Author: Westminster

Many family members find it challenging to transition someone they love into Tallahassee, Florida assisted living. Seniors today must make numerous decisions about where they will live because different locations have different rates, and they may be apprehensive about living too far away from friends and family. Assisted living facilities in Tallahassee are a good choice for seniors who can benefit from 24-hour assistance but are not entirely reliant. Here are five perks of moving into Tallahassee assisted living facilities.

No Yard Work or Home Maintenance

Saying goodbye to yard work and home maintenance is one of the significant benefits of living in a senior community. Your monthly living fees cover all of these expenses. You may even be able to add housekeeping services to your package.

Pay One Fee for a Majority of Expenses

When you tally up your monthly living expenses, which include everything from cable and internet access to property taxes and entertainment, you may find that it all adds up quick. However, most expenses are covered by a single fee. Also, some assisted living facilities don’t require a vehicle since practically everything residents require is on-site, and a ride is provided to move about.

Numerous Nearby Amenities 

You’ll want to consider the convenience as well as the cost savings of having so many activities you enjoy doing so near to home. On-site amenities include fitness classes, adult education, entertainment, and exquisite eating selections crafted by professional chefs. You can locate a senior community that offers your favorite interests, whether hiking, cycling, golf, gardening, or weight training.

Meet New People

You’ll meet other seniors who share your interests while you’re out and about in your neighborhood doing what you love. If you have been searching for new friends, then you can consider entering a choir, an exercise group, or a class to meet fascinating individuals your age at the facility.

Selling a house and moving to assisted living facilities near Tallahassee can be distressing. However, Westminster Oaks makes the move as easy as possible! Learn more about our facilities today. 

People don’t normally think about what might be needed to move a parent or elderly relative into memory care and assisted living facilities in Tallahassee. For many, the idea of transitioning a relative is foreign, abstract, and not connected to daily living – until it is. And, when people do try to engage at the last minute without good planning, mistakes happen with ramifications that can last years.

Planning and Coordination Make a Difference

Before any kind of transition to assisted living in Tallahassee, Florida should occur, a good amount of planning and family coordination should happen first. A transition is a huge life change with a permanent outcome. Everyone in a family should be consulted so the move is not a surprise, including the relative to be moved first and foremost. It will be tough to go through the shock multiple times, but the effort will be worth the work.

Pack and Help the Move 

Work with the relative to be moved and help them pack. Go through what makes sense to bring as well as what to let go of. No one ever wants to suddenly be packed up out of their home and moved without warning, especially when a home has meant so much to one’s life. Instead, help the relative with the packing process and spend time with them as they mentally adjust to the change. 

Personalize the New Home 

A new Tallahassee, Florida assisted living location can seem foreign or even clinical. Focus on personalizing it as soon as possible. This will give the relative a sense of connection and adjustment to the change. It might cost a bit more to have the room for a month or so while transitioning, but multiple visits and “moving in” can make for an easier time and process as well as less anxiety.

Post-Move Follow-Up

The move to assisted living facilities near Tallahassee is not over just because it’s physically complete. Transition to assisted living facilities in Tallahassee, Florida takes months after first arriving, so expect to visit frequently to make adjustments, fix things, follow up on issues, and help the relative feel at home – like someone is listening to them and they were not just abandoned. Presence can also help vent and release frustration as well as coax acceptance to the new location. 

At Westminster Oaks, we regularly help families transition a relative to assisted living in Tallahassee, Florida. We know the change is challenging, anxiety-inducing, and frustrating when done wrong. We want our new tenants to feel like arrival is a new chapter, not a bad experience. So, we make a point to help families with transition, starting first with the relative needing memory care the most. Call us to schedule a visit and find out more. We know our program can make a big difference in a challenging time for your family.

