Expert: Mica Gilles

Expertise: Executive director of Sumter Senior Living , one of the oldest communities in The Villages.

Under the leadership of Gilles and her dedicated team of 150 employees, Sumter Senior Living routinely earns 5-star satisfaction reviews from residents. In 2024, it was recognized as Best Assisted Living in Florida by Assisted Living Magazine.

Q: What makes your community unique compared to other senior living and memory care facilities?

A: One of the great things about our campus is that people can move through the levels of care as needed. With a total of 298 apartments, independent living, assisted living and memory care options are all available in one beautiful location with a warm, family-like atmosphere.

For our 330 residents, the community provides convenience, security, and an abundance of outstanding resources. We’ve maintained 100% occupancy since August 2024 and have a waiting list of people wanting to move in. That’s a testament to our community. We’ve created an environment where people want to live and consider it home. It’s not like home, it IS home.

Q: How do you support residents’ quality of life beyond medical care?

A: Residents appreciate the attractive apartments, and all-inclusive resort-style amenities, including full bar, heated pool and fitness center with full-time Fitness Director, Sabrina (or B* as everyone calls her). With a robust social calendar, there’s no shortage of opportunities. 

The restaurant-quality dining earns rave reviews. There’s no assigned seating or cafeteria-style meals. Just like at your favorite restaurant, you’ll choose from the menu and experience quality food and service. Residents enjoy three chef-prepared meals daily, and snacks are available in the bistro areas. Our Dining Services Director Deborah Rivera ensures the menu includes healthy, fresh, delicious choices.

Q: How do you personalize care for each resident, especially those with memory-related conditions?

A: When a new resident moves into assisted living or memory care, a full assessment by on-staff Wellness Director Victoria Hensley helps determine what type of assistance they require.

Our individualized care plans take a compassionate approach. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. We tailor care to each person based on what that resident needs and wants. This goes beyond help with medication and personal care.

For example, if a gentleman wants coffee at his bedside table every morning at 9:00 because that’s how his wife used to do it, we make that happen. This sounds simple, but details like this really make a difference so this can truly be home.

Q: What safety and security measures are in place to ensure residents’ well-being?

A: The memory care neighborhood has 24/7 staffing and there’s an emergency call system in every apartment. All 40 studio apartments in that section are secure so residents can’t wander.

Our staff-to-resident ratios are above and beyond state staffing requirements. We have certified medication techs, certified nurse’s aides, and home health aides. There are also LPNs present around the clock. Even in independent living, there’s someone at the front desk 24/7.

We pride ourselves on hiring the best staff, training them well and retaining them. Some members of the team have been here since the community opened in 2012. 

Q: What kind of training and experience does your staff have in supporting residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia?

A: All staff members are trained in dementia care, and some are certified dementia practitioners. Every team member working in memory care goes through The Villages’ program training for Alzheimer’s, which focuses on understanding and interacting with these residents to live in their world.

Specialized memory care programs help keep things familiar and comfortable for residents. This includes one-on-one support from caring staff who are highly skilled and compassionate.

Medication management is monitored by licensed professionals. They communicate with the pharmacy and make sure all prescriptions are on time, so residents and their families have peace of mind.

There’s a big difference between someone staying in their home and hiring help or living here. We go beyond the medical aspect of care and offer a wide variety of engagement opportunities.

Q: How do you support families during the transition and beyond?

A: We offer guidance and support every step of the way—from decision making to move-in. A move-in coordinator assists with the process. Within the first week, each new resident (and family members, if they choose), has a round table meeting to chat with me and my team.

We want to know how their transition is going and for them to feel comfortable talking with us. This is their home, so whatever they need we’re here to serve. We always come from a place of “yes” and try to find solutions to make them as happy as possible. 

Sumter Senior Living is recognized for exceeding expectations and delivering an exceptional experience for residents and families alike. We invite anyone considering our community to tour the property, have a meal, enjoy entertainment and experience how it feels to live in this welcoming environment.