News

Director of Construction Bill Andersen and Construction Manager Rob Clerici with the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Eagle Award for Excellence in Construction.Westminster Oaks and Westminster Communities of Florida are delighted to announce that the new Memory Care neighborhood in the Life Plan Community in Tallahassee has been recognized by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of North Florida with its Eagle Award for Excellence in Construction.

The Eagle Award, shared with the project’s general contractor, Cook Brothers Inc., recognizes and celebrates outstanding projects built by North Florida ABC members and the workmanship of those who contribute. Teamwork and cooperation between general contractors, specialty contractors, and material suppliers are prerequisites for building excellence into any construction project.

“It is quite an honor to receive this award,” said Bill Andersen, Director of Construction for Westminster Communities of Florida. “We are very appreciative of this award and are thankful to Cook Brothers for the quality product they produced. The new Memory Care neighborhood is a beautiful building in an attractive setting for the residents at Westminster Oaks, with spacious units, a large, home-like living and gathering areas, country kitchen dining spaces, and a large exterior courtyard setting for getting outdoors. Plus, the facility incorporates some of the newest and most innovative technologies for Memory Care.”

The new Memory Care neighborhood is an expansion of the Life Plan Community, which serves more than 600 residents with Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Nursing Care, Rehabilitation and more. Residents will receive Memory Care and Assisted Living services in spaces custom-designed to support their needs. The building was designed as a set of small, secure neighborhoods with spacious private apartments, a memory garden and more. In addition, it features innovative and sustainable building features, like higher-efficiency HVAC systems, zero VOC paints and sealants, and long life-span construction materials, and was constructed to the National Green Building Standard Silver level.

Congratulations to Westminster Oaks, the Westminster Communities of Florida Construction & Design Department, and Cook Brothers Inc. for this prestigious recognition.

Westminster Oaks is a Continuing Care Retirement Community set amid the rolling hills of Florida’s capital. The community offers Independent Living, featuring Westminster Communities of Florida’s exclusive My W Life program for wellbeing of mind, body and soul, as well as Assisted Living, Nursing Care, Memory Care and more. To learn more about Westminster Oaks, visit us online at www.WestminsterOaksFL.org or call (850) 878-1136.

Transitioning a loved one to assisted living or memory care is an emotional decision. If you’ve been on the fence about whether this level of care is necessary for your family member, rest assured that you aren’t alone. 

All across the country, family members are faced with the decision to put their loved ones in memory care for their own benefit and safety. 

But how do you know if it’s the right time to move your loved one to this level of care? Here are three telltale signs that might spur you to make a decision now. 

1. Difficulties with Daily Living Activities

One of the earliest signs that memory care may be a good move is when a loved one begins to struggle with activities of daily living. This can include daily skills such as: 

• Taking a shower or bathing on their own
• Using the restroom safely
• Getting dressed and ready for the day
• Making themselves a meal
• Taking medications as prescribed

When someone cannot reliably perform all of the above tasks without a significant amount of help, it can send up a red flag that they may not be capable of living on their own right now. 

By making the choice to place them in a qualified facility for memory care, they will have access to dedicated staff members who can assist them with these tasks.

2. Lack of Safety

Safety concerns are another reason someone may require memory care. They may forget to turn the stove off when they’re done cooking or they may get lost easily when taking a walk around their neighborhood. 

If you notice bruises or injuries that your loved one doesn’t recall getting, it might be a sign that they need more supervision to remain safe. Assistance from a qualified memory care team can give you more insight into how they are injuring themselves and prevent major accidents from occurring. 

3. Caregiver Burnout

If you’re shouldering the responsibility of caring for your loved one, burnout is a real possibility. They may need more assistance than what you can offer. Caregiving is a full-time job that might require around-the-clock attention to keep your loved one safe and healthy. 

Orlando assisted living can allow you to take a much-needed break from the worry and stress of being your family member’s primary caregiver. You can rest easy at night knowing that your loved ones will get the help they need and that they’ll be taken care of according to an established lifestyle plan. 

Is It Time to Pursue Orlando Assisted Living?

