News

Celebrating Long-Standing Dedication and Service for Women’s History Month

At Westminster Communities of Florida, we believe that our team members are our greatest asset. More than 500 team members have served our residents for more than 10 years. Two of those team members, Nay Robinson and Shirley Wilkenson, have a combined 47 years of service. We spoke with them about their experience as long-standing team members and learned what inspires them to contribute to our Mission.

Nay, a member of the Dining Services Team as an Assistant Cook at Westminster Woods on Julington Creek, has been with the organization for 28 years, and Shirley has been with the organization for 19 years, caring for our residents as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Westminster Shores.

After all these years, they continue to be inspired by the people around them. “What I love most about Westminster is the environment of the facility, the residents that I work with, and the team members I work with,” Shirley said. “It’s just such a pleasant and loving place to work.”

For Nay, it’s not just about the relationships with residents and team members that she values, she also sees herself as a future resident, which also inspires her to provide phenomenal service to our residents.

When asked why Women’s History Month was important to her, Nay referenced the challenge working mothers face balancing responsibilities both at work and at home. Shirley said she appreciates that Women’s History Month offers another opportunity to recognize women that are excelling in leadership roles. She referenced Westminster Shores Executive Director, Gloria Hughes, as a great leader and how excited she is to see a woman leading the Life Plan Community in St. Petersburg.

While these two women find inspiration in the people around them, we find them and their long standing service to the organization inspiring. Their dedication to Westminster Communities of Florida’s Mission and the older adults we serve is what makes Westminster a national leader in senior living.

Celebrating Emerging Leaders for Women’s History Month

We’re proud to have strong, creative, dedicated and compassionate team members who contribute to the Mission of Westminster Communities of Florida. In celebration of Women’s History Month, we spoke with three emerging leaders and learned about the guidance they were given to succeed, how Westminster has supported their growth and what advice they have for women hoping to grow at any organization.

Jini McClelland joined Westminster Communities of Florida as Administrative Assistant at one of our Life Plan Communities, and she recently celebrated completing her first year as Administrator at Hugh Ash Manor, a rental retirement community in DeLand for older adults with low to moderate incomes.

McClelland noted that she has had many mentors and they shared a common set of traits. “They were all very confident and assertive,” McClelland said. “They knew how to balance assertive versus aggressive.”

Our emerging leaders echoed the challenge for women in leadership to balance those characteristics. Westminster Winter Park Executive Director Angie Layfield said her mentors encouraged her to understand that you can be all things as a woman in a leadership role. “You can hold people accountable while still being kind. You don’t have to be one or the other,” Layfield said. “I think it’s important to be confident, to ask questions, and not to back down or feel like you have any less of a role because you’re a woman.”

Layfield noted that having more women in leadership roles allows for a more compassionate, empathetic and family-friendly workplace – which also affects the residents we serve. “We want to be compassionate to our residents, and if we’re not compassionate, understanding and solution-driven for our team members, how are we expecting them to do that for our residents?” she said.

Melissa Paul joined Westminster Communities of Florida in 2016 as an Assistant Dining Services Director. Today, she is the Dining Services Director at Westminster Suncoast, and feels that diversity and representation in the workplace is an important part of innovation.

“If everyone is the same as you, and you do what you’ve always done, you get what you’ve always gotten,” Paul said. “In order to be innovative and collaborative you need the whole spectrum to be represented and at the table.”

Paul utilized Westminster’s Tuition Reimbursement Program to take a certified dietary manager course, one of the components she needed to assume the Dining Services Director role. Over the past five years, Westminster’s Tuition Reimbursement Program has provided more than $115,000 in tuition reimbursement to team members throughout our organization, all for the opportunity for career advancement.

Paul noted that from the start of her career at Westminster, the directors she worked under taught her everything she needed to know to eventually become a director. “Westminster believes in good bench strength to promote from within,” Paul said.

McClelland has found similar support from leaders within the organization. “I’ve been encouraged from day one for educational and growth opportunities,” she said. “We have some really great leaders at Westminster and I’m really proud to say that a lot of them are women,” McClelland said.

She encouraged team members to reach out to leaders for any advice they might need on their career trajectory, opportunities available to them to help them grow. “A lot of leaders in the organization are really open to those discussions and can be very helpful,” McClelland said.

Paul said as a leader her goal is to support her team so they can achieve their goals, both professionally and personally. Professionally, she can recommend the tuition reimbursement and scholarship programs she benefitted from, and personally, she points team members to the resources available through Westminster, the state or even the local women’s resource center.

