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When choosing assisted living in Orlando, you may face some uncertainty or stress about making the transition. Some people simply miss home and are looking for the best way to warm up to their new community. Thankfully, you can turn assisted living in Orlando, Florida, into your new home with these seven steps.

1. Visit the Assisted Living in Orlando Facility a Few Times

Before moving and receiving assisted living in Orlando, you should visit the facility a few times. Explore its many areas, check out your new room, and talk to staff and residents. Doing so helps to make it feel more welcoming and familiar later.

2. Bring Along Important Personal Items to the Assisted Living in Orlando Facility

Photos, decorations, paintings, bedding, and other personal items all make assisted living in Orlando Florida an easier transition. Spend time making your room and area feel more comfortable and personalized to yourself, and you’ll feel better about your experience.

3. Find Assisted Living in Orlando That Feels Comfortable 

Assisted living in Orlando should be a comfortable situation – one that provides you with the help that you need to enjoy your life. Visit a few centers and choose one that feels right for you, including one that suits your care needs.

4. Don’t Stray Too Far from Home with your Assisted Living in Orlando

Do you want to live in a center for assisted living in Orlando, Florida, that feels like home? Then don’t stray too far from your original house. Living closer to your original area helps by avoiding any sense of separation you might experience.

5. Set Up a Regular Visiting Schedule at your Assisted Living in Orlando

Talk to your home for assisted living in Orlando about when your family can visit you. Try to set up a regular routine, including weekly or even biweekly walks with your loved ones. Doing so can help to make this experience more enjoyable by sharing it with your family.

6. Integrate Yourself into the Assisted Living in Orlando Community 

Did you know that facilities for assisted living in Orlando Florida, often have many recreational activities? These go beyond bingo and include trips, competitive events, concerts, and much more. Integrate yourself into this experience and feel at home.

7. Take Part in Assisted Living in Orlando Special Events 

Lastly, don’t hesitate to take part in any special events held by your center. Talk to them about Halloween, Christmas, and New Year’s celebrations and volunteer to help. When you take these steps, you make yourself feel more important and integrated into the community.

Learn to Love Assisted Living in Orlando

If you take the time to work with your home for assisted living in Orlando Florida, you can get the help that you need to feel comfortable and happy. By taking these simple steps, you minimize any confusion or troubles associated with transitioning into a new living space!

Living in an Orlando assisted living facility means having special care always available to provide for your safety needs. For example, tripping and falling can be a dangerous health risk at home – however, care experts at Orlando FL assisted living facilities are prepared to help avoid this risk and any associated injury. Consider the following four tips to reduce fall risks:

Clear Away Potential Hazards in Your Orlando FL Assisted Living Home 

When preparing an Orlando FL assisted living home, it is important to keep the floor clean and clear of potential tripping hazards. Be sure to keep walking paths and other routes clear of objects that could pose a risk. By clearing away any clutter from the floor, you can minimize the risk of serious tripping dangers around your space.

Keep the Orlando Assisted Living Facility Well Lit in Your Orlando FL Assisted Living Home 

Make sure that lighting is carefully installed and bright enough to provide a safe environment. Keep lights in the ceiling functioning corrently to minimize shadows or other tripping problems an Orlando FL assisted living home resident might experience. You should also consider the importance of hall lights and nightlights throughout the home for when it gets dark. These should help to minimize the risk of tripping and falling. 

Provide Grip Bars for Residents in Your Orlando FL Assisted Living Home 

Protecting yourself may be as simple as utilizing grip bars throughout the facility. You’ll need grips for stairs, bathrooms, and any other area where you might be at risk of falling. Pay attention to these simple steps! Bars with a strong grip surface and superior attachment options keep a facility strong and secure.

Install Floor-Level Showers in Your Orlando FL Assisted Living Home 

Did you know that most slip and fall risks in senior homes happen in the bathroom? Unfortunately, seniors trying to get in and out of the shower are at a high risk of slipping and falling. Take care to avoid this risk by utilizing floor-level showers – a helpful tool to stay protected while getting clean!

Take These Steps to Be Safe in Your Orlando FL Assisted Living Home 

If you take these simple and effective steps for your Orlando assisted living facility, you can stay safe from fall risks. When moving into your new assisted living center, remember to also take note of other steps that will minimize risks – like using proper walking gear and remembering to take any necessary medications regularly.

