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As parents age, they often experience health and mobility issues that require help. This responsibility usually falls to their children. 

For some families, moving a loved one to one of the many Orlando, Florida, retirement communities is a good option. If you find yourself in a caretaking role, here are a few do’s and don’ts for caring for your aging parents without crossing lines.

Do’s

Being a caregiver for a parent isn’t always easy, but there are a few principles that you should always try to follow.

Listen

Just because your parent may be having health or mobility issues doesn’t mean that they don’t know what they need. If they say they don’t need assistance, listen to them carefully before imposing your wishes. 

Be Respectful

The best caregivers are the ones who are respectful. When you step into a caregiver role, remember that your parent still deserves the same respect they always have. If your parent feels respected, they’re more likely to accept the help they need, making things easier and more pleasant for everyone involved.

Know When to Ask for Outside Help

Sometimes, parents need more help than an untrained caregiver can provide. Orlando retirement communities offer the help your parent needs in addition to a welcoming environment that will keep them as active as possible. 

Don’ts 

Despite their best efforts, caregivers may struggle to find the right balance between being helpful and doing too much. Here are a few don’ts when it comes to caring for aging parents.

Overdo It 

One mistake caregivers make is offering too much help. If your parent needs help down the stairs, that doesn’t necessarily mean they need help walking everywhere. It’s important to balance what your parent needs help doing with what they can still do independently. 

Insist that You Know Best

Disagreements will inevitably arise between you and your parent. Try your best to trust their judgment, and don’t overrule their wishes by insisting you know best without good reason to do so.

Forget About Yourself

The adage is true: You can’t care for others without first taking care of yourself. Caregivers can easily become overwhelmed and put self-care on the back burner. Neglecting yourself will eventually catch up to you and make you a less effective caregiver.

Orlando Retirement Communities

Sometimes retirement communities are a better fit for your parent than in-home care. Whether they need a little help or support care around the clock, you can find a community for them in Orlando. Be sure to consult with a trusted physician about your parents care for the best fit.

When you’re old enough to have lived through at least one war and a pandemic or two, raised children, suffered losses, and known great joys, you’re not likely to respond well to someone telling you to eat your broccoli. Encouraging seniors to make better eating choices is tricky. You want to help them live longer and enjoy better health, but if you are a family caregiver, you know it’s challenging to get seniors to break old habits.

The nutritionists working in Orlando retirement communities face this challenge often, and it can be difficult — even for professionals. However, the following tips can help you gently motivate a senior in your life to eat a healthier diet.

Add, Don’t Subtract

Taking away your loved one’s favorite ice cream or comfort-food casserole is not going to win you any points. Try adding new, healthier foods into the mix instead. Some healthy options include:

• Greek yogurt
• Grass-fed dairy products
• Omega-boosted eggs
• Whole grains
• Almonds and other nuts
• Chia and flax seeds
• Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as, Salmon or Tuna

Focusing on trying new things and making mealtime more adventurous is often a more palatable approach than cutting out “bad” foods a person has been eating their whole life.

Make Meal Prep Fun

Offer to come and help your parent or friend prepare meals for the week. Don’t focus on “healthy,” focus on fun. Bring the ingredients for one or two make-and-freeze healthy meals — a few portions for you to take home and a few to share. This may motivate your loved one to try healthy new foods and maybe even to share a few recipes of their own next time. 

Many seniors in Orlando, FL, independent living facilities become bored with cooking, especially if they are preparing food for only themselves. Having company in the kitchen is a great motivator for cooking nutritious food instead of eating whatever is convenient.

Share the Benefits of Specific Foods

Eating “healthier” is an ambiguous goal, but eating foods that are good for your vision, cholesterol, or a better mood is something to get excited about. Explain the specific benefits of a certain food, such as how almonds can help control blood sugar, and the seniors in your life may be more motivated to eat them.

Keep Their Palette in Mind

You’re not likely to motivate an older person to eat healthier if your suggestions include a lot of strange ingredients and foods they’ve never heard of. Try making your favorite recipes healthier instead. For example, add shredded, sautéed vegetables to meatloaf or replace half of the potatoes with cauliflower for mashed potatoes. Showing seniors that they can still enjoy their favorite dishes while eating healthier is a great way to keep them motivated.

