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Digital Connections: Technology in Florida’s Independent Living Communities

Posted on March 1, 2025August 6, 2025 by Westminster

It’s time we lay to rest the stereotype about seniors and technology where anyone over 80 is supposedly baffled by smartphones and needs their grandkids to program the TV remote. The reality we see in our Florida independent living communities is completely different from that outdated image.

More than 75% of seniors research their senior living options online, and 77% have smartphones.

Walk into an active, independent living community these days and you’ll find residents video chatting with grandkids in California, managing investment portfolios online, creating digital photo books, and rolling their eyes if the WiFi slows down.

Tech in Florida Senior Living Communities

The tech revolution in Florida’s independent living communities isn’t just about having decent WiFi anymore (though that’s still absolutely essential). Video chats, health and delivery apps, and digital organizers aren’t just cool gadgets. For seniors, even those living in communities with support services and staff, they can be independence extenders. They’re tools that help people maintain control over their environment even as physical capabilities might change.

Westminster Communities partners with Uniguest for an online resident communication platform that includes a robust digital signage and desktop computer application. Residents can find important community events, directories, add presentations and more, and connect with one another via their own online hub, called My W Life.

The Florida Connection Advantage

Especially in Florida, many seniors here have moved away from lifelong communities and family connections. The kids and grandkids are often hundreds or thousands of miles away. Before digital communication tools, this geographic distance created real challenges for maintaining close relationships.

Digital technology has completely transformed this reality. Regular video calls have replaced occasional phone conversations, creating much richer interaction that includes facial expressions, surroundings, and the ability to actually show rather than just tell. “Look at this painting I just finished” works a lot better when you can actually see the painting!

The communities that truly get this right don’t just provide the technical infrastructure (though that’s essential). They also offer the support and education that helps residents become confident digital communicators:

One-on-one tech coaching sessions with staff who understand senior-specific learning needs
Group workshops on popular platforms like FaceTime, Zoom, and social media
Written guides with senior-friendly formatting (adequate font size, high contrast, clear language)
Troubleshooting assistance when things inevitably go wrong
Regular practice opportunities in low-pressure settings

This comprehensive approach helps bridge the confidence gap that sometimes exists between technical capability (“Can I figure out how to use this?”) and actual technology adoption (“Is this worth the effort to learn?”).

Digital Health Management

One of the most practical applications of technology in Florida’s independent living communities is digital health management. Gone are the days of shuffling through paper files to find old test results or playing phone tag with doctor’s offices for basic information.

Today, seniors can access and use patient portals and telemedicine platforms. These digital tools provide direct access to health records, secure messaging with healthcare providers, prescription management, appointment scheduling, and even virtual visits for appropriate care needs.

Residents gain greater control over their health information. Communication with healthcare teams improves significantly. Medication errors decrease. And perhaps most importantly for Florida seniors who often coordinate care between providers in different states, comprehensive health information becomes portable and accessible regardless of location.

But, the technology itself is only half the equation. The best senior living communities in Florida provide support services that help residents navigate these platforms effectively — privacy education, account setup assistance, and guidance on which health issues are appropriate for virtual care versus in-person visits.

Learning Without Limits

Remember when “lifelong learning” meant finding a class at the local community center that fit your schedule and hoping it was something you were interested in? Digital technology has completely exploded those limitations, and Florida’s forward-thinking senior communities are leveraging this potential in remarkable ways.

Online learning platforms provide access to thousands of courses from leading universities and experts worldwide. Virtual museum tours allow exploration of collections across the globe. Streaming services offer documentaries, performances, and educational content on demand.

The communities that maximize this potential have created tech-enabled learning environments that go far beyond just providing computers. They curate content specifically aligned with resident interests. They organize virtual learning groups where residents take online courses together and then meet to discuss the material. They connect with cultural institutions offering senior-specific digital programming.

This approach transforms technology from a passive entertainment medium to an active learning tool that keeps minds engaged and horizons expanding — all from the comfort of an independent living apartment in sunny Florida.

Creating Digital Legacies

Technology is also being used to create and preserve digital legacies. Residents are learning to digitize old photographs, record oral histories, create family trees, and compile written memories into formats that can be preserved and shared across generations.

