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Living in St. Petersburg is some kind of wonderful. Since official records began, St. Petersburg has never seen a temperature over 100 degrees. Plumeria grows along the walkways and streets, making it feel a little like paradise. 

Maybe that’s because it is. 

So when you’re hankering for a little exercise and fancy a walk, make sure to keep on the lookout for the stunning plants in a few of these equally stunning locations.

The Florida Botanical Gardens

Free to the public, the Florida Botanical Gardens are a great place to take in the flora of our great state. Sprawling over 100 acres, this is a place where you can walk as much or as little as you like. You can even bring your pets! Just make sure they’re leashed. 

As you meander through the many themed gardens, you’ll be able to see cactus and succulents, herbs, native plants, and more. Marlberry, firebush, sugarberry, and Stokes’ aster are some of the Florida natives, and you can even see topiaries and tropical fruits like pineapple!

Walks Around Your Assisted Living Facility in St. Petersburg, FL

Of course, your assisted living facility in St. Petersburg, FL, will have areas to enjoy our local St. Petersburg fauna. Just getting outside to take in a little fresh air in the early morning or enjoy the sunset is a good opportunity to see a beautiful flower that perhaps wasn’t there yesterday. 

Isn’t it great to know that you don’t need to go anywhere to enjoy the beauty of living in St. Petersburg? Florida’s stunning plants and flowers are right outside your door.

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

If you take a little excursion to this 245-acre preserve, you’ll be treated to some amazing spectacles of flora and fauna. Since the land was originally set aside to be developed as a zoo, it is naturally special. Situated along Lake Maggiore, the preserve features natural habitats so you can see how nature’s creatures do “independent living” in the wild.

Sawgrass Lake Park

If you just fancy a simple, short walk, Sawgrass is a great place to do it. This maple swamp conservation park is a nice place to walk your pets if you have any — but make sure you watch out for the gators. 

Sunken Gardens

Situated on four well-established acres in the Old Northeast neighborhood in St. Petersburg, the Sunken Gardens have been around for more than 100 years. You’ll see Chilean flamingos, water lilies, royal palms, and 500 other species of stunning tropical plants. 

Since the garden has been around for so long, it’s not only a great little piece of history but also a great place to see some rather large examples of the florae that have been cultivated for so long. This garden is a rare treat.

Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum

If you want a rare walk in the sunset, there may not be a better alternative than the Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum. Situated along the beach in the Bay, the breezes are calm, and so is the water along these clean, well-maintained paths. 

You may even get a few ideas about plants to start and keep in your own rooms. And since it’s so close to downtown St. Pete, the arboretum is a fantastic place to people-watch, make new friends, or meet up with old ones.

Walking in St. Petersburg Is an Adventure!

The key to getting the most out of life is getting out there and living it. Finding an excuse to “get out of the house” can be as simple as taking a walk among the stellar plants and blooms found all around St. Petersburg.

Keeping your mind active during retirement is critical to ensure you can enjoy your golden years for as long as possible. Seniors are susceptible to mental decline as they age, and keeping your mind active is the best way to combat losing your sharpness.

Whether you are living independently, or enjoying St. Petersburg assisted living, here are a few ways to engage your mind during your golden years.

Read and Write

Reading is a lifelong habit to embrace. Reading can transport you to new worlds, teach you new things, and keep your mind engaged. Experiment with reading different genres, solicit book recommendations from friends and family, or even join a book club. 

Writing is another great way to engage your mind on a daily basis. It is a good way to reflect, put your thoughts down on paper, or engage your mind through storytelling. The best thing about writing is that there is no right or wrong way to do it. Try journaling, writing poetry, or even taking a writing class.

Continue to Learn

No matter what age you are, you should never stop learning. One of the benefits of retirement is the additional time you have to spend on things you enjoy. Including learning in your regular schedule is an effective way to engage your mind.

Consider reading a book on a topic you are not familiar with. Listen to a podcast or watch a video about a new topic. You can even enroll in a local class and learn a new language, an art form, or public speaking skills.

Play Games

Games may not have a good reputation for stimulating brain activity in young people, but games have come a long way since the development of smartphones and other mobile devices. Today, there are an array of word games, number games, and other brain teasers that can engage your mind while also being fun.

You can also try out new board games or puzzles with friends and socialize at the same time.

