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Assisted living and skilled nursing may appear to be identical on the surface. There are, however, some significant differences in the levels of care provided, as well as the financial alternatives and community environments. Here are five key differences between skilled nursing and assisted living in Winter Park, Florida.

What a Skilled Nursing Facility Offers

• Nursing care is required 24 hours a day, seven days a week 
• Standing and walking help is necessary.
• Physical rehabilitation is required.
• Medical requirements that are more complicated
• The majority of establishments accept insurance, medicare, and medicaid.

What Assisted Living Facilities Offer:

• Utilities, meals, and activities are all included in the package.
• Some are covered by medicaid, while the majority of the communities are private pay only.
• Residents must be capable of walking and standing on their own.
• There must be no significant cognitive impairments among the residents.
• Does not cover nursing care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Understanding the Differences Between Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing

The level of medical care provided to residents is one of the most significant distinctions between these two care alternatives. Residents of assisted living facilities may require minor assistance, such as assistance with dressing or prescription administration. 

Assisted living residents often want the peace of mind that someone can assist them if they need it. Patients in skilled nursing facilities, on the other hand, require nursing care and medical monitoring 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Professional carers provide the care. Acute and severe health care illnesses that require continuous nursing care and therapy are usually treated with skilled nursing.

When Do You Need Assisted Living in Orlando, Florida?

If a person still has adequate mobility and is transitioning from an independent living environment, assisted living facilities may be the best option to help ease household management and be part of a peer society. Most assisted living facilities also provide various degrees of care and have on-site caregivers to assist with everyday activities, but not 24/7 care.

When Do You Need Nursing Care by Experts?

Following a hospitalization or a health decline that necessitates 24-hour nursing care, skilled nursing care is the best option. A skilled nursing facility, which provides physical, speech, and occupational therapy services, is a more intensive option for helping someone regain mobility or recover after a major health event while also providing a community setting where they can interact with others in a similar stage of life.

If your loved one is moving into a retirement community in Winter Park, you’ll want to make sure you keep in touch with them and friends to maintain social interaction after they’ve settled into their new home. There are numerous devices and applications, known as apps, that are available. There are options available to the novice with little tech experience, as well as the more computer-savvy people searching for new ideas.

Devices That Keep You Connected 

You’ve probably heard of “Alexa,” the voice behind Amazon’s virtual assistant who answers commands from users, like “Alexa, play music for me,” or “Alexa, what time is it in London?” The Amazon Echo Show is a simple device that uses that technology to help seniors make video calls easily. No need for a deep understanding of technology to use this smart 8″ HD screen with an integrated smart home hub that includes the built-in Alexa service on voice command. All that’s needed for any resident of assisted living facilities in Winter Park is a contact list of friends and relatives to call. The user asks Alexa to call someone and then the video call automatically is initiated with that person on the contact list.

Apps That Make Video Calls Simple

A personal cell phone also provides opportunities for Winter Park assisted living residents to make video calls to friends and relatives. For example, an iPhone includes a FaceTime feature that can be used if the person you are trying to reach also has an iPhone. If FaceTime won’t work, Skype has an app that can be downloaded on a cell phone to provide video calls with others who also have the app. Skype allows video and audio calls over the internet, and also allows audio calls to landlines.

Learn More About Helpful Technologies

Some seniors use Facebook regularly on their desktop computers, so those individuals may find that they have very little trouble getting used to Facebook Mobile for their cell phones. The app allows users to send messages, receive photos and videos, and allows audio calls through the messenger app. This app requires a little more experience using smartphone technology but may be easy to learn and a potentially fun way to stay in touch for those living in Winter Park assisted living facilities. 

When you don’t live in the same location as your loved ones, you may find the need to stay connected in other ways. Between frequent visits, technology can help keep you in touch. When moving your loved one into a new home, offer them the opportunity to use the devices and apps they’re comfortable with to keep you within reach. 

Volunteering is a great way to try new experiences and meet new people. And if you’re interested in getting involved in your community, we’ve got you covered! Here are five ways to try virtual volunteering for Winter Park assisted living facilities. 

