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.

If you or a loved one are moving to assisted living in Saint Petersburg, FL, or anywhere else in the world, you surely have a lot to think about. One of the biggest stressors is decluttering your previous residence when preparing to move into your new space, and it can be hard to get started and stay on track. 

Below are five tips for how to declutter your space before your big move. 

1. Get Started Early

One of the best ways to prepare for a big move is to start early and stick to a plan. As soon as you know you or your loved one will be moving to assisted living, come up with a schedule for your decluttering, packing, and moving process. Once you have it all laid out, things will go much smoother. 

2. Use the Twelve-Month Rule

As you’re clearing out your space, a good rule of thumb is this: If you haven’t worn or used an item in a year or more, you probably don’t need it. 

In particular, your closets can accumulate a lot of old clothes and shoes that don’t need to come with you to your new home. If you haven’t worn or used an item in ten years, it may be bound for the waste bin. But if it’s in good condition, consider donating it instead. 

3. Don’t Keep a “Maybe” Pile

If you’re unsure of something, then you definitely don’t need it. A common mistake while decluttering is keeping a “maybe” pile. 

If you or a loved one are moving to assisted living, cutting down on anything extra is the name of the game, so don’t bother keeping something you’re not sure you need. 

4. Set Appropriate Limits

Whether you’re the one moving into a new assisted living community, or you’re helping a loved one make the transition, it’s important to remember there should be some limits when it comes to what’s worth keeping. 

For example, you probably don’t need financial or medical records from 20 years ago. However, it might be a good idea to keep important records from the past five years. 

Once you and your family have decided on the limits that work for your situation, make sure to stick with them and don’t make adjustments. If you have multiple people helping with the move, make sure everyone is on the same page. 

5. Consider Your Assisted Living in Saint Petersburg Space

Whether you’re moving to assisted living, it’s important to keep in mind how much space you’ll have in your new setting. 

There are many skilled nursing facilities in St. Petersburg, FL. Once you find the right one, take time to familiarize yourself with the facility and the type of living space you’ll have by taking an in-person tour. 

If you’re helping a loved one move and they can’t see their new space in person, make sure to take pictures and videos to show them what to expect. This will help everyone plan out how much can be brought into the new space and simplify the decluttering process. 

Watching a loved one with Alzheimer’s or a similar condition can be depressing, frustrating, and overwhelming. Assisted living in St. Petersburg, FL, will help you shoulder some of the difficulties you both may face. These centers will give you peace of mind as they keep your loved one safe, secure, and provided for. 

With that being said, it’s essential to find the right memory care community for the situation. A mistake in the inquiry process can lead to problems down the road. If you’re looking for a new home for your loved one, avoid making these common mistakes:

Failing to Ask the Right Questions

As you search for a memory care center, try changing your perspective. Looking at the situation from every angle and asking plenty of questions about assisted living in St. Petersburg, FL, will help you avoid an unfortunate situation. 

We recommend that you ask these questions as a starting point to your search for skilled nursing facilities in St. Petersburg, FL. 

Is There a Medical Director on Staff?

You want around-the-clock security for your loved one because medical emergencies can strike at any time. Get familiar with the community’s medical staff and make special inquiries about a medical director. 

On that same note, find out about additional medical staff and equipment. Is the facility able to perform labs, therapy, and X-rays onsite?

What Activities Are Available?

What kind of quality of life can your loved one expect at a memory care facility? A big factor will be the kind of activities provided. If your family member can play games, do crafts, and make friends, they’ll be much more likely to enjoy their time at a memory care center.

Are the Rooms Semi-Private or Private?

If privacy is important for your loved one, make sure to check the status of their potential room. Having their own space will allow your loved ones to feel more relaxed and at home in the facility.

What Is the Policy for Emergencies?

You may want to move your loved one to a facility so that they have immediate care in an emergency. With that in mind, make sure to ask about emergency procedures and make sure you are comfortable with how these incidents are handled.

Not Taking a Tour of the Facility

Taking a tour of a potential facility will tell you everything you need to know about whether it’s a good fit for your loved one. While you’re touring the place, check out the layout. Is it easy to maneuver? 

You should also take the time to observe how staff members treat residents. You want your loved one to receive compassion and attention. While you’re there, sample the food, talk to other residents, and participate in activities. Getting a feel for the vibe of the center will tell you if your loved one will feel at home there. 

Ignoring the “Comprehensive Costs” Topic

Before you finish your tour, make sure to ask about all of the costs. Do the standard fees cover housekeeping, nutrition, and medical care, or are those services add-ons? Obviously, you don’t want to commit to a center that is outside of your means. So don’t make the common mistake of failing to calculate all of the costs of memory care in St. Petersburg, FL. 

