HOW MUCH SPACE DO I NEED WHEN I MOVE INTO A RETIREMENT COMMUNITY?

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Freedom Village of Bradenton

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Apr 19, 2023

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Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties

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Deciding how big your home should be when you’re moving into senior living comes with different considerations than when you purchase other property. If you’re looking through floor plans for an independent living home and wondering how much space you really need, here are some helpful questions to make the decision easier.

How Big Should Your Home Be? Answer These Questions to Help You Decide:

How many people are moving into your new residence?

At many senior living communities, one or two people can move into a residence of any size. For one person, a studio or a one-bedroom senior apartment will likely suit just fine. Two people can be comfortable in a one-bedroom, but many choose to look at two- or three-bedroom apartment or even a villa to give themselves some extra space.

How comfortable are you with downsizing?

Some older adults look forward to the prospect of reducing the number of their belongings when moving into senior living. They can sell, donate, or pass down items they’ve loved so the item can benefit someone else. Some new residents even buy all new furniture to suit their senior apartment or villa.However, the majority of seniors will downsize — or rightsize, if you prefer — many of their belongings, but still have pieces they love and want to keep. If there are larger pieces of furniture you want to move to a new residence, these pieces may help determine how big your house should be. Pro tip: You can use graph paper to draw the floor plans you’re considering. Then cut shapes to scale that represent the furniture you’d like to bring and move them around the floor plan to figure out where they could fit in your senior apartment or villa.

What are your storage options?

Ample storage can make you feel much more comfortable in your new residence. Consider the closet space in your current apartment. You likely won’t need nearly as many cleaning supplies as you’re used to because you’ll have regular housekeeping service. Additionally, you won’t need as many pots and pans because you’ll have daily meals prepared for you by a professional chef. With roomy closets and smart organization, you’ll likely be able to find room for each of your belongings, but some senior living residents choose to rent a small storage unit for items they don’t need very often, like seasonal decorations.

What kind of amenities will you enjoy at the community?

When considering how big your house should be, remember that the whole senior living campus will be yours to enjoy. Depending on your preferences, you may not be in your independent living home very often. You may be using the fitness center, reading in the library, working in the business center, or walking the landscaped grounds.

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ONA Solutions LLC Independent Living

Discover Secure and Affordable Independent Living with ONA SolutionsAt ONA Solutions, we believe that everyone deserves a safe, comfortable, and supportive home while maintaining their independence. Our Independent Living Facility (ILF) is designed for adults who can manage their daily routines but appreciate the security and convenience of a well-maintained community.Why Choose ONA Solutions?We provide an affordable, stress-free living environment where residents can focus on what truly mattersbuilding connections, pursuing their passions, and enjoying life. Our residents benefit from: All-Inclusive Utilities  Electricity, water, and cable are covered in your monthly rent. Free Wi-Fi Access  Stay connected with loved ones and online resources. A Supportive Community  A welcoming and secure space designed for independent adults.At ONA Solutions, we take care of the essentials so you can enjoy worry-free living.Who We ServeOur housing is perfect for: Female adults receiving SSI or SSDI Private-pay residents Women supported by community-funded programsWe understand that everyones circumstances are unique, and our goal is to provide a secure, welcoming, and affordable home where our residents can thrive.A Commitment to Independent LivingOur mission is to empower adults to live independently with confidence. Whether you're transitioning to a new stage in life or looking for a stable, affordable home, ONA Solutions offers a place where you can feel safe, valued, and supported.Schedule a Tour Today!Experience our community firsthandschedule a tour and see what makes ONA Solutions the perfect place to call home.Partner With UsAre you a case manager, agency, or organization looking for reliable housing options for your clients? We welcome partnerships that align with our mission of providing secure and affordable independent living.Get in Touch (239) 688-4815 | 9 AM 3 PM (239) 785-3315 | 3 PM 5 PM info@onasolutionsllc.comAt ONA Solutions, were committed to helping individuals find a home where they can truly live with confidence and independence. Lets build a future of independent living together!

