Author: Westminster Communities of Florida

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!

Many seniors face the difficult decision of where to spend their golden years. While there are many factors to consider, including cost of living and healthcare, one place stands out as an ideal location for seniors looking for an assisted living community: Southwest Florida.

Here are five reasons why Southwest Florida, with its beautiful beaches and vibrant cultural scene, is the best place to retire in an assisted living community.

Beautiful Beaches

Southwest Florida is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Anna Maria Island, located just a short drive from Bradenton, is known for its pristine white sand beaches and clear blue water. Longboat Key, another nearby island, is a popular destination for beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or simply taking a leisurely stroll along the beach, Southwest Florida has something for everyone.

Mild Climate

One of the most appealing aspects of living in Southwest Florida is its mild climate. While the rest of the country may be dealing with snow and freezing temperatures during the winter months, residents of Southwest Florida can enjoy warm, sunny days year-round. This makes it an ideal place for seniors who want to escape harsh winter weather and enjoy a more relaxed, outdoor-oriented lifestyle.

Arts and Culture

The Sarasota area is known for its thriving arts and cultural scene. The Ringling Museum of Art, for example, features a stunning collection of art and artifacts from around the world, while the Sarasota Opera offers world-class performances throughout the year. With a wide range of museums, galleries, and cultural events, there is always something new and exciting to discover in Southwest Florida.

Excellent Healthcare

One of the most important considerations for seniors when choosing a retirement destination is access to quality healthcare. Fortunately, Southwest Florida is home to some of the best hospitals and medical facilities in the country. Residents of Westminster Manor in Bradenton, for example, have access to a range of healthcare services right on campus, including skilled nursing care with The Health Center at Westminster Manor and rehabilitation services.

Active Lifestyle

With its warm climate and abundance of outdoor activities, Southwest Florida is the perfect place for seniors who want to stay active and engaged. There are endless opportunities to stay active and healthy – including fitness classes available to residents. Plus, with a vibrant social scene and plenty of opportunities for volunteer work and community involvement, seniors in Southwest Florida can enjoy a fulfilling and enriching retirement experience.

Discover an Amazing Assisted Living Community in Bradenton

In conclusion, Westminster Manor in Bradenton, Florida is the perfect assisted living community for seniors looking to retire in Southwest Florida. With beautiful beaches, a mild climate, thriving arts and cultural scene, excellent healthcare, and endless opportunities for an active lifestyle, an exciting retirement experience is right around the corner. Visit the Westminster Manor website to learn more or schedule a tour today!

There are few things in life more enjoyable and rewarding than being a grandparent. One of the most important aspects of being a grandparent is maintaining a strong connection with your grandchild. This may be simple for grandparents who live near their grandkids, but it becomes tricky if you live far away. Check out four great tips for long-distance grandparents.

Schedule Regular Calls and Video Chats

If you live in another state than your grandchildren, the easiest way to stay in touch is by having regular calls or video chats. This can include phone calls, Facetime, and more. Schedule a certain day and time that you contact your grandchild to catch up. 

This gives you a chance to find out what’s going on in their life and watch them grow up, even from afar. It also helps you get to know grandchildren you may not be able to spend time with frequently due to distance.

Engage in Social Media

Social media has become a primary way to stay in touch and remain up-to-date on the lives of your friends and family. It is especially helpful for grandparents who live far away from their grandchildren. 

Being active on things like Facebook or Instagram allows you to see what’s going on in your grandkids’ lives and show them what you’re up to as well. It can also give you insight into who they are and the kind of things that interest them.

Organize Visits to Your Independent Living in Sarasota

One of the best ways to stay connected to your grandchildren is by having them visit your home. If you live in assisted or independent living in Sarasota, you can invite them to visit and spend time with you. 

Those in Sarasota assisted living may want to venture out and spend time at a local park, restaurant, or other fun places to make memories. For young children, this can be an exciting opportunity to explore new places while building a bond with you.

Set Up a Playroom or Kid’s Space

A great way to strengthen the bond with your long-distance grandchild is by giving them a home away from home. When they visit your home, create a certain space that is all theirs. This may include a playroom that has some of their favorite toys. You can also set up a bedroom for them that will make them feel comfortable. This will help them feel at ease and happy when spending time at your home.

