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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!

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.

It Identifies Gaps

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 Indicates the Appropriate Level of Care

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.

It Allows Caregivers to Develop a Plan

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.

It Uncovers Health Concerns

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.

Assisted Living in Saint Petersburg, Florida

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.

Question One: What Kind of Amenities Are Offered?

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:

• On-site dining
• Libraries
• Computer rooms
• Game rooms
• Spas
• Common areas
• Outdoor areas
• Fitness centers

Make sure you familiarize yourself with the amenities available to you before making a decision.

Question Two: What Are the Care Options?

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.

Question Three: How Much Does It Cost?

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.

Question Four: What Is Daily Life Like?

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.

Exploring Assisted Living in Saint Petersburg, Florida

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:

1. Gardening

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.

2. Going to Concerts

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.

3. Game Nights and Clubs

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!

4. Exercise Classes at Assisted Living Facilities in St. Petersburg, Florida

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!

5. Book Club

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.

Elderly People Can Still Have Fun

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.

Take a Morning Stroll on the Beach

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.

Visit the Museums

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.

Go on a Mural Search

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!

Walk the St. Pete Pier

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.

Tour Assisted Living in Saint Petersburg, Florida

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.

Winters in Assisted Living in St. Petersburg, Florida

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.

Tips for Talking to 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.

Habits to Avoid

Just as there are tips for facilitating conversation, there are also practices that should be avoided. A few examples include:

• Avoid constantly correcting them — mixing up words or facts is out of their control
• Avoid patronizing them by using baby-talk — treat them as an equal
• Don’t test their memory — they likely recognize that they should remember details and can get frustrated when they don’t

By avoiding these lines of conversation, you can minimize both their frustration and your own.

Assisted Living in Saint Petersburg, Florida

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.

1. Loss of Interest in Activities

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.

2. Sudden Weight Loss

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.

3. Trouble Sleeping

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. 

Assisted Living in Saint Petersburg, FL

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.

Making new friends is difficult at any age. And when you’re so set in your ways, the idea of making new friends at a senior living facility can feel overwhelming or even a bit scary.

The good news? It doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re living in an assisted senior living facility or are still independent living in St. Petersburg, FL, read some top tips for how to make new friends in senior living facilities.

Join Activities

There’s nothing better than bonding over a shared passion. Not only will venturing out to participate in activities that interest you enrich your own life, but it will most certainly help you make new friends. 

When you move into your new living situation, ask staff for a copy of the monthly events and activities calendar. And if you commit to an activity, follow through with your plans! 

Find New Residents in Assisted Living in Saint Petersburg, FL

If you live in assisted living in Saint Petersburg, FL, it’s likely that your building has other new residents. 

Ask staff to connect you with other new residents who may be facing the same hurdles you are. Your living facility may have a group dedicated purely to acclimating new residents. 

Host a Party 

Don’t want to meet other people? Bring the new people to you by hosting a “new to the neighborhood” party in your independent senior living space. 

Make sure to be open, pleasant, and welcoming. As the host, you’ll want to be as inviting as possible. Consider making the party fun by planning different games or turning the party into a screening of your favorite film. 

Listen, Listen, Listen

As sad as it is, most people engage in conversations only to talk about themselves. Rather than being that obnoxious person in a conversation, take the time to really get to know who you’re speaking with. Taking an interest in who the person is, where they grew up, and what they did for a living will engage the other person and help strike a deeper bond between the two of you. 

Ask for Help

Sometimes it can be overwhelming to go to a social event by yourself. And that’s okay! If you have friends or family outside of your living facility, consider inviting them to the next senior living center event so that you can meet people in your community while armed with the comfort of having a familiar face by your side.