Outdoor 1950s-themed party and City of Orlando proclamation mark Westminster Towers’ celebration of our organization’s 70th anniversary

ORLANDO, May 10, 2024 – With an outdoor, 1950s-themed party at Westminster Towers and a special proclamation of celebration from Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan, Westminster Communities of Florida celebrated its 70th anniversary of serving older adults with more than 100 attendees and guests at Westminster Towers.

The organization, first established as a ministry of the Presbyterian Church (USA) as Presbyterian Homes of the Synod of Florida, began its service when the Life Plan Community today known as Westminster Manor opened in 1961. Westminster Towers, its third community, was founded in 1975 and affiliated with Westminster Communities of Florida in 1980. Today Westminster Communities of Florida has 23 communities spanning the state of Florida, serving more than 7,000 residents with 2,300 team members.

The outdoor party featured a 1950s theme to celebrate the organization’s founding in 1954. A DJ played hits from the era, and a late-’50s vintage Bentley car was the centerpiece of a photo booth for participants to get a souvenir.

David Randazzo, Executive Director of Westminster Towers, thanked the attendees with a word of welcome. “Today’s celebration honors our current residents, as well as the countless lives we have touched over the last 70 years,” said Randazzo. “Not only that, but there are many exciting things in store for the future.”

“I hope that today you will congratulate yourselves, too,” said Chief Executive Officer Terry Rogers. “To be around for 70 years is a huge accomplishment for our organization that was made possible by our Board of Directors and all of the stakeholders, especially residents like all of you. When you put it all together, our organization has had the opportunity to touch thousands and thousands of lives.”

Commissioner Sheehan brought a special Proclamation from the City of Orlando. “I am delighted to be here this morning and to see all of you here,” Sheehan said. In reading the Proclamation, Sheehan said that on behalf of herself and Mayor Buddy Dyer, “We… do hereby proclaim May 10, 2024, as Westminster Communities of Florida 70th Anniversary Day.”

Attendees also enjoyed an invocation by the Rev. Dr. Walk Jones, a chaplain who formerly served at Westminster Towers, and benediction from Rev. Dr. Paul Gibson, Associate Minister at First Presbyterian Church of Orlando. The event program featured highlights of the history of downtown Orlando by Rachel Williams from the Orange County Regional History Center, and congratulatory remarks from Resident Council President Gene Shoaf.

Following the ceremony, residents, future residents and team members enjoyed a morning of outdoor live entertainment and games at the community’s brand-new outdoor patio. Attendees enjoyed a variety of delicious breakfast treats provided by the Westminster Towers Dining Services team.

Westminster Communities of Florida, the state’s largest not-for-profit provider of active senior living, emphasizes whole-person wellbeing for its older adult residents. With communities in Bradenton, Jacksonville, Lakeland, Orlando, St. Augustine, St. Petersburg, Tallahassee and Winter Park, the organization serves more than 7,000 residents statewide with a lifestyle featuring active living, wellness and lifelong learning.

April Showers Bring May Flowers: Rainy Day Exercise Ideas In Your Orlando Independent Living Community

They say April shower bring May flowers — but here in Florida, we know that occasional rain and stormy weather happen well into the summer months, too. That’s OK: It’s a small price to pay for living in such a beautiful climate! Fortunately, you don’t need to let unexpected rain get in the way of your active routine. If you typically enjoy outdoor exercise like walking or biking through Westminster Towers’ Orlando independent living community, here are a few indoor activities to try that will be just as rewarding.

(Tip: As is the case with starting any new fitness regimen, it’s smart to check with your care team ahead of time! They’ll be able to guide your new routine on a more personal level. In the meantime, we hope these ideas give you a head-start.)

Yoga

Yoga is a fantastical physical and mental wellness practice — one that can help you build your balance and flexibility while making you a more mindful person well after putting the mat away for the day! Many people like to use spa music or nature sounds when practicing yoga and, well, there’s no better soundtrack than the actual pitter-patter of rain on your gorgeous Westminster Towers picture windows.

That’s the other great thing about yoga — it can be practiced in a formal group setting, but it can just as easily be enjoyed from the comfort of your very own home! That is very good news for those particularly wet days, when it’s not safe or convenient to brave the rain in pursuit of a workout.

