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When an older loved one enters an assisted living facility, maintaining certain aspects of daily life can support their well-being. One that may be overlooked is regular conversation. While seniors in assisted living in Saint Petersburg, FL, will be able to interact with staff members and fellow residents, remaining connected to friends and family outside is still essential.

One way for older adults in assisted living to maintain connections with the people they care about is through phone conversations. Having weekly or daily phone calls from a friend or family member can have a significant impact on an elderly individual. Read on to learn three major reasons that phone conversations are important in assisted living facilities.

3 Ways Phone Conversations Help Residents in Saint Petersburg Assisted Living Facilities

Regular phone conversations present several benefits for older individuals. This is especially true for those living in Saint Petersburg assisted living facilities. Below are just three of the main ways that phone conversations help seniors in assisted living.

1. Remaining Connected to Friends and Family

The biggest benefit of phone conversations for seniors in assisted living is that they keep residents connected to their friends and family. Many seniors have friends or family members who live far away and cannot visit their living facility. Phone calls with these individuals help them to stay connected and remain a part of their loved ones’ lives. 

A weekly phone call from a friend or family member can indicate to an older individual that they are still an active part of that person’s life. Keeping them informed on recent family events or making small talk maintains their connection to the people they care about but don’t often see in person.

2. Keeping Memory and Cognitive Skills Sharp

Many older adults begin to struggle with cognitive decline as they age. Studies have shown that conversation can help keep memory and overall cognitive skills sharp. When living in an assisted living facility, residents often engage with staff members and one another. When this is not possible, phone conversations are of great help.

Having regular phone conversations with loved ones is a great activity for keeping seniors engaged. These phone calls help keep memory and recall skills strong in older adults who may experience brain fog or other cognitive concerns. 

3. Boosting Mood and Enthusiasm

Some older adults in assisted living can struggle with depression and feelings of sadness. Regular phone conversations can provide a boost of enthusiasm and an improvement in overall mood. Conversing with loved ones often lifts their spirits and helps them feel more connected to the people they care about.

Daily or weekly phone calls also give seniors in assisted living something to look forward to. While seniors in assisted living in Saint Petersburg, FL, will often participate in designated activities, many still benefit from scheduled phone calls with friends and family. These regular conversations can help elevate anticipation and energy throughout the week.

In recent years, mental health issues have continued to grow in prevalence amongst all age groups. With the ongoing pandemic, more people are experiencing mental health concerns. This development is especially true for older adults who struggle with loneliness, isolation, and feelings of depression.

While there are many seniors who battle depression, their struggle often goes unnoticed. The signs and symptoms of depression can be subtle or be mistaken for other underlying issues. Read on to learn why depression warning signs are commonly missed in older adults.

Tips from St. Petersburg Assisted Living Facilities: 3 Reasons Depression May Go Unnoticed in Seniors

When a loved one is in a St. Petersburg assisted living facility, it may be difficult to pinpoint when a resident is struggling with depression. Below are three common reasons that signs of depression go unnoticed in seniors:

1. Mistaken for Other Concerns

The most common reason that depression goes unnoticed in older adults is that the warning signs can often mimic the symptoms of other conditions. 

Many seniors struggle with health ailments like Alzheimer’s, heart disease, or cancer. These medical concerns can produce feelings of hopelessness, extreme fatigue, weight fluctuations, and lack of interest in activity — all of which are common signs of depression. 

For those who work with the elderly, mental health issues can inadvertently be overlooked simply because medical concerns are so prevalent among seniors. 

When an older individual experiences signs and symptoms of depression, most healthcare workers first consider their physical health. This process leads to many seniors being diagnosed with a medical ailment rather than depression. 

2. An Inability to Communicate

Whether it be due to cognitive decline or other medical circumstances, some older adults struggle with communication. They may be unable to speak or properly express emotions, making it impossible to convey that they are experiencing feelings of depression. 

In skilled nursing facilities in St. Petersburg, FL, employees are often trained to look for nonverbal or physical cues that a resident is struggling. 

