Author: mfehrmann

ORLANDO — A new study of residents in Continuing Care Retirement Communities, like Westminster Communities of Florida’s active living communities, finds that residents are healthier and more optimistic, they learn more, have more personal connections and feel a greater sense of purpose than older adults in the community at large.

This report covers the first year of a five-year study, which is being conducted by the Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging, in partnership with Northwestern University. Mather surveyed more than 5,000 residents in 80 communities throughout the United States, and compared the responses to the same surveys conducted among similarly situated older adults who do not live in CCRCs.

Living in a community seems to improve not just the residents’ physical health, but their overall health. They reported being more satisfied with their life, have more physical activity and volunteer more often. Individuals pursue more intellectual activities, including readings, games and education, volunteered more often, and even use social media more regularly.

One factor that seems to make a difference, according to the study, is the emphasis on multi-dimensional wellness programs, like Westminster Communities of Florida’s My W Life program for wellbeing of body, mind and soul. “One potential explanation for these favorable outcomes across domains is that they may be the result of the opportunity-rich environments of Life Plan Communities,” the report states. “The wide array of resources, programs, and amenities available in Life Plan Communities may offer a “just right” environmental fit for residents. Such resources span the [six dimensions of wellbeing defined in the study], the availability of which provides residents with a level of support in initiating and sustaining healthy behaviors that may be greater than that experienced by their community-dwelling counterparts.”

Residents who choose a Westminster community know that there will be a plethora of opportunities for wellbeing, from lifelong learning classes on American history to yoga and Zumba, plus volunteerism, spiritual wellness opportunities and so much more. Studies dating back to a comprehensive U.S. Health and Human Services study published in 1997 have found that seniors living in Continuing Care Retirement Communities also live longer.

In an interview with McKnight’s Senior Living discussing the survey, Mather LifeWays CEO Mary Leary said, “I was delighted to see so many positive outcomes associated with living in a life plan community — the positives go much deeper than the six main dimensions of wellness included in the study… I can’t say I was surprised. The data quantifies what we already felt would be true.”

To learn more about the Age Well Study and read the first-year report for yourself, go to the Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging Web site.

This Year, Try A New Holiday Recipe! Enjoy Our Chefs’ Delicious Dishes

ORLANDO — Thanksgiving is a time to gather family and friends and share a special holiday meal. We say thanks for our blessings, a tradition that goes back to the Pilgrims, and share our gratitude for our loved ones. Then, we feast!

This year, we’re inviting you to celebrate a Westminster Thanksgiving by preparing some of our chefs’ favorite recipes for the holidays. Five amazing culinarians sent us their finest, to make a whole Thanksgiving feast menu, from the Norman Rockwell turkey, to a buffet full of side dishes, to a delicious and easy dessert.

Leading up to Thanksgiving, we’re publishing the chefs’ favorite recipes, so you can Celebrate A Westminster Thanksgiving with us. Make just one recipe, or make the whole feast! We’re sure that you’ll wow your guests.

These featured recipes can help you set aside old traditions and try some new side dishes:

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The Turkey Centerpiece

Savory Roast Turkey and Homemade Turkey Gravy

By Chef Jimmie Jackson, Regional Chef, Westminster Communities of Florida: “Turkey and gravy — staples of traditional Thanksgiving dinner — mean a lot to me. I was always mesmerized watching my mom prepare a large stuffed bird. She would put the turkey in to roast and baste it hourly until it was a wonderful golden brown on the outside, yet still juicy on the inside. Mom put just as much loving attention into the gravy, making sure not to miss any of the rendering, and browning the roux to bring out the most flavor. What I love best about Thanksgiving is that it reminds us to give thanks for loved ones and dear friends and to give to those that are less fortunate.”

Get the recipe now!

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Feast On These Side Dishes

Creamed Brussels Sprouts

By Chef Kenny Hunsberger, Westminster Suncoast: “Thanksgiving is a time when we all come together, bring our own unique flavors and personalities to the table, and create a parallel between food and family. Cooking Thanksgiving dinner for my loved ones is an opportunity to show friends and family what I contributed in order to help so many others make their holidays special. I was driven by a desire to create something special, capture the flavors of traditional family offerings, but also veer from the norm. These recipes are a twist on classic dishes inspired by my passion for fresh ingredients, bold flavors and artistic displays.”