Take A (Stationary) Bike Ride

If you do happen to be at the Westminster Towers state-of-the-art fitness center during a rainy day, you can use that opportunity to replicate your outdoor bike ride with a stationary one! You can still enjoy the view through our fitness center windows, after all, and you’ll be able to reap all of the benefits that come with your usual ride.

Strength Training

The Westminster Towers fitness center also has all the strength machines you might need for a successful indoor workout! According to a recent study featured in Harvard Health, strength training (from resistance bands to lifting weights, push-ups, and beyond) may be associated with increased longevity in older adults.

Core Exercises

Even if you can’t make it to the fitness center, there are several core calisthenic exercises you can do at home — using your very own body weight! These can be a surprisingly powerful component of your overall fitness routine.

Enjoy A Group Fitness Class

There’s nothing quite like working out in a group setting, where you have a teacher to guide every new move and maneuver — and have the benefit of other’s company, too, so the experience feels more like a fun get-together with friends than an everyday workout! Be sure to ask us about how to get involved in fitness classes as part of our My W Life wellness program. We can’t wait to have you at our next group class!

In the meantime, there are also plenty of online fitness videos that can help recreate the feeling of a group fitness class on a rainy day.

Dance

Yes, dance is a powerful exercise too! It can be done on your own, or in a fun-filled group setting. Either way, there are plenty of mind and body benefits to look forward to — and in our book, it’s the perfect way to brighten your spirits if you’re missing the sunshine.

We hope that today’s guide helps you find meaningful ways to stay active, no matter the weather outside! Who knows? Maybe you’ll find a new favorite exercise in the process — and if nothing else, you’ll have a great backup for the next rainy day.

5 Reasons To Visit The Fitness Center At Our Life Plan Community In Orlando, FL

When you call Westminster Towers’ life plan community in Orlando, FL “home,” there’s no shortage of fun, rewarding ways to craft your fitness routine — from splashing pool sessions to daily walks across our beautiful grounds. But even with so much natural wonder to discover outdoors, there’s something special about knowing a fitness center is available to meet your exercise needs whenever the occasion calls for it — whether there’s rough weather going on outside, or you simply want to work on specific strength workouts from the comfort of a controlled, familiar environment.

Fortunately, Westminster Towers is home to a vibrant, state-of-the-art fitness center that lets you do all of this — and more! Just read on as we share five smart reasons to check out the fitness center in our beautiful Sunshine State community.

Fun Fitness Classes Await

We proudly offer fitness classes as part of our My W Life wellness program, giving our residents the chance to work out in a welcoming setting — one where you can learn as you go and pick up new tips (and friends!) along the way. There’s definitely room for solo fitness like leisurely walks or swim sessions in any fitness routine — but mixing in a community aspect helps diversify your day and can teach you things you didn’t even know you didn’t know.

Get Away From The Sun & Heat…

We all love the Sunshine State’s namesake sunny weather — but as spring settles in and, soon, progresses into summer, it’s nice to have an indoor environment where you can avoid some of the hottest, sunniest weather in a cool setting. You’ll still work up a sweat, of course! But at least you can do so in a more controlled environment.

… Or Stormy Skies

With that being said, ironically, our corner of the country doesexperience its share of showers and storms — especially during the warmest stretch of the year. When you’re on a roll with your fitness routine, the last thing you want to do is nix a workout you were looking forward to just because there’s weather afoot. Fortunately, rain or shine, the Westminster Towers fitness center has you covered… literally!

Strength Train With Specific Workouts

If you have specific, measurable fitness goals, then you might find comfort in the Westminster Towers fitness center — where you can control all the variables of your workout and measure your progress in a truly welcoming environment that’s geared for your success.

Embrace The Power Of Routine

The beautiful thing about having access to an on-site fitness center is that you can make it a consistent part of your fitness routine! You don’t need to choose between free-spirited activities like biking and nature strolls, and the structure of a gym setting. Rather, you can incorporate the best of both worlds into your weekly activity. For example, you might choose a specific gym workout on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, but mix in flexible cross-training out in nature on the alternating days. Whatever works for you!