Make It Beautiful

The old saying “We eat with our eyes first” is true. Even a salad of raw vegetables can look exciting if you take a little extra time to arrange it attractively. Keeping foods colorful, bright, and enticing to the eye will increase your loved one’s interest in trying them.

Healthy Options at Orlando Retirement Communities

One thing you shouldn’t have to worry about when your loved one moves into an Orlando retirement community is their healthy diet. Make sure the facility you choose offers a variety of nutritious, homemade meals in addition to private kitchenettes. 

We often give a lot of thought to decorating a home with stylish furniture, drapes, rugs, and accessories. Sometimes it is easy to miss the incredible vast expanse of walls available to us as a perfect canvas.

Add a Breathtaking Perfect Focal Point to Any Room

There are many reasons why adding a gallery wall to your home can be a great idea. Not only is it a brilliant way to display your favorite prints and photos, but a well-laid gallery can also add endless character and visual appeal to any room.

When designing a gallery wall, start with a theme, such as memories, travel, hobbies, collections, etc. Then explore different color schemes, textures, frames, and other elements. Finally, take stock of the wall area, and create a layout to hang the collection.

Have Fun Designing a Unique Gallery

If you are looking for some inspiration, here are a few ideas to help you put together a stylish and aesthetically-pleasing gallery wall.

Enhance the Wall Behind Your Couch

The blank wall behind the couch can be a daunting area to decorate, and a gallery wall can be a perfect idea for this space. A nice little trick is arranging your display on the floor to visualize how it looks before hanging the pictures on the wall.

Create a Small Cozy Space for Relaxing or Reading

If you have a small nook, it can be an ideal opportunity to put together a warm and inviting little space with your favorite pictures, such as family prints, artwork, favorite book covers, and more. 

Prop up a comfy chair or an ottoman next to it, and you will have your sanctuary to unwind in.

Elevate Your Home Office to the Next Level

Your home office can be a great space to create a gorgeous display of achievements or select framed children’s artwork. A gallery wall can be the pride of the place and help you personalize any room to make it feel like home. 

Show Off Your Hobby with Pride

Do you have a seashell, postcard, or basket collection? Rather than store them in boxes, a tastefully-designed gallery wall can be a fascinating way of displaying your favorite pieces. 

Customize Your Decor in Orlando Retirement Communities

Oftentimes, we assume a gallery wall is all about prints and frames. There are no hard and fast rules and absolutely no limit to how creative you can get. Here are a few interesting and exciting ideas to inspire your decor:

• A well-arranged display of your craft pieces
• Mix-and-match frames with varied shapes, sizes, and textures
• Favorite quotes printed in beautiful fonts
• A color-coordinated assembly to add color to a room
• Black and white prints

Assemble different sized frames that complement each other to maintain a visual balance on your wall.

Whether you are hoping to spruce up your lovely home in independent living facilities in Orlando, FL, or looking for affordable ways to create a functional new space, you cannot go wrong with a gallery wall. 

As vibrant as the neighborhoods are in Orlando retirement communities, your indoor spaces can also be perfect for bringing your decor ideas to life.

As you age, you experience a variety of changes in your body. Things like muscle weakness and decreased circulation can have negative effects on your overall health and well-being. This is why it is important to stay active and do what you can to keep your body strong. 

One way to improve your overall health and strengthen your body from the inside out is by practicing daily stretches. Learn more about the benefits of stretching and three simple stretches for seniors living in Orlando retirement communities.

The Benefits of Stretching

Regular stretching provides a number of benefits for senior citizens, including the following:

• Increases flexibility
• Enhances mobility
• Improves breathing
• Strengthens muscles
• Reduces risk of injury
• Improves circulation
• Provides relaxation

To experience optimal results, you should make it a priority to practice your stretches at least once daily. At certain independent living facilities in Orlando, there may be daily exercise programs available that incorporate stretching to help seniors improve their health.

3 Simple Stretches for Seniors in Orlando Retirement Communities

The following are three simple stretches that seniors can practice to feel stronger, healthier, and more flexible.

1. The Gentle Twist

One of the most popular stretches for seniors is the gentle twist stretch. This stretch is good for lower back pain. 

