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For assisted living in Bradenton, Florida, it’s the thrill of being able to arrive home and control lights, speakers, and security systems with a few words and a couple of taps. You built your smart home because you wanted convenience and flexibility. Here are three tips to make smart home technology work in an assisted living program.

Find and Eliminate Dead Spots

Dead spots occur wherever there are places your internet service cannot reach. Dead spots mean repeated incidents where you can be somewhere and have no service, leading to a whirlwind of connectivity issues for your network. Running into interference or allowing greater distances to interfere will slow down your entire network operation. So, consider updating your firmware, making sure everything’s attached correctly, and that there are no signals interfering with your smart home setup.

Minimize Battery Life

Pushing your batteries to the limits and not charging them correctly could be draining your wallet when you think of the energy costs getting flushed down the drain. Charging devices should be switched to airplane mode. More battery is used when multiple applications are open at once. This is especially true with video applications or those that consume large amounts of media and data to operate. Industry experts recommend not overcharging your devices and charging them slowly if possible can help you reduce the need to recharge your devices.

Get Reliable Internet Service

Reliable and fast internet service is a must in Bradenton assisted living. You should be able to connect to the internet quickly and remain connected without drops in the connection. According to internet experts from reviews.org, it’s best if smaller families with average smart home use to use 100 Mbps, while smart home users working their systems to the max should stick with 940 to 1,000 Mbps. The right speed matters depending on your primary reasons for building a smart home setup. Should you bring gaming equipment into an assisted living facility, you’d need more. But perhaps less if you need only lighting and extra security.

For serious smart home users in assisted living in Bradenton, having a wide range of components will make building a smart home system a less complex task. 

It is important as we age, to pay attention to our surroundings and our health. As we get older, our chance of falling and getting injured increases. Falls often occur due to a medical or environmental hazard or a combination of both. Here are some facts about fall risks and how assisted living communities in Bradenton Florida help minimize them.

Fall Risks & How to Minimize Them

• Vision & Hearing: Bradenton assisted living communities work with their residents to make sure that every precaution is taken to help reduce fall risks. Did you know? Even a slight change in vision or hearing might have an impact on stability. At Westminster Point Pleasant, we recommend regular visits to the eye doctor and audiologist to aid in the prevention of falls.
• Blood Pressure: Blood pressure variations could cause falls due to fainting or light-headedness. It’s possible to assess this risk by measuring our resident’s blood pressure while sitting and seeing if it declines when they stand.
• Medication: It is important to talk to your doctor and pharmacist about the medications you are on. There may be side effects that can increase your chances of falling. If you are aware that you are at a higher risk, then you can take proper precautions to lower your environmental risk factors. 
• Medical Risks: Infections, illnesses, and other medical issues might make you feel weak or unbalanced, resulting in falls. It is important to let the staff and your physician know if you are feeling under the weather. They can help ensure that it is nothing serious and help you identify what steps you should take to stay safe and improve your overall well-being. 
• Vitamin D: A vitamin D deficiency can weaken bones and increase the risk of falling. Seniors who spend a lot of time indoors and have low vitamin D levels may be at a higher risk than their peers who have normal vitamin D levels.

Our staff at Westminster Point Pleasant in Bradenton Florida is here to help ensure that our assisted living communities are clear of environmental fall risks. We also help work with the seniors living in our community and their families to identify any fall risks and do everything we can to help prevent them.

Transitioning to assisted living in Bradenton, Florida is typically a highly recommended step in protecting the health and well-being of seniors and their families. Read on to discover five ways to ease the transition of your loved ones into assisted living in Bradenton, Florida.

Mentally Prepare Yourself 

Regardless of how long you’ve been planning to move your loved one to a skilled nursing facility in Bradenton, FL, or a facility dedicated to assisted living in Sarasota, Florida, there may still be some anxiety and concern.

There’ll never be a time when you’re entirely prepared for a transfer, so make use of everyone around you, your internet connections, caregivers, and anyone who inspires you for the much-needed help.