Get the recipe now!

Bourbon Pecan Sweet Potatoes

Also by Chef Kenny Hunsberger, Westminster Suncoast

Get the recipe now!

Southern Cornbread Stuffing

By Chef Edward Dawes, Westminster Point Pleasant: “I grew up watching my grandmother cook traditional soul food and when I was old enough, I helped out in the kitchen. That’s where I fell in love with culinary arts. My family started preparing Thanksgiving recipes early in the week. One of my earliest memories in the kitchen is breaking up the cornbread for the dressing. What makes this recipe different from other dressing recipes is the savory flavors, use of fresh vegetables and herbs, and infusion of holiday spices. It allows you to experience different flavors, textures, and presentation. Also, nothing beats a scratch-made dressing.”

Get the recipe now!

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Start and End Your Holiday Meal Right

Kale, Pumpkin and White Bean Soup

By Chef Jason Ward, Westminster St. Augustine: “In New England where I grew up, there was a large Portuguese population famous for strong cuisine with bold flavors. One staple found in most homes is Portuguese soup. Making the soup is an all day event. The soup simmers on the stove and scents fill the house. Each time you stir, you gain appreciation for slow-cooked, flavorful dishes. This recipe combines the flavors and memories of my childhood. Admittedly, I modified the traditional recipe to make it my own. I hope you enjoy this recipe and share with your family and friends and make lifelong memories as it has for me.”

Get the recipe now!

Coconut Chess Pie

By Chef Marisa Johnson, Westminster Shores: “My grandmother grew up on a plantation in South Carolina and with this came all of the traditional Southern baking. Every Thanksgiving, she would bake a chess pie. If you asked her what it was, she would say, “It’s just pie.” Her heavy Southern accent made it sound like she was saying “chess pie.” Since she passed, my mom has continued to bake this pie. The smell fills up the house and reminds us of her. This recipe is simple and most people have the main ingredients in their kitchen. You can also customize the flavor. For example, I chose coconut, but you can choose other flavors like lemon or chocolate.”

Get the recipe now

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Why are we letting these secrets out? Well, dining isn’t just part of the residents’ lifestyle at Westminster Communities of Florida, it’s an integral dimension of our My W Life program for wellbeing of body, mind and soul. Our dedicated team members in the dining rooms and kitchens — chefs, servers, dietitians and more — work hard to put delightful, restaurant-style dining on the table for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We want you to have a taste of how delicious dining can be.

A very special thanks to our chefs who contributed their recipes, including:

• Chef Ed Dawes at Westminster Point Pleasant
• Chef Kenny Hunsberger from Westminster Suncoast
• Chef Marisa Johnson at Westminster Shores
• Chef Jason Ward of Westminster St. Augustine
• Chef Jimmie Jackson, regional chef for Westminster Communities of Florida

Whether you make one dish or the whole meal, we hope you enjoy your taste of our Thanksgiving recipes!

ORLANDO — Westminster Communities of Florida is delighted that Creative Loafing Tampa recognized us for our excellence in this year’s Best of the Bay contest.

Our communities were recognized in the category of “Best Place To Get Your Mom To Move Before She Has To,” a Critic’s Pick. The writer said:

We all have parents (OK, well, most of us), and, like us, no one’s getting any younger. Is a nursing home with shift workers who may or may not show up the next day the best we can do for our parents? No. No, it’s not. Westminster offers an alternative that allows people to age with dignity — and, what’s more, it’s the kind of place people move to long before they “need” to. The staff is amazing, the buildings are top-notch and the care is second to none.

Westminster is proud to serve more than 7,000 residents seeking an active, Mission-inspired lifestyle in communities throughout the state, including five in the greater Tampa Bay area: Westminster Manor and Westminster Point Pleasant in Bradenton, and Westminster Palms, Westminster Shores and Westminster Suncoast in St. Petersburg.