“I had one recent one where the team member had financial goals. They wanted to increase their credit score,” she said. “We have resources with the banks we partner with, as well as the Employee Assistance Program. I can give them tools to help them reach those goals,” Paul said.

Leading the team at our Life Plan Community in Winter Park and Baldwin Park, Layfield said her role is to inspire people around her to do the right thing, and that reflects on the lives on the people we serve.

“Largely what we have the privilege to do in senior living is to make people’s lives better every single day,” Layfield said. “If we can inspire people to do the right thing, then we can achieve our organizational goals, because all of those things run parallel to each other.”

Stay tuned as we share more stories and experiences in addition to our emerging leaders from just some of the inspiring women who contribute to the Westminster Communities of Florida Mission every day in honor of Women’s History Month.

Read our previous article for Women’s History Month about two refugee team members.

Spring Cleaning for Senior Health

Warmer weather is finally here, which means it’s time to start thinking about spring cleaning. But did you know that spring cleaning can actually be good for your health, especially if you’re a senior?

Dust and pollen can build up in your home over the winter, causing respiratory problems. But a good spring cleaning can help clear the air and make your home smell fresher.

Changing the filters in your air conditioner and vacuum cleaner and cleaning your oven can also help improve air quality and save you money on your energy bills.

And finally, keeping your home clean and clutter-free is important for seniors, as it can help prevent falls.

So this spring, take some time to do a little extra cleaning. Your health and your wallet will thank you!

Out with the dust and pollen, in with fresh, clean air

When it comes to your health, there are many benefits to keeping your home clean – especially if you suffer from allergies or asthma. Dust and pollen can wreak havoc on your respiratory system, so it’s important to keep them under control. In addition, fresh air is always good for you, and it can also help to clear out any musty smells in your home.

One of the best ways to get rid of dust and pollen is to do a thorough spring cleaning. This means opening all the windows, letting in some fresh air, and doing a deep clean of every room in your house. Vacuum all the carpets and rugs, wash all the windows, dust all the surfaces – even those that don’t seem dusty. The more thorough you are, the better off you’ll be.

Not only will this help improve your health, but it will also save you money in the long run. Allergies and asthma can be expensive to treat, so by keeping your home clean and free of triggers, you can avoid costly doctor’s visits and medication. Plus, a clean house simply feels better. Why not make the effort to achieve it?

Cleaning your appliances saves electricity

Many people see cleaning their appliances as a chore, but it can actually be beneficial for your health and your wallet. Here’s how:

One of the most important things you can do during spring cleaning is to change the filters in your air conditioner and vacuum cleaner. This simple task can make a big difference in the efficiency of these appliances and help save you money on your electricity bill.

Another way to save money and energy is to clean your oven. Most people don’t realize how much dirt and grime builds up inside their ovens over time. A good deep cleaning will not only make it look better, but also make it run more efficiently.

While you’re at it, a few other appliances you should put a little elbow grease into: Clean the coils on your refrigerator, shake the crumbs out of your toaster, and use your manufacturer’s recommended cleaning solutions for your dishwasher and washing machine. A clean appliance does a better job and uses less electricity.

Keeping clutter around your home is unsafe for seniors and can lead to falls

A cluttered or dirty home can create trip hazards and make it difficult to move around, which can lead to falls and other injuries for seniors. In addition, a messy home can be a breeding ground for dust mites, allergens and even mold, all of which can trigger asthma or allergy attacks.

If you’re a senior or have elderly parents or grandparents, it’s important to keep your home clean and tidy to help prevent accidents and maintain good health.

Don’t miss this opportunity to tidy up those stacks of old magazines or recycle old newspapers. Give away unwanted furnishings or other items that are in the way to a local charity – some, like the Salvation Army, will even come and pick up the items you’re donating.

Stay healthier this spring with a little spring cleaning, or give up all of the home maintenance and choose maintenance-free living at a Westminster community

Spring is the perfect time to give your home a deep clean. Not only will it make your space feel fresher, but it can also improve your health as a senior. So there you have it – a few simple tips that can help improve your health and save you money.

So what are you waiting for? Get started on your spring cleaning today!

If you’re not up for the challenge of spring cleaning, there’s another option: Maintenance-free living at a Westminster community. With housekeeping and maintenance included, you’ll have more time to enjoy life without worrying about home repairs. Contact us today to learn more about our communities and how we can help you live your best life, with your plan for the future.

