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Westminster Communities Of Florida Wins Gold, 5 Awards in 2021 National Mature Media Awards

Westminster Communities of Florida was a winner in the 30th Annual National Mature Media Awards Program. The program, presented by the Mature Market Resource Center, a national clearing-house for the senior market, recognizes the nation’s finest marketing, communications, educational materials, and programs designed and produced for older adults. 

The organization was pleased to receive a Gold Award for its “Westminster Sings What The World Needs Now (Is Love)” social media campaign, in the category of Social Media. This video, which featured nearly 50 residents and team members representing our 22 communities, is a heart-warming antidote to the hardest days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The video is still available on Westminster’s YouTube channel for viewers to enjoy — go to https://youtu.be/8FhSpfMu_QI.

In addition, Westminster Communities of Florida was recognized with awards for: 

• The rebrand of the Westminster Communities Foundation, which received a Bronze Award in the category of Marketing and Advertising Campaigns. This campaign of brochures, flyers, personalized donor cultivation materials, recognition gifts and more has contributed to the successful launch of a major new campaign focused on donor recruitment for our charitable foundation. We congratulate the Westminster Communities Foundation team.

• A campaign offering advice to our team members who graduated high school and college, “Seniors 2 Seniors,” was recognized with a Bronze Award in the category of Social Media. We asked residents what advice they might give, and then captured them offering it and shared it on social media, as well as our internal CCTV systems. Enjoy the video and get their advice on Westminster’s YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/d4fzkMIP8Io
  
• To help provide the most up-to-date information on the COVID-19 pandemic to our residents and their family members, we created a special “Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources” online guide. These web pages contained a variety of information about how residents and their families could stay safe, support each other and our communities, and even a fun kids’ activity pack for summer, when camps and day cares were closed. The COVID-19 guide was recognized with a Bronze Award in the category of Web-based Resource/Tool. These resources are still available and up-to-date at https://westminstercommunitiesfl.org/coronavirus-news-and-resources

• Our “Thank You Team Members” campaign, celebrating our team members for their heroic work of caring for vulnerable residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, received a Merit Award in the category of Marketing and Advertising Campaigns. It consisted of a campaign of signs, banners, recognition gifts, online graphics, social media posts and more. We congratulate our Human Resources and Creative teams for their work on the campaign.

Those involved with the art direction, design and copywriting for the campaigns were Nicole Muller, Vice President of Sales and Marketing; Wes Meltzer, Director of Marketing and Communications; Katherine Peters, Director of Sales, Chris Ware, Creative Services Coordinator; Natalie Rooney, Creative Design Specialist; and Sydney March, Social Media Specialist.

“We were delighted and honored to have been selected for these awards,” Meltzer said. “Our Creative Team does amazing work. The recognition of the Mature Media Awards just confirms it for us. Westminster Communities of Florida was pleased to take part in the 30th anniversary of the Mature Media Awards program, and very happy with the results.”

The entries were judged by a distinguished panel of mature market experts from across the United States for overall excellence of design, content, creativity and relevance to the senior market.

About Westminster Communities of Florida: Westminster Communities of Florida serves more than 7,000 residents in 22 communities throughout Florida who are in search of an enlightened, fully integrated, person-centered approach to health and wellness. Since 1954, we’ve been Florida’s best choice in active senior living. Find out more about how you can Live Well. Be Happy. at a Westminster community – visit our Web site at www.WestminsterCommunitiesFL.org or call 407-839-5050.

According to a report by the Washington Dental Service Foundation, roughly 75% of people over the age of 60 are missing some of their natural teeth. From youth to advanced age, oral health never stops being important. Afflictions such as gum and periodontal disease are typically caused by a lack of self-care. Stop oral disease in its tracks by following our 5 tips for residents of assisted living facilities in St. Petersburg!

Brush and Floss Daily

Something as simple as brushing and flossing twice a day can play a significant role in reducing the risk of oral disease. For older adults, consider investing in an electric toothbrush if you have difficulty gripping a normal toothbrush. Furthermore, flossing is crucial because it cleans between teeth in ways that toothbrushes are not able to reach.

