Get To Know JoAnn

About Gateway

Gateway Senior Services

A Personal Journey in Senior Care

I want to offer a passageway. A gateway from one stage in life to another.
JoAnn Portera
Owner, Gateway Senior Services

My path to founding Gateway Senior Services began in my childhood home, where I witnessed firsthand the challenges families face when caring for aging loved ones. As a young girl, I watched my mother struggle to care for my grandmother, who lived with us and needed increasing levels of assistance. I saw the toll it took on our family – the stress, the uncertainty, and most importantly, the need for guidance and support during this challenging transition.

That experience planted a seed that would shape my entire career. Despite initial pressure to pursue a career in finance, my heart pulled me toward healthcare. Twenty years ago, I found my calling in hospice nursing, where I’ve spent two decades working closely with seniors and their families during life’s most vulnerable moments.

My Commitment to You

At Gateway Senior Services, I believe in being more than just a placement service. I am:

  • A guide who has walked this path both personally and professionally
  • A nurse who understands the medical complexities of aging
  • An advocate who has seen facilities at their best and most challenging moments
  • A compassionate listener who understands the emotional weight of these decisions

I provide complimentary initial assessments and am willing to meet you and your loved one in your home. This allows me to:

  • Understand your unique situation and needs
  • Evaluate care requirements thoroughly
  • Discuss options openly and honestly
  • Answer all your questions and concerns
  • Create a personalized plan for next steps

In my career, I have:

  • 20 years of hospice nursing experience
  • Comprehensive knowledge of Central Florida senior living facilities
  • Business degree complementing healthcare expertise
  • Specialized training in senior placement services

Every family’s journey is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution in senior care. My role is to use my experience, knowledge, and understanding to help you navigate this transition with confidence and peace of mind.

What We Do

Assisted Living Placement

Memory Care Solutions

Independent Living Options

Respite Care Placement

In-Home Care Referrals

Why Gateway Senior Services?

Through my years as a hospice nurse, I’ve had a unique opportunity that sets Gateway Senior Services apart: I’ve been inside virtually every senior living facility in Central Florida – not just during scheduled tours, but at 2 AM when real care happens. I’ve seen firsthand which facilities truly deliver on their promises and which ones fall short.

This intimate knowledge of local facilities, combined with my nursing expertise and personal experience, allows me to guide families to the best possible care solutions for their loved ones. I understand that this journey isn’t just about finding a facility – it’s about finding the right home, the right care, and the right support system.

Connect for a complimentary in-home consultation

Understand Your Options

Call us on 321-257-3235 or simply fill out our form and we’ll reach out to you.