Have you dreamed of retiring to a luxury high-rise with great amenities and amazing views? You aren’t alone! Many people seeking independent living in Orlando are interested in the comfort and convenience of tower living. Unfortunately, seniors often worry that their limited mobility will be a problem.

If this is one of your concerns, you’ll be happy to hear that some communities like Westminster Towers happily welcome residents of any disability status. This includes anyone in a wheelchair or someone relying on other mobility assistance equipment.

Assisted Living in Orlando with Limited Mobility

Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act, along with several precedent-setting cases, individuals who have limited mobility are no longer limited in their choice of assisted living facility. If tower living is your choice, there is no reason for you to be excluded from that option.

What to Look for in Assisted Living Facilities

Anyone with limited mobility should be prepared to discuss their needs with the facility director and other staff. They will be able to make helpful recommendations to ensure that you can select the best possible living solution and a floor plan that meets your needs. They will also be able to address any questions or concerns you have. 

Benefits of Assisted Living for People with Limited Mobility

You deserve your choice of assisted living in Orlando, and that includes the convenience and luxury of tower living. In addition to that, individuals with limited mobility often enjoy an increased quality of life after they move into a retirement or assisted living community.

When you choose assisted living, you will enjoy a comfortable living space designed to meet your needs. Additionally, you will have access to the assistance you need to live life to the fullest.

Depending on your needs and the living plan you select, you might enjoy the following benefits:

Accessibility Aids and Equipment

You will feel safe and secure in your living space thanks to the availability of any equipment or accessibility aids you need. Your living space can be fitted with grab bars, wall-mounted phone systems, and other features that allow you to live as independently as possible.

Assistance with Personal Care

We are happy to provide a living plan that includes all of the personal care assistance you need. We’ll even help you with on-site rehabilitation services. Additionally, we will work with you to ensure that your future needs are met. Our goal is to reduce the stress of living with limited mobility while allowing you to enjoy an active, independent lifestyle.

Transportation Assistance

Assisted living facilities have transportation vehicles modified for use by people who use wheelchairs or have other limitations. This is to ensure that you have the same access to transportation as others. Your limited mobility should never stop you from attending offsite activities, shopping, or going to appointments.

Access to Social Spaces and Community Activities

We believe that anyone living in a tower should be able to take advantage of every amenity. This includes people with limited mobility or those who need memory care in Orlando. Because of this, our facilities are designed to be fully accessible, indoors and out. We also have plenty of staff on hand to help with transfers or provide other assistance as needed.

Nobody can escape the effects of aging, yet everyone still tries! Things like sudoku and jigsaw puzzles are great ways to keep your mind sharp at any age. And a good diet and exercise regime will help keep your body healthy and minimize the effects of aging. But all that worrying about growing older might be doing you harm. Did you know your attitude towards aging can actually affect the way you age? 

Effects of a Bad Attitude Towards Aging

The way you feel about aging is oftentimes what you manifest as you age. It is a phenomenon known as stereotype embodiment. Researchers have found that the more negative stereotypes about aging an individual takes in, the higher the risk of developing dementia. People who view aging negatively are also less likely to recover from injuries or disabilities later in life. 

A poor attitude toward aging can render you generally apathetic and derail your efforts to stay healthy as you get older. On the contrary, a positive attitude can improve your self-esteem and even help you live longer than your pessimistic counterparts. 

Cultural Influence

The way older people are portrayed in TV and film plays a huge role in how people view aging. When aging is shown as lonely and depressing, most people assume that’s how it will be in real life. But when older people are portrayed as wise, active, happy, and fulfilled, people are more likely to feel positively towards aging. 

It can be hard not to get bogged down in the negative stereotypes of aging, but you’ll find yourself much happier and healthier if you can break free from them.

How to Maintain a Positive Attitude About Aging

Here are a few tactics to remain optimistic about the years to come.

Stay Connected

The connections you make with other people are essential to your mental well-being. Maintaining relationships with friends and family as you age is a great way to feel connected and stave off feelings of loneliness or unimportance. 

Remain Flexible

Your joints and muscles may not be as limber as they used to be, but there’s no reason your mind can’t stay flexible as you age. Keeping a flexible and fluid worldview (like the notion age is just a number) can help maintain a positive outlook. 

