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Moving can be a stressful process for anyone. Still, it’s especially true for seniors moving into independent living in Jacksonville, Florida who must decide what to bring with them. Encourage your loved ones and help them make a list of what’s essential and what isn’t. Here’s what to bring to your new Jacksonville independent living apartment.

Furnishings

If you can obtain the square footage and design of the home before moving day, you will find it much easier to begin the packing process. Your loved one must be able to transport their prized possessions, such as favorite furnishings and sentimental things, into their new living area. 

Knowing how much space you’ll have available will enable you to assist your loved ones in making more informed judgments about what can accompany them. In general, you should bring the following items to your new assisted living Jacksonville, Florida community:

• End tables, nightstands, sofa, and chairs
• Guest folding chairs
• Dishes, glasses, and cutlery are examples of kitchenware
• Bedding includes a comforter, quilt, and decorative pillows
• Lamps
• Knick-knacks and mementos

Photographs and Artwork in Frames

It’s crucial to make your loved one’s atmosphere feel as “homey” as possible, but don’t over-pack these possessions. Because their new living area will most likely be smaller than their old one, develop a list of the most important objects.

Necessities

• Appliances (if not provided) – microwave, coffeemaker, and mini-fridge
• Timer for the alarm
• Hangers for clothes
• Eyeglasses, hearing aids, and canes/walkers are examples of assistive devices
• For a quick clean, use cleaning wipes
• Radio and television
• Books and magazines that you enjoy reading

Assisted living facilities in Jacksonville, Florida may be able to provide some necessities, so check first to see what your loved one may already have.

Clothes

• Sweatpants, jeans, and sweaters are all good options
• Robes and pajamas
• Socks, slippers, and shoes
• Jackets and warm coats are recommended

For exceptional occasions, formal attire is appropriate. Bring a range of outfits appropriate for the climate where your loved one will be staying.

Toiletries 

• Prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs
• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Shampoo and soap
• Lotions and a razor
• Make-up

Again, most assisted living facilities in Jacksonville, Florida offer a wide range of services and amenities, so gather a list of what will be available before making a special trip to the store for supplies.

Over time, it is natural for an individual’s memory to show signs of decline. Aging, illness, or accidents may begin to compromise a person’s memory. Age-related cognitive decline, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, may not show any immediate signs of effect. Instead, individuals exhibit symptoms over a period of time. This makes it hard to determine when an individual truly needs memory care in assisted living facilities in Jacksonville, Florida. The following are signs that may indicate a person needs memory care in a Jacksonville, Florida assisted living facility.

Diagnosis of Dementia, Alzheimer’s, or Another Related Condition

Although many people can be forgetful sometimes, that level of forgetfulness increases with age. However, frequent forgetting of important dates, locations, dates, and bill payments may exhibit signs of an abnormal condition. These are usually the first signs of dementia; therefore, there is a need to visit a doctor. After a diagnosis, there is a need to consider memory care in independent living in Jacksonville. A person may opt to stay at home as long as they want in the initial stages of the condition.

Caregiver Stress at Home or In Jacksonville Assisted Living Facilities

Caring for a loved one who needs memory care requires a lot of effort, understanding, and willingness. It may be difficult to support an individual with this condition without participating in frequent breaks. Whether in home-based care or with qualified memory care providers, patients with mid to later stages of memory loss need high-quality medical assistance. If a person approaches or is already in a phase where caregiving is too time-consuming, there is a need to consider memory care at an assisted living facility in Jacksonville, Florida.

A Decline in Overall Health

A person with memory issues may face difficulties performing other activities like driving, preparing food, making a grocery list, or even remembering to eat. Additionally, losing track of time and days has a terrible impact on circadian rhythm. This may lead to insomnia, Sundowner’s syndrome, and other sleep conditions that affect a person’s well-being.

Little to No Social Life

Some people with dementia experience a considerable decline in their social life. However, residents in memory care centers or retirement communities in Jacksonville experience vibrant social lives. There are daily activities, creative outlets, and supervised excursions in most centers.

Memory loss is a condition that requires an extra care level. Although a person may opt to stay at home, there is a need to consider a memory care facility if the condition becomes severe. Call Westminster Woods today to learn more about our Jacksonville assisted living facilities.

While getting older, residents of assisted living facilities in Jacksonville should take some extra time to care for their oral health. Poor oral health can have consequences – such as dealing with tooth loss, gum conditions, root decay, and dry mouth. So, how can you best avoid these problems and have the healthiest teeth possible? Read on for a few top oral health tips for seniors.