We are delighted to have the recognition of Creative Loafing, and thankful for the many residents who count our communities home.

To learn more about the Best of the Bay and see the other award winners, visit Creative Loafing’s Web site: https://www.cltampa.com/botb2018

ORLANDO — Saturday is World Heart Day, and Westminster Communities of Florida is marking the date. We support the health and wellbeing of seniors, and one way is to help future physicians understand the needs of their older patients. In partnership with the Florida State University College of Medicine, throughout 2018, we are hosting a series of “Take Care of Your Heart Health” seminars for residents, presented by medical students.

In October, we will be hosting these seminars at our active living communities in Bradenton and Orlando, and at our affordable senior housing communities in Daytona Beach, Pensacola and Orlando. These classes are led by teams of medical students in their third and fourth years, who present useful knowledge on seniors’ wellbeing. Over 160 medical students have participated, giving presentations to hundreds of Westminster residents. The current topic is the third in a series of health-related presentations, including brain health, fall prevention and advance care planning.

Sandra Knoble, Director of Quality Initiatives for Westminster Communities of Florida, facilitates the project, part of a research grant with FSU. “In 2015, FSU met with Westminster residents to identify key areas of interest. The series was developed and delivered based on that input, leading to the success of the program. We are proud to be partners with FSU and Westminster residents and staff in offering these educational programs,” says Knoble.

Westminster residents have responded enthusiastically to the seminars. “Every resident who attended commented that the students were professional, confident and patient with the residents,” said Karen Aytes-Rochester, administrator at Westminster Canterbury in Daytona Beach. “The white coats were such a hit—and our residents wouldn’t let them leave!”

This program is part of the Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Project (GWEP), focusing on educating seniors on better health and better communication with their physicians. The student facilitators are mentored by local physicians and adjunct faculty in preparation for post-graduate work experience. The FSU College of Medicine prepares the content for these programs and provides presentation scripts to the medical students. The students are equipped with an action plan to lead their teaching, as well as handouts of resources that would be relevant for seniors. Afterward, the seniors are encouraged to ask questions and develop personal action plans to increase healthy behaviors.

“The classes are limited to 20 older adults,” says Knoble. “This class size fosters better interpersonal reaction between the participants and the medical students giving the presentations.”

Since 2016, the program has encouraged more than 1200 seniors to learn more about their personal health and wellbeing. To learn more about the program and upcoming presentation dates, contact Jennifer Gilmour at (941) 746-9425.

More than 200 unique pieces on show at Jacksonville active senior living community,
featuring artwork from seniors representing 7,000 residents, 21 communities 

JACKSONVILLE — The judges have spoken — now it’s your turn to enjoy the unique and stunning artwork at the Westminster Retirement Communities Foundation’s 24th annual Resident Art Show, opening to the public on Wednesday at Westminster Woods on Julington Creek, in Jacksonville. This showcase and contest features hundreds of pieces created by senior adults who are residents at one of Westminster Communities of Florida’s active senior living communities.

“The Westminster Retirement Communities Foundation Art Show is unique in that it brings all of our communities together each year to showcase and celebrate the artistic abilities of the senior adults we serve,” says Noreen Levitt, Vice President of Development for Westminster Communities of Florida. “This year we celebrate 24 years of the Art Show, and are proudly displaying over 200 works from our twenty-one campuses that include paintings, needlework and photography. The Foundation is so grateful to our donors for supporting this celebration of the incredible and diverse talents of our residents.”

Categories of artwork displayed include oil, watercolor and acrylic paint; mixed media; drawing; photography; needlework; and 3D work.

The Resident Art Show opened Wednesday, May 23 to the public at the Westminster Woods on Julington Creek auditorium, and continued through Wednesday, May 30. 

This year’s contest was judged by three North Florida professional artists: Shirley De Pasquale, a former member of the St. Augustine Board of Directors of the St. Augustine Art Association; Dulcie Hause, program manager of the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens; and Nofa Dixon, assistant professor of art at the University of North Florida.

First-, second- and third-place winners were selected in each category and are indicated with a ribbon at the show.