Sweat It Out

Regular exercise is already one of the best things you can do for your body, but it can actually help improve your mood and overall sense of well-being. This is due to a large number of endorphins released during exercise, even low-impact exercise like walking. 

Keep Your Stress in Check

If you feel like your life is getting more stressful as you get older, chances are you aren’t going to think positively about aging. But if you can manage to keep your stress in check, you’ll find the future looks much happier. 

Orlando Assisted Living 

Several independent living facilities in Orlando, FL, can help residents maintain their positive attitude towards aging. They take a lot of stress from everyday life away, such as home maintenance, and leave you with more time to focus on doing what makes you happy. There are also many Orlando assisted living facilities for people who need a little more care. 

When you pursue Orlando, Florida, assisted living, you’ll soon find it’s easy to live with all the amenities and support you need. However, despite this change of scenery, it’s still important to consider the crucial step of keeping your new home clean and decluttered! Here’s a few reasons why we think you should dedicate some efforts this week to keeping more organized: 

Keep Yourself Safe

Clutter – especially on the floor – makes it difficult to walk around. You would not want to trip and fall! So, be proactive – putting items back where you found them and keeping them off the floor is important. Also, items hanging overhead have potential to fall – so pay attention to upkeep in these areas, as well. If you’re ever in doubt about getting organized, trust that your safety is the most significant benefit of all.

Make Your Home Look Nice

The way your home looks matters! If you’re bringing in family and guests, they want to know you’re doing well, and having a decluttered home is a good way to put their mind at ease. When they decide to visit your Orlando assisted living community, invite them to a neat, clean, well-organized home. Some places to start? Consider having:

• Cabinets and drawers organized
• Dishes and kitchen utensils placed away
• Every item in a specific spot

Reduce Stress and Anxiety

In your home, are there stacks of paper, unopened mail, and possessions of yours that belong somewhere else? If so, know that decluttering and keeping calm go hand-in-hand. That’s because you’re not surrounded by confusion and chaos. Decluttering can help you focus on peace, cleanliness, and order instead of the mess at hand.

Build a Self-care Habit

Getting in the habit of putting items back where they belong and keeping order in your home can maintain the discipline needed to look out for your own best interests. Even small tasks like making your bed can have a significant impact on your ability to get things done, with a boosted mindset and positive outlook.

Improve Self-Esteem

Of course, our courteous professionals want to make sure senior citizens get the care and comfort they deserve. However, part of feeling great at a facility for assisted living in Orlando, Florida, is feeling content with your surroundings. This is why decluttering can help you feel better about yourself! It’s your space – and you’ve made it your best. 

The process of decluttering is something to be enjoyed. If you want to feel safe, organized, and more in control of your life, take steps to get organized today, so you can still be organized tomorrow. An Orlando assisted living community is waiting to become your new, decluttered home. 

If you are placing your loved one in assisted living in Orlando, social media websites (like Facebook) can help you and your loved ones stay in touch. Many senior citizens do not have a Facebook page, so there are some steps you want to take before placing your loved one in a facility to ensure they can interact with you and other family members on Facebook. Continue reading below as we go over some of these steps to help your loved one stay in touch on social media. 

Set Up a Facebook Page For Your Loved One

One of the first things you need to do to ensure your loved one can stay in touch with you via Facebook once they move to Orlando, Florida assisted living is help them set up a page. It is important to help them set up a page and send friend requests to all of the family and friends that they will want to remain in contact with. During this phase, you will also want to teach them how to interact with others on Facebook and how to operate the social media platform. 

Remain Active on Facebook

Another tip to help you and your loved one stay in touch via Facebook is to remain active on the platform, and to encourage your loved one to do so as well. If you are not active on the platform, your loved one may get bored with it and interact with it less. Be sure to upload photos of yourself and your children so your loved one can see and experience what is going on in everyone’s lives. 

Teach Your Loved One About Dangers and Scams Associated With Facebook 

The final tip to keep in mind when you are teaching your loved one about Facebook is to teach them about online scams. For those of us on social media regularly, scams may be easy to spot. However, for those who are elderly or who do not have much experience on social media, scams may not be as easy to pick out. Teach your loved ones about the dangers on Facebook and encourage them to reach out to you if they have any questions about potential scams.

