By Mike Candelaria

Victoria Landing provides plentiful amenities and an environment that promotes an active, comprehensively healthy lifestyle for its residents.

The owners and staff of Victoria Landing work hard every day to ensure their community lives up to its reputation as a preferred lifestyle choice. Collectively, they have created an environment they are extremely proud of and one that is unique, and beneficial, to Brevard County. “Making the decision to move is often a difficult one,” said Amy Schaefer, executive director, “but once someone tours a place like Victoria Landing, they’ll think differently about their options.”

At Victoria Landing, what residents ask for, and receive in spades, is an active, healthy lifestyle. Victoria Landing is Melbourne’s only assisted-living rental community on the waterfront, but it is “assisted living” only in concept. Instead, the community is all about living life to its fullest. Picturesque views of the Indian River and historic downtown Eau Gallie dominate the resort-like setting, which also includes top-notch personal care and ample doses of “whole health.” “Our concept of ‘whole health’ comes in the form of activities for mind, body and spirit provided through a myriad of programs, activities and community assets,” explained Christine Loa, director of resident care.

Resident amenities include restaurant style dining, housekeeping and laundry services, a wide variety of entertainment and activities catered to their interests, a heated pool and nursing assistance, which is available 24 hours a day to help residents stay active and maintain their independence. The newest addition to Victoria Landing features 28 private residences devoted to memory care for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. It is a welcome addition to a place that strives to provide for all residents and cater to specific needs.

Victoria Landing provides plentiful amenities and an environment that promotes an active, comprehensively healthy lifestyle for its residents.

Manifesting a Vision

This month, Victoria Landing is celebrating its five-year anniversary of providing the vital life their residents have come to know and appreciate. “It’s all been part of the plan,” according to Schaefer, who points to the beginning with John and Barbara Rumpel. The Rumpels are the owners of Victoria Landing and, notably, are also residents there. In 2004, while the Rumpels were visiting the area, driving west over the Eau Gallie Causeway, John spotted an 11-story building surrounded by the one- and two-story buildings that comprise Eau Gallie. Eventually, John purchased the building from the City of Melbourne, and it would later become Victoria Landing. John sought to create a caring community that was worthy of residents such as his mother, Joya Paterson, who, “after a lifetime of achievements and acclaim, deserved a carefree, rewarding quality of life.”

Bill is a U.S. Air Force veteran who moved into Victoria Landing because he wanted to give his son and family the freedom to travel and enjoy their lives without worrying about him. Two years later, he says, “I haven’t regretted my decision one bit. Living here, I want for nothing.” Pauline moved to Victoria Landing nearly four years ago as the only place she and her husband considered when they were ready to move out of their home. “We love being right on the river and enjoy all the activities that are offered. We just love it here!”

An emphasis on exercise is evident not only in Victoria Landing’s scheduled exercise classes, but also in its scenic walking trails and heated swimming pool. Book clubs, a lecture series, a library and web classes are a few of the other highlights, while Bible studies and worship services offer the opportunity to strengthen spiritual health. The addition of a Culinary Expressions Kitchen gives residents the opportunity to share their life stories through cooking classes and demonstrations. A pub, game room, card room and a full calendar of events are also available to round out the resident experience. That is exactly the way John and Barbara wanted it from the beginning… to give their residents a place to live out a rewarding, vital life.

Their welcome mat is real.

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