With that being said, depression looks different from person to person. Some older adults do not show any outward signs of depression, like self-isolation or irritability. In these seniors, it can be harder to pinpoint their mental health concerns without clear communication.

3. A Lack of Awareness

Frequently senior depression goes unnoticed due to a simple lack of awareness. Many people are not aware of the signs and symptoms of depression in older adults. When you are not fully informed on what depression looks like, it can be very difficult to spot in other people. 

The following are some of the most common signs and symptoms of depression in seniors:

• Extreme weight loss or weight gain
• Difficulty concentrating
• Intense fatigue
• Disinterest in activity
• Self-isolation
• Insomnia
• Sudden feelings of guilt or remorse

Proper education and depression awareness can help inform those who work with seniors. 

In St. Petersburg assisted living facilities, placing emphasis on the signs and symptoms of mental health struggles can make diagnosis and treatment much easier. When these signs and symptoms are noticed early on, they can help ease the severity of depression in older adults.

Adopting an open mindset for lifelong learning will benefit you in every aspect of your life. 

In your career or as an entrepreneur, a thirst for knowledge can help you advance towards your professional goals. For your personal life, continuously striving to learn new things will keep your cognitive functioning strong. Maintaining a learning mindset is as easy as looking for ways to indulge your own curiosity.

1. Read New Things on a Daily Basis

While there are many different ways to expose yourself to new knowledge, reading is one of the most effective ways of learning. People tend to retain more knowledge when they read. You can read books, blogs, or news articles to learn about topics that interest you.

2. Form a Study Group with Your St. Petersburg Assisted Living Community

Lifelong learning doesn’t have to be a solitary endeavor. In fact, you can increase your understanding of complex material by discussing it with others. There may be other seniors in your community who also want to continue learning. You can strengthen one another’s cognitive functioning by meeting regularly to discuss new topics.

3. Associate with Other Students

You don’t have to organize a formal group to benefit from the intellect of others in your St. Petersburg assisted living community. When you choose to socialize with others who value learning and intellectual growth, you’ll help yourself embrace that mindset. You’ll also learn about topics that others may know more about.

4. Start a Learning List

As you go about each day, use a notebook or notepad app on your cell phone to create a list of topics that interest you. 

When you want to learn more about something you encounter in your daily life, jot that topic down on your list. The list will motivate you to continue learning, and it will ensure you’re never at a loss for finding some new topic to explore.

5. Watch Informative Videos

While some of the time residents spend in independent living facilities in St. Petersburg, FL, will include structured activities, you will also have free time to pursue your own interests. 

During that time, you can search for topics that interest you on YouTube or other video-sharing sites. Many videos are short and divided into episodes in a series so that you can learn gradually at your own pace.

6. Listen to Podcasts

The podcast industry has been growing and evolving over the last couple of years. There are podcasts for political discussion, entertainment, or on a variety of educational topics. You can download a podcast app onto your phone or search for podcasts online to find those that deal with topics that you find intriguing.

7. Take a Course

If you live independently, you may have the freedom to take free or paid courses in your community. Local colleges, Labor Department offices, and other community resources often offer classes that are open to the public. Taking a course in your community is a great way to learn while socializing with other people in your neighborhood.

There are many more things you can do that will help you learn and grow. When you look for new ways to amass more knowledge, you’ll be teaching yourself to grow. This approach will help you evolve into a better-educated individual as you go through life.

Assisted living in St. Petersburg, FL is a dream for anyone interested in the arts. There are all kinds of affordable galleries, museums, theaters, and more for you to enjoy. To help you get an idea of some of the best art destinations in the city, check out this list of attractions you won’t want to miss!  

Duncan McClellan Gallery

2342 Emerson Avenue South, St. Petersburg

If you have any interest in glass art, then the Duncan McClellan Gallery should be on the top of your personal “can’t miss” list. It’s a 7,800 square-foot former packing plant located in St. Petersburg’s Warehouse Art District. It offers rotating exhibitions of some of the world’s most creative, thought-provoking, and carefully crafted glass artwork from some of the leading artists in the medium.