Whether you are looking for assisted living facilities in Orlando, Florida, or independent living, Westminster Towers can provide the care your loved one needs. Reach out to us today to schedule a tour of our facility or to learn how we can help your loved one. 

Owning a pet can be beneficial for a variety of reasons. They are always there for you, they cheer you up when you are feeling blue, and they are simply adorable! That is why at Westminster Towers, an independent living community in Orlando, we allow pets. We understand that they are part of your family, and it’s important that they can move with you to your new home. When caring for your pets, you may be asking yourself; Do I need pet insurance? 

How Can It Help?

Pet insurance has become increasingly popular in recent years and it is very similar to health insurance for humans. Premiums, deductibles, co-payments, and limitations are common features of pet insurance policies, limiting the amount of money paid out each year. However, if your pet is starting to age and could develop health issues in the near future, it could help lower your out-of-pocket payments for specific procedures.

How Pet Insurance Works

Although pet insurance is similar to our personal insurance, there are some differences. Unlike people’s coverage, you will normally have to pay the full amount of the vet fees upfront and then wait for reimbursement from the insurer. Pet insurance coverage ranges from basic plans that solely cover accidents and illness to comprehensive policies that cover everything from annual exams, vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and more. It is important to note that most pet insurance policies exclude pre-existing diseases and that premiums are normally lower when your pet is young and healthy.

Pet Insurance Costs 

Pet insurance prices vary by insurer and policy, but they are often determined by factors such as the cost of veterinary care in your area, as well as the age and breed of your pet. For more information on average costs, visit the North America Pet Health Insurance Association.

Do I Need Pet Insurance?

This is a question that only you can answer after you review your budget, research your options, and then decide what is best for you. Insurance policies vary by type of pet, age, and more. If you decide to go the pet insurance route, please find a reputable company and make sure to read all the fine details. Don’t be afraid to talk to your family and get their opinion. It is a big financial decision and it won’t hurt to get multiple perspectives.

All in all, pet insurance can be beneficial for some and non-essential for others. Taking the time to find trusted insurance companies, reading all of the details, and crunching the numbers is important. Just remember, whether you go the pet insurance route or not, your best friend is always welcomed at Westminster Towers, our independent living community in Orlando, Florida.

Before learning how to choose between assisted living and memory care, it’s crucial to understand the differences between the two types of care. There are numerous parallels and distinctions between senior care lifestyles, but here are seven differences between assisted living and memory care in Orlando.

Specialized Treatment for Memory Care

Gyms, pet-friendly apartments, transportation services, and more are just a few of the amenities that particular assisted living homes in Orlando may provide. Meanwhile, memory care facilities may include features such as enclosures or terraces to deter drifting, spas, and arts and crafts studios, and other amenities.

24/7 Surveillance for Memory Care

Orlando assisted living and memory care staff members have extensive experience caring for the elderly and assisting residents with daily duties. Memory care personnel, on the other hand, get ongoing, comprehensive training in order to offer 24-hour, person-centered care and monitoring to people with memory loss.

Secure Entrances and Exits in Assisted Living

Safety elements such as in-room emergency alarm systems and daily check-ins may be available in Orlando, Florida assisted living settings. However, more excellent safety is a key objective and major worry for seniors with memory loss.

This is due to the fact that wandering, aggressiveness, and falls are all frequent yet deadly symptoms of dementia. Memory care facilities must provide a safe setting with locked gates to avoid roaming.

Memory Improvement Therapies

Seniors in assisted living facilities in Orlando, Florida have lots of opportunities to socialize. A diverse choice of organized activities is frequently offered to cater to various interests.

For elders with memory loss, memory care provides both group and individual activities and therapies. Activities are planned carefully to offer a sense of comfort and routine food to help elders maintain cognitive skills.

Large Staff

Because memory care patients have more demands than assisted living residents, the facilities have hired more people to guarantee that each person’s needs are addressed.

Ambiguity Reduction

Memory care facilities have distinct layouts and designs to assist residents in orienting themselves and reducing confusion. In memory care communities, design aspects may include well-defined communal spaces, color-coded walls to help individuals with memory loss find their way around, and outside gardens to keep patients from feeling trapped or confined.

Cost of Assisted Living

Memory care homes or units provide specialized care and nursing services that are not available in traditional assisted living facilities in Orlando, Florida. As a result, memory care is more expensive and varies depending on the community and region.