Exercise 

The mind and body are closely linked, and keeping your body in good shape is an important part of engaging your mind. Studies have shown that daily exercise boosts mood, increases problem-solving skills, and improves overall cognitive health. Exercise does not have to include intensive activity. Gentle exercises you can try include:

• Walking
• Water aerobics
• Seated exercises
• Stationary cycling
• Tai chi

A great way to build exercise into your daily routine is to find a partner or group of friends to exercise with. Consider enrolling in a class or joining a walking club.

Stay Social 

Social interaction is a critical piece of overall health for seniors. People who do not get adequate social interaction may experience feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can lead to a number of negative health outcomes.

It is important to build regular social activity into your routine. Social activity can be anything from having coffee with a friend to attending a game night to seeing friends at your walking club. 

Socialization doesn’t always have to be in person, either. You can catch up with friends over the phone or video chat with family members at any time. There’s no right or wrong way to socialize, but engagement with others is critical to keeping your mind sharp.

Staying Active in St. Petersburg Assisted Living

St. Petersburg is a wonderful place to retire and stay active as long as possible. Assisted living communitiesprovide opportunities to socialize, learn, and stay on top of your overall wellness. 

Getting into assisted living early on is also a great way to plan for your future and ensure that you will have access to things like skilled nursing and memory care in St. Petersburg, FL.

If you are looking for a St. Petersburg assisted living facility, you may not know exactly what to look for. Many facilities offer similar amenities, but if you are new to assisted living communities, it can be hard to differentiate and determine what is the best fit. 

Choosing where to live or where to place a loved one is a big decision, and one you shouldn’t make until you are fully informed. Here are three questions to ask during an assisted living facility tour.

1. What Is the Caregiver to Resident Ratio?

Caregivers are one of the most important components of Saint Petersburg assisted living facilities, along with the caregiver to resident ratio. 

If the ratio is high, that means the caregivers will have more responsibilities and less time to dedicate to each resident. On the other hand, if the ratio is low, residents tend to receive more personalized care. 

2. What Are the On-Site Dining and Meal Options?

Regardless of the reasons you or a loved one will be moving to assisted living, you should know what meal options are offered each day. Some facilities offer robust dining options for each meal, while others offer more modest meal services. 

The type of food services offered can make a big difference in the quality of life and how much time is needed to dedicate to dining and food preparation. Make sure to get a tour of the meal facilities if there are any. 

3. What Level of Security Is Provided?

One of the main benefits of moving into assisted living is the added layer of security the community can provide. Make sure to ask what type of security measures the facility has. Ask if they have a 24/7 security officer and security cameras, and find out what their visitor protocols are. 

In addition to providing security for the community, the facility should have detailed plans for keeping residents safe at all times. Ask about protocols for dangerous situations such as falls and medical emergencies and what type of emergency response is available to residents.

Finding a Home in St. Petersburg Assisted Living 

Assisted living should feel like home. Selecting the right facility can not only make sure all needs are met but go a long way in making you or your loved one feel comfortable. 

Whether you are touring a facility in person or attending a virtual appointment, all of your questions should be answered by the end of your visit. Understanding exactly what a facility offers is the best way to make an informed decision.

Moving to an assisted living facility in St. Petersburg, FL, is an exciting time. You are starting a new chapter and will be in a comfortable environment that caters to your needs. 

Still, moving involves change, which can be hard for people at any age. The transition to assisted living may take a little adjustment, and if you don’t plan properly, you may find yourself in an unnecessarily stressful situation. Take the guesswork out of the move by adhering to this ultimate packing checklist.

Photos

You want to make your new space in assisted living feel like home. A good way to do this is by surrounding yourself with photos of family and friends. Familiar photos will quickly make your new space feel more like home.

Decorations and Art

In all likelihood, your new assisted living accommodations are not pre-outfitted with any art or decor, so make sure to bring your own. Decorations are another easy way to personalize your space and settle in.

Legal and Financial Paperwork

You must always have easy access to important legal and financial paperwork. You never know what could happen, and you don’t want to find yourself in a situation where you don’t have access to the documents you need.

Clothes for All Seasons

Florida residents enjoy warm weather for most of the year, but you need to be prepared even in Saint Petersburg assisted living facilities. Make sure to bring warm clothes, clothes for hot weather, and clothes for the rainy season.