The Dali Museum

1 Dali Boulevard, St. Petersburg

The Dali Museum allows you to experience the life and work of one of the most influential artists in history: Salvador Dali. You won’t find a more impressive or all-encompassing collection of his paintings, sculptures, and other surreal artistic projects anywhere else in the world. 

The building, designed by architect Yann Weymouth, is a work of art in and of itself. It houses three floors of Dali art, exhibitions, educational resources, and merchandise.   

Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg

255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg

While the Dali Museum offers an in-depth look at the life and work of one incredible artist, the Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg also offers thousands of years worth of art from across the globe. They both have their merits, of course, but if you’re interested in taking in the grand scope of humanity’s artistic endeavors, this is the place for you. 

There’s plenty to enjoy from the permanent collection alone, but the traveling exhibitions are what make repeat visits a necessity for any art lover new to independent living in St. Petersburg.

The Mahaffey Theater

Duke Energy Center for the Arts — 400 First Street South, St. Petersburg

Whether you’re interested in comedy, cover bands, concertos, or classic rock, you can have a terrific night out at the Mahaffey Theater. The theater has a long history of putting on some of the best shows in town. They run the gamut from pop artists to symphonies to magicians and much more. 

Take a look at their upcoming schedule for a taste of their eclectic options.

St. Petersburg City Theatre

4025 31^st Street South, St. Petersburg

For those who are new to assisted living who are fans of community theater, the number one spot on your list of outings is going to be the St. Petersburg City Theatre. They’ve been putting on shows for nearly 100 years, making them the longest-running theater company in the whole city. 

Spend the night out and take in a play or a musical in this intimate setting. Be a part of St. Petersburg’s theatrical history!

The Arts and Assisted Living in St. Petersburg, FL

We hope you found this guide useful in planning out your next afternoon or evening in St. Petersburg. It’s really only the tip of the iceberg in terms of art appreciation in this beautiful city. Start at one of these places and then continue exploring from there!

Everyone forgets things sometimes, especially as we age. Minor memory loss is not necessarily something you need to take action on immediately, so how do you know when you should seek help?

If your memory loss is interfering with your everyday life and making it more difficult to do the things you want to do, you should seek help right away. However, memory loss won’t always be so severe and obvious. It is often more subtle.

Here are some signs you can look for that indicate it is time to seek help for memory loss.

You Forget Common Words

It is normal for people to forget words now and then, but forgetting common words is a different story. Forgetting words that we use in our everyday communication is a sign of a deeper problem that may indicate a more serious memory issue.

If you notice that you increasingly forget common words like “number,” “water,” or “people,” it may be time to seek help.

You Take Longer to Complete Daily Tasks

Since we’ve been doing daily tasks for so long, such as laundry, dishes, and cooking, it can be difficult to comprehend forgetting how to do them.  

Before memory issues decline your ability to perform daily tasks, they will make you take longer to complete these tasks. While taking a little extra time to do your daily chores may not sound like a big deal, it is a sign of a larger memory issue. 

In addition, taking longer to do daily chores detracts from other activities that are good for your health, like exercising and social interaction. Help with everyday tasks is one of the major benefits of assisted living in St. Petersburg, Florida.

You Get Lost

We’ve all incidentally gotten lost when walking or driving in an unfamiliar area. However, it shouldn’t happen often. If you find yourself getting lost frequently, you probably get lost on routes that you should know, which can be a sign of more persistent memory loss.

Getting lost frequently can be very dangerous, especially if you are still driving. You may find yourself miles and miles from home in an unfamiliar area which poses a huge safety risk. 

Preventing residents from getting lost is one of the significant benefits of facilities that offer memory care in St. Petersburg, FL. Memory care facilities are set up to help residents find their way and provide 24/7 skilled nursing services for residents who need them. 

You Ask the Same Questions

There’s no doubt that sometimes it takes more than one try to absorb a message. That’s true at any stage in life. However, when you ask someone a question, and they answer, you should generally retain the information. 

If you find yourself repeatedly asking the same questions, that is a sign of a memory issue, and it may be time to seek help.

Assisted Living in St. Petersburg, Florida

Knowing when to seek help for memory loss can be difficult, but a transition to an assisted living community can be a positive one. From new friendships to great dining and amenities, assisted living in St. Petersburg is a great solution. 

