Church Resource > Workshops

Workshops

Westminster Communities of Florida has designed workshops to familiarize church staff and members with housing and healthcare options available to them through its partnership ministry with us.

Ministry to Older Adults is a much needed program in all churches but especially in those denominations where a large percentage of church members are over age 65.

Did you know:

• 2/3 of all people who have ever lived to age 65 are alive today
• Average age in the United States is 44
• Population in the US over age 65 is larger than the population of Canada
• Population aged 45-64 make up the largest group of church members
• National average age of church members is 50

Church Relations Coordinators are available to conduct workshops at your church or in one of our Westminster communities.   We can also tailor workshops to meet your Older Adult Ministry needs.

If your church or group of churches, are interested in several topics, we can arrange for a half day or full day seminar.

To request additional information about creating a workshop or hosting one at your church, contact Suzanne Ujcic:

• 407-839-5050 x 226
• toll-free at 1-800-948-1881 x 226
• Information Request Form.

 Workshops Available

A Room with a View

A summary of desires, concerns, and needs during our “second” retirement and an overview of Westminster Communities of Florida and how quality retirement living is encouraged.

Visits To Remember

Don't know what to say or do when you visit? Learn simple tips to personalize and enhance your time with older friends and relatives.  Explore creative ways to stimulate memories, begin conversations and increase joy.    Click here for information on Making Your Visits Count.

Coping with Loss

Saying goodbye is never easy.  Is there such a thing as 'good grief?'  Find some gentle hints for caring for self and others, as the heart heals.

Last Laugh?  Aging and Humor

Laughter lightens our hearts and minds in a myriad of astonishing ways.  Learn how healthy humor can keep us active and engaged in our later years.

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The Sandwich Generation - Out to Lunch

The GI Generation, Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, and Gen-X are terms we frequently hear today.  Sometimes, we even hear about the Sandwich Generation - those often raising children or grandchildren while caring for a parent or other older adult.  Nearly 44 million family members are involved in the care of a parent or other older adult over age 50. This workshop explores ways to care for each of these groups and ourselves.

Seeing the Signs

Depression is not always easy to recognize, particularly in older adults where it is often mistaken for other physical conditions.  The first tip for family members is a change in the older person, such as losing interest in usual activities.  Left untreated, depression in older adults can lead to disability or worsen an existing illness.  This workshop is designed to give caregivers the information necessary to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression.

Becoming Informed

This workshop is designed to assist adult children, who have responsibility for the care for their parents, with resources available and how to use them.

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Handling the In-Between Time

The process of transition begins with an end and ends with a new beginning and can be defined as the process of letting go of the way things used to be and taking hold of the way things will, in time, become.  Our resistance to transition comes not because we cannot accept the change life gives to us but because we cannot accept letting go of that piece of ourselves impacted by the change.  This workshop is designed to model ways that match our experience and gives us the freedom to allow ourselves to flourish and create new interests in life.

Normal Forgetfulness or Something More?

Researchers tell us that a degree of forgetfulness often occurs in the aging process. Forgetting names and phone numbers and losing things happens to all of us.  Typical early symptoms of something more serious include frequent memory loss and difficulty performing complex tasks. How can we know when something more serious may be occurring?  This article will help you explore memory loss, how it affects daily life, and if it might be the result of stroke, head trauma, or Alzheimer’s disease.

Oral History: Developing a Values Will

Many of us have developed wills which indicate to whom our worldly possessions should be distributed. But what values do you want to pass along to others? What has been significant in your life and faith? Marilyn Lewis will lead you through a process that allows you to discuss your hopes across generations.

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Tips for Caregivers

Caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease or another confining disorder like a stroke is a difficult task and can be overwhelming at times. Each day brings new challenges as the caregiver copes with changing levels of ability and new patterns of behavior. Developing a plan for getting through the day can help caregivers cope. Many caregivers have found it helpful to use strategies for dealing with difficult stressful situations. Marilyn Lewis can offer suggestions to consider when faced with difficult aspects of caregiving.

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