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Join Us In A Shared Prayer

We are continuing to pray for the health of all of Westminster, and the world. As we move forward in this journey together, we are reminded that in the face of uncertainty, we must join together in our efforts and put our faith in God. We must look to the power of faith, hope, and love through all of this. Join us today, February 9, at 2 p.m., for a shared prayer. The prayer is provided by Laura Walters Baskett, Chaplain at two of Westminster’s affordable Rental Retirement Communities, College Arms Towers and Hugh Ash Manor in DeLand.

Download the prayer now

Join Us In A Shared Prayer

We are continuing to pray for the health of all of Westminster, and the world. As we move forward in this journey together, we are reminded that in the face of uncertainty, we must join together in our efforts and put our faith in God. We must look to the power of faith, hope, and love through all of this. Join us today, February 2, at 2 p.m., for a shared prayer. The prayer is provided by Mario DeLuca, Vice President of Resident Experience at Westminster Communities of Florida.

Download the prayer now

Deciding to take the next step into Florida assisted living can be intimidating. There are so many emotions involved that some families often prolong the decision. Westminster Communities of Florida is here to help you during this difficult time and make the transition easier for you and your loved one.

Our team at Westminster Communities of Florida put together a list of tips to help you with the big move.

1. Personalize their Surroundings
   • It is important to bring their favorite items from their current place of residence into their Florida assisted living apartment. This way the changes are not so apparent when they look around. Seeing their key mementos, family photos, and decor will help them feel at home.
2. Floorplans
   • Try to find a floor plan that works best for their regular routines. If they like watching TV from their bed instead of a couch, find a layout for their furniture that allows them to do so. This will help them keep a routine and not be overwhelmed by unnecessary changes.
3. Plants and Flowers
   • If their new room is feeling a little boring, try adding in some houseplants or flowers to brighten it up. There are a variety of subscription boxes like Bloomsy Box that allows you to auto-schedule a monthly delivery of fresh flowers to their door.
4. Dietary Preferences & Needs
   • Here at Westminster Communities of Florida, we want to make sure that your loved one is getting the proper meals for their dietary needs. If you have questions about meal options, give us a call.
5. Meet the Family
   • After moving into your new Florida assisted living apartment, it is important to get to know the staff and onsite team that will be assisting with laundry, housekeeping, bathing, medication, and more. Getting to know them and talking to them about any concerns and preferences can help make the transition simpler for your loved one.
6. Music
   • This may seem like an easy thing to do, but it could make a big difference. If they have a favorite album or singer, set up a device that will allow them to effortless turn it on and listen to it. Music can have a big impact on mood and memories.
7. Have a Plan
   • Talk to your loved ones about how often you plan on visiting them so they are not constantly wondering when they will see you next. Also, do not forget to check with Florida assisted living community to see their visitation guidelines.
8. Get them Involved
   1. Walk around Westminster Communities of Florida with them and show them the activity calendar, dining hall, and other common spaces. Take a look at our previous blog on why this is essential for your loved one.
9. Someone they Know
   1. If they already have a caregiver that they are comfortable with. You can have them hang out with your loved one for the first few days, so they feel less alone and have assistance getting to know their new home. This person can also help them join new groups and start making friends.

We know as a family member and/or caregiver, that even starting the senior care topic with your loved one can be tough and fill you with guilt. We want you to know that you have no need to feel guilty. Often, after they adjust to the new Florida assisted living community, they end up making more friends which helps them socialize and improves their overall wellbeing. Check out some of our residents that are happy they made the decision to move into a Florida assisted living apartment. Westminster Communities of Florida is here to help you with this process and do everything we can to make it seamless for you and your family.

After transitioning to a Jacksonville assisted living facility, you may be wondering how to spend your free time. Now that you do not have to do chores, grocery shopping, or mow your lawn. Westminster Woods on Julington Creek is a Jacksonville assisted living facility that strongly believes in lifelong learning. We partner with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of North Florida to ensure there is always something new and exciting for you to learn.

Whether it is finding a new hobby like woodworking or learning about the history of the cold war, we have a class that will match your interests. Do not worry there are no tests and no grades! It is simply to help you seek intellectual, creative, skill-building, or social opportunities that you did not have time for previously.

Our partners have a variety of remote learning opportunities so you can participate from your Jacksonville assisted living facility or attend some hands-on classes in person. The classes are for lifelong learners aged 50 and better so you are likely to make new friends who have similar interests.

