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There are assisted living facilities in St. Petersburg, Florida that make your loved one’s life more comfortable. However, choosing assisted living in St. Petersburg means making a major decision that can impact the rest of your loved one’s life. This decision shouldn’t be taken lightly. Here are some reasons why now may be too early to send your family member to an assisted living program.

They’re Not Physically Ready

Can your parents still get upstairs okay? Can they take medication as prescribed, bathe, clean, and eat independently? If your loved one is able to physically get around, assisted living may be too much of a burden for an older adult capable of handling themselves. There’s a sense of community in these programs, but older adults often prefer knowing they can take care of themselves without the help of a trained professional.

They May Prefer Solitude

Many older adults still like their solitude. Being alone sometimes is important at a time in life where older adults want to reflect on their life and enjoy private time with family. These living facilities do a good amount to make sure residents feel they have access to the care they need. But for older adults, a familiar face may be more friendly than someone they’ve never met. Hence, the benefits of solitude may outweigh moving into an assisted living program.

They’re Not Mentally Ready

Preferring solitude is one thing, but moving into assisted living facilities is a huge choice. Assisted living programs present a form of closure some senior citizens might not be ready to embrace. Unresolved conflicts, a joyful personality, and the sorrow that comes from leaving home may be too much to bear. Therefore, it may be better to wait until later so that you and your loved ones can all spend more time together.

One of the worst decisions adult children can make is placing their parents into an assisted living program too early. If they’re still physically and mentally capable, why rush the process? At the very least, older adults may wish to spend more time alone than socializing in assisted living. The benefits are there, but patience is key when making decisions on behalf of older adults.

There are assisted living facilities in St. Petersburg, Florida that make your loved one’s life more comfortable. However, choosing assisted living in St. Petersburg means making a major decision that can impact the rest of your loved one’s life. This decision shouldn’t be taken lightly. Here are some reasons why now may be too early to send your family member to an assisted living program.

They’re Not Physically Ready

Can your parents still get upstairs okay? Can they take medication as prescribed, bathe, clean, and eat independently? If your loved one is able to physically get around, assisted living may be too much of a burden for an older adult capable of handling themselves. There’s a sense of community in these programs, but older adults often prefer knowing they can take care of themselves without the help of a trained professional.

They May Prefer Solitude

Many older adults still like their solitude. Being alone sometimes is important at a time in life where older adults want to reflect on their life and enjoy private time with family. These living facilities do a good amount to make sure residents feel they have access to the care they need. But for older adults, a familiar face may be more friendly than someone they’ve never met. Hence, the benefits of solitude may outweigh moving into an assisted living program.

They’re Not Mentally Ready

Preferring solitude is one thing, but moving into assisted living facilities is a huge choice. Assisted living programs present a form of closure some senior citizens might not be ready to embrace. Unresolved conflicts, a joyful personality, and the sorrow that comes from leaving home may be too much to bear. Therefore, it may be better to wait until later so that you and your loved ones can all spend more time together.

One of the worst decisions adult children can make is placing their parents into an assisted living program too early. If they’re still physically and mentally capable, why rush the process? At the very least, older adults may wish to spend more time alone than socializing in assisted living. The benefits are there, but patience is key when making decisions on behalf of older adults.

Westminster Communities Of Florida Wins Gold, 5 Awards in 2021 National Mature Media Awards

Westminster Communities of Florida was a winner in the 30th Annual National Mature Media Awards Program. The program, presented by the Mature Market Resource Center, a national clearing-house for the senior market, recognizes the nation’s finest marketing, communications, educational materials, and programs designed and produced for older adults. 

The organization was pleased to receive a Gold Award for its “Westminster Sings What The World Needs Now (Is Love)” social media campaign, in the category of Social Media. This video, which featured nearly 50 residents and team members representing our 22 communities, is a heart-warming antidote to the hardest days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The video is still available on Westminster’s YouTube channel for viewers to enjoy — go to https://youtu.be/8FhSpfMu_QI.

In addition, Westminster Communities of Florida was recognized with awards for: 

• The rebrand of the Westminster Communities Foundation, which received a Bronze Award in the category of Marketing and Advertising Campaigns. This campaign of brochures, flyers, personalized donor cultivation materials, recognition gifts and more has contributed to the successful launch of a major new campaign focused on donor recruitment for our charitable foundation. We congratulate the Westminster Communities Foundation team.