To complete a gentle twist stretch, plant your feet flat on the floor while seated in a chair. Place your knees at a 90-degree angle while sitting slightly forward on the chair.

Take a deep breath and press yourself down into the seat. You will feel your spine lengthen as you lift your arms upward over your head. Exhale and turn yourself gently to the right while putting your left hand on the outside of your right knee and your right hand wherever it feels comfortable. Release and repeat on the other side.

2. The Reach Back

The reach-back stretch is great for increasing flexibility and improving the range of motion in your shoulders. It can also help stretch your chest muscles. 

To perform a reach-back stretch, sit with your spine straight and your feet placed firmly on the ground. Reach behind yourself and interlace your hands. If you cannot interlace your hands, you can grab the opposite wrist instead. 

Inhale deeply until you feel your spine stretching and your posture becoming taller. Try to roll your shoulder upward and back. Take three deep breaths and release.

3. The Hamstring Stretch

Hamstring stretches are important for maintaining strength and flexibility in the legs. 

To complete a hamstring stretch, place your right heel on a bench with your leg straight and toes pointed upwards. Without rounding your lower back, slowly bend the hinge forward from the hips until you feel a suitable stretch. Hold this for 10 to 30 seconds and then release. Switch legs and repeat. 

To make a hamstring stretch easier, you can perform it while seated in a chair, with your heel placed on the floor in front of you.

The holiday season brings about cheer and joy. Many seniors want to spruce up their apartments for the holidays. Decorating your senior living apartment can get you in the holiday spirit and improve your mental health. Beyond that, it can be gratifying and just plain fun!

Many Orlando, Florida, retirement communities like Westminster Baldwin Park recognize the importance of celebrating the holiday season. If you want to make your senior living apartment a holiday wonderland, here are some decorating tips to help you achieve that with residential safety in mind. 

Use Electric Candles

The holidays remind most people of the warm, comforting scents of their childhoods. Candles are a great way to disperse these scents into the air, but unfortunately, they pose a significant fire hazard. Instead of using candles with an open flame, invest in electric candle lights. 

LED candles and other electric lighting systems are much safer than conventional candles. They add an element of holiday sparkle to your apartment without the fire hazard. Electric candles are also much lower maintenance than traditional candles. You do not have to trim wicks, pour out excess wax, or worry about overheating surfaces. Overall, electric candles are the best minimalistic lighting options during the holidays. 

Create Cozy Holiday-Themed Spaces

Most people associate the holidays with warmth, comfort, and coziness. One great way to get your apartment holiday-ready is to decorate with comfortable items. You can create soft, cozy holiday nooks in your apartment using a few holiday-themed home items. 

Some of the best comfortable spaces to decorate for the holidays are areas where you typically rest and relax. 

Some ideas for holiday coziness include:

• Fuzzy winter throw blankets
• Holiday throw pillows
• Holiday-themed furniture covers
• Festive tablecloths
• Seasonal bed set with a festive comforter
• Soft holiday-themed cloths and towels 

These are just a few ways to add holiday comfort to your apartment. Any soft materials that help you relax and rejuvenate are sure to get you in the holiday spirit. 

Put Up Creative Wreaths

The holiday season is the time of year for arts and crafts. There are a lot of do-it-yourself wreath ideas that will add sparkle and festivity to your apartment. Craft stores often stock up on fabulous wreaths for the holidays if you cannot make your own. 

Wreaths are great interior and exterior holiday decorations, and these items can look different depending on the theme of your apartment. For example, green wreaths with holly may look best if you decorate for Christmas. If you celebrate another winter holiday, like Hanukkah, you can decorate your wreaths to match the appropriate themes of the holiday. 

Independent Living Facilities in Orlando, FL

If you are a senior who wants to enjoy your golden years in a luxurious retirement community, Westminster Baldwin Park is a great choice. Many independent living in Orlando, Florida, regularly offer group activities like arts and crafts to get our seniors into the holiday spirit. 

Why Independent Living?

Independent living facilities in Orlando, FL, allow you to retain your independence without the hassle of home maintenance and upkeep. 

