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Live Well. Be Happy.
Sure, we may be a few months into 2024 — but can’t the arrival of bright, sunny spring serve as a “new year” of sorts, too? That’s what makes the International Day of Happiness on March 20 such a special holiday: It’s an excuse to prioritize cheer and make mirth a built-in part of your life!
Happy Take a Walk in the Park Day! March 30th is a fun holiday for anyone who enjoys taking a stroll to soak in the beautiful weather outside. Of course, here in our corner of the Sunshine State, you don’t really need a special reason to do that — our weather is walk-friendly 365 days of the year!
At Westminster Palms’ independent living facilities in St. Petersburg, FL, walking is a way of life — a just-for-fun activity for the sake of it, as well as a means of getting around our stunning bayfront grounds. In honor of Take a Walk in the Park Day, join us as we explore some of the biggest benefits of taking a stroll — plus, how to make your next walk even more fun.
(Tip: As usual, your medical team can help you approach new exercises safely! But these are just a few basic benefits you might notice as you work walking into your fitness regimen.)
Feel-Good Fitness
You probably already know that walking, as movement, is good for the body — but did you know that it can help with joint pain and immune function, too, according to Harvard Health? The National Institutes of Health also note that walking is good for overall heart, bone, and muscle health too. Because it’s such a simple, down-to-Earth (literally) means of transport, walking might seem like nothing special — but studies prove that it’s quite the powerful form of movement.
Serious Stress Relief
Developing a regular walking routine can help with a host of benefits — but according to a study featured in the National Library of Medicine, even a 10-minute “brisk” walk had the ability to improve participants’ mood. That’s something to feel good about, especially since it doesn’t take long to lift your spirits with a stroll!
Studies have also shown that exposure to blue spaces in the forms of natural bodies of water can have a stress-reducing effect. This is great news for Westminster Palms residents, who can enjoy unparalleled views of Tampa Bay 365 days a year.
Give Your Walk A Special Theme
Now that you know the big benefits of taking a walk, you might be wondering how to motivate yourself to get out and do it — or if you’re already a big walker, how to make your next stroll more fun. Might we recommend a walk with a special theme? Throw on a fun throwback outfit, for example, or theme your walk around wildlife or birding. By making your walk a fun challenge (i.e., see how many seabirds you can spot and identify in 30 minutes) you give new purpose to your leisurely stroll.
Social Stroll
Nearly everything is more fun with a friend or family member by your side — and, well, walking is no different! One of the best parts of living at Westminster Palms is the community aspect, so consider starting a regular walking group or meeting with a neighbor for a stroll at the same time every week. No matter how you go about it, it feels good to reap not just the physical benefits of walking but the social ones, too.
Find Creative Inspiration
If you’re an artist or budding creative, you can find inspiration on your walk! That might mean bringing a small sketchbook with you to draw up a scene whenever the moment strikes, or perhaps writing about your stroll in a dedicated journal that’s all about the sights and sounds of the paths you travel. Either way, there are plenty of options for blending your love of walking with your passion for creative endeavors!
We hope that these ideas lend a flair of inspiration to your next Westminster Palms walk! No matter where you’re headed, there’s always something exciting to do or see in our bright, balmy St. Petersburg community.
Here at Westminster Palms, we’re fortunate to be situated right next to vibrant natural areas that attract a wonderful variety of birds. As a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in St. Petersburg, FL, we enable our residents to enjoy comfortable independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care while still having access to the natural splendors of this region.
For those who love birdwatching, our proximity to places like Boyd Hill Nature Preserve and Sawgrass Lake Park means there’s always an opportunity to spot beautiful native and migratory birds right in our own backyard. As avid birders ourselves, we delight in guiding Westminster residents of all activity levels to prime birdwatching spots nearby. We’ve discovered nearly 200 species that either call this area home or make migratory pit stops in the bountiful wetlands and forests surrounding us.
Join us as we uncover some of best places near our St. Petersburg CCRC to spot gorgeous herons, egrets, woodpeckers, warblers, and even the occasional bald eagle!
Sawgrass Lake Park
One of our community’s favorite birdwatching spots is Sawgrass Lake Park, a 715 acre county park with a rich variety of ecosystems. Located just over a mile away from Westminster Palms, it’s easily accessible for our residents. The park contains Florida’s largest hectare of wetlands under single ownership – a major draw for diverse water birds and waders. Embarked on one of the park’s boardwalk trails through marshy areas lined with tall grasses, you’re likely to spot stately great blue herons stealthily spearing fish. Look upwards, and you may catch sight of a bald eagle coasting on air currents, keeping an eye out for unwary prey below.
