For more information about the author, click to view their website: CarePatrol Collin County Central
For older adults, few decisions carry as much weight as selecting the ideal Assisted Living Community to meet their needs. With a staggering number of nearly 31,000 Assisted Living Communities across the U.S., the task of finding the perfect match can feel daunting, overwhelming, and emotionally draining.
However, enlisting the expertise of a seasoned senior living advisor can help alleviate these burdens. By partnering with a knowledgeable professional who comprehensively understands the continuum of senior care options, tailored to individual needs and preferences, you can navigate this pivotal transition with confidence. Such advisors not only ensure the quality of life for you or your loved one but also offer invaluable support throughout every step of the decision-making process. From clarifying intricate details to providing emotional reassurance, their guidance proves indispensable in securing a comfortable and fulfilling living arrangement for seniors.
Click to listen to this episode:
Tune in for insights and resources from Tracy Toomer, Certified Senior Advisor and Owner at CarePatrol Collin County-Central.
About Tracy Toomer:
Tracy Toomer is President and Owner of CarePatrol of Collin County. CarePatrol is the nation’s largest senior care solutions franchise in the United States. Through more than 200 offices in 35 states, local senior advisors provide a free service in helping families find quality, top-rated assisted living, independent living, memory care, and in-home care.
Toomer is a seasoned business executive with more than 25 years of experience in the specialty retail, grocery, restaurant, fitness and now in senior healthcare. In recent years Toomer served as vice-president of operations for the largest Planet Fitness Franchise, with over 168 locations in 14 states. There she built an operations team of seven regional directors and grew from 69 gyms to 168 gyms through two acquisitions and organic growth.
Toomer holds a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® designation awarded to qualified, multidisciplinary professionals serving older adults. Tracy is active in the senior community and brings a creditable and important voice to finding safer senior living. Each month, Tracy facilitates “mental aerobics” at the Wellness center for Older Adults in Plano, Texas.
In 2022 Tracy earned the Compassion Ambassador Award from CarePatrol Franchises, LLC amongst her 180 Franchise peers. Her dedication to the families and those living with dementia inspired the Franchisees to do more; to contribute more for a huge segment of their client base.
Tracy Toomer is a proud southern California native but currently resides in Allen, Texas with her parents and four-legged brother Bruno.
Show/Episode Notes:
Moving to a new place is never easy, and it is even harder for our elders. The thought of leaving their home and familiar surroundings can be overwhelming. However, sometimes, its necessary for them to move into an independent living community to ensure their safety, comfort, and well-being. There are multiple independent living communities in Florida, making it challenging to choose the best one for your loved one. This blog post guides how to choose the right independent living community in Florida that meets your loved ones needs.An Initial Step: Identifying Your Loved Ones Personal NeedsAssess Your Loved Ones Needs: Before choosing an independent living community, assess your loved ones needs, including their health, mobility, social life, and budget. Speak to their doctor and caregiver to get a clear understanding of their medical needs. Find out how independent they want to be and what activities they are interested in.Importance of Location: Proximity and ConvenienceThe next crucial thing to consider is the location of the independent living community. Ensure the communitys location is convenient for you and your loved one. Inquire about the communitys proximity to hospitals, grocery stores, and other essential services. The availability of transportation services is also an important consideration.Variety of Amenities: Catering to Specific PreferencesDifferent Independent living communities offer varied amenities. Its essential to compile a list of amenities crucial to your loved ones well-being and compare different communities offerings. These amenities may range from a fitness center, spa, swimming pool, and wellness programs. Ensure that the community can cater to all your loved ones needs.Staff Quality and Services: Ensuring Professional CareThe quality of staff and services offered in the community is also an important consideration. The community should have professional caregivers who are available 24/7 and a personalized care plan for each resident. Its essential to inquire how the community ensures the safety and security of its residents. Check on the ratio of staff to residents to ensure they provide adequate care.The Power of Reviews: Leveraging Experiences of OthersFinally, research and read online reviews of each independent living community you are considering. These reviews can help you gauge how happy the residents are, the standard of care and professionalism, and other critical aspects. A community with multiple positive reviews is likely to be a good fit for your loved one.Conclusion: Navigating the Selection Process with Confidence and AssistanceThe process of finding the perfect independent living community in Florida for your loved one can undoubtedly seem daunting. However, its crucial to remember that the primary goal is ensuring their happiness, security, and well-being. With a clear understanding of their needs, preferences, and the