Transitioning a loved one to an assisted living facility can be a lot to get used to for all involved. While assisted living in Saint Petersburg is the best in the country, the uncertainty of a new environment can affect both residents and their families. 

Visiting a loved one in their new community will be different than what you’ve experienced before, and you should prepare. Here are a few tips on what you can expect when visiting your loved one in an assisted living facility.

You May Have to Work Around Their Schedule

Most facilities for assisted living or independent living in St. Petersburg have daily schedules for residents. Agendas may include social activities, wellness programs, dining, and more. 

It is good for your loved ones to stay on a schedule, so don’t ask them to drop everything to accommodate your visit. Instead, find out what day and time work best for them!

Not Every Visit Will Be an Active One

While it can be an excellent idea to come to a visit prepared with stories, a game, or another activity, not every visit will be an active one. Sometimes, your loved one may just enjoy sitting and talking to you about your day or watching a movie together.

The main purpose of visits is to spend quality time together, not to entertain your loved one. Don’t put more stress on yourself than is necessary by planning for a super eventful visit every time. 

The best way to approach visits is to mix it up. One time, bring a game, a gift, or plan for an activity. Another time, just plan to enjoy each other’s company.

Not Every Visit Will Be All Smiles

Life in assisted living is just like normal, everyday life—some days are good, and some are bad. Unfortunately, your loved one may be having a bad day when you come to visit. This is a real possibility, and you should be prepared for it. 

Just because your loved one is having a bad day does not mean that they are unhappy in their living situation. The next day may be a great one. Remember to have patience and understand that transitioning to assisted living can be a tumultuous time. 

Your Loved One May Want to Share the Visit

Don’t be surprised if, at some point, your loved one wants to introduce you to new friends they’ve made in their community. 

While it can feel like sharing your time with others takes away from the visit, keep in mind how important it is for seniors to have friends and other relationships. Be welcoming to new friends and open to meeting new people in the community.

Assisted Living in Saint Petersburg

Assisted living in Saint Petersburg is the best senior housing around. From the weather to the abundance of activities, communities throughout the area cater to seniors. 

Finding a community can be easier than you think with virtual and in-person tours. The perfect community for your loved one is out there!

It is not uncommon for older adults to experience unintentional weight loss at some point. If you notice a loved one is experiencing weight loss, it is a good idea to bring it to a medical professional’s attention immediately. It can often be a sign of an underlying issue.

Unintentional weight loss can often go hand in hand with malnutrition, which can lead to further health problems, so it is essential to monitor the weight of older adults. If an older adult is experiencing unintentional weight loss, there are several things you can do to help. 

Track Weight Loss

If your elderly loved one is experiencing weight loss, the number one thing a medical professional will want to know is how fast they’ve lost it and over what period of time. Tracking monthly weights is a good practice to have if you are a caregiver. Many assisted living facilities in St. Petersburg, FL, will track weight for residents.

Monitor Other Symptoms

Again, unintentional weight loss can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition such as cardiovascular disease or COPD. You should keep track of any other symptoms present and log behaviors around food, like a lack of interest or difficulty eating. 

Doctors and skilled nursing facilities in St. Petersburg, FL, will be much better positioned to effectively treat an older adult suffering from weight loss if they know the full range of symptoms. 

Offer Assistance with Food Purchasing and Preparation

As adults age, it can become more of a task to purchase and prepare food, leading to weight loss. Offering help with purchasing nutritious food or helping with meal prep can go a long way in making sure your loved one gets the nutrition they need.

One of the advantages of assisted living facilities is their expert care in food and nutrition. In addition to dining facilities, all residents have (or can have, if necessary) an individualized meal plan. That way, there is total peace of mind knowing your loved one is getting the nutrients they need.

Consider Supplements or Appetite Stimulants

Supplements and appetite stimulants can go a long way in preventing unintentional weight loss in older people. However, supplements and stimulants should only be introduced into a senior’s diet with proper consultation from a doctor. 