When you start to see these signs in your loved one, it may be time to explore memory care in Orlando, Florida. 

Deciding to place a family member in memory care can be a challenge. But with the right team on your side, you can rest assured knowing that they will be well taken care of by experienced workers who understand their unique needs. 

If you are assisting a loved one who is transitioning to long-term nursing care, you may be looking for ways to make the transition easier. While you’ll find some of the best assisted living facilities in Orlando, Florida, the move to these facilities can still be overwhelming. 

The change and uncertainty of a big move can cause stress and anxiety. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to make the transition easier. 

Get to Know the Community Before Moving

The stress of moving to a new environment will be worse if your loved one has no familiarity with their new community. To ease the transition, make sure that the senior has visited the community many times and understands how to get around.

Most long-term nursing care facilities will allow new residents to visit frequently or even attend lunches or social functions ahead of moving day. Ensuring that your loved one is familiar with their new home as well as the services and amenities ahead of time will make the transition easier.

Keep Seniors Involved in Planning

While family members often think they are doing the best thing by taking over planning for the move, sometimes they leave out the senior, making them feel isolated and not in control.

Keep your loved one involved in the decision-making process, from the timing of the move to decisions about what personal property they will take along. 

Of course, some seniors need more help than others. However, to the extent that your senior loved one is able to make decisions, giving them an active role in the planning process will make for a smoother transition. 

Plan the New Home Together

There are so many decisions to be made when moving a senior to long-term nursing care. From choosing what items to bring to preparing to decorate the new space, there is a long list of things that must be accounted for.

It is important to let your loved one plan their new space, whether they are bringing along old furniture or purchasing new artwork or decorations. Allowing them to plan their new home will not only make them feel welcome when they arrive but will also give them something to look forward to. 

Set Up a Visitors’ Calendar

Whether you are moving your loved one to an independent living facility or an Orlando skilled nursing facility, there will be procedures in place for visitors. Familiarize yourself with these procedures, then set up a visitors’ calendar.

Plan for you, a family member, or one of the senior’s friends to visit frequently at first. Seeing familiar faces multiple times a week will help avoid feelings of loneliness and abandonment and make the transition easier overall.

Assisted Living Facilities in Orlando, FL

Orlando, FL, is home to some of the greatest assisted living facilities in the country. No matter what needs your loved one has, there is a great community waiting to make them feel at home. 

Few choices are more important than the assisted living facility you choose for yourself or a loved one. This is a decision that you want to research thoroughly. Please be encouraged to read testimonials and reviews from a wide range of sources. Those insights are quite helpful. It’s beneficial to read the facility’s mission statement, as well.

As you search for Orlando (FL) assisted living facilities, remember that you’ll get the best information during your facility tour. This is when you will see the property in person, learn more about your living options, and ask your tour guide the following questions.

Ask These Questions About Orlando (FL) Assisted Living

Consider bringing the following list of questions to your facility tour.

What Is Your Staff to Resident Ratio?

Make sure that you or your loved one are comfortable with the number of staff available at any time. This isn’t just a good indicator of the ability to provide excellent service. It also shows the facility can maintain a full staff.

Are Your Employees Capable of Providing Memory Care?

When you need memory care in Orlando, Florida, it’s important to discuss this with your facility tour guide. They should be able to show you the memory care facility on-site, introduce you to the staff who work in that area, and discuss the programs available to residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

What Are the Safety and Security Measures in Place?

Assisted living facilities must have procedures in place to keep residents safe. This should include exit plans, COVID-19 measures, safety drills, controlled entry, and security systems.

What Criteria Do You Use to Recommend This Community or Level of Care?

Not every community or life plan option is a good fit for every senior. Some may need more attentive care. Your tour guide should be able to outline the criteria for different levels of care or let you know if another facility would be a better fit. They will also tell you how they determine when a resident may need additional services or living options.

How Do You Schedule Personal Care Services?

It isn’t just important for an assisted living facility to provide personal care services as needed. Ideally, they will be able to accommodate each resident’s personal preferences and schedules, as well. After all, moving into a new community is enough of an adjustment. Many seniors find it difficult to change their personal care routines on top of it all.

