Three Ways Senior Living Communities Encourage Active Living in Florida

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 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.