You never know when there will be a last-minute outdoor activity, or a fun opportunity to travel offsite with other residents, so you’ll want to make sure you always have clothing options for various weather situations.

Activities

Assisted living facilities can keep you busy with lifelong learning, music, theater, active wellness opportunities, and more. However, there will always be times when you find yourself alone in your living quarters. Whether you like to sketch or do puzzles, make sure to pack activities that you enjoy to fill your days during your retirement.

Moving to an Assisted Living Facility in St. Petersburg, FL

St. Petersburg, FL, offers some of the most impressive assisted living facilities around. They offer great accommodations and amenities and give residents a real sense of community. 

Whether you are looking to remain very active or settle into a slower pace of life, you can find it in assisted living. With the help of a packing checklist and a little planning, your move to your new residence can be stress free.

While some seniors move into assisted living in Saint Petersburg, FL, and never move, that’s not always the case. There are a variety of reasons seniors may be switching facilities. Maybe the facility is closing down, perhaps there was a negative change in staff, or maybe the community just didn’t have the right services and amenities.

Whatever the reason, switching assisted living facilities can be a big change. Here are a few tips to ease the transition.

1. Plan Ahead

Change can be difficult and even scary at times, but it can be made much worse without a proper plan in place. A plan to move to a new assisted living facility in St. Petersburg, FL, can include considerations like making a timeline for packing belongings, deciding who is going to help with the move, and assigning the people who will be involved with settling in at the new community.

Planning ahead takes a lot of guesswork out of the move and gives everyone involved more time to get used to the idea of the transition. Without a plan, seniors and family members may have to make last-minute arrangements, which can make for a stressful time.

2. Get Help from Family

Having family assist with the transition to a new community can be invaluable in making the process feel easier and more familiar. Family members can also help with the logistics, such as packing and transportation. 

Taking on a transition without the help of family can add to feelings of uncertainty and make moving more difficult.

3. Communicate with the New Community

A critical component of transitioning to a new space is communication with the staff of the new community. The staff will need to be involved in coordinating the physical move, but their participation can make the transition easier in other ways, too. 

Start having conversations with the staff early on in the process so that they have time to prepare for their new resident. Staff can also accommodate any special needs or requests, which can often foster a more relaxing and stress-free process.

Moving to a New Assisted Living Facility in St. Petersburg, FL

Even though change can be hard to embrace, moving to a new community can be a positive transition. Finding the right fit in assisted living is important. When a senior finds a place where they feel like they have real community, it can make all the difference in their ability to enjoy their retirement.

Some seniors miss out on the lifestyle they deserve because they think they don’t have the financial support to pay for it. However, seniors on a budget can still enjoy the benefits of St. Petersburg assisted living with the help of programs such as the Veterans Aid and Attendance benefit.

What Are Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefits?

The Veterans Aid and Attendance benefit is a financial benefit that helps veterans and their spouses pay for the assistance they need in everyday functioning, such as eating, bathing, and managing medication. Importantly, the benefit can be used toward the cost of assisted living in Saint Petersburg, Florida.

This program is often referred to by other names, including “veterans eldercare benefits” or “VA assisted living benefit.”

Who Is Eligible for the Benefits?

While the Veterans Aid and Attendance benefit is intended to help veterans and their surviving spouses, not all people in these categories are eligible. Generally, there are two categories of eligibility requirements: non-financial and financial.

Non-Financial Requirements

First, veterans or their surviving spouses must be at least 65 years old or disabled. There is also a military service requirement, as the veteran must be considered a “wartime veteran,” meaning they served at least 90 days total and served at least 1 day during these specific wartimes: 

• World War II: Dec 7, 1941-Dec 31, 1946
• Korean War: Jun 27, 1950-Jan 31, 1955
• Vietnam War: Aug 5, 1964-May 7, 1975 (or Feb 28, 1961-May 7, 1975, for Veterans who served in Vietnam)
• Gulf War: Aug 2, 1990-a date yet to be set 

In addition to these requirements, veterans cannot have been dishonorably discharged. Finally, if a surviving spouse is applying for the benefit, they must have been living with the veteran at the time of their death and must be single at the time they apply.

Financial Requirements

A veteran’s income level must be below a certain threshold to qualify for the benefit. It must be less than the pension amount for which they are eligible. 