During winter months, the park receives migratory visitors like the tricolored heron, little blue heron, reddish egret, and snowy egret feeding alongside year-round inhabitants. The park provides critical resting habitat for species traveling to and from North and South America. Residents have cataloged over 150 species at Sawgrass Lake, making it one of the best local birding sites. Its mixed environments attract both wetland species and forest dwellers like the pileated woodpecker and red-bellied woodpecker.
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, spanning 245 acres, contains a hardwood hammock, pine flatwoods, lake and marsh habitat frequented by over 150 species of birds. Westminster residents adore exploring the park’s trails and spotting feathered locals like the anhinga, belted kingfisher, and barred owl.
The park’s lake attracts diving birds like the pied-billed grebe and horned grebe during winter. Birders can observe these water birds’ fascinating hunting behaviors, like the “water dance” ritual grebes perform when courting mates. Migratory duck species common to Boyd Hill lake are ring-necked ducks, ruddy ducks and hooded mergansers.
During spring and fall migrations, the park becomes especially lively with neotropical migrants. Warbler species like the Cape May warbler, prairie warbler, palm warbler, yellow warbler and American redstart can be seen flitting through trees and feeding on insects. Late April brings peak viewing opportunities. Local birding enthusiasts organize weekly outings, sharing sightings and welcoming residents of all experience levels to join.
Weedon Island Preserve
Weedon Island Preserve contains miles of unpaved trails showcasing coastal hammock, mangrove swamp and an extensive system of boardwalks perfect for birding. This preserve comprise over 4,000 acres of Tampa Bay habitat. Birders willing to make the trip might glimpse the striking reddish egret fishing in shallows or a sooty tern resting on an empty stretch of sand after journeying all the way from the Caribbean. Birding tours are an easy way for Westminster residents with limited mobility to access these rich birding hotspots.
Fort De Soto Park
Fort De Soto Park occupies five interconnected islands with over 1,100 acres of unspoiled beaches and wetlands attracting over 340 documented bird species. Although it’s one of the most popular recreation destinations in Pinellas County, many visitors stick to the main beaches, leaving expansive natural areas quiet for avid birders. The park is another convenient go-to locale favored by our residents.
Fort De Soto features crucial stopover habitat during spring and fall migrations, when flocks numbering in the hundreds of brown pelicans, cormorants, terns, gulls, sandpipers and plovers descend upon its shores and mud flats to rest and feed. Birders might spot rarer species like the reddish egret or buff-breasted sandpiper mixed amidst large congregations of shorebirds.
The park’s inland mangrove forests, tidal pools and scrub habitat boast entirely different species from the beaches, like white ibis, roseate spoonbills, black skimmers and the striking painted bunting.
Birding at a St. Petersburg CCRC with Westminster
Here at Westminster Palms, we feel incredibly fortunate to reside minutes from St. Petersburg’s most beautiful birdwatching hotspots and migration flyways. As a CCRC enabling comfortable living across all levels of care, we empower our residents to continue pursuing lifelong hobbies they feel passionate about, even when daily activities might become more challenging.
Birding opportunities will never run out living beside places like Sawgrass Lake Park, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve and Fort De Soto Park. For seniors seeking an engaging lifestyle surrounded by nature’s splendors, Westminster Palms provides living accommodations paired with easy access to the region’s vibrant habitats and conservation initiatives.
Learn more about our CCRC by visiting our website or calling to speak with a retirement living consultant today. We can’t wait to see you discovering your new home’s natural side!
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.”
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!
The level of care assisted living residents need can vary greatly from one individual to the next. That’s why most residents receive a needs assessment before settling into their communities. A needs assessment will be important if you’re considering independent living in St. Petersburg, Florida.
A needs assessment may involve physical examinations, mental tests, and interviews aimed at providing a better understanding of the level of support a senior needs. This type of evaluation fulfills several key functions.
Seniors don’t always ask for the help they need; some may not even realize they need help. A needs assessment identifies gaps in a senior’s daily life, like difficulty completing tasks, or missing medications. Filling these gaps is critical to ensuring residents’ health, safety, and comfort.
It’s crucial that seniors receive the appropriate level of care. When they don’t receive adequate care, their safety and well-being can be at risk.
Conversely, when seniors receive too much care, it can threaten their sense of independence and take valuable resources away from other residents. A needs assessment can point to the appropriate level of care.
Developing thoughtful care plans is one of the most important aspects of serving residents in senior living communities. Care plans are developed with input from medical professionals, family members, and of course, the residents themselves.
Care plans ensure everyone is on the same page and that the individual in question gets the exact type and scope of care they need. They can also lay out goals for seniors receiving therapy or rehabilitation or working toward long-term physical goals.