With the help of Westminster Towers’ state-of-the-art fitness center, you’re one step (or rep) closer to a fitness routine you can feel great about — this spring and all year long. Of course, it’s just one of many attractive amenities to discover when you call our community “home.” Contact us today to learn more about fitness activities, My W Life wellness program, and more!

How Museum Outings Can Be An Enriching Part Of Independent Living In Orlando

When you call Westminster Towers “home,” you don’t just get to enjoy all the amenities that come with our destination for independent living in Orlando, Florida. You also get to tap into the aptly nicknamed City Beautiful’s wealth of arts, culture, and history, too, reflected in our many museums and educational attractions.

Keep reading to see the benefits of exploring museums and educational opportunities surrounding our one-of-a-kind Westminster Towers community!

Expanding Your Horizons

Visiting a museum is a great way to learn more in a natural, organic setting. With Westminster Towers’ on-site library and computer center, you can always enjoy a leisurely study session close to home — but a museum outing can help expose you to new ideas you never would have thought to look up in the first place! In fact, the National Institute on Aging recommends visiting museums as a great way to maintain an active lifestyle.

Plus, you don’t need to stop your museum visit at, well, just a visit. You can often parlay that initial experience into other activities, like volunteering or special interest gatherings — which are more great ways to stay engaged in the community.

Cost-Effective Exploration

Orlando is renowned for its amusement parks and entertainment opportunities — and they’re indeed lots of fun! But when it comes to cost-effective leisure, visiting a museum or performing arts center is typically much more accessible than the Sunshine State’s big-ticket attractions. Depending on the museum you visit, you will likely be able to benefit from senior discounts as well as special passes that let you visit other museums in the same network, even if they’re in different destinations altogether. The bottom line? A little goes a long way when it comes to what a museum visit can bring you!

Built-In Fun

The Orlando area is home to an abundance of museums and artistic attractions — but did you know that many of the best opportunities are actually built into the Westminster Towers lifestyle? Thanks to grants from the Westminster Retirement Communities Foundation’s Cultural Arts Endowment, we are able to provide our residents with special events featuring Broadway performers, comedy, music, and much more. There’s always something going on, so be prepared to get plugged into a lively arts and culture scene when you call Westminster Towers “home.”

Live Like A Curator

The museum fun doesn’t have to stop when you’re back at your Westminster Towers home. After visiting several cultural institutions, you might find that you’re thinking like a curator — treating your own life like a special exhibit! As you stroll our community grounds, for example, you can snap photos or scribble down journal entries about the beautiful sights you see; when you spend time in our library, you can pick a special interest (like ancient art, or the Golden Age of Hollywood) and devote extra time to exploring that niche.

When you’re surrounded by so many arts and culture opportunities, there’s always something new to do and see! We hope today’s guide helps you fall in love with your vibrant Central Florida community in an all-new way.

Finding the Right Living Option for You: Independent, Assisted, and Nursing Care

When considering a senior living community, one of the biggest decisions is choosing which level of care suits your needs, both now and in the future. At Westminster Towers in Orlando, we offer a full continuum of care so you can find the right fit and seamlessly transition levels if needs change. Let’s explore the different living options available in more detail:

Independent Living

Independent living provides the privacy of your own home while freeing you from house maintenance and chores. Our community offers stylish apartment homes ranging from studios to two bedrooms to fit your lifestyle.

Gather in our elegant restaurant-style dining room for chef-prepared meals with friends (no more grocery shopping or meal prep!) or cook for yourself in your full kitchen. Housekeeping service keeps your apartment tidy with no effort on your part.

Stay active in fitness classes, take art lessons, join social clubs, go on community outings to local attractions, and enjoy our heated pool. Our maintenance team handles groundskeeping and home repairs so you can fully engage in activities you cherish instead of yard work. Complimentary transportation provides worry-free access to shopping, dining, and appointments.

While fully independent, you have peace of mind knowing care is available if needs arise. Our assisted living and skilled nursing facilities are conveniently located on the same campus, allowing for a smooth transition if your health needs change. Supportive home care services can be added as needed while you continue living independently. Enjoy your golden years while we tend to the details!

Assisted Living

Assisted living provides daily assistance to make living easier while still honoring independence. Move to this level when activities like cooking nutritious meals, cleaning, and personal hygiene become challenging. Our assisted living suites include kitchenettes, and help is never far away.