Talking to your elderly parents about transitioning to assisted living facilities near Tallahassee is not an easy conversation to have. However, there are a few guidelines that can help you make the communication come across smoother and be more digestible. Here are a few tips to start with when you need to speak with your aging parent about moving to assisted living facilities in Tallahassee, Florida, as well as the way forward for your family.

Starting the Conversation

Do your research before initiating the conversation about senior care and build a list of your concerns for your aging parent. Outline essential things like safety, health, and daily basic activities. If available, discuss the matter with other close relatives to obtain their viewpoint as well, but be as objective as you can. 

You might have questions regarding how memory care homes deal with crises and health problems like flu outbreaks. Most websites for assisted living in Tallahassee, Florida display notifications of their safety procedures, or you can call to inquire.

Learn how critical their living situation is for seniors, as your parent’s mental and physical well-being depends on their environs. Learning these facts boosts the assurance and credibility you require to start the conversation. 

Let your parents know that the conversation is not to force them out of the home to help you make a more informed decision with them.

Tips for a Better Conversation About Assisted Living

Following these suggestions will help you have a constructive conversation once you’ve learned more and felt secure in your ability to convey the options:

Have the Discussion Soon

Rather than waiting for a health catastrophe to push the subject, pursuing this difficult decision early will help you all come to a conclusion and begin planning with far less stress.

If At All Practical, Meet in Person

If you can get together and have a face-to-face discussion, that’s fantastic. If not, use a video call, so you can at least see each other while talking. Moving from their home to an independent living home in Tallahassee may cause your loved one anxiety, concern, and objection.

Empathize with their emotions. This will demonstrate to them that you will honor their wishes. Also, stay away from information overload, as this will make the conversation about moving to skilled nursing facilities in Tallahassee, Florida much easier.

If you or a loved one are moving to independent living retirement communities near Tallahassee, Florida, you may experience a huge change in your life. One of the biggest changes that people feel upon moving is the feeling of being homesick. This is common as you are moving from a home and/or area where you may have lived for a long period of time. Fortunately, there are a few steps to take to help ease these feelings of being homesick and settle into your new home quickly. 

Visit a Few Times Before Moving

One of the best ways to minimize being homesick is to visit an independent living facility multiple times before moving. Take the time to learn where everything is within the community, get to know your neighbors, and get to know the staff. You will already feel comfortable and may already have relationships within the community prior to moving. This can help you to feel right at home on moving day. 

Bring Photos and Treasured Items With You

Another tip to help you feel at home quickly when moving to independent living facilities is to bring photos and treasured items with you to your new home. Having photos of your children and grandchildren, bringing along special mementos, and bringing along familiar bedding can make a new place feel more familiar and more like home to you. You have things that bring back good memories and will help to lessen any pangs of homesickness you may feel. 

Participate in Social Activities

The final tip to help you adjust to your new Florida retirement community quickly is to be proactive and participate in social activities. Retirement communities typically plan out a multitude of activities for residents within their community. This may range from movie nights to game days to bus trips to a local casino or shopping center. Getting out of your room and participating will help you meet new people and fill your time, helping to ensure you have no time to miss your old home. 

If you are looking for a Tallahassee retirement community, Westminster Oaks would love to show you what we have to offer. We believe that being happy never gets old, and we strive to create a community where our residents have all of the tools to live a full and happy life. Reach out to us today to schedule a tour.

Planning for your move into a Tallahassee, FL, assisted living facility can be a challenge! You’ll need to determine what all you’re packing to bring to your new space. Have you considered using this opportunity to simplify your space down to the essentials? Many seniors have found the benefits – mentally, physically, and financially – of adopting a minimalist mindset. Here’s a few reasons you might want to consider the lifestyle, too!

Why Is Minimalism Better?

Minimalism is a philosophy that less is more – and that simplicity can be the key to greater freedom and happiness. This can mean decluttering your life and taking less things along with you moving into the future – granting you more breathable space and, ultimately, peace of mind.