A needs assessment is also a way for caregivers and medical professionals to uncover health issues.
Seniors and their families don’t always know what signs to look for when underlying medical issues are present. With a needs assessment, the examining professional can detect early warning signs and refer the senior to a doctor.
All seniors should undergo a needs assessment prior to transitioning to assisted living in Saint Petersburg, Florida. This evaluation will ensure a smooth transition and make the individual, their loved ones, and their caregiver more prepared.
With a proper needs assessment, seniors can immediately settle into their new assisted living accommodations and look forward to the next chapter in life.
Choosing a retirement community is a big decision.
Every community has its own unique structure, characteristics, and amenities, and not every one may work for you. Whether you’re exploring assisted living facilities in St. Petersburg, Florida, or leaning more toward an independent living arrangement, there are a few important questions you’ll want to ask.
The amenities are one of the best parts of retirement communities. They make everyday life easier and more enjoyable and are usually available for you to utilize at your leisure.
Look for a retirement community offering amenities that match your needs and interests. Examples may include:
Make sure you familiarize yourself with the amenities available to you before making a decision.
A central feature of retirement communities is the care they offer to residents. Even if you don’t need much support today, ensuring staff is available should an accident occur is highly prudent.
Additionally, if your health or mobility changes over time, you’ll want the peace of mind that you’ll get the care you need in your current community.
The living expenses associated with retirement communities encompass a broad range. Since you’re unlikely to want to move again later on, you’ll want to ensure you have the financial capacity to stay in your preferred community for the long term.
Most communities are willing to work with you and your family to find an agreeable financial solution. It’s also a good idea to consult a professional financial advisor who can help you budget and plan for the coming months and years.
Before selecting a retirement community, you’ll want to have some idea of what you can expect on a day-to-day level.
Ask the staff or current residents how they spend their days and what they think about the community they work or live in. Make sure you focus on the specifics, such as daily dining options, scheduled activities, transportation, and other perks. The answers you receive should give you a better sense of what your life could look like in a particular retirement community.
There are numerous options for both independent and assisted living in Saint Petersburg, Florida.
Florida is home to some of the best retirement communities in the country, so at least one is bound to fit your needs and interests. Take your time making your choice. When you find the right match, you’ll feel right at home from day one.
If you’re working on your resolutions for the new year, consider resolving to spend more time with the elderly loved ones in your life! They’ll thank you for it and cherish the opportunity to participate in activities with you and your family.
With that in mind, here are 5 fun hobbies you and your elderly loved ones can do together this year:
Gardening is a great way to connect with your elderly loved one. In addition to being healthy for them (mentally and physically), it offers an opportunity to create and grow something together.
Even if they struggle with limited mobility, the physical activity that gardening provides can help prevent or relieve symptoms of osteoporosis, some cancers, depression, Type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
Music is good for the brain, no matter your age. For the elderly, it can help improve their memory and concentration, as well as their mental health overall.
Many cities have performing arts centers that offer annual concert series. Some even host operas and classic musicals! Consider purchasing season tickets for you and your elderly loved one to relax and enjoy the music.
Your town might have clubs that host game nights where your elderly loved one can play games like bridge or bingo. Assisted living facilities in St. Petersburg, Florida, for example, sometimes host events for both their residents and other elderly locals.
Consider learning some card games your elderly loved one knows, and see about scheduling weekly or bimonthly game nights!
Exercise classes are another fun bonding opportunity for you and your loved one. However, the elderly are more prone to injury than younger people, which is why you should consider taking them to exercise classes specifically designed for the elderly.
For example, an assisted living facility (in St. Petersburg or wherever you live) may offer classes taught by fitness professionals specially trained in helping elderly people safely and effectively exercise. As a loved one, you might be able to participate too!
Reading is a great activity for elderly people because it keeps their brains engaged while maintaining brain health. With that in mind, consider starting a book club with your elderly loved one. You can read the same book and then discuss it together! If their eyesight prohibits them from reading regularly, you can get them set up with an audiobook version.
Wanting to start new activities with your elderly loved one is a great way to plan for your new year. After all, older people still can (and want to) have fun!
Saint Petersburg is known for its warm weather and fun attractions, especially during the winter months, when it’s still comfortably temperate. Here are five great things to do if you’re spending the winter in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Saint Petersburg is known for its scenic beaches. Since the area is still relatively warm in the winter, you’ll enjoy the perfect weather for taking a relaxing jaunt along the shore.
Early mornings are a great time to visit the beaches, as they aren’t overly crowded. While you’re out, pop in a local bakery or café to grab some breakfast or coffee.