Women’s History Month: An Interview With Two Refugee Team Members

To date, Westminster Communities of Florida’s special program to employ refugees, in partnership with Lutheran Services Florida, has brought more than 40 new team members to our organization. The program began in 2021, supporting refugees from Afghanistan and Ukraine along with their families and children. In total, we have arranged housing for more than 100 people, and residents and team members have embraced them as members of the Westminster family.

This Women’s History Month, we are pleased to highlight the contributions of women to organizations like ours from all around the world. We spoke with Venus Raoufi and Lesia Yarova, two of the more than 100 people supported by the refugee program and new team members at Westminster Point Pleasant, about their experience and observations about equality in the workplace.

Venus Raoufi, Maintenance Assistant, Westminster Point Pleasant, and former law student in Afghanistan

Before the fall of Kabul, Venus Raoufi was studying to become a law student, and said that it was difficult to be a woman working and studying in Afghanistan. “You had to deal with… those who did not want women to study. Not just me, but all women who studied in Afghanistan were very worried about their lives,” she said.

When the Taliban stormed into Kabul, she and her family fled to Tampa Bay. Her brother , Noman, was a translator for U.S. and NATO armed forces.

After days of waiting and fighting for a spot on a U.S. military plane, then arriving in Virginia, – the Raoufi family was placed with Lutheran Services Florida, a resettlement agency in Tampa. The Raoufi family was the first family to be resettled by Westminster Communities of Florida, and she and her family of five siblings and their parents now work for Westminster Point Pleasant and Westminster Manor in Bradenton.

Venus said the residents and team members at Westminster Point Pleasant have helped her and her family get accustomed. “They gave us housing, work, and also provide us with ESOL classes, which is a really effective way for us to improve our lives and start a new life here,” Venus said.

Venus set aside studying law and began studying computer engineering at State College of Florida in hopes of becoming a computer programmer. “I would like to work producing video games,” Venus said.
As someone who fled her home country from persecution, Venus is acutely aware of how important the equal rights of men and women are. “It is so important that women and men should be treated equally, because if they are treated equally, they can work together and think about their future without any worrying,” she said. “You can also see the importance of education. Most people here are educated. In my country, most people are not educated. This difference is really big, because people who are not educated do not know about equality, they do not know how to treat people fairly and do not know the importance of education.”

“One of the problems in Afghanistan now is that no one raised their voices to gain their rights, and the Taliban can impose their rules on them,” Venus said. “If people in Afghanistan were educated, I think they would raise their voice to try to gain their rights.”

Lesia Yarova, Westminster Point Pleasant Housekeeper, formerly a television makeup artist in Ukraine
In Ukraine, before the war, Lesia was working as a television makeup artist in Kiev, her profession for more than 20 years. She and her son, Timofey, 9, fled the invasion along with millions of Ukrainians, and relocated to Bradenton thanks to Westminster’s partnership with Lutheran Services Florida.

Lesia said that before the war, in Ukraine men and women had the same rights. Being in the United States has shown her that there are still differences, and that there is still room for more equitable treatment in both countries. “One difference I see here is that men do not give flowers to women on March 8 [International Women’s Day], as is customary in Ukraine,” Lesia said. “They do that here on Valentine’s Day instead.”

Speaking with the aid of a translation app on her phone, Lesia said that the war has been nothing short of a tragedy for her home country. “Of course, for us all, it was a tragedy what happened in our country. I still want to cry, because our children saw and felt it for themselves, too,” said Lesia, looking somber.
Working at Westminster has been very different from working in television, but Lesia is grateful to team members and residents for helping her through it. “The work [as a housekeeper] is not easy, and this is very new to me. But I’m a new person in this country and I have found people very welcoming,” she said. “The people who work next to me play a huge role. They are very friendly and kind, as well as the residents here, they are also very nice.”

For Lesia, the hardest challenge is learning English. “Not speaking the language is very difficult, maybe the most difficult thing,” Lesia said. “Another challenge was to find housing, because it is very difficult here, it turns out, to find housing, especially if you do not have enough money for the first and last month’s payments.”

Lutheran Services Florida has been a tremendous aid to Lesia and her family, because the agency has someone who is Ukrainian and speaks their language, and can assist them with the American system of documentation and paperwork.

She hopes that the end of the war will allow them to return to their homes one day and go back to her profession. “For now, I am very appreciative for having a job and having housing, and for the support of Westminster,” she said.