Orlando, Florida retirement communities keep seniors connected while you discover new hobbies and fun activities. If you are interested in Orlando, FL, independent living, find a place that meets your social and cultural needs during retirement. 

Orlando, FL, independent living facilities serve the social needs of senior residents who enjoy a self-sufficient lifestyle. Residents have more freedom and less structure during their day than assisted living residents. However, you may still be wondering if you can receive the same services. At Westminster Baldwin Park, we offer a full Rapid Recovery Rehabilitation center to assist you with your physical therapy needs. 

Orlando Retirement Communities

Most Orlando retirement communities offer independent living facilities within the community. Independent living residents often receive the same services and amenities as assisted living residents. The difference is that assisted living residents need help with their everyday tasks and self-care. 

Orlando, Florida, retirement communities are known for supporting the holistic needs of residents. For example, at Westminster Baldwin Park, we offer a wellness program that helps seniors stay active and improve their overall health. All residents of our community have access to the wellness program and other amenities. 

The majority of Orlando retirement communities contain at least one physical therapist. Many residents suffer from injuries due to falling, underlying medical conditions, and joint replacement surgeries. Therefore, physical therapy is a must-have in any Orlando retirement community. 

Outpatient Options

If your retirement community does not offer physical therapy, there are other outpatient programs that you can consider. There are physical therapy offices in many locations that can customize a treatment plan for your unique needs. You should always call and make sure that they accept your insurance plan. 

Outpatient physical therapy allows senior residents to continue living independently while addressing important injuries and strain. Some senior living communities offer transportation to different places just outside of the grounds. This could be an excellent opportunity for you to pursue physical therapy. 

Overcome Physical Challenges

Physical therapy is designed to help you recover the function of your strained or injured body part(s). The goal is for your physical therapist to assign daily exercises for you to practice in your independent living facility. Outpatient physical therapy requires your commitment, practice, and patience as you work on regaining your strength.

Physical and functional muscle and joint problems affect many senior residents across the country. It is important to stick to your physical therapy exercises so you can recover more quickly. Independent living facilities give you the freedom to choose your routine and schedule, so it is important that you stay diligent on your physical therapy “homework.”

Westminster Baldwin Park Physical Therapy

As a resident of Westminster Baldwin Park retirement community, you have access to our rehabilitation center. We offer inpatient and outpatient options, so you can take advantage of our outpatient treatment as a member of our independent living facilities. 

Our rehabilitation center for recovery includes the following services:

• Physical therapy
• Speech therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Short-term stays 
• Long-term private nursing care

You can begin your journey to recovery at our rehabilitation center for rapid recovery. We have supportive, skilled staff that will help you regain your strength and heal your injuries. We accept Medicare and most private insurance plans. Physical therapy is accessible and affordable in independent living facilities. 

Moving to a retirement community brings up a lot of questions about daily life in independent living facilities. Orlando independent living communities provide beautiful residences without the hassle of maintaining them. You get assistance at every turn, from lawn care to household cleaning. 

You may be wondering if you can have visitors in your home in independent living communities. It is important to keep connections with family and friends after you move to independent living near Orlando. Some facilities may or may not allow visitors. At Westminster Baldwin Park, we welcome your guests with open arms. 

Your Home Is Yours

In an independent living community, your home is your own private space. You can choose to have guests over if they are not infringing on other properties. Just as you would in an average home, you can invite friends and family to your place whenever you would like. 

Independent living communities are designed to give you the comfort and independence of having your own residence without the hassle of maintaining it. Independent living does not require giving up your social circle. 

Social Connection Is Important

It’s incredibly important to keep in touch with your loved ones. While most seniors in assisted living communities get plenty of interaction with their fellow residents and community members, most still need contact and visitation with their friends and family.

What’s more, the transition to independent living communities can be hard for some seniors. It is understandable that such a big move would cause feelings of sadness and loneliness. To avoid these feelings, seniors should connect with whoever makes them feel supported whenever they get the chance.

Residents Support Each Other

Perhaps your loved ones live farther away now that you have moved to independent living. If it is not possible to have visitors in the near future, remember that assisted living communities are built for senior support. You have plenty of neighbors with whom you can make friends with and enjoy activities.

