Making the Transition: How to Choose the Right Independent Living Community in Florida

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.

As we grow older, many of us become set in our ways. This is not necessarily bad, as we have learned what we like and dont. However, it can be unsettling when the time comes to make a major life change that disturbs our status quo. Fear of change is one of the most prevalent phobias in society and can be incredibly overwhelming for those who are faced with growing older and finding a new place to live.If you have a parent or elderly loved one who needs to be moved into a new residence to keep them safe whether it be your personal home or an assisted living facility you can expect some level of stress. We have recommendations to help your loved one face inevitable change with confidence, not fear.What Causes Fear of Change?The older we get, the more susceptible we are to being uncomfortable with change. Experts believe that the longer something exists, the more likely it is that people have positive feelings about it. The lifestyle that someone has lived for decades is often seen as the best possible option. Another reason may be that senior adults have experienced scenarios when a change turned out badly.Many circumstances may be behind an overwhelming or crippling fear of change. According to psychologists, these may include:Life changes and circumstances that result in emotional distressInsecurity or fear of not having enoughGuilt over anything in their lifeApprehension about meeting new peopleAnxiety about changes in ones circumstancesFear of failureFear of the past repeating itself, especially if there is a traumatic experienceA tendency to be oversensitiveFear surrounding change can cause behavioral changes and new thoughts that can adversely affect the quality of life. These may include:Preventing persons from making changes that are neededAvoiding any new situation, even if it sounds interestingTendency to self-isolateIndecisiveness or hesitancy to make choicesReluctance to consider potential options, no matter how viableTendency to define self-worth by outside opinionsDependence on acquiring material possessions7 Recommendations to Embrace Hope and ExcitementWhen your family member needs to make lifestyle changes in order to safeguard their health, happiness and security, they need encouragement and support so that they feel hope not fear.Help them to create a system of organization in their everyday tasks, so that their lives feel more feel stable. Once they feel safe, you can begin to incorporate small changes.Familiarize yourself with their anxiety symptoms so that you can recognize and address them.Remain positive in your communication and dont be discouraged by your parents negative attitude. Anticipate likely objections and be prepared to respond positively.Allow them to participate in researching the solution you are suggesting. People tend to fear and avoid what they do not understand or cannot control.Offer opportunities for them to get out and do fun things they enjoy.Take a break whenever it is needed. If they begin to get overwhelmed, back off and let them digest any information you presented.Change Can Be Positive and Exciting!When you are discussing a new living situation with your parents, there are many ways you can help them to accept the needed change- but if you think the solution is memory care or assisted living, you may need to conquer your own fears first.My Care Finders was founded with the goal of assisting families through this significant life change. Our knowledgeable and compassionate advisors are here to help you find the right community for your loved one and remember, our services are always free of charge.