What Social Opportunities Are Available?

It’s so important to the well-being of seniors living in assisted living communities to stay active and socialize with one another. Ideally, the community will have a combination of planned activities and opportunities to socialize independently.

What to Expect from Your Orlando Skilled Nursing Facility Tour

When you end your tour, you should feel confident that all of your questions have been addressed wholly and honestly. While it’s certainly acceptable for your tour guide to ask to do some further research on detailed inquiries, they should be able to answer the questions above quite thoroughly. 

Your tour should also include a close look at your potential living space, dining areas, social and gathering spaces, and any other areas you may utilize as a new resident. Please don’t hesitate to press for additional information or access. You deserve all of the insights you need to choose an excellent facility for retirement living in Florida.

Keeping in touch with loved ones is crucial. But with the pace of today’s technological advancements, it can be hard for senior citizens to keep up. Sometimes, it’s best to stick to the basics. Below are some of the best video apps for seniors to use based on usability, accessibility, and user experience. 

FaceTime

FaceTime is one of our top choices because it’s so easy to use, and anyone with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac already has it on their device. Senior citizens can make a video call just as easily as a regular phone call without navigating a separate app. The only downside of FaceTime is it’s not accessible to everyone. Everyone in the conversation must have Apple products. 

WhatsApp

WhatsApp is wildly popular worldwide among people of all ages. Thanks to its simple user interface for both audio and video calls, it’s easy to figure out and can be mastered in just a few minutes. All you need is a stable internet connection. This makes it easy for technology-timid seniors to hop on a video call in a matter of seconds. 

The best part of WhatsApp is its improved security and privacy features over other apps. With WhatsApp, calls and messages are fitted with end-to-end encryption. This means only the two people on either end of the conversation can hear or see it. 

Oscar Senior

Oscar Senior is very different from average video apps because it does so much more than facilitate video calls. It requires a bit more setup than other apps, but the software essentially provides a new operating system. The entire user interface of the device changes to a more senior-friendly format. Large text and buttons make it easy to call, video chat, text, share photos, and even use other apps. 

The senior’s interface is just one facet of this software, though. There is also a management center and a caregiver’s dashboard to make managing their care more accessible. Oscar Senior can be a powerful tool. However, because of its price tag and complexity, this option is not suitable for everyone. 

Assisted Living in Orlando

If you or a loved one requires additional care or memory care in Orlando, assisted living may be the right option. There are many facilities for assisted living in Orlando that provide a broad spectrum of care and excellent treatment for senior citizens. 

Independent Living in Orlando

Many seniors in Orlando do not need assisted living but could still benefit from living in a community tailored to their needs. Independent living facilities allow seniors to continue their ordinary lives while encouraging them to remain active, social, and healthy. Many seniors prefer independent living communities because they don’t have to worry about things like yard work and housekeeping, and they get to be around people their age. 

Another benefit of independent living facilities is that when you need more care or transition to assisted living, it is easy to make that change. 

When choosing assisted living in Orlando, you may face some uncertainty or stress about making the transition. Some people simply miss home and are looking for the best way to warm up to their new community. Thankfully, you can turn assisted living in Orlando, Florida, into your new home with these seven steps.

1. Visit the Assisted Living in Orlando Facility a Few Times

Before moving and receiving assisted living in Orlando, you should visit the facility a few times. Explore its many areas, check out your new room, and talk to staff and residents. Doing so helps to make it feel more welcoming and familiar later.

2. Bring Along Important Personal Items to the Assisted Living in Orlando Facility

Photos, decorations, paintings, bedding, and other personal items all make assisted living in Orlando Florida an easier transition. Spend time making your room and area feel more comfortable and personalized to yourself, and you’ll feel better about your experience.

3. Find Assisted Living in Orlando That Feels Comfortable 

Assisted living in Orlando should be a comfortable situation – one that provides you with the help that you need to enjoy your life. Visit a few centers and choose one that feels right for you, including one that suits your care needs.