• A campaign offering advice to our team members who graduated high school and college, “Seniors 2 Seniors,” was recognized with a Bronze Award in the category of Social Media. We asked residents what advice they might give, and then captured them offering it and shared it on social media, as well as our internal CCTV systems. Enjoy the video and get their advice on Westminster’s YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/d4fzkMIP8Io
  
• To help provide the most up-to-date information on the COVID-19 pandemic to our residents and their family members, we created a special “Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources” online guide. These web pages contained a variety of information about how residents and their families could stay safe, support each other and our communities, and even a fun kids’ activity pack for summer, when camps and day cares were closed. The COVID-19 guide was recognized with a Bronze Award in the category of Web-based Resource/Tool. These resources are still available and up-to-date at https://westminstercommunitiesfl.org/coronavirus-news-and-resources

• Our “Thank You Team Members” campaign, celebrating our team members for their heroic work of caring for vulnerable residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, received a Merit Award in the category of Marketing and Advertising Campaigns. It consisted of a campaign of signs, banners, recognition gifts, online graphics, social media posts and more. We congratulate our Human Resources and Creative teams for their work on the campaign.

Those involved with the art direction, design and copywriting for the campaigns were Nicole Muller, Vice President of Sales and Marketing; Wes Meltzer, Director of Marketing and Communications; Katherine Peters, Director of Sales, Chris Ware, Creative Services Coordinator; Natalie Rooney, Creative Design Specialist; and Sydney March, Social Media Specialist.

“We were delighted and honored to have been selected for these awards,” Meltzer said. “Our Creative Team does amazing work. The recognition of the Mature Media Awards just confirms it for us. Westminster Communities of Florida was pleased to take part in the 30th anniversary of the Mature Media Awards program, and very happy with the results.”

The entries were judged by a distinguished panel of mature market experts from across the United States for overall excellence of design, content, creativity and relevance to the senior market.

About Westminster Communities of Florida: Westminster Communities of Florida serves more than 7,000 residents in 22 communities throughout Florida who are in search of an enlightened, fully integrated, person-centered approach to health and wellness. Since 1954, we’ve been Florida’s best choice in active senior living. Find out more about how you can Live Well. Be Happy. at a Westminster community – visit our Web site at www.WestminsterCommunitiesFL.org or call 407-839-5050.

While getting older, residents of assisted living facilities in St. Petersburg should take some extra time to care for their oral health. Poor oral health can have consequences – such as dealing with tooth loss, gum conditions, root decay, and dry mouth. So, how can you best avoid these problems – and have the healthiest teeth possible? Read on for a few top oral health tips for seniors.

Floss and Brush Daily

Probably, you have heard about the importance of flossing and brushing since childhood. Regular brushing and flossing are the perfect ways to enhance and maintain oral health. Dentists recommend that a person should brush twice daily. As you age, you can benefit from more fluoride; therefore, select a toothpaste containing high mineral levels. You should also remember to also floss once per day. If you or a loved one faces challenges due to conditions such as arthritis while brushing, try a flossing tool or water pick. Staff at your assisted living facility can also help you combat any of these challenges!

Use a Good Toothbrush

A toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head that can reach the back of the mouth is perfect for brushing. Find products accredited by reputable dental associations. However, conditions like arthritis may make it hard to brush. In that case, you should consider purchasing a battery-operated toothbrush to have a perfect daily cleaning. Change your toothbrush after every three months or any time bristles begin to fray. 

Avoid Tobacco Products

To maintain good oral health, you should avoid chewing tobacco and smoking cigarettes. Besides lung cancer, smoking can also lead to mouth and throat cancer. In addition, tobacco can also cause tooth decay and gum diseases. You can consult a doctor about developing a treatment plan to help with quitting smoking. 

Apply Antibacterial Mouthwash

Bacteria and germs in the mouth may lead to plaque build-up, gum conditions, and eventually tooth loss. Seniors should use a mouthwash that has antibacterial properties to facilitate the prevention of gum conditions. Remember to use mouthwash daily. This can help to eliminate mouth bacteria. If a senior wears dentures, they may be more exposed to bacterial build-ups.