Floss and Brush Daily

Probably, you have heard about the importance of flossing and brushing since childhood. Regular brushing and flossing are the perfect ways to enhance and maintain oral health. Dentists recommend that a person should brush twice daily. As you age, you can benefit from more fluoride; therefore, select a toothpaste containing high mineral levels. You should also remember to floss once per day. If you or a loved one faces challenges due to conditions such as arthritis while brushing, try a flossing tool or water pick. Staff at your assisted living facility can also help you combat any of these challenges!

Use a Good Toothbrush

A toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head that can reach the back of the mouth is perfect for brushing. Find products accredited by reputable dental associations. However, conditions like arthritis may make it hard to brush. In that case, you should consider purchasing a battery-operated toothbrush to have a perfect daily cleaning. Change your toothbrush after every three months or any time bristles begin to fray. 

Avoid Tobacco Products

To maintain good oral health, you should avoid chewing tobacco and smoking cigarettes. Besides lung cancer, smoking can also lead to mouth and throat cancer. In addition, tobacco can also cause tooth decay and gum diseases. You can consult a doctor about developing a treatment plan to help with quitting smoking. 

Apply Antibacterial Mouthwash

Bacteria and germs in the mouth may lead to plaque build-up, gum conditions, and eventually tooth loss. Seniors should use a mouthwash that has antibacterial properties to facilitate the prevention of gum conditions. Remember to use mouthwash daily. This can help to eliminate mouth bacteria. If a senior wears dentures, they may be more exposed to bacterial build-ups.

For regular, expert assistance with your oral health and other parts of your healthy, active lifestyle, turn to Westminster Woods! Our Jacksonville assisted living facility gives you the freedom and fun to enjoy active senior living. Contact us today to discover how living at Westminster Woods can benefit you!

Now more than ever, physical distance is the greatest obstacle keeping families apart, especially for those with loved ones in assisted living facilities. Even with COVID-19 afoot, we are still enabled to remain in touch with those in assisted living, both inbound and outbound. Technology makes this easier than ever! Continue reading to learn how to optimize technology to remain close with family despite distance and disease.

Smart Phones

According to a recent report, four out of ten seniors own and operate a smart phone – a figure that has doubled since 2013. These incredible inventions allow owners to hold the power of the internet within the palms of their hands, which means anything is possible with a viable Wi-Fi connection. Furthermore, smartphones offer access to an array of communication apps which make it possible to connect face-to-face, in addition to a plethora of other benefits. Phones don’t have to be used only as text machines, and the elderly are also more proficient than ever at mastering these tools, which makes smart phones incredibly useful for staying in touch.

Video Chat

The ability to place video calls is not restricted to smart phones only, you can just as easily do the same thing with tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. These devices also provide a much larger interface and, therefore, a bigger and clearer picture of those you are chatting with. Not only is this practical for catching up with loved ones that you have not been able to see for a long time, but it is also a great benefit for telehealth and other ways of staying healthy during the pandemic. Besides this, video chats also allow participants to enjoy in games together, no matter how many miles may separate them. Skype and Zoom are two free and intuitive chat services that have taken off recently, and they are excellent tools for staying connected.

Email

Yes, email is classic but it is just as effective as ever at keeping people linked together. Though email does not promise as personal a touch as video chatting, it is still easy to share photos, videos, recipes, and important family updates. Recent updates to email also allow users to share calendars, so that everyone in the family can be kept up to speed on appointments and other important life happenings, like birthdays or graduations.

Social Media

Social platforms such as Facebook have boomed since the turn of the century and they are still on their current trajectory towards the stratosphere. Social media can be an open forum for posts of all kinds from those that you friend or follow, but you can just as easily temper your intake of material by creating private groups with your friends and family to limit the white noise. All it takes is an account and you can instantly tap into your loved ones.

Seeking out an independent living or assisted living community for your elderly beloved does not have to be something to fear, because it is easier than ever to stay in touch even after they have begun their residency there. Westminster Woods on Julington Creek in Jacksonville, FL offers an interactive lifestyle without compromises and our residents benefit from a full array of services and healthcare options, including memory care and skilled nursing. Reach out as soon as possible to get started on finding your home here!

Even the smallest of tasks can begin to feel painful for older adults – feeling stiffness when you turn your head, getting painful sensations in your extremities, and so on. With improved flexibility, it is possible for many seniors to find a better quality of life again as they fight against the pain of aging! According to the CDC, roughly 50 million adults live with chronic pain which is proven to lead to depression, stress, and loss of sleep. By doing these stretches from the comfort of our Jacksonville independent living facilities, you can relieve pain and live better!

Overhead Side Stretch

First, stand with your feet firmly hip width apart, then raise your arms overhead and interlace your fingers. Keep your torso straight and gently lean to one side, holding that pose for 10 to 30 seconds before returning to center and repeating on the other side. This stretch strengthens the intercostal muscles, which support the ribs and facilitate comfortable breathing. Make it easier by sitting in a chair if necessary.