Financial Reasons to Consider Minimalism

Minimalism is cost-effective because it pushes you to be more purposeful with your spending. Living on limited funds always means considering how to spend conservatively. With a minimalist mindset, it is important to be deliberate about how you spend your money.

Mental Wellness Reasons to Utilize Minimalism 

Living a simple life can be appealing to those who no longer feel the need to rush – especially when taking full advantage of their retirement at independent living Tallahassee facilities. Instead, choose to focus on what is most crucial to you with the time and money that a minimalist mindset frees up. The fewer things you have to worry about, the better your life will be at your assisted living in Tallahassee Florida facility. You’ll be able to relax and focus on the many activities ahead. 

Maintenance and upkeep of an independent living Tallahassee space like Westminster Oaks are often streamlined – giving you a chance to sell off nonessential items and focus less on cleaning and maintenance of your space. This means less clutter to worry about, too!

Productivity Purposes for Minimalism

Often, you’ll hear the term, “the simpler, the better.” It often holds true! Seniors who choose to embrace a minimalist mindset can focus more on the things that are most important to them by simplifying their life—spending more time with their grandchildren, for example. Also, you’ll get to concentrate on hobbies or activities that offer amazing experiences, such as traveling. When you have less to clean and arrange, you may save a lot of time at assisted living facilities in Tallahassee Florida. 

5 Key Considerations Before Searching for Assisted Living in Tallahassee Florida

There are many things you should consider before searching for a retirement community. Whether you’re looking for yourself or a loved one, you want to find the best possible place to live and thrive during your senior years. Tallahassee, Florida, is a popular area for retirees and is filled with communities offering seniors a fun-filled, exciting, enjoyable environment. Here are five things you should consider as you research assisted living in Tallahassee, FL: 

What Type of Care Do You Need?

Would you like to receive assistance with daily activities – or are you focused on finding opportunities for independent living? Many senior communities offer skilled nursing, assisted living, independent living, and memory care services, depending on your unique needs.

What is the Cost?

Money is always an important factor when it comes to choosing a senior community. Make sure you know exactly how much you’ll be paying before you make a final decision.

What Activities are Offered?

Do you enjoy golfing? Playing Bingo and mingling? Or maybe you love taking leisurely strolls around the property. Ensure that there’s plenty to do at the community of your choice.

What Amenities are Available?

Many facilities provide fitness centers, an assortment of dining options, transportation services, housekeeping, wellness programs, and much more on their campuses. Decide what amenities are on your must-have list and find out what each place offers!

What Do the Apartments Look Like? 

Check out different floor plans and pick the best one for you. Then, take a virtual or in-person tour of the facility to check cleanliness, aesthetic appeal, and get a feel for the layout. 

Discover Assisted Living in Tallahassee at Westminster Communities

Are you searching for the perfect Tallahassee retirement community for you or your loved one? Westminster Communities of Florida has a variety of independent living facilities in Tallahassee, FL. There are plenty of retirement communities near Tallahassee, FL, but none can quite match the beauty and vibrancy of Westminster Communities of Florida. 

Our team of highly-trained senior care providers is dedicated to serving senior citizens, offering skilled nursing and Tallahassee memory care, along with services for independent living and assisted living. Residents enjoy active lifestyle opportunities, lovely amenities, and second-to-none senior care by our friendly staff. Are you ready to find the right community? Contact us today online or by giving us a call at (800) 948-1881. 

Assisted living in Tallahassee, Florida, consists of all the amenities and services senior citizens are looking for. 

Whether you’re looking for a resource for independent living, assisted living, or ahead towards Tallahassee memory care, Westminster Oaks has all the amenities and services senior citizens could want. Still, aside from all the activities to enjoy, there’s time to sit down with a good book! Read on for a few of our top selections, which we think would make great picks for a virtual book club.