essential factors to consider, such as location, amenities, staff and services, and reviews, youre well-equipped to make an informed decision.But you dont have to navigate this challenging process alone. Involving an experienced elder law attorney can provide invaluable assistance, from long-term care planning to estate planning. They can guide you on leveraging government benefits like Medicaid Long-Term Care to cover nursing home costs, preserving your loved ones assets for their heirs, and avoiding probate. Armed with all these resources and knowledge, you can help your loved one transition seamlessly into a new stage in life that offers comfort and security and caters to their specific needs and preferences.At Mortellaro Law, we practice elder law and offer personalized services designed to provide peace of mind to you and your family. We will take the time to understand your unique situation and help you meet all of your needs. Our team of experienced attorneys and staff can help; schedule a free consultation today to learn more.If youre in the Tampa Bay area and are interested in estate planning, long-term care planning, or asset protection, consider joining our free monthly seminars. While part of our focus is on guiding you in finding the ideal independent living community in Florida for a loved one, we also provide valuable insights into a wide array of topics. These include general estate planning, strategies for long-term care, and effective methods for asset protection. Dont miss this chance to broaden your understanding and make informed decisions. Click here to sign up for our next seminar.
Offering a short-term stay or respite program allows guests the opportunity to experience our community without any long-term commitment and offers caregivers some time to do, well whatever they need to do. It is important for caregivers to get a break now and then, and short-term stays is a great guilt-free option. Guests are charged a day rate with a minimum and maximum stay, and the community offers full access to amenities, dining, activities and, typically, a fully furnished apartment. Short-term stays provide a number of benefits to guests and their caregivers:Recovery/Rehabilitation Stay:There may come a time in our lives when we are in need of assistance, particularly as we get older. If you or a loved one has just come out of the hospital, rehabilitation clinic or other healthcare facility, a short-term stay can provide a place to go to have caring and compassionate nurses manage your medication, assist with activities of daily living, and help you to recover. This can be a great option if a caregiver works and may not have the time needed to care for their loved one when they need more immediate and regular attention post-hospitalization.Family Caregiver AbsenceSometimes caregivers may need to be absent for an extended period of time or may feel the need for a break from the stress of caregiving. Maybe a much-needed vacation is in order or work may pull a caregiver away, whatever the reason, a short-term respite stay can give caregivers peace of mind and flexibility, giving our new guest the opportunity to participate in exciting activities, enjoy restaurant-style dining and not have to worry about doing the dishes or cleaning the house as all of these services and more are provided!Trial StayMaking the decision to move to a senior community, no matter how beautiful, fun, exciting and caring it may be, is a very big and at times, an intimidating and scary experience. Signing the Lease Agreement adds to that scary thought. What if you could try it, before you commit? Our respite program allows you to do just that. Our respite guests experience community life with all the amenities, care services, full-service dining, and a wide range of activities and events that our residents enjoy every day!Valuable SocializationThere are great benefits to living at a community. As we age, socialization and interaction become essential to keep our minds and bodies healthy. Getting involved and meeting people adds purpose and meaning to the day as you meet your neighbors for dinner or an activity, attend an exercise class, or go on outings with friends. Many times, living alone at home or even with loved ones, doesnt provide that level of independence. Respite stays, while just a short-term solution, give guests a glimpse into a more active social life that is all their own.For each type of stay you will have access to the following accommodations:A private studio or one bedroom apartment with an emergency call system right at your fingertips!Weekly housekeeping and linen services.Scheduled local transportation for community outings, personal appointments and/or errands.Table side dining with chef prepared meals available in the dining room or with room service. (please specify any special dietary needs, food allergies etc.)24-hour staffingA diverse calendar of events and activities geared to provide opportunities to learn, socialize, worship, create and stay fit! Most of all to have FUN!No matter which option you choose Or mission is to ensure you will leave us with a spring in your step, a gleam in your eye and a smile on your face! Relaxed and Rejuvenated!! Secure in your knowledge that no matter what your circumstance or need, you will always be part of our Meridian Family!! Because we truly believe that