Incorporate Nutritious Foods into Your Diet

The nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products are conducive to excellent oral health. Beyond regular brushing and flossing, it is just as important to make sure that you are also eating foods that promote oral health. Avoid sugary treats and seek out foods rich in calcium as these foster bone strength as well as a healthier mouth.

Avoid Tobacco

Smokers are seven times more likely to develop periodontal disease than non-smokers. As if that isn’t already bad enough, tobacco use can also increase one’s risk for oral and throat cancers. Smoking doesn’t just pose a threat to your oral health; it can have irreversible and fatal consequences, too. We recommend avoiding tobacco to ensure the best possible oral health and lifestyle.

Drink Alcohol in Moderation

Alcohol drinkers are six times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-drinkers. In addition to that risk, sugary drinks can also cause cavities and overall damage to teeth. It pays to monitor which beverages you consume. If you do choose to consume alcohol, limit your intake – you will be doing your oral health a big favor.

Visit Your Dentist Annually

Dentists are the leading experts on oral health and will work with you to create a strategy for taking care of your teeth! Seeing your dentist once or twice a year can go a long way towards keeping your teeth clean and avoiding dangers that may put your overall health at risk. Dentist visits are some of the best ways to remain proactive with your oral health.

If you have any questions about oral health for seniors, our compassionate team at Westminster Shores is always happy to help! Here, being happy never gets old and our residents get to enjoy that every day. We offer a customized approach to providing support while maintaining dignity and individuality through a host of lifestyle-enhancing services. Call Westminster Shores today to learn more about better living in our assisted living facilities in St. Petersburg, Florida.

One of the biggest barriers that seniors in St. Petersburg independent living facilities face is the need to go to the doctor for routine visits and to get care for things like minor infections. Telehealth has done much to bring these barriers down. This is because in many cases, a telehealth doctor can diagnose conditions over the internet or by phone, eliminating the need to arrange for a ride to a physical doctor’s office.

Retirement Communities Rely on Telehealth

Retirees often need to see doctors, not for new diagnoses, but to get prescription refills. Here, telehealth really shines. A telemedicine professional can renew prescriptions for residents of St. Petersburg retirement communities with no need for an office visit. The new prescription is then sent to the patient’s usual pharmacy. This can be a mail-order pharmacy, which totally eliminates the need to go out, or it can be a standard outlet that is conveniently close to the patient.

Why Do People in Assisted Living Arrangements Need Telehealth?

Unlike those in a skilled nursing facility, people who live in assisted living facilities in St. Petersburg, Florida take care of many of their own needs. The assistance can include reminders of when to take medicines, but in many cases, actually getting prescriptions and medications is still up to the patient. This makes the telehealth option very valuable to these residents.

Residents of other St. Petersburg retirement communities, such as memory care or rehabilitation, also benefit from telemedicine services. For them, telemedicine allows for faster diagnosis and treatment of conditions since they don’t have to wait for a facility doctor to handle everything. Needed prescriptions can also be renewed more efficiently. Because of this, assisted living facilities in St. Petersburg often have arrangements with one or more telemedicine providers already in place.

Don’t Waste Hours Being Shuttled to Doctors

When residents leave their St. Petersburg, Florida assisted living apartments, it should be for fun things like shopping. Telemedicine eliminates the need for many rides to the doctor’s office, so residents can take the shuttle bus to exciting places instead and pursue their favorite hobbies.

If you’re looking for a community that makes life easier for you so that you can remain independent longer, check out our assisted living arrangements at Westminster Shores. Along with telemedicine, you’ll enjoy restaurant-style dining, a fitness center, two pools, a library and computer center, and much more.

Making the decision to call sunny St. Petersburg “home” is one of the best moves you’ll ever make! Next comes the process of leaning into your new Tampa Bay lifestyle—and with that, Westminster Shores is here to help.

As your top, trusted name in independent and assisted living in St. Petersburg, we are here to help you embrace life by the water to the fullest! Just read on for a few fun ideas to try as you prepare to join our vibrant coastal community.