Over the years, assisted living Saint Petersburg homes have provided benefits to many different people. But is it possible that assisted living in Saint Petersburg FL, could improve your physical and mental health? Let’s take a look at this topic to get an idea of what you can expect.

Can Assisted Living Homes Help with Mental Health?

Research has found that physical and mental health are intricately connected. Simply put, stronger physical health is likely to improve your emotional health. For older adults living with physical pain, getting help could potentially make it easier to become a happier and healthier person.

Does that mean moving to an assisted living home will improve your mental health? It is possible – but has not been tested heavily. Simply put, assisted living in Saint Petersburg, FL, may improve your physical quality of life, which in turn could help enhance your emotional health.

This process depends on several factors. For instance, combining the benefits of medical treatment and medication with a stronger and healthier living environment – like your assisted living home – might be key to improved mental health!

How to Pick Assisted Living in Saint Petersburg, FL

If you want to find an assisted living Saint Petersburg home, it is important to consider a few different facets. These ever-important elements may impact the experience you receive. They include:

• The overall costs of your care facility, including their accepted insurance options 
• Their location, such as their proximity to loved ones near you 
• Resources and care options they provide you, such as physical therapy 
• Recreational options are provided for you by the center 
• Each center’s reputation with the community 

When gauging which of these centers is right for you, it is important to take a little time researching your various options. Doing so will ensure that you get a great experience and minimize potential complications. Just as importantly, it will keep you focused on a better life. Westminster Palms aims to be your premier choice for assisted living in Saint Petersburg, FL!

Take Care of Yourself

As you can see, an assisted living Saint Petersburg home could provide some benefits for your physical and mental health. Talk to your doctor about the potential benefits of assisted living in Saint Petersburg for your needs.

After choosing an assisted living option for your parents, time comes for you to start settling them into their new home. Moving from one home to another is an enormous change in everyone’s life – your parents are no different. As they begin to start a new life in their new surroundings, you want to make sure to help them create an inviting and safe space where they can feel comfortable and at peace.

At this stage of their life, seniors can often require help moving around or being mindful of their surroundings. To ensure there are no accidents waiting to happen, here are a few independent living home décor tips to improve senior safety:

Furniture placement

Place furniture strategically allowing an open living space where it is easy to walk around or for wheelchairs to pass through. The furniture should also be positioned in a way where it can be leaned upon for balance and stability. Tables, drawers and storage items should be at a height where bending and stretching isn’t required.

Select functional tables

Choosing and placing furniture strategically also means that you need to consider what type of tables you are placing around the home. Having round tables ensures that no one will be bumping into corners, which can be quite painful for the elderly. Avoid having any center tables in the living room as they cramp space and can also become an obstacle for someone having trouble moving around.

Avoiding risky rugs and scattered cords

For seniors, items that are not fixed in place can become a hazard. Rugs may look beautiful around the house, but they can easily cause someone to trip and have a fall. Instead, use regular carpeting if you want to cover the flooring so that there are no tricky edges that can cause a slip.

Similarly, electronic cords also cause falls if not tucked away carefully. Place them around wall edges or wrap them away in corners so that they can’t cause anyone to trip.

Add railings wherever required

Railings and grab bars can be very convenient for a senior who requires extra support when walking. These are especially helpful near entrances, hallways and the bathrooms.

Bring in easy to maintain greenery

To bring in some color and cheer in your loved one’s new living space, add some plants and floral arrangements. Choose plants that thrive indoors and don’t require much maintenance, or use artificial flowers if you want an option that doesn’t require daily attention.

Use personal belongings for décor

Using their favorite photos, usual coffee cups, old trophies and vacation mementos can be a comforting and familiar decoration idea for a senior moving to a new home. These items will not only bring a personal touch to the home but will also create a sense of belonging.

For spacious and comfortable living options for your elderly parents who require assisted living options in St. Petersburg, Florida, visit us at Westminster Palms and see for yourself what we offer. Contact us today to learn more about our skilled nursing facilities in St. Petersburg that cover all healthcare requirements.

Congress acknowledged the importance of labels in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), requiring them to include information so that consumers can make conscious health care decisions. What’s in a label? Since many people utilize nutritional supplements for self-care, reading the labels at assisted living facilities in St. Petersburg is essential. Read on to discover the importance of reading label information for supplements.

