As the population of South Florida ages, both physical and cognitive decline present unique challenges for the region’s seniors. To address these needs, Baptist Health and Belmont Village Senior Living have teamed up to launch a state-of-the-art senior living community in Coral Gables.
This all-encompassing community combines luxury living with innovative healthcare, offering residents not only a place to live but also comprehensive, on-site care.
A New Model of Senior Care
Dr. Andrew Forster, an internal medicine physician with Baptist Health Primary Care, recently transitioned from Baptist Health Primary Care in Miami Beach to the Coral Gables location. He underscores the importance of integrated healthcare.
“One of the common frustrations seniors face is fragmented care,” he explains. “They see a cardiologist at one place, a pulmonologist at another, and it’s difficult to ensure all these systems communicate.”
At Belmont Village, this fragmentation is addressed head-on through Baptist Health’s integrated system, allowing for seamless communication among healthcare providers. “I can instantly access records from other specialists within the Baptist system, giving patients a more comprehensive and efficient level of care,” says Dr. Forster.
He also highlights how geographic accessibility is a key factor for seniors, particularly in a city like Miami, where distances and traffic can be a barrier. “Many seniors no longer drive and rely on family members or public transport. Having a healthcare hub within the Belmont Village community allows residents to receive top-notch medical care without the inconvenience of long commutes.”
A Holistic Approach to Health and Wellness
Patricia Will, CEO and Founder of Belmont Village Senior Living, emphasizes the importance of addressing not only physical health but also cognitive wellness and community engagement. “Aging is a gift,” she says. “Our mission is to create an environment where seniors can thrive in every aspect of their lives.”
Belmont Village offers a range of living options, from independent living to assisted living and memory care, all under one roof. This flexibility allows residents to age in place, a critical advantage for couples with differing care needs.
“We’re licensed to the highest level of care throughout the entire building,” says Will. “This means that as care needs evolve, residents don’t have to move—whether they require more support or a memory care program, we have it all here.”
One of the standout features of Belmont Village is its award-winning Circle of Friends® program, designed for residents with mild to moderate memory loss. Developed in collaboration with healthcare partners like UCLA and Vanderbilt, the program focuses on building cognitive reserve through small-group exercises and mental stimulation.
“We’re not just trying to maintain memory,” says Will. “Our goal is to help residents build cognitive reserve and live purposeful, engaged lives at every stage of aging.”
The Role of Innovation in Care and Design
Beyond healthcare, Belmont Village Coral Gables offers a luxurious, thoughtfully designed environment. The community is located in the heart of Merrick Park, featuring Mediterranean-inspired architecture and a host of amenities including a fine-dining restaurant, a resort-style pool, a fitness center, and a full-service salon. These amenities are not just about aesthetics—they are integral to promoting the well-being of the residents.
“Health and wellness go hand-in-hand with luxury at Belmont Village,” Will says. “Our fitness center is equipped with senior-friendly exercise machines, and we offer regular classes like Tai Chi and chair yoga. Additionally, through our partnership with Baptist Health, residents have convenient access to physical therapy and primary care, which makes it easier for them to stay on top of their health.”
Dr. Forster echoes the value of proximity. “We’re just an elevator ride away. If a resident needs medical attention, they don’t have to arrange for transportation or wait in traffic—they can see a doctor within minutes.”
A Community Within a Community
One of Belmont Village’s core values is creating a “community within a community,” an ethos that extends beyond the walls of the building. Will explains how Belmont engages not only its residents but also the broader South Florida community.
“We’ve hosted a variety of initiatives, from candlelight concerts to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s to intergenerational activities with foster children,” she shares. Belmont Village also plans to host a canned food drive this fall, benefiting local food banks.
This level of community engagement is not just about creating opportunities for socialization, but also about fostering a sense of purpose among the residents. “Social engagement is a key element to successful aging,” says Will. “We design programs and events that provide residents with meaningful ways to contribute to the community and stay involved in the world around them.”
A Vision for the Future of Senior Care
The partnership between Baptist Health and Belmont Village represents a new frontier in senior living, one that integrates luxury, healthcare, and community in a way that promotes not just longevity but quality of life. For Dr. Forster, the collaboration is about providing personalized care in a setting that makes healthcare accessible and effective.
“Having two experienced doctors on-site is a big plus for residents,” he explains. “It allows us to deliver comprehensive care, quickly and conveniently, while helping them navigate the broader Baptist Health system.”
As South Florida’s population continues to age, Belmont Village Coral Gables sets a new standard for senior living—one that balances the needs of residents with the best that modern healthcare and community living have to offer.
Click HERE to view full article.