Downsize When Transitioning

Relocating to assisted living in Bradenton – or other locations – and the subsequent downsizing can be a stressful process for all parties involved, even if you’ve only lived together for a few years. Determine which items will be necessary for your parents’ new home versus those that can be thrown, kept, passed down, or donated as early as possible to make them less emotional.

Make Their Room Warm and Inviting 

At a memory care facility in Bradenton, make the room as comfortable and welcoming as possible. A comfy room usually puts their minds at ease and allows them to begin acclimating to the new environment. Try to reproduce the original living environment and organize the objects in the same way possible.

Encourage Participation 

Whatever activity regularly stimulates your aging parent, an assisted living facility in Bradenton usually has something to fill that void. Please encourage them to attend and engage in various community events as soon as they move in, which will benefit them both physically and emotionally.

Make Family Visits a Priority

When parents know they’ll see familiar faces often, it’s a significant relief. Please make arrangements with various family members and hang a calendar in your parents’ new living area so they know when to expect each visit.

If you or a loved one is getting ready to move into an independent living community, you understand the challenges and emotions involved in the moving process. Transitions can be difficult and overwhelming. However, this one doesn’t have to be! Take a look at these four helpful tips to make a seamless transition into a Bradenton, Florida retirement community.

Don’t Forget to Decorate Your New Home

Sometimes, all it takes to feel more at home is to decorate! Hang some pictures of your friends and family, bring in your favorite rocking chair, and add your own touch of style to your new place. It’s certain to make a world of difference.

Stay Social 

Interacting with other residents is a great way to start off your new stage of life on the right foot and avoid loneliness. Connecting with other people is critical for maintaining a healthy body and mind. Play some bingo with your neighbor or eat dinner with a group to start making meaningful friendships.

Give Yourself Some Grace 

Remember that it takes time to adjust to new changes in life, especially big ones like moving into one of the retirement communities in Bradenton, Florida.  Don’t be too hard on yourself and expect that you’ll be accustomed to your new environment the first day; it’s okay to be emotional and allow yourself the time and space necessary to get used to things.  

Set Your Expectations Before Moving 

Things are always a little easier when you know what to expect beforehand. Make sure to ask the community staff member who is helping you as many questions as you can and research as much as possible before your move-in day. Know where things are located, what amenities and services your place offers, and how the move-in process is supposed to work. 

Are you looking for independent living in Bradenton, Florida? Westminster Communities of Florida has a place for you! Contact us today by calling (800) 948-1881 to learn more about all the exceptional senior care services, amenities, and activities we offer to local seniors. 

Brain health is just as important as physical health at every stage of life. Though many seniors are in good mental health, many older adults are at risk of developing neurological and mental health disorders such as dementia. Fortunately, there are inexpensive tools in our everyday lives that help improve memory. Get proactive and follow these 6 ways to keep your brain healthy!

Practice Using Your Memory

The brain works just like a muscle – by regularly engaging in memory exercises, older adults can improve both short and long-term recall. An easy way to apply this tip is by making a list of grocery items and memorizing them, then testing yourself an hour later to see how many items you still remember. Also consider doing math in your head, drawing a map of a place you recently visited, or memorizing the lyrics to a song.

Engage in Thinking Games

Research has proven that brain-training games can keep your mental health sharp for up to 10 years longer. Make an effort to engage in games or puzzles that make you think, such as crossword puzzles, sudoku, or another game that excites you. These kinds of thinking games are easily accessible and can be found online or in other resources like newspapers.

Learn Something New

Besides learning an exciting new skill, taking on a new hobby can also improve both cognitive functioning and your sense of well-being – especially for seniors. For example, learning a new language involves intensive listening and internalizing new sounds which stimulates the brain. Artistic and athletic pursuits can similarly promote brain health, including simple activities like cooking or painting.

Stay Involved Socially

Older adults are less likely to develop depression, dementia, and feelings of isolation by regularly engaging in social activities and stimulating conversations. Invite family and friends to spend time with you or participate in video calls if you cannot meet in person. Furthermore, look into activities that are being held in your local groups or right here at Westminster Point Pleasant. These connections are some of the most effective ways to keep your mind busy and engaged.