Certified nursing aides provide grooming guidance, escort residents to meals and activities, manage medications, assist with mobility and transferring, and provide well-being checks to ensure safety. Transportation to medical appointments provides reliable access to healthcare with no driving required. 

Savor chef-prepared meals in our beautiful dining room or order room service on tired days when you need extra rest. Socialize in our warm, homelike common areas or beautiful courtyards and patios. Licensed nurses oversee clinical needs and our caring staff handles housekeeping in the privacy of your suite. We encourage assisted living residents to be as active as possible while lending just the right amount of help with daily tasks.

Skilled Nursing Care

For those with more intensive physical, medical or rehabilitation needs, our Medicare-certified Health Center provides 24/7 skilled nursing and therapy services. Private and shared rooms with fellow residents make recovery more comfortable. Around-the-clock skilled nurses and CNAs offer excellent clinical and personal care tailored to your needs. Physical, occupational, and speech therapists help you regain abilities through one-on-one therapy.

We focus on short-term nursing stays to restore wellness to transition back home or to assisted living. A daily schedule of activities, meals, and therapies keeps residents engaged. Visits from family and friends are encouraged. Our compassionate staff forms meaningful bonds with residents and families during recovery.

Memory Care Assisted Living

Memory care assisted living offers specialized care in a separate, secure neighborhood for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Specially trained staff attends to unique needs through each stage of memory loss. Simple routines, reminders, and cueing lend a hand with grooming, meals, and medication. Building layouts and visual cues support navigation and safety. Engaging sensory activities and social gatherings suited to abilities provide joy. This secure environment eases family concerns.

Continuing Care Peace of Mind  

Westminster Towers enables graceful aging by meeting your needs today and anticipating future changes. Take a personalized tour to view our beautiful campus and discuss your ideal living options. Our caring staff supports any level of care you require through life’s transitions. Let us make everyday living easy so you can focus on what brings you joy. 

We’re also near top hospitals and medical specialists for excellent access to care. As your needs change, we coordinate seamlessly with trusted healthcare partners. You’ll have confidence knowing you can comfortably age in place with us.

To arrange a tour or get answers to your questions, contact us today – we look forward to welcoming you home!

‘God put us here for a reason’: Serving the residents during Hurricane Idalia is part of our Mission

When a hurricane or tropical storm threatens Florida, like Hurricane Idalia this week, team members at Westminster Communities of Florida have a top priority: Ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents we serve. Our Mission is to serve from the heart and inspire older adults to enjoy happy, healthy and purposeful lives.

What impact has Hurricane Idalia had? Some of our dedicated team members are living out our Mission, today, by evacuating with residents or sheltering at their communities through the storm. Regardless of their normal jobs, their principal responsibility right now is to provide for the residents’ needs.

Today we caught up with five of these team members to learn about their experiences, why they chose to stay at their community or evacuate with residents, and what is inspiring them to stay hard at work during a storm.

Jackie Walker Ellison, Cook, Westminster Shores, temporarily at Westminster Winter Park

In St. Petersburg, Westminster Shores was forced to relocate residents out of the path of the storm. Jackie Walker Ellison always knew she would be with the residents, from the moment she first heard. “The residents said to me, ‘Jackie, are you coming with us? I know we’ll be OK if you come with us.’ So I had no doubt,” Ellison said. “I knew for sure I would be evacuating, I called my husband and my mother and I told them, ‘I’m going with my residents, I’ll see you whenever.’ ”

The group of 24 residents was accompanied by Ellison to Westminster Winter Park, where they’re enjoying the hospitality of the residents and team members there. The Westminster Shores team is occupied with providing for the needs of the residents during Hurricane Idalia. “I think it brings everyone together as a team,” she said.

Ellison has worked at Westminster Shores for 29 years, and “I love my residents. I wouldn’t have been here so long if I didn’t love this place and my residents. God put us here for a reason,” she said. “Right now, the residents are happy, we’ve been watching movies and playing games, and everything is going smoothly.”

Michele McCann, Assisted Living Activities Coordinator, Westminster Palms, sheltering in place

“I choose to be with the residents during the most emotional time, like a hurricane, because that’s my quality as a caregiver,” said Michele McCann, Assisted Living Activities Coordinator at Westminster Palms. “Challenging times like this bring out the best in people, and I get to see it and share it.”

