well here,” said Marshall. “It makes for a much better community if the staff is just as happy as the residents.”

Amavida will meet a growing need in the senior living industry. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that there will be 78 million Americans age 65 and older by 2035. By 2060, nearly one in four Americans will be 65 years and older. Florida, in particular, continues to be a hot spot for retirees, who helped the state’s population grow by 11.6 percent from 2010 to 2017. That means senior living options will be a growing need for years to come.

Amavida is based around a rental model, rather than ownership. There is no costly buy-in requirement at the 32-acre, 460-unit community. Instead, future residents can submit a deposit to secure their spot, choosing from 300 independent living, 125 assisted living and 35 memory care units. One-year rental lease agreements are available with affordable monthly rates based on the selected floor plan and appropriate level of care, ranging from $2,600 to $6,000. Monthly rates are all-inclusive and allow each resident a $500 standard monthly dining allowance.

“Amavida offers active seniors and those in need of more care a new option for their next phase in life,” said Marshall. “We’re breaking from the usual mold and giving our residents everything they want without the typical upfront expenses and commitments. Fort Myers is the perfect place to do that.”

Amavida features a fresh, modern design and unique hospitality services. Community amenities include numerous fine cuisine restaurants and bars; several in-house movie theaters; resort-style and lap pools; tennis, pickleball, bocce ball and basketball courts; a Par 3 golf practice area; salons and spas; outdoor fire pits; and much more. The community also offers robust daily activity programming and an arts and crafts workspace, plus multiple aVidafit gyms and programs, encouraging residents to lead healthy, active lifestyles.

Amavida is conveniently located at 7650 Gladiolus Drive in Fort Myers, between Summerlin Road and U.S. 41. Community tours are available by walk-in or appointment. The Amavida Welcome Center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays by appointment only. Visit www.amavidaliving.com for virtual floor plan tours and additional community information.