Becoming a caregiver for someone with dementia can be rewarding — and challenging. The CDC estimates that over 5 million Americans are living with dementia. As a result, many people have been thrust into a caregiver role. 

Regardless of whether someone serves as a sole caregiver or the duties are shared by many others, caring for someone with dementia can be unpredictable and overwhelming. Thankfully, there are resources in Tallahassee, FL, that can help.

The 3 Stages of Dementia

Dementia tends to progress over time from mild to moderate and then severe. 

1. Caring for Mild Dementia

Those with mild dementia may struggle to remember names, words, and new information. In the early stages, maximizing independence while offering support with new challenges is essential. 

A care plan for someone with mild dementia should include the following:

• Create and keep a set routine 
• Write down and keep track of appointments, events, and to-dos
• Create a system for remembering to take medications or perform tasks
• Keep meals consistent and familiar
• Use a shower chair for additional support and to prevent falls

For those with mild dementia, the new need for help when performing everyday activities may be frustrating, so finding ways to keep their lives consistent is critical for maintaining their autonomy.

2. Caring for Moderate Dementia

As dementia progresses to the moderate stage, the person affected may struggle with judgment, sensory processing, and physical functioning. They may develop issues with inappropriate statements and poor personal hygiene. Many patients with moderate dementia begin wandering. 

Caring for a patient with moderate dementia requires some changes in the home. For safety and comfort, caregivers should consider the following:

• Removing throw rugs to prevent tripping
• Installing safety latches and locks
• Bringing a commode into the bedroom for easy access
• Ensuring all rooms have good lighting
• Considering location devices or other helpful technology

When a patient moves to the moderate dementia stage, caregivers should consider employing professional help. If you haven’t already, begin researching palliative care solutions and Tallahassee memory care.

3. Caring for Severe Dementia

Patients with severe dementia may have substantial memory loss, low mobility, and bowel and bladder control issues. Often, full-time care is necessary. 

Unfortunately, few caregivers can safely care for a loved one with severe dementia in their home. Locating quality assisted living in Tallahassee, Florida, can ease stress and ensure your loved one’s security.

When to Look for Tallahassee Memory Care

One of the most critical aspects of caring for someone with dementia is knowing when to ask for help. Unfortunately, many caregivers become so focused on their patients that they forget to meet their own needs. 

There comes a time when it becomes necessary to transition a loved one’s care to professionals. Trusting an expert to take over 24/7 care will enable you to make the time you have left with your loved one more meaningful and enjoyable.

As seniors age, sometimes they exhibit sudden changes in their behavior that can be difficult to address. One common example of this is not bathing. There are many factors that can contribute to a sudden hesitation to bathe, and sometimes family members and professionals need to step in to address the issue.

Whether a senior is living independently or enjoying assisted living in Bradenton, Florida, keeping up a hygiene routine is critical for physical and mental well-being. 

Reasons a Senior Won’t Bathe

There are many reasons why a senior may express a sudden hesitation to bathe. They may be experiencing: 

• Pain when in the shower or tub 
• A fear of falling on slippery surfaces in the bathroom
• Mental health challenges, such as loneliness, depression, or anxiety
• Forgetfulness and other cognitive symptoms

Seniors can experience one or several challenges that impact their desire or ability to maintain a bathing routine.

How to Help a Senior Who Won’t Bathe

If you notice that a loved one is experiencing anxiety about bathing or is simply skipping out on daily grooming activities, it is important that someone intervene.

Seniors don’t simply stop being interested in daily grooming activities; usually, it is caused by an underlying problem. Take the time to talk to your loved one to understand what is going on and how the issue can be addressed.

Another way to help is to seek help from a medical professional. If the senior is experiencing mental health challenges, a doctor may be able to prescribe medication or recommend therapy to alleviate some of the symptoms. 

Finally, ensuring the senior has the care they need can often address gaps in everyday grooming activities. Having a caregiver available to assist seniors with daily activities like bathing can make a huge difference in the senior’s quality of life.