In addition to income level, the VA also considers the veteran’s net worth. In calculating overall net worth, they take into account assets in bank accounts, stocks, mutual funds, bonds, and property other than a primary residence and primary vehicle. As of December 1, 2020, the net worth limit is $130,773.

Utilizing Benefits for Assisted Living in Saint Petersburg, Florida

Seniors eligible for Veterans Aid and Assistance may use their benefit to pay for high-quality assisted living. These programs are a wonderful opportunity for veterans to take advantage of the care they need and deserve, regardless of their financial standing. 

One of the most common causes of injury for older adults is falling due to visual impairment. Many seniors struggle with their vision, making it difficult for them to navigate their living spaces. In skilled nursing facilities in St. Petersburg, FL, special precautions are taken to reduce fall risk in seniors with vision impairments. Read on to learn more about how older adults can avoid sight-related falls.

Preventing Falls in an Assisted Living Facility in St. Petersburg, FL

To reduce the risk of falls and serious injury for older adults with visual impairment, the following are four tips that seniors and their caretakers should follow.

Wear Appropriate Eyewear

Seniors who struggle with visual impairment often have issues with depth perception, peripheral vision, and other visual difficulties. These impairments can make navigating even familiar spaces hard. When you cannot see objects on the ground, barriers like walls or counters, and other potential obstacles, you are more likely to suffer from falls.

When struggling with visual impairment, the appropriate eyewear can make a world of difference. Older adults who have difficulty seeing should wear prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses that can improve their vision. With this improvement in their sight, most seniors can avoid falls caused by visual impairment.

Make Use of Mobility Aids

One of the best ways to reduce falls in older adults is to use mobility aids. Some seniors may be apprehensive about using mobility aids, as they feel it can infringe on their independence. The reality is that mobility aids are an incredibly useful tool that helps older adults maintain their independence by allowing them to move around in the world without assistance.

Mobility aids like canes and walkers provide added stability to older adults who are at risk of falling. These things can help seniors who struggle with visual impairment by providing them with increased stability and guidance when navigating their space. Canes may be used to detect changes in the level of the walking space, such as steps or holes. Walkers can act as a barrier that indicates objects or barriers on the ground that could trip someone with visual impairment.

Get Regular Eye Exams 

While poor vision is common with age, there are certain visual issues that can be resolved if caught early on. Many visual impairments can be treated or avoided with regular eye exams. Older adults should have their eyes examined at least once a year to check for eye conditions commonly found in seniors. This includes the following and more:

• Glaucoma
• Age-related macular degeneration
• Cataracts
• Retinopathy
• Dry eye
• Presbyopia

Regular eye exams can diagnose some of these visual problems early enough to resolve them or slow progression. Maintaining healthy vision can help seniors avoid sight-related falls. For this reason, residents in an assisted living facility in St. Petersburg, FL, should have annual eye exams.

Remove Excess Clutter

A common cause of falls, especially for those with vision impairment, is excess clutter throughout the living space. When there is too much clutter around a home, there are more things for older adults to walk into or trip over. Seniors with poor sight are more likely to trip and fall over objects in their homes, particularly in smaller spaces. 

In order to reduce the risk of falls, older adults with visual impairment should have clean, tidy living spaces. Rooms should be free of clutter and unnecessary objects that can be fallen over. Furniture should be situated around the edges of rooms, allowing for open walking space. Reducing clutter and creating a living space that is easy to navigate will help reduce potential falls.

As you age, your body undergoes natural changes that can affect your overall health and well-being. Seniors are more susceptible to conditions like arthritis, heart disease, cognitive decline, and more. You can take certain dietary supplements to reduce your likelihood of developing these issues or to combat some of their symptoms. Below are three of the most beneficial supplements adults over 60 should be taking.

What Supplements Should Seniors in Assisted Living in Saint Petersburg, FL, Take?

Older adults are especially vulnerable to health concerns like broken bones, memory loss, and cardiovascular issues. To avoid these issues and more, seniors should take action to make sure that they have all of the vitamins and minerals they need. The following are three supplements adults over 60 should take on a regular basis.

1. Vitamin B12

Cognitive decline and memory loss are among the most common concerns for older adults. A daily vitamin B12 supplement can help reduce the risk of dementia and other cognitive issues. Vitamin B12 is one of many vitamins and minerals that are essential for proper brain function. Unfortunately, the amount of B12 your body absorbs will decrease as you get older. 