Peer Support Virtual Volunteering

Virtual volunteers can help people by contacting WInter Park assisted living and offering mental health support services. If available, assisted living facilities can arrange for qualified volunteers to provide 24/7 peer support for residents in assisted living programs.

Thank You Notes

When people engage with a business, the business may want to send a personalized message. Writing thank-you notes can make residents feel appreciated, while letting businesses and people in the community know how important their feedback is. This volunteer opportunity would be a good way for people in the community to support others.

Volunteer Service Desks

Volunteering at service desks can help assisted living facilities in small ways that can make a big difference. Services and amenities need to be pointed out quickly so that interested clients remain excited about assisted living services. As a virtual volunteer, you can help keep processes running smoothly.

Volunteer Assistant Course Instructor

Many assisted living programs also feature courses, continued education and wellness programs for residents to take part in. These programs are taught by support staff with experience and qualifications in helping people in specified areas. For people wanting to help, opportunities to assist instructors might be available for adults with academic experience in emotional wellness or fields related to continuing education opportunities. Lifelong learning and emotional wellness are two priorities for assisted living facilities in Winter Park.

Volunteer Photographer

Many people love getting their pictures taken to have those memories to share. For people looking to share the benefits of assisted living, the friendly, beautiful campuses are filled with opportunities for eye-catching photos. A volunteer photographer could help capture memories for residents.

Volunteering in assisted living programs is a good way to make your resume look great and help local residents. After all, there are a variety of ways to get involved in our community. Get started volunteering by learning more about assisted living facilities in Winter Park.

It may appear like an enormous task initially; however, there are numerous ways to put your own personal style spin on your assisted-living space. Here are some ways to make the most of your space at a Winter Park assisted living community and let it feel like home.

Add a Fresh Coat of Paint to Your Winter Park Assisted Living Home

If allowed, a home-like feeling can be achieved by painting the walls before moving into your independent living facilities in Winter Park. On the small side, avoid dark-colored walls, but if you prefer a brighter color scheme, try painting only one wall and let the others remain neutral. If you have an established color scheme at your previous home, use it.

Take Precious Items When Moving to an Assisted Living in Winter Park

Bring a handful of large items that are dear to you and can fit comfortably inside your new home. Taking along some of your furniture and personal articles can potentially let your new place have a homey feel. 

Tinier gadgets are manageable to carry, like lamps, decorations, bedspreads, and drapes. With personal articles around you, it can have the potential of providing some familiarity. 

Add Pictures and Art to Your WInter Park FL Assisted Living Home

If you’re allowed to hang frames in your new home, go ahead and put up the artwork and photos that you hold, dearest. Still, add a splash of something new to give you the vibe of being in a new place yet still feel at home. 

Establish a Reclining Area at Your Assisted Living in Winter Park Home

Whether you have a living room or just a single room apartment, a sitting space is always important. Bring along a recliner or your favorite chair for your room if you have no living space. A small couch like a love seat with pillows would be great to accommodate your guests. Another option is a mini dining table and chairs that will seat a few visitors comfortably while still giving off a homey vibe.

Storage Solutions for Winter Park Skilled Nursing Facility

Give yourself options when moving your belongings into a new place. Choose your furniture wisely, like a storage ottoman, bed with drawers, or even a trunk coffee table. That way, everything can have a place to go and no space is wasted.

Take Your Pet to Your Assisted Living Facilities in Winter Park

Many assisted-living facilities permit pets. If you own a pet, choose a home that will allow you to take yours. Some homes even have pet parks and grooming salons. 

There is a multitude of ways to make assisted living facilities in Winter Park feel like home. It’s all about finding what works for you or your loved one best. Try some of these tips and don’t be afraid of getting creative! And when you’re ready to find the right assisted living facility in Winter Park for you or your loved one, give us a call. We will be happy to help!