1. Shy: How Being Quiet Can Lead to Success by Annie Ridout

Self-help/Inspirational

At independent living facilities in Tallahassee, FL,, shyness and introversion are topics well worth discussing. Ridout says shyness is a gift, not a fault! Enjoy this read and share an intensive discussion on issues concerning vulnerability toward others.

2. Libertie: A Novel by Kaitlain Greenridge

Historical Fiction

This story is based on the first black female doctor, Dr. Susan Smith McKinney. The tale follows a young girl who abandons science in favor of music during her pursuit of independence. It’s a historical fiction novel of post-Civil War American history. This release from Kaitlan Greenridge might be among the best!

3. Shiver by Allie Reynolds

Thriller

This book is great for a winter read for cozy evenings spent indoors. It’s a locked-door thriller featuring a snowboarder whose reunion in the French Alps goes horribly wrong. Mysterious novels with cold settings tend to make great page-turners – and the perfect source for book club discussion when everyone is racing to the end at once!

4. We Shall Sing A Song into the Deep by Andrew Kelly Stewart

Science Fiction

Someone has a mission to trigger the second coming. When the time comes, a weapon will be ready. This science-fiction read can shake up your world as you start to remember The Hunt for Red October. If you’re a fan of imagining fantastical, futuristic worlds, this might be the perfect read!

5. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Harris

Contemporary Romance/Domestic Fiction

In Harris’ book, named by Newsweek as one of the most anticipated releases of 2021, two friends with seemingly nothing in common take one last vacation. Only now, clouds of secrecy hang overhead. Will the unlikely duo be able to fix the mistakes that haunt their relationship – and find love along the way? Read on to find out!

Extra time on your hands is best spent with an engaging book – so try out these 5 great reads when you take an afternoon to relax at your facility for assisted living in Tallahassee, Florida. 

There are plenty of well-known factors that promote healthy aging: exercising, getting quality sleep, a balanced diet, and so on. These are important at all stages of life but are especially sure to enhance older adults’ well-being. But, did you know that friendships have just as important of an influence on healthy aging? As relationships evolve over time, having a supportive circle of friends can help you live a happier, healthier life. Read on to learn more about how fostering friendships is an integral part of our Westminster Oaks community.

Connecting During COVID-19

Our way of life across all ages has changed ever since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, but there are still ways for seniors to maintain relationships with those they care about even if it is not as feasible to meet face-to-face all the time. According to a recent report, 46% of adults over the age of 65 use Facebook on a regular basis and several free chatting platforms exist, such as Skype and Zoom, which enable anyone to connect over long distances. Many seniors report that these social media platforms provide important ways to remain engaged in the lives of their loved ones and even revive old friendships, even if we are spending more time than ever away from others.

Rebuilding Social Networks

Later in life, social circles naturally decrease for many reasons. Older adults may uproot and move away to be closer to family or to escape colder climates, and friends may pass away. Rebuilding your social network can be challenging at an advanced age but there are a few ways to make it happen! Locate interest groups, such as a gardening club or walking group, or participate in workshops to find other adults in your age range with mutual interests. By living in an assisted living community, you will have a natural exposure to other residents and grow friends. These connections are the support you will depend on during the mountains and valleys of life!

How Friends Influence Health

Surrounding yourself with friends who share similar values and interests is a good way to foster healthy living. For example, if you are practicing a more mindful diet for your health, eating with friends who share a similar nutritional approach is sure to keep you honest to your diet. Similarly, by connecting with friends who recognize the severity of the current health crisis, you will enjoy a life that is safer and easier by reducing risks and exposures to disease.

There are many ways for residents to pursue happiness at Westminster Oaks, where you will learn to embrace life to the fullest! We put your lifestyle first with wellness classes and lifelong learning opportunities through a unique and innovative partnership with Florida State University. Enjoy a lifestyle enriched by exclusive access to the arts with great amenities and hospitality services to match and discover culture in the heart of Florida’s beautiful capital city. Whatever puts a smile on your face, we know you will find it at Westminster Oaks in Tallahassee, FL!