4. Don’t Stray Too Far from Home with your Assisted Living in Orlando

Do you want to live in a center for assisted living in Orlando, Florida, that feels like home? Then don’t stray too far from your original house. Living closer to your original area helps by avoiding any sense of separation you might experience.

5. Set Up a Regular Visiting Schedule at your Assisted Living in Orlando

Talk to your home for assisted living in Orlando about when your family can visit you. Try to set up a regular routine, including weekly or even biweekly walks with your loved ones. Doing so can help to make this experience more enjoyable by sharing it with your family.

6. Integrate Yourself into the Assisted Living in Orlando Community 

Did you know that facilities for assisted living in Orlando Florida, often have many recreational activities? These go beyond bingo and include trips, competitive events, concerts, and much more. Integrate yourself into this experience and feel at home.

7. Take Part in Assisted Living in Orlando Special Events 

Lastly, don’t hesitate to take part in any special events held by your center. Talk to them about Halloween, Christmas, and New Year’s celebrations and volunteer to help. When you take these steps, you make yourself feel more important and integrated into the community.

Learn to Love Assisted Living in Orlando

If you take the time to work with your home for assisted living in Orlando Florida, you can get the help that you need to feel comfortable and happy. By taking these simple steps, you minimize any confusion or troubles associated with transitioning into a new living space!

Living in an Orlando assisted living facility means having special care always available to provide for your safety needs. For example, tripping and falling can be a dangerous health risk at home – however, care experts at Orlando FL assisted living facilities are prepared to help avoid this risk and any associated injury. Consider the following four tips to reduce fall risks:

Clear Away Potential Hazards in Your Orlando FL Assisted Living Home 

When preparing an Orlando FL assisted living home, it is important to keep the floor clean and clear of potential tripping hazards. Be sure to keep walking paths and other routes clear of objects that could pose a risk. By clearing away any clutter from the floor, you can minimize the risk of serious tripping dangers around your space.

Keep the Orlando Assisted Living Facility Well Lit in Your Orlando FL Assisted Living Home 

Make sure that lighting is carefully installed and bright enough to provide a safe environment. Keep lights in the ceiling functioning corrently to minimize shadows or other tripping problems an Orlando FL assisted living home resident might experience. You should also consider the importance of hall lights and nightlights throughout the home for when it gets dark. These should help to minimize the risk of tripping and falling. 

Provide Grip Bars for Residents in Your Orlando FL Assisted Living Home 

Protecting yourself may be as simple as utilizing grip bars throughout the facility. You’ll need grips for stairs, bathrooms, and any other area where you might be at risk of falling. Pay attention to these simple steps! Bars with a strong grip surface and superior attachment options keep a facility strong and secure.

Install Floor-Level Showers in Your Orlando FL Assisted Living Home 

Did you know that most slip and fall risks in senior homes happen in the bathroom? Unfortunately, seniors trying to get in and out of the shower are at a high risk of slipping and falling. Take care to avoid this risk by utilizing floor-level showers – a helpful tool to stay protected while getting clean!

Take These Steps to Be Safe in Your Orlando FL Assisted Living Home 

If you take these simple and effective steps for your Orlando assisted living facility, you can stay safe from fall risks. When moving into your new assisted living center, remember to also take note of other steps that will minimize risks – like using proper walking gear and remembering to take any necessary medications regularly.

Have you dreamed of retiring to a luxury high-rise with great amenities and amazing views? You aren’t alone! Many people seeking independent living in Orlando are interested in the comfort and convenience of tower living. Unfortunately, seniors often worry that their limited mobility will be a problem.

If this is one of your concerns, you’ll be happy to hear that some communities like Westminster Towers happily welcome residents of any disability status. This includes anyone in a wheelchair or someone relying on other mobility assistance equipment.

Assisted Living in Orlando with Limited Mobility

Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act, along with several precedent-setting cases, individuals who have limited mobility are no longer limited in their choice of assisted living facility. If tower living is your choice, there is no reason for you to be excluded from that option.

What to Look for in Assisted Living Facilities

Anyone with limited mobility should be prepared to discuss their needs with the facility director and other staff. They will be able to make helpful recommendations to ensure that you can select the best possible living solution and a floor plan that meets your needs. They will also be able to address any questions or concerns you have. 