Senior Care in Assisted Living in Bradenton, Florida

For seniors who are struggling with daily activities, Sarasota assisted living can be a good solution. Caregivers in assisted living can provide the support that seniors need. They are also trained to identify signs that a senior is struggling with fear, mental health, or an underlying medical condition. 

With a little attention from a loved one, seniors can get the help or care they need to get back on track with their normal bathing schedule.

Retirement and the later years of life should be a time spent exploring hobbies and spending time with friends and family. Unfortunately, this time also comes with challenges and isn’t always perfect. 

One of the biggest challenges facing aging adults is developing feelings of loneliness. Feeling lonely as a senior adult is more common than people may think, even for seniors with a seemingly active and social lifestyle.

Here are a few contributing factors to the loneliness epidemic.

Changes in Social Circles

Through working years, adults have natural opportunities to socialize with others and make new friends. These opportunities no longer exist in retirement, and seniors must rely on their existing friendships.

Over time, friendships can fade, and it can be hard to make new friends. In addition, friends and family members may pass away, creating a shrinking group of people that seniors can socialize with.

Fewer friends and family means less social interaction, which can quickly lead to feelings of loneliness.

Changes in Mobility

Several health issues can cause changes in mobility for seniors. Even for perfectly healthy seniors, aging joints and bones can make it more difficult to easily get around like they used to. Limited mobility can make it more difficult to get out of the house and meet up with friends or participate in regular activities. 

It can also contribute to lower self-confidence, making seniors less likely to seek out new friends or activities. Seniors with poor mobility often find themselves at home most of the time, which often leads to loneliness.

Reliance on Technology

We know that socializing virtually is not the same as socializing in person. However, we still tend to rely on technology to communicate with people we care about. Phone calls, video calls, and text messages often replace face-to-face conversations.

Even when seniors regularly interact with friends and family through technology, it doesn’t have the same effect as meeting in person and can still lead to a gap in needed social interaction.

Keep Loneliness at Bay at Independent Living in Sarasota

Seniors who live alone are more likely to develop feelings of loneliness. Moving to independent living in Sarasota can be a good option for seniors who lack needed social interaction.

With regularly scheduled events, wellness programs, and friendly neighbors nearby, Sarasota assisted living and independent living provides a true sense of community that helps keep feelings of loneliness at bay.

Sarasota assisted living is a great option for Florida natives who are looking to enjoy their golden years in a thriving community full of friendly, like-minded people. 

As you’re considering your options between facilities for assisted and independent living in Sarasota, you may be wondering how you can live your most authentic life and continue to flaunt your personal style as you transition into a brand-new living situation.

How Your Light Can Shine at Independent Living in Sarasota

There are so many factors that make up your personal style and flair, and many of them have to do with the ways you spend your time and interact with others. Luckily, independent living facilities in Sarasota tend to offer a wide variety of amenities, programs, and lifestyle choices to make you feel like your most fabulous self each day.

Enjoy a Night Out with Restaurant-Style Dining

There’s nothing like a night out on the town at an upscale restaurant. What if you could access top-quality dining conveniently within your assisted living community? Make a statement with a stylish outfit or bold accessory as you enjoy incredible restaurant-style dining just minutes from your front door.

Show Off Your Suit at the Swimming Pool

Depending on the region, some residents of independent living have to wait until the summer months to enjoy a relaxing day by the pool. As a Florida citizen, however, you know how warm and pleasant the weather can be year-round. All of the best assisted living facilities in Sarasota offer heated pools for your comfort, even on the occasional cold day. 

One of the best ways to express your personal style is sporting a unique, flattering swimsuit on a day at the pool, whether you’re swimming laps or simply soaking up the sunlight. At assisted living facilities in Sarasota, the perfect pool day is just a few steps from your home and is available all year round.  

Support Mind, Body, and Spirit with Wellness Programs

When your overall health is supported from the inside out, you can truly shine and be your best, happiest self. 

As you’re settling into your independent living community in Sarasota, don’t hesitate to check out any and allwellness programs that are offered, such as physical fitness, lifelong learning classes, social events, volunteer opportunities, and much more. Your personal style will shine through as you do the things you love and support your health and happiness!