Chronic pain is an exhausting affliction ailing millions of adults over 55. As recently as 2016, an estimated 20.4% of U.S. adults had chronic pain. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that nearly 20 million people have pain so severe it interferes with daily life. Physicians are growing increasingly reluctant to prescribe pharmacological solutions due to the opioid epidemic, leaving those in pain with a frustrating situation. Rather than adding yourself to the statistics, practice these 5 helpful suggestions for managing your chronic pain!

Be More Mindful of Your Eating

What you eat can either increase or decrease inflammation in the body, so it is extremely important to understand which foods are good for your body and which ones are making your pain worse. Inflammation is known to magnify pain, especially for those suffering from osteoarthritis. Before digging into your next meal, consider reviewing resources online to educate yourself on the best inflammation-fighting foods. This way, you can love the food you eat both for its taste and pain management benefits!

Stay Active

When suffering from chronic pain, physical activity may seem especially unenticing. However, low-impact physical activity is another solution available for you to explore! Staying active keeps your muscles and joints limber while also making them stronger, which aids in reducing inflammation. Walking, chair yoga, and swimming are all very accessible to older adults in independent living facilities and these are some of the best forms of exercise to manage chronic pain.

Look into Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

You may be wondering how a therapist can help you with your chronic pain, but the answer is quite simple. CBT is an incredibly useful tool for improving the lives of people with both physical and mental health conditions, making it applicable in the field of chronic pain as well. As the patient, you work with a therapist to learn and perfect techniques for redirecting the mind when pain is high. Therapists offer a wide array of tools to achieve this, including deep breathing techniques and meditation, to ensure that you are mentally ready for chronic pain.

Stress Management

Feeling stressed out is already bad enough on its own, but it is also proven to increase feelings of pain. Learning how to relax sounds simple enough but is a crucial tool in your pain management efforts. Explore different methods of stress management until you find some that work specifically for you. Guided meditation, music, and progressive muscle relaxation are just a few stress management tools that work well for many people.

Stay Away from Negative Behaviors

It is easy to turn to poor habits when feeling pain, such as smoking or drinking alcohol to cope. However, both of these mechanisms (and more) are likely to simply increase your pain rather than helping cope with it. Furthermore, they can contribute to sleep problems, increase inflammation, and increase the risk for other serious health conditions. When your chronic pain is flaring up, turn towards healthier methods of coping instead of going even deeper into the red.

In order to best manage your chronic pain, your health has to be a priority at your independent living facilities. That’s why we embrace life to the fullest at Westminster Oaks! Our residents enjoy exceptional active senior living and a lifestyle enriched by our exclusive My W Life wellbeing program. We put your health first with wellness classes and other lifelong learning opportunities. Join our community today and see why we make it easy to manage your chronic pain!

It’s always a good day to learn something new! At all of our Westminster communities, we believe in challenging your mind through creative ideas and improving your knowledge in engaging ways. Check out these benefits of lifelong learning!

You Can Learn Without Leaving Your Home

From art to history and everything in between, there’s something in the course catalog for everyone. At many of our communities, classes are held on-site and taught by professors, authors, and subject-matter experts — so a world of knowledge is right around the corner!

It Boosts Your Confidence

Knowledge is powerful! Learning can lead to improved self-perception, boosting confidence, and improving mood. When you learn new information, especially information you’re interested in, you feel successful and aware. Learning is highly rewarding!

It Keeps Your Brain Healthy, Too

Studies have shown that older adults who keep learning are less likely to develop dementia or Alzheimer’s — that’s why we believe continuing education can be beneficial in more ways than one! When someone is passionate about what they’re learning, their brain actually produces some of the same chemicals as falling in love.

There are more reasons than one to value a continued education! That’s why we offer exclusive opportunities for lifelong learning at our assisted living communities all across Florida — because happiness is having great choices!