McCann was sheltering in place at the community in St. Petersburg, along with residents from Westminster Palms and residents from Westminster Point Pleasant in Bradenton. She has lived in Florida for more than 7 years, and has experienced three hurricanes in St. Petersburg so far. McCann said she feels that the way the team bonds, whether through an evacuation or sheltering in place, makes the team stronger. “We are going to come out better on the other side of this! We always do. We are so lucky that we are here, in our home, together, instead of relocating like so many had to. I have come to feel like this is my home, too.”

Carlos Santiago, Maintenance Engineer, Westminster Point Pleasant and Tiffany Mestre, Administrative Assistant, Community Support Services, temporarily at Legacy Pointe at UCF

A group of residents from Westminster Point Pleasant were also with Maintenance Engineer Carlos Santiago and Tiffany Mestre, an administrative assistant at our Community Support Services office in Orlando. The residents had evacuated from Bradenton due to the risk of storm surge and flooding, and were enjoying the hospitality of Legacy Pointe at UCF.

Santiago, the maintenance engineer, said that he had been through the worst in 2017 when Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico. “We were there with no power for 60 days, and we weren’t able to do anything,” he said. By comparison, he felt that everything was under control and being well maintained for the residents through both of his hurricane experiences as a Westminster team member.

“This job is personal for me,” Santiago said. “The residents are my family and I want to make sure that they are well taken care of.” In 2022, Santiago was recognized as Westminster Point Pleasant’s Team Member of the Year for his dedicated service to the residents. He said it was his honor to serve the residents.

Evacuating with the residents is just another extension of his commitment to the community, Santiago said. “This is my second time evacuating with the residents, and it doesn’t matter how many more. I will always volunteer to be there for them. We are here for each other and for the residents.”

Countless storms had also affected Mestre, a Florida native. But she had never had an experience like today’s. “It’s wonderful to help the residents and hear about their interests and stories. This is a great way to see how the residents live,” Mestre said. “I am getting to know what a day in the life of a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) and an ADON (Assistant Director of Nursing) are like. It has opened my eyes. Bless their souls for doing all of this.”

The effects of the storm had been mild in Orlando, but Mestre said that nevertheless, she and the residents felt more secure and had been brought closer together by the experience – and the residents were thankful for the security. “This has really brought our Mission to life for me in a way I had not experienced it,” said Mestre.

For Santiago, part of living in a hurricane zone meant more practice – and that he had found that the team is getting stronger through the experience. “The more we do this together, the more we become comfortable with each other, and the better organized we become. When you send a group of people together for one purpose and for our Mission, we get the opportunity to grow together and learn from each other,” said Santiago.

Beth Szabo, Services Coordinator, Riverside Presbyterian Apartments, sheltering in place

Another part of the Westminster Mission is to serve residents with low to moderate incomes, in our affordable Rental Retirement Communities. Beth Szabo, services coordinator at Riverside Presbyterian Apartments, was sheltering in place at the community to ensure that the residents were well cared for throughout the potential effects of the storm in Jacksonville.

“I’ve lived in Jacksonville since 1976, so I have lost count of how many hurricanes I’ve been through now. In 2004 they were coming so frequently we all said, ‘I’m over it, just let it go,’ ” said Szabo. “We have had to evacuate a few times over the years, like for Hurricane Matthew in 2016. But we did not have to this time.”

For Szabo, serving during a hurricane is a natural extension of her choice to work at the community, because the residents are like her extended family. “I have a heart for seniors, and the residents here mean a lot to me,” she said. “If something happens then I want to be here to help them.”

Szabo added that she feels safer riding out a storm at Riverside Presbyterian Apartments than at home. “Here at the community, I know that we have a great team looking out for everyone. We’re very small but we support each other.”

A facet of our Mission

While a hurricane is unexpected, serving the residents and supporting their fellow team members wherever we are and however we can is just another facet of the Mission of Westminster Communities of Florida: We serve from the heart and inspire older adults to enjoy happy, healthy and purposeful lives.