Lesia noted that in some ways men and women are more equal in the United States than she had found in Ukraine. “For example, at my age, in Ukraine it would have already been difficult for me to find a job,” she said. “I really like that it is more equal here.”

National Nutrition Month: 5 Blue Zone Superfoods to Eat for Health

Want to live a long and healthy life? Then you might want to consider adopting a few of the eating habits of the world’s “Blue Zones” residents.

Blue Zones are areas of the world where people live significantly longer than average, from Sardinia, Italy, and Ikaria, Greece, to Okinawa, Japan. And while there are many factors that contribute to this longevity, their diets are definitely one of them.

So what are these longevity-promoting foods? Here are five superfoods from the Blue Zones diet that you should try eating. It may extend your life!

Nuts are delicious and rich in nutrients, healthy fats and vitamins.

Nuts are a delicious and nutritious snack that people of all ages can enjoy. They are an excellent source of healthy fats, vitamins and minerals, and have been shown to have numerous health benefits.

Studies have shown that eating nuts regularly can help to lower cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart disease and improve blood sugar control. Nuts are also a good source of protein and fiber, which can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied after eating.

There are many different types of nuts available, so you’re sure to find one that you enjoy. Some of the most popular varieties include almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts and pecans. So why not start incorporating some nuts into your diet today? Your body will thank you for it!

Leafy greens are rich in fiber and good for your brain health.

Leafy greens are an important part of the Blue Zones diet and have many benefits for seniors. These nutrient-rich vegetables can help improve brain health, digestion and heart health.

Fiber is an important nutrient for seniors, and leafy greens are a great source of this essential nutrient. It helps keep your digestive system functioning properly, and a diet rich in fiber can also help to lower cholesterol levels. Leafy greens are also a good source of vitamins A, C and E, which are important for brain health.

Studies have shown that leafy greens can help to improve cognitive function in seniors. One study found that participants who ate two or more daily servings of leafy greens experienced a slower rate of mental decline than those who didn’t. Another study found that participants who consumed high levels of flavonoids, which are found in leafy greens, had better cognitive function than those who consumed lower levels of flavonoids.

Eating leafy greens regularly can help to improve brain health and cognitive function in seniors. These nutrient-rich vegetables are also a good source of fiber, which is important for digestion and heart health.

Blue fruits, like blueberries, are rich in Vitamin C and low in sugar.

Blueberries aren’t just delicious. They’re also a nutritional powerhouse! These little blue fruits are packed with Vitamin C, which is important for seniors’ immune health. They’re also low in sugar, making them a great snack for seniors who are watching their blood sugar levels. And, because they’re so small, they’re easy to eat and digest. Blueberries are a great addition to any diet.

Try beans in a salad or stewed with leafy greens for a high-fiber, low-fat meal

There are many benefits to beans, both for seniors and people of all ages. They’re a great source of protein and fiber, and they’re low in fat. Beans are also packed with vitamins and minerals, making them a superfood that can help improve your health. Try them in a salad or stewed with leafy greens for a delicious and nutritious meal.

Whole grains, try replacing refined grains with whole grains to promote heart health and reduces insulin resistance.

Whole grains are an important part of the Blue Zones diet and have many health benefits for seniors. They’re a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and they help promote heart health and reduce insulin resistance.

Whole grains are packed with nutrients that are essential for seniors’ health. They’re a good source of fiber, which helps promote digestion and prevents constipation. They can also be rich in vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, selenium and B vitamins. Whole grains help promote heart health by reducing cholesterol levels and improving blood sugar control. Plus, they can help reduce insulin resistance, which is a major risk factor for Type 2 diabetes.

The health benefits of whole grains are well-established. Refined grains like white bread and white rice have been stripped of their nutrients during processing. So, it’s important to make sure you’re getting your whole grains from whole-grain foods like whole-wheat bread, brown rice, oats or quinoa.

If you’re not used to eating whole grains, it’s important to start by gradually eating more of them. Try replacing one refined-grain food with a whole-grain food each day. For example, if you usually eat white toast for breakfast, switch to whole-wheat toast or oatmeal. Or, if you typically eat white rice at lunch or dinner, switch to brown rice or quinoa. You can also add cooked barley or farro to soups and stews for extra flavor and nutrition.

Eating a diet rich in whole grains is a simple way to improve your health as a senior. So make sure you’re getting plenty of whole grains every day!