After transitioning to a Winter Park Fl assisted living facility, it can be overwhelming with all the changes in their surroundings and lifestyle. Your loved one may want to isolate and adjust slowly. However, it is best to encourage them to get involved in the Westminster Winter Park activities as soon as they are able. There are a wide variety of benefits to participating in social events and classes. Take a look at the key benefits below:

1. Physical Activity. The activity calendars at Winter Park Fl assisted living facilities are designed with seniors in mind. Here at Westminster Winter Park, we make sure to include a variety of fitness activities to help strengthen muscles, improve balance, and prevent falls. There will be trained staff to help make sure that the workouts fit their unique health requirements and help with their overall wellbeing.
2. Social Events. After moving into a Winter Park Fl assisted living facility, some residents can be at risk of depression. This is not uncommon, but socializing is key to lowering the chances of this happening to your loved one. The quicker they get involved the sooner they can find friends who have similar interests and hobbies as them. This will help them feel more at home at Westminster Winter Park.
3. Lifelong Learning. The old saying still rings true. “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” That is why at Winter Park Fl assisted living facilities we include a wide mix of games and activities to challenge your mind. These brain exercises partnered with physical exercises can help increase cognitive abilities. We do not ever want it to feel like you are taking an exam. That is why our Activity Director work hard to make all the activity’s fun and engaging. Some ways to get moving and keep your mind active are puzzles, dancing, painting, board games, book clubs, trivia, and playing music.
4. Vocational Options. At Westminster Winter Park, we know the importance of finding and pursuing your passions. We help you discover ways to get involved in the community by volunteering or working on projects that are important to you.
5. Spiritual Activities. Finding a Winter Park Fl assisted living facility that has a spiritual foundation like Westminster Communities of Florida is not always easy. The first Westminster Community was chartered by the First Presbyterian Church of Bradenton. However, Westminster Winter Park is open to residents of all faiths. Our organization continues to enjoy a common heritage and covenant relationship with the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. Neither organization, in whole or part, has any responsibility for the financial or contractual obligations of the other. The benefits of spiritual activities are that it can help you find meaning in life and experiences.

Overall, daily activity calendars in Winter Park Fl assisted living facilities are key to a smooth and happy transition. It may feel overwhelming to start participating right away, but it is important to start sooner than later to reduce your risk of depression and feeling isolated. Many residents who participate regularly often make more friends, feel connected, and comfortable in their new surroundings. If you have questions about Westminster Winter Park activity types, visit our website here for more information. You can also contact us and schedule a tour.

If you recently visited your loved one and noticed that it is getting harder for them to live on their own, then it might be time to start the discussion about senior living options. Westminster Winter Park offers a variety of services for families including a continuum of care so that you only need to have this discussion once. If they move into a continuum care community then they can age comfortably. It allows them to increase their levels of care without having to move to a new senior living community. Our Westminster Winter Park family put together some tips on having a successful discussion with your family about senior living options.

1. Set up an in-person or a virtual meeting with the family.
   • It is important to meet with your other siblings or family members first before including the loved one who you are concerned about. Why is this important? It is important for all of you to be on the same page before starting the discussion with your loved one. That way all the negative comments and concerns are mentioned privately without creating unnecessary stress for the aging senior in your life.
2. Voice your concerns.
   • Never start a tough conversation with blame. First, try voicing your concerns. Instead of saying “All you eat is frozen TV dinners and you don’t take your medicine.” You could say, “I’m concerned that you are not getting the nutrients and medication your body needs.” This will help set the correct tone for the discussion.
3. Listen to your parents.
   • Even though they were not in the initial family meeting, it is very important to include them in the final decision-making process. Listen to all their feelings and concerns. This will help you find the perfect senior care community for them. Each community will have a different atmosphere and set of activities. Help them find the perfect match that fits their unique needs and interests.
4. The key is open dialogue.
   • Leaving your home is not an easy decision for anyone. This may be an ongoing topic before anything is decided.

It is ok if you have not made a final decision yet but have questions for our Westminster Winter Park team, visit our website here for more information. You can also contact us and schedule a tour. We know it is a tough decision and are here to help you every step of the way.  We can also help listen to the needs of your loved ones and suggest which type of senior living community is best for them. Here at Westminster Winter Park we offer independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care, and more.