Benefits of Assisted Living for People with Limited Mobility

You deserve your choice of assisted living in Orlando, and that includes the convenience and luxury of tower living. In addition to that, individuals with limited mobility often enjoy an increased quality of life after they move into a retirement or assisted living community.

When you choose assisted living, you will enjoy a comfortable living space designed to meet your needs. Additionally, you will have access to the assistance you need to live life to the fullest.

Depending on your needs and the living plan you select, you might enjoy the following benefits:

Accessibility Aids and Equipment

You will feel safe and secure in your living space thanks to the availability of any equipment or accessibility aids you need. Your living space can be fitted with grab bars, wall-mounted phone systems, and other features that allow you to live as independently as possible.

Assistance with Personal Care

We are happy to provide a living plan that includes all of the personal care assistance you need. We’ll even help you with on-site rehabilitation services. Additionally, we will work with you to ensure that your future needs are met. Our goal is to reduce the stress of living with limited mobility while allowing you to enjoy an active, independent lifestyle.

Transportation Assistance

Assisted living facilities have transportation vehicles modified for use by people who use wheelchairs or have other limitations. This is to ensure that you have the same access to transportation as others. Your limited mobility should never stop you from attending offsite activities, shopping, or going to appointments.

Access to Social Spaces and Community Activities

We believe that anyone living in a tower should be able to take advantage of every amenity. This includes people with limited mobility or those who need memory care in Orlando. Because of this, our facilities are designed to be fully accessible, indoors and out. We also have plenty of staff on hand to help with transfers or provide other assistance as needed.

Nobody can escape the effects of aging, yet everyone still tries! Things like sudoku and jigsaw puzzles are great ways to keep your mind sharp at any age. And a good diet and exercise regime will help keep your body healthy and minimize the effects of aging. But all that worrying about growing older might be doing you harm. Did you know your attitude towards aging can actually affect the way you age? 

Effects of a Bad Attitude Towards Aging

The way you feel about aging is oftentimes what you manifest as you age. It is a phenomenon known as stereotype embodiment. Researchers have found that the more negative stereotypes about aging an individual takes in, the higher the risk of developing dementia. People who view aging negatively are also less likely to recover from injuries or disabilities later in life. 

A poor attitude toward aging can render you generally apathetic and derail your efforts to stay healthy as you get older. On the contrary, a positive attitude can improve your self-esteem and even help you live longer than your pessimistic counterparts. 

Cultural Influence

The way older people are portrayed in TV and film plays a huge role in how people view aging. When aging is shown as lonely and depressing, most people assume that’s how it will be in real life. But when older people are portrayed as wise, active, happy, and fulfilled, people are more likely to feel positively towards aging. 

It can be hard not to get bogged down in the negative stereotypes of aging, but you’ll find yourself much happier and healthier if you can break free from them.

How to Maintain a Positive Attitude About Aging

Here are a few tactics to remain optimistic about the years to come.

Stay Connected

The connections you make with other people are essential to your mental well-being. Maintaining relationships with friends and family as you age is a great way to feel connected and stave off feelings of loneliness or unimportance. 

Remain Flexible

Your joints and muscles may not be as limber as they used to be, but there’s no reason your mind can’t stay flexible as you age. Keeping a flexible and fluid worldview (like the notion age is just a number) can help maintain a positive outlook. 

Sweat It Out

Regular exercise is already one of the best things you can do for your body, but it can actually help improve your mood and overall sense of well-being. This is due to a large number of endorphins released during exercise, even low-impact exercise like walking. 

Keep Your Stress in Check

If you feel like your life is getting more stressful as you get older, chances are you aren’t going to think positively about aging. But if you can manage to keep your stress in check, you’ll find the future looks much happier. 

Orlando Assisted Living 

Several independent living facilities in Orlando, FL, can help residents maintain their positive attitude towards aging. They take a lot of stress from everyday life away, such as home maintenance, and leave you with more time to focus on doing what makes you happy. There are also many Orlando assisted living facilities for people who need a little more care.