These digital legacy projects serve multiple purposes. They provide meaningful creative outlets for residents. They preserve important family and historical information that might otherwise be lost. And they create precious resources for future generations seeking to understand their heritage.

The thoughtful communities support these efforts with more than just equipment — they provide structure, guidance, and purpose:

Scanning stations for converting physical photographs and documents to digital formats
Recording equipment for capturing oral histories and stories
Software and instruction for organizing and annotating digital collections
Cloud storage solutions for secure preservation
Guidance on sharing options that respect privacy while ensuring accessibility for intended family members

These projects often become collaborative efforts that strengthen bonds between residents while creating connections across generations — a perfect example of technology enhancing rather than replacing human relationships.

Tech Support That Doesn’t Talk Down to You

If there’s one consistent complaint about technology support for seniors, it’s the condescending tone many providers adopt — speaking slowly, over-explaining basic concepts, and generally treating older adults as if they’re incapable of understanding.

Florida’s leading independent living communities have rejected this approach entirely. They’ve developed tech support services that treat residents with respect while still providing the specific assistance they might need:

Resident tech committees that provide peer support from those who have already mastered certain platforms
Professional support staff trained specifically in communicating technical concepts clearly without being patronizing
Written resources that use straightforward language without unnecessary jargon but also without childish oversimplification
Regular office hours for drop-in tech questions in comfortable, non-intimidating settings
Specialized support for residents with sensory or dexterity challenges

This respectful approach recognizes that technology challenges for seniors typically stem from different exposure and learning needs rather than any lack of intellectual capability. When support is provided appropriately, technology adoption increases dramatically.

Finding a Tech-Forward Community in Florida

For seniors considering independent living options in Florida and valuing technology integration, assessing a community’s tech approach requires looking beyond basic amenities like “WiFi available.”

Instead, ask specific questions that reveal the depth of the technology commitment:

Is WiFi available throughout the entire community, including outdoor spaces?
What technical support resources are available to residents?
How is technology integrated into health services, dining, transportation, and other aspects of community operations?
What technology education programs are offered?
How does the community evaluate and adopt new technologies as they emerge?

The answers will quickly distinguish between communities that view technology as an essential service versus those treating it as an afterthought or marketing checkbox.

Eckerd College Hosts Vibrant Day of Games, Fitness and Fellowship for Residents

Posted on February 21, 2025August 6, 2025 by Westminster

Eckerd College buzzed with energy on Friday as more than 200 residents and team members from Westminster Communities of Florida’s Life Plan Communities statewide convened for the Ninth Westminster Games. The event, a vibrant celebration of senior wellness and active living, sponsored by Longevity Scripts, featured a dynamic array of outdoor activities, games and fitness opportunities, demonstrating the active lifestyles fostered within Westminster Communities of Florida.

Residents fully embraced the “Happy Hearts” theme of this year’s Westminster Games, showcasing their enthusiasm for active living and heart health through creative heart-themed outfits, decorations and spirit cheers. Participants enjoyed a fun-filled day, enriched by the support of Eckerd College volunteers, the live music from the Bus Stop Band and a collective Cupid Shuffle dance.

Westminster Communities of Florida leadership, including Chief Operating Officer Garry Hennis, Vice President of Resident Experience Mario DeLuca and Vice President of Longevity Scripts Dominick DeSarro warmly welcomed the participants. Kelly Kirschner of Eckerd College further extended the welcome, highlighting the longstanding partnership between Westminster residents and Eckerd students through various lifelong learning initiatives. “We’re really excited to have you here!” Kirschner exclaimed.

“It’s my honor to welcome you to the Westminster Games,” said Westminster’s Chief Executive Officer Hank Keith. “The games represent an opportunity for us to come together for friendly competition and some great events in the sun.”

Community teams faced off in a spirited competition, participating in a range of games designed to promote active living and senior well-being. Events included classic favorites like corn-hole and horseshoes, along with ladder ball, frisbee throw and the 8-foot up and go, a key component of the senior fitness assessment.