If you become close with other residents, that gives you a support system right in your own community. When visitors are not available, you can lean on your fellow seniors in our independent living facilities. 

Your Healthcare Needs Come First

If you receive services from our in-home healthcare aides, nurses, and other professionals, there may be different guidelines on visitation. For example, if you moved to our community because you need memory care in Orlando, your visitors may need to work around your schedule. Your nurses and other health professionals will need to adhere to your treatment plan to help you stay happy and healthy. 

Westminster Orlando Independent Living Community

At Westminster Baldwin Park, we have curated a supportive, friendly community of seniors who reside in independent living facilities. You have access to our wealth of amenities and health services to help you thrive. If you want to enjoy an active social life while still including your loved ones, independent living may be right for you. 

As you get older, you may notice your joints ache more, and your mobility is not what it used to be. If you are looking to improve your mobility, gentle daily movements can help you. We have compiled a list of five easy, joint-friendly exercises to help you regain your mobility. 

Disclaimer: Please consult with your doctor for approval before beginning a physical activity program.

1. Exercise Ball Leg Lifts

Exercise balls are very useful tools for gentle mobility exercises. 

Instructions:

1. Sit on your exercise ball with your feet flat on the floor. Keep your feet hip-width apart.
2. Brace your core and tighten your abdominal muscles. It is important to let your abs support your back during this exercise. 
3. Slowly raise and straighten one leg forward at a time. 
4. Alternate legs until you feel comfortable discontinuing the exercise. 

This exercise will help you with everyday mobility. Exercise ball leg lifts are great for strengthening your abdominal wall and hip bands. 

2. Hold the Sun

This exercise is known as “holding the sun” or “catching the moon.” These movements have roots in tai chi practice, which emphasizes soft fluid motion. 

Instructions:

1. Stand up straight with your feet hip-width apart. 
2. Slowly extend your arms outward in front of you while raising them towards your head.
3. Raise your outward-facing palms above your head so that your arms form a circular shape. 
4. “Hold the sun”; imagine you are pushing upward and using your palms to support the sun above your head. 
5. Slowly lower your arms back to your sides. 
6. Repeat as many times as you feel comfortable with. 

The “hold the sun” exercise is excellent for strengthening your core muscles and stretching your back. 

3. Side Hip Raises

This is a simple but effective move to increase hip mobility. 

Instructions:

1. Stand straight up with your feet hip-width apart. 
2. Extend one leg out to the side with your hands on your hips. 
3. Keep your back straight and toes pointed forward if possible.
4. Raise your leg as high as feels comfortable, then lower your foot back down.
5. Repeat on each side as many times as you feel comfortable with. 

Side hip raises will help with walking, joint pain, and daily activities. 

4. Leg Lifts On Your Back

You can do these leg lifts straight from your bed. If you have very low mobility and need a very gentle exercise, this will do the trick.

Instructions:

1. Lie flat on your back. 
2. Bend one knee so that your foot is flat on the surface beneath you.
3. Straighten the opposite leg and lift it as high as you comfortably can.
4. Hold the straight leg up in the air for ten seconds.
5. Repeat on each side as many times as you feel comfortable with.

Back leg lifts strengthen your core, knees, and leg muscles. 

5. Walking

This one is simple. Take a walk around your neighborhood or on a treadmill. Walking improves mobility, boosts circulation, and has a myriad of other health benefits. The best way to get your mobility back is to incorporate walking into your daily routine. 

Winter Park Independent Living

Are you a senior looking for independent living near Orlando? Westminster Baldwin Park is a beautiful, scenic retirement community with numerous convenient amenities. Winter Park independent living allows you to work on your physical challenges while enjoying the company of fellow retired seniors. 

To maintain good health, doctors advise exercise and other physical activities. This can be a difficult challenge for everyone, but remaining active in retirement can be incredibly challenging. The importance of good health increases as we get older, especially as other aspects of our health begin to decline naturally. Older adults must get sufficient exercise to keep themselves healthy and happy for as long as possible. 

Swimming is an excellent choice of exercise for many reasons for older adults. It can be hard to find a sufficiently active exercise regimen that’s not too strenuous on older bodies. Many Orlando, FL, independent living communities offer swimming amenities, among others. 