Be sure to learn all about how you can make a Westminster community your home to live or to work – find a community near you or follow us on Facebook and on LinkedIn!

How you can stay in touch with family and friends after moving to a senior living community

Are you considering a move to a senior living community but worried about how you’ll keep in touch with family and friends? You’re not alone. Many future residents have the same concerns.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to stay connected and keep in touch with the people you care about. From FaceTime to card nights to private dining parties, residents have plenty of options to stay connected with their loved ones.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best ways to keep in touch with family and friends after moving to a senior living community.

Enjoy a video call to have a virtual visit with family or friends whenever you like

A virtual visit can help maintain ties even when residents and their friends are separated by thousands of miles. Modern technology for video calling like FaceTime makes visiting easier than ever. Video calls allow residents to enjoy a face-to-face conversation with family or friends anywhere in the world, from the comfort of their living room. No expensive travel required!

Residents can use FaceTime or video chat services like Skype, Google Hangouts and Zoom to stay in touch with those who matter most. Grandparents can share stories with grandchildren who live far away or have regular catch-ups with distant relatives. Video calling also makes it possible for to host a virtual event, like a game night or movie watch party.

Enjoy a card or board game night and mix the “old” and “new” friends

With many social connections in their current neighborhoods, the prospect of moving to a senior living community can be daunting for many older adults. Fortunately, there are plenty of in-person social opportunities at senior living communities — some of them more informal than others.
Many senior living communities have groups of residents who enjoy a night of card games or board games. Play poker, Clue, Settlers of Catan or whatever you prefer, and enjoy having social opportunities and good friends at your fingertips.

These social events offer a reason for residents to invite their friends and family members over for a night of fun and laughter. It also provides an informal setting for guests to meet other residents and engage in meaningful conversations.

For older adults who want to make sure they stay connected to their friends, one surefire way to make things more fun is to invite their “old” friends to meet the “new” at a game night. It can make for a memorable evening filled with laughter and good company — all while bonding deeper relationships with fellow residents at the same time.

Host a dinner party and let someone else do all the work

Dining is an important part of life at a senior living community. But a special event may call for having a few friends over for dinner, and who wants to do all the cooking and dishes?

That’s why many senior living communities offer residents a variety of catered dining options, to invite guests over for a special dinner party. A special menu developed with the Dining department makes it simple and convenient to plan an event. Enjoy a luxurious meal without lifting a finger!

Inviting friends and family over to experience their community is also great to help those who may be considering making the move themselves. Guests get an up-close look at the lifestyle offered at their friend’s new home. Private dining options allow potential new residents to get an idea of what life would be like for them.

From poker nights to private dinners, there are plenty of ways for residents of senior living communities to keep in touch with family and friends. To learn all about how additional socialization opportunities abound at a Westminster community, find the community that suits you today on our Web site!

How to Hold a Successful Estate Sale Before a Move into Assisted Living

You have finally decided to make the move to independent living in Orlando. This is great news! You are welcoming a brand-new community of amazing residents into your life. You will have access to numerous enriching resources to improve your quality of life. 

There’s just one hang-up: you have to hold an estate sale. Hosting a successful estate sale can make the financial aspects of the move easier. If you are unfamiliar with estate sales, follow this guide to successfully sell your possessions and move into assisted living in Orlando, Florida, without worry!

Step 1: Know What You Have

It may seem obvious, but the first step to a successful estate sale is determining what items you have. Take inventory of your possessions. There may be some surprising items that you thought you lost over the years. 

It is a good idea to make a spreadsheet or keep a physical notebook to track your inventory. Following this step will prevent problems later on in the estate sale process. You will know what you have and where it is located. 

Make special notes next to any items that you wish to keep when you move into an assisted living facility. Sentimental objects, like family heirlooms and childhood ornaments, should be set aside so that they don’t get mixed up with your sale items. 

Step 2: Decide on Prices

This can be the most time-consuming step of an estate sale. However, if you take your time to thoroughly appraise everything, you can make some serious cash. 

Go through each item in your sale inventory and decide what price you want to charge for it. If you need to, call in a professional to appraise the value of your items. You might be surprised to find that you have some hidden gems in your home!

Don’t be afraid to include small or low-value items in your estate sale. Many buyers are attracted to low-cost items, even those that are $1-$5 apiece. This can add up significantly in the long run. 