Shoulder Stretch

Do you often feel tension in your neck and shoulders? Stand tall with feet hip width apart again, then reach one arm across your body. With your opposite arm, grab the extended arm and slowly draw it closer to your body until you feel your shoulder stretching. Hold that for 10 to 30 seconds, then repeat the process with your other arm.

Hamstring Stretch

For this exercise, keep one leg straight while extending your opposite heel outward with toes up. Then, without rounding your lower back, gently lean forward from your hips until you feel a comfortable stretch. Hold that pose, then switch legs and repeat. It is important to never do more than what you are comfortable with so be sure to not push yourself too hard or you can risk injury.

Supine Knee to Chest Stretch

Lay on your back with your legs straight first, then lift one knee toward your chest as far as you can comfortably without lifting your upper body. Grasp the back of your thigh to draw your leg closer to your chest, then hold it there for 10 to 30 seconds. Release, then repeat with your other leg. This stretches your hip and lower back muscles and creates more space for nerves as they exit your spine, which relieves pain.

Cat-Cow Stretch

This popular yoga pose is said to improve posture and balance and it is an easy way to relieve back pain as well. Start on all fours with your hands below your shoulders and knees below your hips. Gently round your back up towards the ceiling – much like how a cat arches its back – while tucking your chin toward your tailbone. Then reverse your movement by arching your back downwards (like a cow) while lifting your hips and head. Alternate between these two positions for 10 to 30 seconds.

Again, it is always important to only do what you are comfortable with! By using these simple stretches, your muscles and joints will find relief in flexibility and your quality of life will be riddled with less pain. At Westminster Woods, an active lifestyle meets a beautiful, wooded campus with convenient access to cosmopolitan Jacksonville. Just outside your door, additional wellness opportunities abound, from yoga to our exclusive My W Life program. Contact us today to learn more about our Jacksonville independent living facilities and see how easy we make it for residents to pursue long and healthy lives.

Taking care of oneself goes beyond bubble baths, decadent desserts, and picturesque getaways. Real self-care involves taking some crucial steps towards fostering a more desirable level of physical and mental health to ensure a long and enjoyable life. If you need help looking for a place to start, why not begin with some activities that are backed by research to provide results? Read on for our 5 self-care tips and learn how to truly care for yourself!

Get Some Fresh Air

Spring has sprung, the sun is shining, and the birds are chirping! Studies show that spending time outdoors offers a plethora of benefits to both our health and mood, such as reduced blood pressure and heart rate, while also cutting down our levels of the stress hormone cortisol. A little bit of fresh air can go a long way, so get out there and explore the beautiful, wooded campus of Westminster Woods! 90 minutes of walking outside is all it takes to cut down on stress and negative thoughts while boosting health.

Spend Time with Friends

Humans are social by nature and that is because our brains are wired to release positive chemicals during social interaction. High-fives and handshakes are all it takes to produce oxytocin – a feel-good chemical in the brain that reduces stress. Furthermore, studies have shown that having close friends later in life may even help prevent mental decline. Seniors are at an increased risk for social isolation compared to other age demographics, so it is worth it to reach out to friends!

Work Those Muscles

Apart from the obvious physical health benefits of exercise, it is also proven to be good for mental health too. Aerobic exercise such as walking or jogging causes our brains to release endorphins, our body’s natural positive hormone. This is where the term “runner’s high” comes from! No matter what you enjoy doing – swimming, dancing, yoga, or even gardening – exercise has been shown to reduce anxiety and alleviate symptoms such as low self-esteem and social withdrawal. Exciting wellness opportunities await right outside your door at Julington Creek.

Stay Hydrated

Can you believe that something as basic as drinking water is proven to foster long-term health? Dehydration can produce headaches and negative moods. One study shows that drinking fewer than two glasses of water per day increases the risk of depression by 73% in men and 54% in women. Drinking plenty of water each day will help our bodies stay regulated while keeping our brains operating like a well-oiled machine.

Reach Out for Help

It is estimated that roughly 20% of adults over the age of 55 experience mental health concerns but this age group is also the least likely to seek treatment due to stigmas and shaming. The reality is that mental health disorders are nothing to be ashamed of. If you experience depression, anxiety, or loneliness, turn to a doctor or therapist for much-needed support. These experts have access to special tools and techniques that are sure to lift your spirits and get you feeling back to normal.

Enjoy convenient access to all the resources you will need for lifelong physical and mental wellness at Westminster Woods on Julington Creek! Our independent living facilities offer an active lifestyle without compromises. We handle all the maintenance so that you can commit your time to kicking back and enjoying fantastic amenities and services, such as our My W Life wellbeing program and fitness center. Westminster Woods is the natural choice for seniors looking to spend more active time amidst nature!

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.