A Focus on Nutrition

Seniors in the care of assisted living confront particular difficulties because our bodies have more difficulty absorbing nutrients as we grow older. Assisted living facilities in St Petersburg, Florida note that other issues that seniors face include difficulties chewing, problems with digestion, and unique nutritional requirements due to changes in metabolism or medications. We understand the need for supplements, and we also recognize that not reading the labels could lead to a slew of medical complications.

Causes For Dietary Issues

Depending on a person’s lifestyle, they may be faced with dietary issues that dictate what they must consume on a daily basis. Our experts recognize that even simple difficulties like consuming too much or too little food are exaggerated at an advanced age. Therefore, reading the labels on supplements is key to ensuring that each resident gets sufficient nutrition.

The Impact of Bad Eating Habits

There are specific repercussions to a history of bad eating habits. A poor diet may cause older adults to restrict certain aspects of their eating. Fortunately, assisted living facilities provide residents with an atmosphere that embraces healthy eating. With our help, residents can discover the best diet for their health.

Adopting Healthy Eating Habits

While some eating disorders are linked to genetics, there is growing scientific evidence that adopting healthy eating habits and taking supplements can considerably improve the chances of living a longer and healthier life. Facilities dedicated to assisted living in Saint Petersburg, Florida recognize the importance of nutrition and healthy living.

Assisted living facilities in Saint Petersburg, Florida want their residents to get the necessary nutrients in the right portions and emphasize that labels be read at all times to meet the recommended daily allowance. Next time you look at a label, consider that it is important to follow the instructions clearly in order to yield the most benefits for your health!

There are assisted living facilities in St. Petersburg, Florida that make your loved one’s life more comfortable. However, choosing assisted living in St. Petersburg means making a major decision that can impact the rest of your loved one’s life. This decision shouldn’t be taken lightly. Here are some reasons why now may be too early to send your family member to an assisted living program.

They’re Not Physically Ready

Can your parents still get upstairs okay? Can they take medication as prescribed, bathe, clean, and eat independently? If your loved one is able to physically get around, assisted living may be too much of a burden for an older adult capable of handling themselves. There’s a sense of community in these programs, but older adults often prefer knowing they can take care of themselves without the help of a trained professional.

They May Prefer Solitude

Many older adults still like their solitude. Being alone sometimes is important at a time in life where older adults want to reflect on their life and enjoy private time with family. These living facilities do a good amount to make sure residents feel they have access to the care they need. But for older adults, a familiar face may be more friendly than someone they’ve never met. Hence, the benefits of solitude may outweigh moving into an assisted living program.

They’re Not Mentally Ready

Preferring solitude is one thing, but moving into assisted living facilities is a huge choice. Assisted living programs present a form of closure some senior citizens might not be ready to embrace. Unresolved conflicts, a joyful personality, and the sorrow that comes from leaving home may be too much to bear. Therefore, it may be better to wait until later so that you and your loved ones can all spend more time together.

One of the worst decisions adult children can make is placing their parents into an assisted living program too early. If they’re still physically and mentally capable, why rush the process? At the very least, older adults may wish to spend more time alone than socializing in assisted living. The benefits are there, but patience is key when making decisions on behalf of older adults.

There are assisted living facilities in St. Petersburg, Florida that make your loved one’s life more comfortable. However, choosing assisted living in St. Petersburg means making a major decision that can impact the rest of your loved one’s life. This decision shouldn’t be taken lightly. Here are some reasons why now may be too early to send your family member to an assisted living program.

They’re Not Physically Ready

Can your parents still get upstairs okay? Can they take medication as prescribed, bathe, clean, and eat independently? If your loved one is able to physically get around, assisted living may be too much of a burden for an older adult capable of handling themselves. There’s a sense of community in these programs, but older adults often prefer knowing they can take care of themselves without the help of a trained professional.

They May Prefer Solitude

Many older adults still like their solitude. Being alone sometimes is important at a time in life where older adults want to reflect on their life and enjoy private time with family. These living facilities do a good amount to make sure residents feel they have access to the care they need. But for older adults, a familiar face may be more friendly than someone they’ve never met. Hence, the benefits of solitude may outweigh moving into an assisted living program.

They’re Not Mentally Ready

Preferring solitude is one thing, but moving into assisted living facilities is a huge choice. Assisted living programs present a form of closure some senior citizens might not be ready to embrace. Unresolved conflicts, a joyful personality, and the sorrow that comes from leaving home may be too much to bear. Therefore, it may be better to wait until later so that you and your loved ones can all spend more time together.

One of the worst decisions adult children can make is placing their parents into an assisted living program too early. If they’re still physically and mentally capable, why rush the process? At the very least, older adults may wish to spend more time alone than socializing in assisted living. The benefits are there, but patience is key when making decisions on behalf of older adults.