Make every day a beach day

Before calling the Gulf Coast “home,” a beach day might have felt like a large undertaking—but here at Westminster Shores, where the water is just a short trip away, it’s easier than ever to enjoy a just-because beach day. Make it your place to relax and recharge, catch up on a good book, stroll with your loved one or simply enjoy the view!

Pick out fun, sun-safe accessories

Of course, if you’re moving to our sunny, balmy climate, you will want to come prepared with sun-safe accessories! No Shores closet is complete without must-haves like sunscreen, a comfy, wide-brimmed hat, and lightweight long-sleeved tops that let you safely spend time in the sun.

Enjoy the H2O

Even beyond the beach, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the H2O that defines your Tampa Bay experience. Our community is home to gorgeous fountains and water features that provide a pleasing environment, the perfect backdrop to a picnic or leisurely stroll. And of course, you can hop into our beautiful outdoor swimming pool (heated for year-round enjoyment) and take part in a fun, splashing exercise class as part of your My W Life Wellness program! Plus, you can expand your horizons and use a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard to further explore local waterways—or go fishing or enjoy a chartered on-the-water adventure. Add coastal touches to your home and wardrobe Even when you’re back in your living space for the day, you can still continue the Gulf Coast touches with beautiful beach-inspired furniture and clothing (think tropical, leafy prints, and shades of Old Florida). You can also play breezy calypso-style music in your home for a serene experience as you unwind for the day.

Savor resort-style amenities

From housekeeping services to restaurant-style dining, your Shores lifestyle is full of features reminiscent of your favorite Sunshine State resort.

The first step in achieving your dream Gulf Coast lifestyle is, of course, deciding to move in! Just contact Westminster Shores today to learn more about our one-of-a-kind community and unique, flexible options for senior living.

There is a misconception that senior living communities are only for long-term care. For this reason, many older adults fail to consider moving to assisted or independent living facilities until they require more care from others. However, the downside to this attitude can mean missing out on a plethora of benefits that independent living has to offer!

Independent living services and amenities are designed to make things more convenient for residents, even though they may not need extra healthcare or living assistance. Amenities often include a fitness center, fine dining venues, and pools to facilitate a higher quality of life and a healthier lifestyle. So, why move to a senior community when you are still healthy and active? Read on for some common reasons to make the transition!

Low Maintenance Living

Say goodbye to household chores, cooking, and other menial tasks! In independent living facilities, staff will take care of everything for you so you can spend your time on your favorite hobbies and activities while also exploring new interests. Moving in sooner means not having to wait as long to indulge in this maintenance free lifestyle.

Stay Active

Even for active seniors, their current regimen will still be dwarfed by all the opportunities of an independent living facility. Residents of Westminster Shores often realize how little they were doing before simply because they had a much more limited access to healthy living. With a wide array of amenities that include a fitness center, tennis court, and our exclusive My W Life well-being program, you can stay as busy as you’d like.

Social Connections

Social isolation can have devastating effects on physical and mental health, and some people may especially be feeling that after the past year. Fortunately, social opportunities are built into our everyday life at Westminster Shores! We make it easy to indulge in fine dining or scenic walks along the seawall path with friends. No matter what you like doing, you can do it with friends here, or make new ones trying something else!

Accessible Care

It is impossible to tell when health may take a turn for the worse. Even for older active adults still enjoying a high degree of health, it is important to have convenient and quick access to the proper healthcare. After moving into an independent living facility, you will enjoy priority access to quality care right in your community if your needs ever take a turn for the worse. It is better to make the move early so that you don’t risk missing out on quality care in the moments when it becomes necessary.

To truly understand what independent living could offer you, contact Westminster Shores today! Here, the waterfront of Tampa Bay’s Little Bayou is your limitless horizon. Residents stay active with kayaking, walking, and biking through our gorgeous surroundings. Plus, we also offer our own My W Life well-being program and lifelong learning programs to keep residents fit mentally and physically. Let us make you smile with a host of delightful amenities and services by giving us a call today.