Introducing stimulants or supplements to a diet with an unknown underlying condition can cause serious health problems. If a doctor does recommend one of these remedies, you can help by making sure your loved one takes them as instructed. You can also track progress, which will benefit you when it is time to reevaluate at a future doctor visit.

Find the Best Assisted Living Facility in St. Petersburg, FL

If you are looking for an assisted living facility in St. Petersburg, FL, that is safe and supportive and promotes overall wellness, consider what kind of care your loved one needs. 

Whether you need memory care in St. Petersburg, FL, or any other type of care, you can find world-class facilities that offer something for everyone.

Are you thinking that it’s time for assisted living in Saint Petersburg FL but aren’t sure what to expect? This confusion is understandable and requires you to understand the various elements of this unique care option. Here’s what you need to know about your St. Petersburg assisted living home before you move into it.

Varying Levels of Care

When moving into a facility for assisted living in Saint Petersburg, FL, your needs will be assessed thoroughly. You’ll decide what kind of care that you need, including if you need hands-on help with daily tasks. or if you just need occasional assistance with harder tasks in life. Your care level can also change as your needs change – meaning you will be covered no matter what. 

Physical and Emotional Assistance 

St. Petersburg assisted living centers provide more than just help to get in and out of bed when needed. They can also provide physical therapy and emotional support for those who need it. Most homes have a doctor or a medical professional on staff at all times to help with these concerns. In this way, you can get a full-person care package that provides you with the recovery help that you deserve.

Recreational Time and Community 

As we age, it’s not uncommon to lose contact with past friendships. However, people in centers for assisted living in Saint Petersburg FL can easily rebuild a fantastic friendship base and community in their new home. Residents get to interact with a broad range of new people in a fun and engaging manner, producing an exciting and vibrant social life.

Help With Challenging Life Elements 

When you choose St. Petersburg assisted living centers, you get access to a facility that will take care of your food preparation, room cleaning, medication preparation, and much more. They can also transport you to and from doctor’s appointments, set up visits with your family, and do much more to stay happy and healthy.

Considering Assisted Living in Saint Petersburg FL?

If you need help with your day-to-day life and aren’t sure where to turn, there are many St. Petersburg assisted living homes that you can contact. These facilities will work with you and your insurance to provide a comprehensive level of care that makes sense for your financial needs.

A growing number of homes for assisted living in Saint Petersburg, FL, utilize pet therapy as a way of helping their residents. What kind of benefits does this treatment offer for St. Petersburg assisted living situations? Let’s examine them below to get an idea of what to expect.

Enhanced Emotional State 

Studies find that interacting with pets like dogs and cats helps to improve a person’s emotional state. When your loved ones get assisted living in Saint Petersburg, FL, that uses pet therapy, they’re likely to feel more engaged and happy. A fun and energetic dog (or a calm and friendly cat) will give them something fun and enjoyable to which they can look forward. 

Improved Physical Health 

When St. Petersburg assisted living homes utilize pet therapy, they can occasionally let their residents take these pets for a walk. Getting out and walking in this way provides great physical therapy and improves a person’s physical health in many ways. Even petting a pup for 10 minutes or so each day can help with flexibility and pain issues (such as arthritis) and provide a higher quality of life.

Manage Stress and Anxiety 

Many seniors getting assisted living in Saint Petersburg FL, may also find this adjustment period hard to handle. Thankfully, pet therapy can help by providing them with some relief and an enjoyable way to reduce stress. Having a friendly and always-happy pup or cat to interact with can make their new home feel more comfortable and inviting for their needs. 

Bettered Self-Esteem 

When pets are added to St. Petersburg assisted living homes, residents often feel a higher sense of self-esteem and engagement. Taking care of a pet is a great way to feel more in control of a new and unfamiliar environment – in a way that is also fun!

Talk to St Petersburg Assisted Living Homes About This Therapy Option 

Pet therapy can also help with problems like high blood pressure, stroke risk, and much more. In this way, they provide homes for assisted living in Saint Petersburg, FL, a great way to help their residents recover from many health concerns. Talk to your care facility to learn more about what kind of therapy options they may provide you. Doing so will ensure that you get the best experience possible.