If you enjoy viewing beautiful works of art and immersing yourself in exciting exhibits, you might visit one of St. Pete’s many museums or cultural centers. Places like the Salvador Dali museum are popular attractions in St. Pete, and they make a great day trip for those looking to stimulate their imagination on a winter day.
Another great thing to do during the winter is to search for murals on buildings. St. Petersburg is famous for its creative street art, with thousands of giant murals painted on buildings throughout the city. Take a trip around the city on foot and see how many you can spot!
One of Saint Petersburg’s most famous spots is St. Pete Pier. Located next to Vinoy Park along the beautiful coast, the Pier is a popular destination for residents and visitors alike. It’s home to many top-rated local shops and restaurants that people of all ages can enjoy at any time of the year.
With the warm weather, quality medical facilities, and fun attractions, Florida has become a popular place for senior living communities. If you have friends or family living in one of the many assisted living facilities in St. Petersburg, Florida, stop by to visit and make their winter a little warmer.
From walks on the beach to museums and mural searches, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in St. Pete, including visiting senior living communities. If you or a loved one is a resident of assisted living in Saint Petersburg, Florida, you can make the most of this winter season by participating in fun activities and making memories at your facility or around the city.
When a parent, family member, or loved one develops dementia, it’s often necessary to change the way you communicate with them. Not only will this facilitate understanding, but it can also reduce the stress and anxiety that is so common in people living with dementia.
Dementia is a form of cognitive decline that is out of a person’s control. As such, talking to people living with dementia takes the same type of consideration that you would offer to somebody with any other speech difficulty.
The most important tip for speaking with people living with dementia is to remember that their cognitive challenges are just as frustrating for them (or much more so) as they are for you.
Following a few simple strategies can facilitate conversation:
Speak in short, clear sentences at a reasonable volume, and enunciate your words to ensure that they aren’t misheard.
When asking a question, present uncomplicated options. You may need to word your question in different ways.
Be mindful of your tone of voice. Try to be patient and gentle, as letting frustration or anger seep into your tone can make your conversation partner less willing to engage.
Give room for them to respond. Sometimes, people living with dementia need extra time to articulate their thoughts. Be comfortable with silence, and don’t pressure them to respond right away.
Following these basic guidelines can help to minimize frustration and let people living with dementia have a voice. You can also consider helping your loved one transition to a community designed with their needs in mind. Moving to memory care in St. Petersburg, Florida, is often the best way to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia.
Just as there are tips for facilitating conversation, there are also practices that should be avoided. A few examples include:
By avoiding these lines of conversation, you can minimize both their frustration and your own.
Moving to assisted living in Saint Petersburg, Florida, can be a great way to ensure your loved one gets the support they need. Communities are staffed by compassionate professionals who have the knowledge and tools to help people living with dementia communicate their needs, accomplish their daily routines, and continue to live fulfilling lives.
Seniors have a lot of things to look forward to. Retirement means more time for hobbies, family, and the opportunity to relax and embrace a slower pace of life. However, retirement is not without its challenges.
Depression in seniors is more common than people think. The risk of developing depression increases with age and health challenges and can also affect seniors in skilled nursing facilities in St. Petersburg, FL.
The good news is that depression is often treatable. Here are three signs and symptoms to watch out for to detect depression in seniors.
One of the most obvious signs of depression in seniors is losing interest in activities. If your loved one suddenly loses interest in activities they normally enjoy, like attending a social event or a hobby, that is a strong sign of depression.
There is a difference between skipping an activity for a week and a pattern of loss of interest, so be attentive in recognizing this symptom.
Depression often causes seniors to lose their appetite, resulting in sudden weight loss. If you notice your senior loved one is rapidly losing weight without explanation, it may be time to seek help.
Weight loss is not always attributable to depression, of course. Medication side effects can also play a significant role in appetite and metabolism. It is best to see a doctor to help pinpoint the exact cause.
Sleep is essential for a healthy and active lifestyle. Regular and quality sleep is especially important for seniors. Those with depression often experience sleep disturbances and may have trouble falling or staying asleep.
They may also begin sleeping for long periods during the day, which can negatively impact their health. If your loved one mentions having trouble sleeping, consider whether it could be a sign of depression.
Sometimes a change of scenery and community can effectively keep feelings of depression and isolation at bay. When seniors begin to feel depressed, moving to assisted living can be a good option.
Assisted living in Saint Petersburg, FL, is known for its great amenities, dedicated staff, and tight-knit community. A senior living community provides activities, care, and social interaction that can go a long way in improving mental health in the long term.