When you’re younger, your stomach naturally produces acid that extracts vitamin B12 from the foods that you eat. After the age of 50, there is a decline in the production of this stomach acid, leading to poor vitamin B12 extraction and absorption. Supplementing vitamin B12 in the form of a liquid or capsule can restore a healthy level of this vitamin in your body. To see cognitive benefits, the recommended daily dose of vitamin B12 is 2.4 micrograms.

2. Calcium

One of the biggest health concerns for senior citizens is bone weakening. As you age, your bones will become more brittle and prone to breakage. This is how simple falls can become medical emergencies, particularly for seniors in independent living in St. Petersburg. Many older adults experience broken legs, arms, and more due to vulnerable bones. Seniors are also susceptible to bone fractures from minimal impact. This is what makes calcium one of the most important supplements for adults over 60.

Calcium is an essential component of bone strength. While calcium is found in products like milk, leafy greens, and salmon, many people do not get enough of it from their diet alone. Getting enough calcium is even harder for older adults. As the body ages, it becomes more difficult to absorb calcium and experience its benefits. Seniors are often low in calcium, making their bones more susceptible to breakage and fractures. Low calcium levels are especially prevalent in older women after menopause. To see increased bone strength, adults over 60 should supplement their diet with anywhere between 1,200 to 2,000 mg of calcium per day.

3. Iron

Another important mineral for senior citizens is iron. Many older adults in assisted living in Saint Petersburg, FL, are low in iron, which provides a wide variety of health benefits. Iron helps support energy levels, heart health, and cognitive function. Those who are deficient in iron can experience all of the following symptoms and more:

• Chronic fatigue
• Heart palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Fainting
• Dizziness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Sores on or around the mouth
• Strange cravings
• Brittle nails
• Hair loss

To avoid these health concerns, seniors should supplement their diet with iron in tablet or capsule form. Iron supplementation should be practiced carefully, as too much iron can also have adverse effects. Excessive iron in the bloodstream can lead to the formation of iron stores, potentially leading to cardiovascular issues. The recommended daily dose of iron for older adults is 8 mg per day. Please consult your trusted physician before adjusting your supplements.

When you are on a fixed income, having a budget and sticking to it is extremely important. You worked long and hard to save for your retirement. Now it’s time to enjoy it. Making smart decisions with your spending is vital to ensure that you can live comfortably and enjoy your retirement. We are going to share some helpful tips and tricks to keep in mind when you are living on a budget.

Stick to Your Budget

When you see something you want that isn’t in your budget, it can be easy to ignore your budget and buy it anyhow. But, unfortunately, when you start letting your expenses slide, it becomes a slippery slope that can result in running out of money. And no one wants that.

Downsize

Housing costs make up a big part of any family’s budget. Downsizing to a smaller house or an apartment can help you save on a mortgage, property taxes, and utilities. Another great way to cut back on housing expenses is to look into a great St. Petersburg assisted living community. 

The assisted living options at Westminster Suncoast allow you to maintain your independent lifestyle with other great perks. You will be surrounded by a community of other residents and have access to many included services that can make an assisted living facility a great choice.

Ask For Senior Discounts

There are so many businesses that are happy to offer senior discounts. Often though, they are not advertised. So don’t be embarrassed to ask your local coffee shop or restaurant if they provide a discount for seniors.

Check Out Your Local Library

Did you know that libraries offer DVDs of movies and TV shows that you can borrow? There is also typically a section where you can use their computers at no additional cost.

Head to the Thrift Store

Thrift stores are a great place to find bargains. So if you have some extra time on your hands and you enjoy getting something for a steal, skip the superstores and check out your local thrift store.

Utilize Rewards Credit Cards

It’s important to be extra cautious with your credit card spending on a budget. However, if you have a card that rewards purchases, make sure you utilize that perk. Many rewards cards give you discounts on travel and gift cards, and sometimes they even offer cashback rewards. A great way to stay out of credit card debt while also utilizing rewards is to pay for bills, groceries, etc., with your credit card and then pay off your balance when your bill comes in.

Coupons

Coupons are everywhere these days! From in-store coupons to weekly newspaper inserts, you can save money on things you use the most by taking a little extra time and matching coupons to your shopping needs.

You want to relax and enjoy your retirement. And you deserve to do that without having to worry about finances. By creating and sticking to a budget and using some of the tips we provided above, you can have the best of both worlds.