Control Your Stress

Chronic stress can have debilitating consequences on our body and mind as we age. Stress management is a skill that must be learned, and it does not always come easy. To that end, it is important to find time each day to relax and reflect. Take active steps to feel at ease, such as exercise, spending time with an animal, or treating yourself to a spa experience, and your brain will be better equipped to fight mental health concerns.

Maintain a Healthy Diet and Physical Fitness

Recent research suggests that certain lifestyle changes can do more to ward off memory loss than drugs or medical treatments. Eating a balanced and healthy diet, as well as engaging in regular physical fitness, are both key ways to maximize brain function and improve overall health. Keeping your body sharp is critical in maintaining a healthy mind.

Some degree of memory problems is a normal part of aging. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways for older adults to maintain physical and mental health throughout their life – and they can all be done in your day-to-day functions. Find living resources that you can depend on for ultimate peace of mind and all-around health at Westminster Point Pleasant! Here, active lifestyles meet convenient access to all the luxurious amenities of the Sarasota-Bradenton area. Contact us today to learn more about our assisted living and independent living opportunities.

If you’ve ever dreamed about living on the water and waking up to gorgeous, glimmering H2O every morning, you’re not alone! But the waterfront lifestyle does not have to remain a dream.

As you search for independent living or assisted living in Bradenton Florida, you deserve to live in the comfortable, carefree environment that a waterfront setting provides. Plus, the benefits go beyond beautiful views! Just read on to discover some of the key perks of this unique environment.

The mind and body benefits of a blue view

At Westminster Point Pleasant, our setting on the sparkling Manatee River gives our residents gorgeous water views—easily enjoyed from the comfort of home or an afternoon stroll! These views are beautiful to look at, but did you know that they can also help foster a healthy mind and body? According to a 2016 study from Michigan State University, “Increased views of blue space is significantly associated with lower levels of psychological distress.” Imagine the calmness your mind and body will feel when faced with our stunning river views (and the sweet scent of salty air) every day? The Manatee River flows out into the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico, providing each more coastal views to enjoy solo or with your loved ones.

Vacation mode every day

Speaking of calm… is there anything better than a year-round vacation mindset? When you live at Westminster Point Pleasant, you don’t need to pack a suitcase or book a trip to enjoy a relaxing waterfront experience. The built-in amenities, services, and hospitality will remind you of your favorite resort, a feeling that is especially appreciated these days as we all do a little less traveling.

Endless outdoor fun and fitness

Living by the water gives you unparalleled opportunities to make fitness fun! Head outdoors for waterfront strolls, venture to the beach for a change of terrain, or get right on the water on your own kayak. There is no shortage of ways to live your best, fittest life by the water.

Arts, culture, and beach-town charm

Where you find beautiful water views, you know that beach-town charm, arts, and culture aren’t far away! In addition to endless outdoor fun, residents of Westminster Point Pleasant can enjoy cultural institutions like the Ringling Museum of Art (with whom we partner to bring you unparalleled lifelong learning opportunities), the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, and so much more. Plus, savor effortless, everyday Bradenton living—the perfect place for those who want to find a peaceful, back-to-nature retreat at the end of every day out!

On-the-water affordability

With Westminster, your dream of waterfront living is made more accessible! Enjoy an abundance of on-site amenities (including maintenance-free living) so you don’t need to spend your time or money on additional services. We’ve got it all taken care of so you can truly kick back and enjoy the view!

Ready to make your home in beautiful Bradenton? Contact us today to learn more about our luxurious, affordable escape at the heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast! We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Any time you move to a new location, you naturally want to get to know the neighbors! Here at Westminster Point Pleasant, located on the beautiful Manatee River, we think that applies to the friendly aquatic “neighbors” for which our waterway is named. That’s right—today, we’re learning all about manatees.

Just read on to meet the gentle, slow-moving manatee, and how to enjoy wildlife watching from our premier Bradenton assisted living facility!