Steeped in Style: How To Host a High Tea Party

Steeped in Style: How To Host a High Tea Party  Cucumber sandwiches, fresh scones from the oven, and dainty pastries served on fine china. High tea is where elegance meets indulgence, and its also a fantastic reason to gather with friends for some engaging conversation, tasty treats, and spot of laughter. Sure, The Ritz London and The Plaza Hotel offer world-famous tea experiences, but who says you have to travel to enjoy one? Good tea, great company, and a touch of sophistication can happen anywhere.  If you're curious about how to host a tea party, need inspiration for tea party ideas, or are looking for games to play at a tea party for adults, youve come to the right place. This blog spills the tea on everything you need to plan the ultimate high tea gathering. Whether youre after tea party ideas for adults or want an excuse to dress up and enjoy some delicacies, weve got you covered. Get ready to stir up a party your guests wont forget with this step-by-step guide on hosting a senior tea. Step 1: Set the Scene With Elegant Decor A proper high tea is all about ambiance. The table should be beautifully set to evoke sophistication and charm. Heres what you need to create the perfect setting:       Fine china and teapots. Bring out the delicate cups, saucers, and teapots to add a classic touch. If you dont have china, elegant mugs work just fine.      Fresh flowers and lace. A simple bouquet of roses, hydrangeas, or peonies in a teapot or vase adds instant elegance. Lace tablecloths or cloth napkins elevate the look.      Candlelight and soft music. Battery-operated tea lights or candles and soft classical music create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.      Name cards and place settings. Personalized place cards make guests feel special if youre hosting a larger tea party. Inspo idea: Make DIY floral centerpieces or decorate teacups as a pre-event craft activity. Step 2: Select Your Teas No adult tea party is complete without various teas to suit different tastes. Offer a mix of classic and herbal selections. Classic black teas Earl Grey, English breakfast, and Darjeelingprovide rich, traditional flavors. Herbal teas like ginger tea, chamomile, and peppermint offer lighter, soothing options. Japanese, Chinese and other notable greens teas range from sweet and grassy to smoky and floral. For a unique twist, offer flavored and dessert teas like jasmine green tea, vanilla chai, spiced apple, or raspberry hibiscus.  Inspo idea: Set up a tea-tasting station where guests can sample a variety of flavors. Step 3: Serve Tasty Tea-Time Treats A traditional tea party isnt just about the drinks but the delicious bites accompanying them. Savory finger sandwiches like cucumber and cream cheese, smoked salmon, and egg salad are tea-time classics. Warm, flaky scones with jam, clotted cream, butter, lemon curd, or honey are  must-haves for any adult tea party.  Mini pastries and desserts like macarons, petit fours, fruit tarts, and chocolate truffles make a sweet ending to the afternoon. Inspo idea: Incorporate baking scones or decorating cookies into your senior tea party.  Step 4: Add Fun With High Tea Games Tea parties are about more than just whats in your cuptheyre about meaningful moments and shared experiences. Here are five high tea games to keep the conversation and laughter flowing.   Tea trivia. Prepare fun facts about tea history, famous tea traditions, or royal tea parties and challenge guests to a friendly competition. Guess the Tea challenge. Have guests smell different tea blends and guess the flavor. Hat parade and a best-dressed contest. Encourage guests to wear fancy hats or vintage outfits, then vote for the best look. Tea leaf reading. Learn the art of tea leaf reading and have fun interpreting different symbols. Classic and period film bingo. Give each guest a card filled with classic phrases, moments, or characters from a movie or show such as Downton Abbey, Pride and Prejudice, or Bridgerton.  Winner prize inspo: Fancy tea tins, lace gloves, or a tea strainer shaped like a teapot. Step 5: Toast to Friendship & Connection Now that weve covered how to host a tea party for adults, its time to raise your teacup. A senior tea is an experience that brings people together, so take a moment to celebrate friendship, laughter, and new traditions. Teatime at The Glenview At The Glenview at Pelican Bay, we love bringing residents together for entertaining and engaging experiences that spark creativity and camaraderie. From interactive social events to themed gatherings and hands-on workshops, theres always something exciting happening. Contact The Glenview at Pelican Bay today to reserve your spot at one of our upcoming high tea events. Whether you enjoy history, games, storytelling, or simply great conversation, youll find plenty of ways to connect and create lasting memories. If youre looking for tea party ideas for adults or planning an elegant afternoon with friends, a high tea at The Glenview offers the perfect setting.   The Glenview at Pelican Bay is a nationally ranked retirement community in Florida combining quality care, unmatched luxury, and financial advantages in a welcoming beach environment. To learn more, call us at 239-977-9744 or complete our Contact Us form.