In addition, one work is selected by Westminster Communities of Florida CEO Roger Stevens as a Director’s Choice, and will be featured on the cover of a future art show calendar.

“We are fortunate to have such spectacular work from the residents to showcase,” said CEO Roger Stevens.

Westminster Woods on Julington Creek encourages anyone who loves art to come and enjoy the show! To learn how you can attend, call Westminster Woods on Julington Creek at 904-287-7300.

View the contest winners for each category on our Facebook page. 

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About Westminster Woods on Julington Creek:Westminster Woods on Julington Creek, The Natural Choice, is a not-for-profit, faith-based active senior living community in Jacksonville thatoffers active lifestyles emphasizing wellbeing and lifelong learning to more than 500 residents on a beautiful waterfront location on the shore of the picturesque Julington Creek. Since 1964, Westminster Woods on Julington Creek has been Jacksonville’s first choice for active senior living.

About Westminster Communities of Florida: Westminster Communities of Florida is a faith-based, not-for-profit organization serving more than 7,000 residents in 21 communities around Florida who are in search of an enlightened, fully integrated, person-centered approach to health and wellness. Since 1954, we’ve been Florida’s best choice in active senior living. Our Mission of service commits us to creating and preserving excellent active living communities and honoring each person’s dignity, rights, self-respect and independence.

Last week was National Nursing Care Week, a time when senior living communities around the country celebrate the employees and residents who make our communities a wonderful place to live. Westminster Communities of Florida is delighted to mark the week with “Celebrating Life’s Stories,” and parties and celebrations.

On Monday, Chief Operating Officer Garry Hennis wrote an open letter to our team members thanking them for their hard work and commitment to our Mission of service. As a non-profit, faith-based organization, we say that “at the heart of our Mission is a mission of the heart.” Read Garry’s letter on our Web site.

Throughout the week, we held events for the residents and employees to bring in a little extra fun and enthusiasm, from musical performances and choreographed dances to ice cream socials and more.

Westminster Winter Park celebrated the week with four days of festivities: German folk music, a patriotic American medley, South American dance and more. At Westminster Oaks, in Tallahassee, we enjoyed a party with appetizers, live music and a choreographed dance performance. And in St. Augustine, the newest addition to our family, Westminster St. Augustine, celebrated life’s stories through arts and crafts, with “Thumbprint in Time” coffee mugs and remembrance collages as gifts.

Some communities celebrated with activities designed to show our gratitude to the dedicated team members. In St. Petersburg, Westminster Suncoast showed our thanks to our dedicated team members by holding an “office crawl” to offer up thank-you gifts. With fruit, snacks and candy, the gifts all bore inspirational messages about our gratitude from the leadership team.

Meanwhile, in Orlando, Westminster Towers held a special event with therapy horses, to give the residents an opportunity to make equine friends. They also enjoyed a ‘Magic, Music and Comedy Show,’ a Puerto Rico-themed celebration, and even an outdoor cookout with a dunk tank —which was very popular when interim Executive Director David Randazzo took a seat!

We’re so thankful to have such wonderful residents and dedicated employees. Happy National Nursing Care Week!

Dear team members,

This week is National Nursing Care Week, a celebration of the role of our Westminster communities and our Health Center teams play in caring for older adults. We recognize and honor each of you, our 2,500 team members who serve the nearly 7,000 residents, including more than 700 in the Health Center on any given day.

Our Mission is the people we serve: Our residents and our valuable team members. You are dedicated to providing excellent care and quality residential experiences to all you serve. Your hard work, commitment and teamwork are what make Westminster communities exceptional places to live.

Together we bring a variety of unique perspectives and backgrounds. Each day, as nursing assistants, housekeepers, therapists, lifestyle assistants, social workers, maintenance, servers and cooks, we provide great experiences for the residents. We say that at the heart of our Mission is a mission of the heart and you exemplify this mission every day.

Your actions bring to mind the words of St Peter, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.”

We are grateful to have you as part of the Westminster family.

Enjoy this week and know that we honor your dedication. On behalf of all of us, thank you!

Sincerely,

Garry Hennis
Chief Operating Officer
Westminster Communities of Florida