What’s in a name?
As you might already know, Westminster Point Pleasant sits along the Manatee River—which, along with Manatee County, is named after the friendly mammal who calls it “home.” Manatees love shallow, brackish water, so it makes sense that they would flock to our sunny slice of the Gulf Coast.

Swimming “snowbirds”

Manatees, much like migrating birds and Florida’s seasonal residents nicknamed “snowbirds,” love to come to the Sunshine State during winter, and manatee season runs from November through March! They can be found in local waters all year, of course, but are especially abundant as they try to escape cooler waters throughout the Southern United States.

Family ties

The manatee, with an average weight of about 1,000 pounds, may be nicknamed “sea cow” thanks to its size, calm demeanor, and tendency to graze on underwater vegetation. However, this unique animal’s closest relative is actually the elephant! Seeing a manatee in the wild, then, is like getting a peek at an underwater savannah of sorts. Manatees may not have trunks, of course, but their snout peeking above the surface, H2O bubbling as they breathe in air, is one of the first glimpses you’ll get of this beautiful animal.

How to meet a manatee

Speaking of seeing manatees…

You can sometimes spot manatees right from the shoreline, but getting on the water is an even more fun way to encounter one (or several!). Kayaking is a great way to do this, as you can move at a slow, manatee-friendly pace while observing manatees, birds and other animals in their natural environment.

This manatee season and all year long, our waterfront environs provide plenty of opportunities for sightseeing! Live like you’re on vacation and learn more about calling Westminster Point Pleasant “home” today.

If you’ve ever dreamed about living on the water, and waking up to gorgeous, glimmering H2O every morning, you’re not alone! But the waterfront lifestyle does not have to remain a dream.

As you search for independent living or assisted living in Bradenton Florida, you deserve to live in the comfortable, carefree environment that a waterfront setting provides. Plus, the benefits go beyond beautiful views! Just read on to discover some of the key perks of this unique environment.

The mind and body benefits of a blue view

At Westminster Point Pleasant, our setting on the sparkling Manatee River gives our residents gorgeous water views—easily enjoyed from the comfort of home or an afternoon stroll! These views are beautiful to look at, but did you know that they can also help foster a healthy mind and body? According to a 2016 study from Michigan State University, “Increased views of blue space is significantly associated with lower levels of psychological distress.” Imagine the calmness your mind and body will feel when faced with our stunning river views (and the sweet scent of salty air) every day? The Manatee River flows out into the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico, providing each more coastal views to enjoy solo or with your loved ones.

Vacation mode every day

Speaking of calm… is there anything better than a year-round vacation mindset? When you live at Westminster Point Pleasant, you don’t need to pack a suitcase or book a trip to enjoy a relaxing waterfront experience. The built-in amenities, services and hospitality will remind you of your favorite resort, a feeling that is especially appreciated these days as we all do a little less traveling.

Endless outdoor fun and fitness

Living by the water gives you unparalleled opportunities to make fitness fun! Head outdoors for waterfront strolls, venture to the beach for a change of terrain or get right on the water on your own kayak. There is no shortage of ways to live your best, fittest life by the water.

Arts, culture and beach-town charm

Where you find beautiful water views, you know that beach-town charm, arts and culture aren’t far away! In addition to endless outdoor fun, residents of Westminster Point Pleasant can enjoy cultural institutions like the Ringling Museum of Art (with whom we partner to bring you unparalleled lifelong learning opportunities), the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, and so much more. Plus, savor effortless, everyday Bradenton living—the perfect place for those who want to find a peaceful, back-to-nature retreat at the end of every day out!

On-the-water affordability

With Westminster, your dream of waterfront living is made more accessible! Enjoy an abundance of on-site amenities (including maintenance-free living) so you don’t need to spend your time or money on additional services. We’ve got it all taken care of so you can truly kick back and enjoy the view!

Ready to make your home in beautiful Bradenton? Contact us today to learn more about our luxurious, affordable escape at the heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast! We look forward to hearing from you soon.