Make sure you note the price of each item in your home so you can keep track of your revenue as you go. 

Step 3: Choose a Date 

You should make sure your estate sale is during a time that will attract as many buyers as possible. This usually means hosting the sale over the weekend. Most people have Saturday and Sunday off from work, which means they can spend more time evaluating objects and buying things. 

Avoid hosting your estate sale on a holiday weekend. Many people travel out of town, visit family, and spend time indoors during these weekends. Estate sales will likely be low on people’s list of priorities during the holidays. 

You can host your sale over several days, but plan to start it on the weekend. This will bring in many more buyers than a weekday sale. Additionally, it gives you the flexibility to sell off extra items the following week if needed. 

Step 4: Use Social Media

Consider advertising your estate sale online. You can get a loved one to help you navigate social media for this step. You will get much larger crowds of buyers through social media than by word of mouth alone. 

Many people browse websites like Facebook Marketplace and eBay to look for sales. Use this to your advantage and spread the word about your estate sale online! You might be surprised at how much traffic this brings to your home. 

Making the Move into Assisted Living in Orlando, Florida

Once you have successfully sold your possessions, you are free to move into assisted living in Orlando, Florida. Congratulations! This is a huge step toward your independence and health in older adulthood. 

How Does Assisted Living Support the Independence of Aging Adults?

As you or your loved one grows older, you might be considering Orlando assisted living facilities. Assisted living can help older adults maintain their independence while fostering positive physical, social, and emotional health. 

So how exactly do assisted living facilities do this? Should you choose an Orlando skilled nursing facility for your loved one? There are many benefits to doing so. 

Supportive Communities

Assisted living communities provide many opportunities for socialization. This means that your loved one does not have to live alone, isolated from the outside world. 

Part of remaining independent as an aging adult is maintaining supportive, healthy friendships. At assisted living facilities, there are many community events and classes that help aging adults build relationships with one another. 

Having a supportive community around them can ease the burden of aging and allow your loved one to thrive. 

Medical Resources

If you know an aging adult, chances are they have specific medical needs. At assisted living facilities, your loved one never has to worry about managing their health on their own. There are plenty of medical assistance options in these communities. 

Some of the medical resources available to residents include:

  • Medication management
  • Regular health check-ups
  • Outpatient services
  • Skilled nursing care
  • Short-term rehabilitation services
  • Respite care 

These services will help your loved one manage their health and wellness without stress. Caring medical professionals can make a world of difference in your loved one’s life as they grow older. 

Individualized Assistance

Your loved one will have different personal needs than other residents in the community. That is why assisted living facilities are so beneficial — they provide customized approaches to care. 

Assisted living allows your loved one to remain independent, dignified, and happy while still receiving the help that they need. Getting older doesn’t have to take away the basic joys and freedoms of adult life. 

In high-quality assisted living facilities, your loved one will receive just enough assistance to help them manage their daily life. This makes life much more enjoyable and less stressful for the older adult that you care about. 

Learning Opportunities

As people age, they often feel “too old” to continue their education. This is a misconception about aging. Older adults can (and should) take advantage of continuous learning opportunities in assisted living communities. 

There are many opportunities to learn about culture, health and wellness, and the world in assisted living facilities. Continuing education is important for keeping your loved one’s mind sharp and healthy as they age. 

The human brain is flexible, meaning it can generate new connections at almost any age. Creative challenges and mental exercises can keep your loved one’s neurological health in good shape, reducing the likelihood of cognitive decline. 

Education is also important for life satisfaction and happiness. Learning about the world can give older adults a sense of purpose and expose them to new, interesting ideas. 

Assisted living facilities are the perfect places for aging adults to learn new things, try new hobbies, and keep their minds in great shape. 

Orlando Assisted Living: Keep Your Dignity as You Age

If you or a loved one in your life is seeking a high-quality community, assisted living facilities may offer the solution they are looking for. In assisted living, you maintain your independence while building practical and enjoyable life skills. You also gain access to a network of friendly, engaging residents that can improve your quality of life.  Aging is inevitable; everyone grows older over the years. What matters is how you experience the journey along the way. Within the right assisted living community, you can thrive as you grow older.

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