For regular, expert assistance with your oral health and other parts of your healthy, active lifestyle, turn to Westminster Palms! Our St. Petersburg assisted living facility gives you the freedom and fun to enjoy active senior living. Contact us today to discover how living at Westminster Palms can benefit you!

You can never be too prepared when it comes to emergencies. Administrators at your assisted living facility must include severe weather safety as part of their emergency preparations and incorporate it into their plans. However, when it comes to hurricanes and other storms you might face while living in Florida, it pays to be calm and prepared! Read on to learn several ways to stay smart and safe in St. Petersburg assisted living during severe weather.

Have A Strategy

Just like any emergency situation, planning is essential to staying prepared. Create a strategy for any situation that might arise – and check with your assisted living facility to know their plans and procedures. Do they have partnerships in place with other assisted living facilities and businesses in the area? Are you aware of any particular evacuation, emergency, or shelter-in-place plans for your area?

Buy Emergency Supplies

In the event of a crisis, your assisted living institution should have medication, water, and food on hand to fulfill your basic needs. However, be sure to plan ahead with any additional supplies you may need! This might mean batteries, a flashlight, waterproof storage for any important items, and even some entertainment, like books or puzzles while you wait for the storm to pass.

Educate Yourself About Disaster Preparation

Even when facing inclement conditions, it’s important to keep your composure! If severe weather strikes, don’t fear – your skilled assisted living facility team is trained to solve any problems that might arise during a hurricane. Learning what to expect can make the situation a little less scary. For example, know the terminology. A “hurricane watch” refers to the possibility of hurricane conditions in an area. A “hurricane warning” means that hurricane conditions are actually expected in the area.

Execute Your Practice Plan 

Even if you’re not as familiar with the process, severe weather safety, such as fire drills, preparation for tornadoes, hurricanes, and more, can be learned with practice at your independent living St. Petersburg facility. If you’re not sure about what to expect, talk to a member of your assisted living facility team to learn what you can prepare to do!

Don’t fear the potential of hurricane conditions in your St. Petersburg assisted living facility. Instead, get prepared! Once you know the routine, it will be simple to weather the storm in your well-prepared facility at Westminster Palms. For more information about planning your move and St. Petersburg lifestyle, explore our website or get in touch today!

Even with all the ease of living, amenities, and services provided by assisted living in Saint Petersburg, these facilities still encourage the important need for residents to stay in contact with loved ones! So, how can you plan to keep family and friends as a top priority while adjusting yourself or a loved one to a new lifestyle? Keep reading to learn just how easy it is to stay connected.

Social Media Communication

Facebook is great for keeping in contact through messages and status updates. Your family and friends can always know what’s going on while staying informed on the progress a loved one is making with settling into assisted living or memory care services. Twitter is a great way for senior citizens to keep in touch with family, sharing updates with a simple interface. In short, social media communication keeps everyone aware and knowledgeable, without the time delay that comes with writing letters.

Video Calling

Sometimes social media by itself isn’t enough for friends and family to stay connected. Fortunately, video calling applications and software can allow loved ones to connect with assisted living facilities in St Petersburg, Florida, in real time – from anywhere in the world. This can also be a key way to help residents speak to doctors about their care.

Creating Traditions in Assisted Living

The good part about assisted living is the services that allow residents and loved ones to stay connected. While community events and health services are important, assisted living is a lot more enjoyable when people bond under a common theme. For example, a cup of coffee every Friday with a relative becomes a routine over time. Likewise, a walk around the facility with a pastor becomes an activity worth embracing. Active communication, on the same date or time of day, is one of the best ways for residents to stay connected.

Learn More About Assisted Living in Saint Petersburg FL

There shouldn’t be any reason for assisted living residents to go without talking to family. With social media free and easily accessible and video calling simple and convenient, sometimes the only thing keeping family apart is lacking routine or a common and accessible tradition that brings them close. In the end, they key to a great experience with assisted living in Saint Petersburg, Florida, involves keeping in touch with the people who matter the most. To start planning your Saint Petersburg lifestyle at Westminster Palms, contact us today!