Culture Moment: Leadership Accountability, The Three C’s of Accountability

Do you know the three C’s of accountability? Each week, the team members of Westminster Communities of Florida celebrate a Culture Moment, with monthly themes led by Amanda Birch, Director of Culture and Mission Integration. Today’s Culture Moment is about the three C’s of accountability.

Managing accountability begins with our first conversation, when we request something. Your request must have clarity to generate a clear understanding of what is expected. Commitment is the key to accountability. Effective leaders know how to generate a committed promise to fulfill the request. Once the agreement is in place, you need courage to maintain accountability. More on the three C’s of accountability:


Clarity: When is it required? How will we assess whether it is complete? Who is going to do it? Why is it needed?


Commitment: Lead with commitment by staying in touch and offering help if needed. This is different from gaining compliance where you are managing every aspect to ensure completion.


Courage: This MUST HAVE trait for any leader gives us the ability to have the difficult conversations. When you are giving regular and early feedback to your team members about how they are performing, you are establishing a culture of constructive feedback. This makes those difficult conversations easier.

Do you struggle with any of the three C’s? If so, plan to grow your competencies in those areas by practicing what you have learned.

Resource

Celebrating International Women’s Day with Chief Human Resources Officer, Mary Klein 

Happy International Women’s Day to all our female residents and team members! Today we celebrate them and their successes in life and in their work towards the Westminster Mission. Hear from Mary Klein, Chief Human Resources Officer, on her thoughts about being a female leader and what today means to her:

Recently, I sent one of my favorite quotes by Maya Angelou to my adult daughter, “To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power.”

I love this quote because it captures the strength we have as women. I am blessed to have spent more than 45 years leading a majority female workforce, which serves a majority of women residents. While the field of senior living has continued to change and evolve over the years, one thing has remained constant: our strong, compassionate, and passionate women working tirelessly to serve those whose came before them.

I am also inspired by the Mission of service of Westminster Communities of Florida. Today, let us celebrate how our female team members can “serve from the heart and inspire older adults to enjoy happy, healthy and purposeful lives.”

On International Women’s Day, I am proud and honored to lead the Human Resources function in a female-centric workforce. Please join me in celebrating this holiday and the generations of women who have made, and will continue to make, our field and our organization successful at serving older adults.

Seniors live longer, better and more protected from COVID-19 at Life Plan Communities, according to new studies

The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for older adults. But new research from the National Investment Center shows that seniors who live in Life Plan Communities (LPC) were safer from the worst risks of COVID-19.

Residents of Life Plan Communities already live up to two years longer, according to research by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Age Well study conducted by the Mather Institute found that they are also healthier and more resilient.

New research from the National Investment Center (NIC), released Thursday, found that seniors who live in LPC were significantly safer from COVID-19 related deaths than older adults living in non-congregate residential housing at large. Read the study here.

So if you’re considering a Life Plan Community, you should know that making the choice to have a plan for life isn’t just a smart choice for your health and longevity. It’s also a choice that can help you live better.

The NIC study compared data on more than 2,200 Life Plan Communities across the United States. It found that residents in LPC were significantly less likely to contract COVID-19.

“When people talk about challenges safeguarding seniors during the pandemic, they are usually thinking about the experience of nursing homes,” said Raymond Braun, NIC’s president and CEO, in the report. “In reality, older adults weathered the pandemic differently depending on where they lived, their age, and their chronic conditions. Following the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccines, senior housing settings were about as safe as living in residential housing in the community.”

This is likely due to a combination of factors. For example, Life Plan Communities typically have more staff per resident than other types of long-term care facilities, a higher rate of vaccination, and more socialization opportunities.

This research underscores the importance of having a plan for life. For many seniors, life in a Life Plan Community provides the best possible setting for meeting their long-term care needs.

There are many reasons living in a Life Plan Community could lead to a longer lifespan. These communities, like a Westminster community, generally provide their residents with social and recreational activities, which can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. Additionally, Life Plan Communities often have on-site healthcare facilities, which can improve residents’ access to quality care. They also create a supportive community environment that can help residents feel connected and supported.

The HHS study’s findings are consistent with other research on the benefits of Life Plan Communities. Previous studies have found that residents of Life Plan Communities reported higher levels of satisfaction with their overall quality of life than those in the general population, and that residents of an LPC were more likely to report good or excellent health than those in the general population.

These findings suggest that having a plan for life could be a key factor in promoting longevity. If you’re considering moving to a Life Plan Community, know that you could be making a decision that could help you live a longer and healthier life.