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Freedom Village of Bradenton Memory Care

Memory Care 6410 21st Avenue West, Bradenton, Florida, 34209

Heartfelt CONNECTIONS is a nationally recognized program designed to provide personalized, activity-focused memory care for individuals impacted by Alzheimer's or other dementias. Here's what your loved one can expect and the benefits they can experience:What your loved one can expect:Personalized memory care: Industry-leading care tailored to the unique needs and abilities of each resident, including specialized Alzheimer's care.Assistance with daily living: Help with tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication management to promote comfort and well-being.Dementia-specific programming: Engaging activities such as arts and crafts therapy designed to stimulate cognitive function and enhance quality of life.Access to community amenities: Enjoyment of amenities such as the salon and barbershop, fitness center, and pool to promote socialization and overall well-being.Small-group activities: Participation in enjoyable group activities within a supportive and intimate environment.Community outings: Regular outings to enhance enrichment and provide opportunities for engagement and socialization.Benefits for your loved one:Promotes dignity and accomplishment: Encourages a sense of pride and achievement in daily activities, fostering dignity and self-worth.Supports engaged eating: Specialized diets and mealtime support to promote enjoyment and nutritional intake.Improves overall well-being: Supports improved self-esteem, reduces fear, anxiety, and frustration, and promotes overall health and well-being.Benefits for you:Peace of mind: Knowing your loved one is receiving the highest quality of care and support.Enhanced relationship: Allows you to focus on cherishing the relationship with your loved one, returning to the loving connection you once shared.Quality time together: Provides opportunities to make the most of your time together, engaging in meaningful activities and interactions.Support for the family: Offers access to resources, counseling, and other services to support you and your family throughout the caregiving journey.Heartfelt CONNECTIONS aims to enrich the lives of individuals with dementia while providing support and peace of mind to their families, fostering a positive and nurturing environment where each resident can thrive.

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Freedom Village of Bradenton Skilled Nursing

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The Inn at Freedom Village offers 24-hour skilled nursing care designed to provide advanced long-term care with the comfort and support of home. Here's what you or your loved one can expect from our skilled nursing services:Tailored care plans: Residents at The Inn at Freedom Village are treated as treasured family members, and our caring staff takes the time to develop personalized care plans tailored to individual needs. Whether for short-term or long-term stays, we anticipate needs and provide highly personalized care and transition support.Supportive environment: Residents receive care in a supportive environment where their comfort and well-being are prioritized. Our staff assists with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and medication administration, ensuring residents' needs are met with compassion and dignity.Engaging activities: We encourage residents to stay engaged in activities appropriate for them, offering opportunities for socialization, recreation, and personal enrichment. Our beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds provide serene outdoor spaces for relaxation and enjoyment.Comprehensive amenities: Skilled nursing services and amenities include private or companion suites, all-inclusive monthly fees covering care, living, and dining costs, daily housekeeping and laundry service, and 24-hour nursing care. We also hold regular care meetings with residents and their families to ensure ongoing communication and support.At The Inn at Freedom Village, we are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive skilled nursing care in a warm and welcoming environment. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for each resident by meeting their individual needs with personalized care and support.