Here is a list of some upcoming courses that caught our eye:

• ED-ventures
  • ED-venture Road Trip! Let’s Gallivant to Gainesville
  • ED-venture: Cummer Museum Tour: Zanele Muholi: Somnyama Ngonyama, Hail the Dark Lioness
  • ED-venture: Explore St. Augustine: Oldest House Museum Complex and the Casa Monica
  • ED-venture: The Brumos Collection: Your Private Tour
• Art History, Music
  • Three Generations of Wyeth Artists
  • Weasels in Art History
• Contemporary Issues
  • Hanna Park: History and Ecology
  • Personal Cybersecurity
• Creative Arts, Games, Hobbies
  • Beyond the Frame: American History through Art at the Smithsonian American Art Museum
  • Explore the Art of Caricature
  • Knit, Don’t Quit!
• Economics, Personal Finance, Law
  • The $10 Founding Father: Alexander Hamilton from Revolution to Stage
• Environment
  • Give Bees a Chance: Bee Conservation in Your Backyard
• Film, Photography
  • Film Noir: A Classic Genre
• Health, Wellness, Personal Development
  • Disaster and Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults
  • Journal to the Self: An Introduction
• History, Archeology
  • The Battle for LaFiere Causeway: 82nd Airborne Division in Normandy
  • Titanic: Fact, Myth, Legend, Catalyst
• Languages
  • Beginning French: Level III
  • Intermediate French: Level III
• Literature, Writing
  • American Beach for African Americans: Author Talk with Marsha Dean Phelts
  • OLLI Book Club

This Lifelong Learning program is just one piece of our My W Life wellbeing program at our Jacksonville assisted living facility. We believe that for whole-person wellness you need nutritious dining options, wellness classes, and these lifelong learning opportunities to keep your mind and body active. Keeping active will help you stay as independent as possible for as long as possible. If you have questions about Westminster Woods on Julington Creek and our Lifelong Learning partnerships, visit our website here for more information. You can also contact us and schedule a tour.

Join Us For a Shared Day of Prayer

We are continuing to pray for the health of all of Westminster, and the world. As we move forward in this journey together, we are reminded that in the face of uncertainty, we must join together in our efforts and put our faith in God. We must look to the power of faith, hope, and love through all of this. Join us today, January 26, at 2 p.m., for a shared prayer. The prayer is provided by Erin Rosica, Chaplain at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.

Download the prayer now

Join Us In A Shared Prayer

We are continuing to pray for the health of all of Westminster, and the world. As we move forward in this journey together, we are reminded that in the face of uncertainty, we must join together in our efforts and put our faith in God. We must look to the power of faith, hope, and love through all of this. Join us today, January 19, at 2 p.m., for a shared prayer. The prayer is provided by the Reverend Stephen J. Binkley, Chaplain at Orlando Regional Medical Center.

Download the prayer now

Join Us For a Shared Day of Prayer

We are continuing to pray for the health of all of Westminster, and the world. As we move forward in this journey together, we are reminded that in the face of uncertainty, we must join together in our efforts and put our faith in God. We must look to the power of faith, hope, and love through all of this. Join us today, January 12, at 2 p.m., for a shared prayer. The prayer is provided by Roger Rymer, a resident at Westminster Baldwin Park.

Download the prayer now

Westminster Communities of Florida Introduces Updated COVID-19 News and Resources Page

Our communities are preparing for and actively receiving COVID-19 vaccines for residents and team members in the Health Center, Assisted Living and Independent Living residents and team members. To get the latest updates on how we’re working to keep our communities safe, visit our Coronavirus News page.

Among the latest news, you can read the most recent letter to residents and family members from Chief Operating Officer Garry Hennis. And be sure to watch Westminster Tower’s video made by team members sharing their stories and encouraging others to “Say Yes to The Vaccine.”

You can find the page at westminstercommunitiesfl.org/coronavirus-news, and follow us on Facebook to receive updates about all Westminster Communities of Florida news.

Join Us For a Shared Day of Prayer

We are continuing to pray for the health of all of Westminster, and the world. As we move forward in this journey together, we are reminded that in the face of uncertainty, we must join together in our efforts and put our faith in God. We must look to the power of faith, hope, and love through all of this. Join us today, January 5, at 2 p.m., for the first shared prayer of 2021. The prayer is provided by Tom Carter, a retired United States Army Chaplain and resident of Westminster Winter Park.

Download the prayer now