The Age Well study by the Mather Institute also provides strong evidence that Life Plan Communities are a valuable option for older adults who want to age well and live a healthy, active lifestyle.

There are many benefits to choosing to live in an LPC, like a Westminster community. You can enjoy an active and engaging lifestyle every day, maintenance-free living inside and out, while knowing that you have a plan for your future in place. Plus, our My W Life program for personal well-being emphasizes wellness of mind, body and spirit.

If you want to live better and longer, research shows you should choose a Life Plan Community. To learn more about the exciting benefits of living at a Westminster community, contact us today!

Westminster Communities of Florida names Dr. Paul Katz, MD, new Enterprise Medical Director

Dr. Katz will promote organization’s medical directors at each community, and guide clinical care standards

ORLANDO, March 1, 2023 — Westminster Communities of Florida is pleased to announce that Paul Katz, M.D., has accepted the position of Enterprise Medical Director for the organization effective February 2023. We have worked with Dr. Katz since 2015, when he joined the faculty of Florida State University, and the medical staff of Westminster Oaks, a Life Plan Community in Tallahassee. Recently, he has served as the Medical Director at Westminster Oaks.

Dr. Katz has strong experience in the delivery of medical care to the older adult as well as education and research into best practices for clinical services.

As Enterprise Medical Director, Dr. Katz will support the Medical Directors at each campus. In this role, Dr. Katz will also assist the Westminster organization in the development and implementation of standards related to clinical care. He will provide guidance in the review of, and recommendations for, research proposals which would involve residents or team members of our communities.

Dr. Katz serves as a resource to the Enterprise Risk Management Committee and to the Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) functions for the organization, including our participation in the Seniors Quality Leap Initiative (SQLI). SQLI is a consortium of high performing providers in North America which collects and compares data to identify best practices and opportunity for improvement among the members. Westminster has participated in SQLI since 2015.

“Please join us in congratulating Dr. Katz and welcoming him to this new role in the Westminster family,” said Garry Hennis, Chief Operating Officer.

# # #

‘Amazing to be here today’: 6th Westminster Games features celebration of active living

Residents from throughout Westminster Communities of Florida enjoyed outdoor festivities, games and fitness opportunities at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg

With lawn games, live music, dancing and more outdoor fun, the Sixth Westminster Games was celebrated on Friday at Eckerd College’s Go Pavilion. More than 350 residents and team members from Westminster Communities of Florida’s communities throughout Florida came to enjoy some friendly competition. At the end of the day, their objective was to have fun in the great outdoors!

The Westminster Games showcase Westminster Communities of Florida’s active lifestyle, featuring their exclusive MyWLife program for wellbeing of body, mind and soul. Residents enjoyed a fun and active experience, supported by Eckerd College students and faculty, plus live music provided by the Bus Stop Band and a special salsa dance.

“It’s amazing to be here today, after such a long hiatus,” said Garry Hennis, Chief Operating Officer. Hennis welcomed the more than 350 participants back to Eckerd College for the first time since 2020. “I want to hear you say it with me: We are Westminster!”

Chief Executive Officer Terry Rogers announced that this year’s Westminster Games set a record for attendance. “It is so good to be with you, live and in person!” Rogers said. “This is the largest Westminster Games we have ever had, with more than 350 of you. Today is going to be fun!” Then, Rogers opened the games with the ceremonial cry: “Let the games begin!”

Attendees competed as teams by community in a variety of games to celebrate active living and wellbeing for seniors, with horseshoes, ring toss, corn hole, ladder ball and croquet.

Following the games, residents enjoyed a group salsa dance, facilitated by the Westminster Resident Experience team and led by Monica Bermudez from Westminster Woods on Julington Creek.

The winning team of the Sixth Westminster Games was Westminster Woods on Julington Creek, followed by Westminster Winter Park in second place and Westminster Shores in third place. One resident, Sandy at Westminster Shores, had the highest overall score with 21 points.

“Congratulations to all the winners!” said Jim Polaski, Senior Vice President of Operations.

Congratulations to the Westminster Woods on Julington Creek team, and all the residents of Westminster Communities of Florida, for joining us in celebrating active living.

Westminster Communities of Florida, the state’s largest not-for-profit provider of active senior living, emphasizes whole-person wellbeing for its older adult residents. With communities in Bradenton, Jacksonville, Orlando, St. Augustine, St. Petersburg, Tallahassee and Winter Park, the organization serves more than 7,000 residents statewide with a lifestyle featuring active living, wellness and lifelong learning.

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