As Plato said, Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it. Living an active life, even in our older years, is paramount to overall positive health outcomes. Studies show that older adults who participate in any exercise tend to live longer, reduce the risk of contracting diseases and developing disabilities, even if they start between the ages of 70 and 85. As we come out of social isolation influenced by the global pandemic, seniors are seeking ways to be active and live a healthy lifestyle. Seniors who choose to live in a communal setting have a myriad of opportunities to be active. Our communities offer a wide range of opportunities to nurture new friendships, learn new things, have fun, and stay healthy. Below are three ways our community encourages active living:1. Activity CalendarOur residents enjoy active living including daily engagement and social activities. A dedicated Life Engagement Coordinator teams with residents to develop activity calendars that are personalized to complement residents interests and needs so they can live life their own way. The Life Engagement Coordinator plans activities that have been proven to support complete whole-body wellness for older adults that meet mental, physical, and psychosocial needs.2. Peer PressureSeniors living on their own may not have the same opportunities or motivation to get active as those who live in a community of peers with designated activity spaces and scheduled activities. It is much easier to kick start a fitness program or participate in an educational seminar with a buddy in a structured setting than going at it alone.3. Variety of programsEvery day can be different in a senior living community. Our community offers a choice of movement activities ranging from yoga to Highway to Healthy exercise classes, based on resident preference and abilities. With so many choices, residents have numerous opportunities to find their passion and enjoy it with others who have similar interests. CDC research shows that seniors who are physically active enjoy immediate health benefits. In fact, active seniors may also benefit from stress reduction and better sleep. We offer an environment that supports active living where their residents can thrive. Contact us today to learn more about how we provide a full range of activities that help our residents physically, cognitively, and psychologically. Were here for you.
Your loved one deserves a knowledgeable, professional and trusted partner for this journey. Choosing the right senior housing shouldn't be based on internet search or appearance alone. CarePatrol advisors study your family's unique situation and, using their industry certifications and extensive experience, provide unbiased guidance to help you answer the most important question, "Will this community truly care for my family member?"We promise to help you find the right: Assisted living Independent living Memory care Continuing care retirement communitiesTestimonials."Tracy was professional, caring, and went wayyyy beyond what I would have expected to help me take care of my parents. She was punctual, didn't waste my time looking at properties that weren't appropriate for my mother's needs, and a great advocate. She asked questions, that I didn't think of asking each facility. I can't say enough good things about her. I highly recommend her services to anyone in need. I'm proud to call her friend! "- Melanie StewartTracy Toomer was invaluable in helping us find a lovely home in an assisted living facility for my 92 yr old Mom. Her professionalism as well as care and warmth made a very difficult time much easier and found a wonderful new life for my Mom with caring supportive staff and residents. We feel so blessed that Tracy loves her work so much and was dedicated to finding us the best situation within our budget. The service CarePatrol provides gives that peace of mind that comes from knowing loved ones are well cared for.- Bonnie Walton"I want to tell you I think you are a fabulous woman. My opinion of you is that you are a professional with integrity in the highest sense of the word. I am grateful to God that he brought you into our lives". - Mary StierhoffCarePatrol is the nation's largest and most trusted senior living placement organization. Therefore, choosing the right senior housing solution shouldn't be based on internet searches or appearance alone. CarePatrol's nationally accredited Certified Senior Advisors(CSA)study your family's unique situation and, using their extensive knowledge and experience provide unbiased guidance to help you answer the most important question, "Will this community truly care for my loved one and treat them with the respect & dignity that they deserve?"CarePatrol of Collin County, TX, is passionate about helping you find an exciting home filled with friends, where you can relax and focus on building some of the best memories of your life. We aren't interested in placing our clients in the first place that comes along. We want to find the perfect fit that meets your lifestyle, physical and emotional needs, and social interests so you can continue to live a meaningful and vibrant life. We take the time with each of our clients to understand what makes them special to find a community where they will thrive. We learn about your physical needs and assess a community based on their ability to support you in every way you need. We advocate for you and your family and will always strive to deliver our services with the highest level of integrity, support, and compassion. Meet Tracy Toomer"Families know they can trust me because I am consistent - I follow through on what I say I will do, I will listen and support you, and help make decisions that are right for the family.Tracy is passionate about empowering seniors and their families as they face the complex challenge of finding the right senior living community. She listens carefully to all of her client's needs, concerns and preferences before recommending appropriate levels of care such as: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, or In-Home Care.Learn more about CarePatrol of Collin County