Here are five health benefits for older adults who choose swimming as a form of exercise. 

Offers Low-Impact Exercise

Swimming is a low-impact exercise because it is non-weight-bearing. You don’t have to hold up your weight as you float in the water, so there is no pressure on the knees, hips, or spine. As you float, you may also find relief from the regular strain on certain joints. Adults who have arthritis or other similar conditions may see reduced pain symptoms and improved quality of life.

Improves Flexibility

As you float and swim in the water, you will move your limbs throughout the entire range of motion. Using your body’s full range of motion is more intense and challenging on foot, so swimming will help move your body in ways you might not be able to out of the water. Moving your body in this way will increase and improve your flexibility, as your limbs will move in directions they may not be able to on land. 

Reduces Fall Risks

Swimming works all of your major muscle groups. This means your upper body, core muscles, and leg muscles will generally be stronger. These muscles are considered important muscle groups for posture and stability. Working these muscles and keeping them strong will help reduce your chances of becoming a fall risk. Reducing fall risks is an important aspect of Orlando independent living. 

Improves Sleep

Though fun, swimming is a demanding form of exercise. It works every muscle in your body and burns through a lot of calories, both of which cause you to feel tired. Additionally, swimming can be a repetitive action that can help relax the mind. Together, these two elements can lead to a good night’s sleep, which is especially important during retirement years.

Promotes Cardiovascular Health

Swimming is known to be an aerobic exercise, which means it increases the body’s oxygen consumption. Consider the way you breathe when doing exercise; your heart rate will increase when you breathe more. Working out in this way promotes heart health, as well as increases stamina. Just make sure you check with our doctor before swimming if you have any heart-related health concerns.

Orlando Independent Living

If you’re considering looking for Orlando, Florida, retirement communities, Westminster Baldwin Park should be at the top of your list. Our amenities will keep you or your loved ones active, healthy, and happy. 

It’s easy to be confused by the myriad of options available for post-retirement living. Different retirement communities are classified based on the type of living arrangements they provide, and two of the most common options are independent living and assisted living. If you want to make the best choice for yourself or your loved one, it’s important to understand the difference between the two living situations. 

Here is a breakdown of the two different types of living arrangements. Analyze the key differences and make an informed decision for your loved one.

Independent Living 

Independent retirement living is exactly what it sounds like. This type of living arrangement aims to give retirees as much freedom and independence as possible. 

Ideally, seniors in independent living communities can take care of themselves and their basic daily tasks. These living arrangements don’t typically offer medical care services. When searching for independent living facilities in Orlando, FL, pay attention to the services provided and determine what’s appropriate for your specific situation. 

Assisted Living

Assisted retirement living refers to any amount of care needed by the resident to maintain daily life. If a resident needs help bathing, grooming, making food, or keeping their house, they would be a good candidate for an assisted living program. 

Key Differences

Though both types of communities offer similar amenities, there are two critical differences between these programs: cost and health services. 

Cost 

Independent living communities are arranged so that residents take care of their own affairs. That being the case, these programs are typically less expensive than assisted living situations. Assisted living communities provide care to residents. In addition to paying to live in the community, there will also be a cost for any caregivers. 

However, keep in mind that some of these costs may be paid for by insurance and Social Security. Consult your insurance provider to see what is covered. Make sure to ask about tax deductibles.

Health Services

Independent living communities may offer health classes and courses, but the general assumption surrounding independent living is that the resident is healthy enough to pursue these activities solo. There may be facilities available for exercise, but it’s likely the residents will be encouraged to use these facilities at their leisure. 

Assisted living facilities are more likely to have fitness training and exercise specialists on the premises. As these residents are being assisted with their daily tasks, one would expect them to need extra care to maintain fitness. 

The exercise options available may also be more tailored for the resident’s individual needs, such as memory care and mental exercises. Make sure to look for these services when researching memory care in Orlando.

Independent Living Facilities in Orlando, FL 

There are plenty of options for independent living near Orlando. Westminster Baldwin Park strives to provide quality care as well as enrichment for active seniors in their retirement years. Through our various amenities and active lifestyle, our goal is to help residents maintain their independence and freedom as long as possible.