The winning team of the Ninth Westminster Games for a second year in a row was Westminster Winter Park, with Westminster Shores taking home the Spirit Cheer Trophy and prizes awarded to the top male and female athletes.

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

Congratulations to Westminster Winter Park, and all the residents of Westminster Communities of Florida, for joining us in celebrating active living.

Second-Generation Residents Find Comfort and Happiness in Westminster Communities

Posted on February 5, 2025August 6, 2025 by Westminster

Across the state, many Westminster Communities of Florida campuses have become family affairs with residents who have followed a parent or siblings to one of our 10 senior living locations across Florida.

Emma and Elise, pictured, hail from Puerto Rico and have dedicated their lives to education, faith, and service. Now living together at Westminster Lakeland, they love volunteering on campus.

Westminster Oaks in Tallahassee is a prime example of this second-generation residencies. Of the approximately 600 residents, more than 65 have relatives who previously lived there, including Carolyn Shackelford, whose mother, Lucy, was a resident for 23 years.

Carolyn and her husband of 68 years, Steven, made the move to Westminster Oaks in October of 2011, just two months after her mother passed.

Despite enjoying her visits to the Oaks, she never envisioned herself living in the same community as her mother. But when the couple was looking to downsize from their two-story home, which required extensive upkeep, Steven said, “I’m moving one time. Where do you want to go?”

Carolyn reconsidered. “All those years I said I never wanted to live here, it wasn’t because of the place or the staff. It was just the idea of being in the same place where my mom had been for so many years, but then it got to be a blessing,” she explained. Carolyn wanted a place that felt like home and where family could visit—a wish that has been fulfilled over the past 13 years.

The compassionate care her mother received also played a significant role in her decision. Her mother was in Assisted Living when Carolyn took a trip abroad for a few weeks. She left a series of cards and notes for her mother for each day she would be gone. Every day, team members at the community would give Lucy one of Carolyn’s cards.

Reflecting on the experience, Carolyn expressed her gratitude: “I could not have asked for a nicer place to have a mother that you love,” she said. “Knowing that I didn’t have to be with her every minute. They were all so good to her.”

Similarly, Happy Schuur and his wife Glenda decided to move to Westminster Towers on Lake Lucerne in Orlando, where Happy’s mother lived more than 20 years ago. When they were ready to move out of their home, give up the yard work and upkeep, Happy confidently chose Westminster Towers. He remarked, “We wanted some place to go, and I knew this was the best. We didn’t even look around.”

Happy and Glenda are brand-new residents, having only lived at Westminster Towers for a few weeks, but they have already received an incredibly warm welcome. The positive experiences his mother had at Westminster Towers was also a large motivator in their decision to move. “She was treated so good here,” Happy said. “People are so nice and friendly here. It’s great, great community.”

A native of central Florida, Happy has cherished memories of visiting his mother at Westminster Towers, especially watching the Independence Day fireworks over Lake Eola from her residence. Now, he and Glenda are excited to create new memories in their own space.

Happy appreciates the lifelong care commitment of the community, saying, “One thing about this place is when you’re here, they take care of you for life and that’s why I’m here. They will take care of me.”

Reflecting on their decision, Happy expressed contentment: “I’m glad I did it. My wife’s glad we did it. You don’t have to worry about anything,” he said. “We are very happy here and I hope we get even happier.”

Meanwhile, Carolyn, who lives more than 250 miles away from Happy, echoed his feelings about her own community at Westminster Oaks. “Where else would I find so much support, nice neighbors, and a welcoming, wonderful, and helpful administration than right here at Westminster Oaks? I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” she shared.

Carolyn and Happy’s stories highlight a trend at Westminster Communities, where the legacy of family and the assurance of quality care draw many second-generation residents and siblings. This underscores the deep trust and satisfaction these communities generate, emphasizing their role in strengthening family ties and enhancing life. As more people like Carolyn and Happy choose these nurturing environments, Westminster Communities continue to prove themselves as spaces where generations of families can thrive in comfort and happiness.

Interested in exploring a Westminster Community for yourself or a loved one? Visit our website today to locate the community that fits your needs perfectly!