3 Signs That Aging in Place Isn’t Working Anymore

Rose Traub • May 20, 2020

If your senior parents want to age in place, they’re not alone: Three out of four seniors prefer to stay in their home as long as possible.

However, what an aging parent wants and what they need isn’t necessarily the same thing. How can loved ones recognize when aging in place isn’t working out, and how can you convince a senior who is insistent on staying put that they need to move? If you’re concerned about an aging parent living at home, look out for these three signs that it’s no longer safe to age in place.

1. Getting around the house is becoming dangerous

Does it seem like your elderly parents are testing fate every time they walk through the house? Families have a lot of options for aging-in-place remodeling or downsizing to an age-friendly home, but if you’ve taken these steps and your parent is still struggling with mobility problems, it may be time for a much bigger downsize.

2. Your parent is growing confused and forgetful

Mobility isn’t the only factor that determines a senior’s ability to live at home. Cognitive impairment can also make home a dangerous place. Seniors with dementia may forget about food on a stovetop, fail to pay the heating bill in mid-winter, or wander away from home. While many seniors can continue to live at home in the early stages of cognitive decline, more help is needed as dementia progresses.

3. Your parents need help, but there’s no one to provide it.

This is a common problem for seniors with long-distance loved ones. While millions of seniors rely on unpaid family caregivers for help at home, those who can’t are faced with a hefty bill: Full-time home care costs over $4,000 a month on top of a senior’s other living costs.

How to Talk About Senior Living

Often, families recognize the need for help before a senior does. As a result, it’s up to loved ones to broach the senior living conversation. How can you do it sensitively and productively? These tips can help.

1. Understand the senior living options

It’s important to go into the senior living conversation informed so you can focus on the facts. Understand the types of senior living, including assisted living, independent living, memory care, and continuing care retirement communities. While independent living sounds appealing to many seniors, it may not provide enough hands-on care for your loved one. Independent living offers senior-friendly housing and amenities but not the caregiving services found in assisted living. Meanwhile, memory care facilities exclusively serve seniors with dementia, and continuing care communities provide a variety of care levels in one setting.

2. Don’t force the issue

It’s important to understand the options, but that doesn’t mean you should start the conversation talking about assisted living. Instead, discuss the challenges your senior parents are facing at home and how they can solve them. Use examples of other seniors who have hired help or moved to senior living to demonstrate how people you know are managing the challenges of aging.

3. Hear your loved one’s concerns

Even if a senior recognizes assisted living as the right choice, they may have fears about moving. Listen to their concerns and offer reassurance and solutions. For example, you could help find a pet-friendly community, hire a senior move manager to help downsize, or set up a regular time when the family will visit.

Senior Living Resources

To learn more about senior living, turn to these helpful resources:

Remember that the assisted living conversation may be a long one. It takes time for seniors set on aging in place to come to terms with accepting help. Start the conversation before it’s urgent so your senior parents can get the help they need when they need it.

Image via Unsplash

Hurricane Season in Florida

By Donna Nichols • June 4, 2025
Florida's paradise of sun-kissed beaches, vibrant culture, and tropical beauty—is also home to one of the most intense annual weather phenomena: hurricane season. From June 1 to November 30, Floridians remain on high alert as powerful storms brew in the Atlantic, each potentially bringing torrential rain, fierce winds, and coastal surges. Understanding hurricane season is crucial for residents and visitors, as it ensures safety and preparedness in the face of nature’s fury. The Impact on Florida Florida has experienced some of the most destructive hurricanes in history, including Andrew (1992), Irma (2017), Ian (2022), Debby, Helene, and Milton (2024). These storms left behind immense devastation, flooding homes, severing power lines, and reshaping entire communities. The economic toll of hurricanes is staggering, affecting local businesses, tourism, and infrastructure. Coastal regions, particularly the Florida Keys and areas along the Gulf Coast, often face the most significant risk. However, inland areas are not immune—wind damage and flooding can wreak havoc miles from the shoreline. Preparing for Hurricane Season Being prepared is the best defense against hurricanes. Here’s how Floridians can safeguard themselves: Stay Informed : Monitor local weather reports and emergency alerts. The National Hurricane Center provides real-time tracking and updates. Create an Emergency Kit : Stock up on essentials, including water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, and extra batteries. Don’t forget important documents and pet supplies! Have a Plan : Know evacuation routes and shelter locations. Discuss emergency plans with family members and establish a safe meeting point. Secure Your Home : Reinforce windows, clear debris from your yard, and consider investing in storm shutters if possible. Hurricane season is a reality in Florida, but with preparation and awareness, residents can confidently weather the storm. Whether you’re a lifelong Floridian or a visitor experiencing the Sunshine State, staying informed and ready is key.  Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember—storms may come, but resilience keeps Florida strong.

Weathering the Storm: A Senior’s Guide to Hurricane Season in Florida

By Donna Nichols • June 3, 2025
Hurricane season in Florida, running from June to November, is a time for preparation, not panic. While these storms bring powerful winds, heavy rain, and potential flooding, a well-thought-out plan can make all the difference—especially for seniors. Taking proactive steps ensures safety, comfort, and peace of mind when the storm arrives. Let’s explore how you can best prepare, stay safe, and recover after the storm. For seniors, hurricanes present unique challenges. Mobility concerns may make evacuation difficult, medical needs require careful planning, and power outages can disrupt essential healthcare devices. Knowing the potential risks helps guide preparation efforts. Flooding: Heavy rain and storm surges can cause rapid water level rises, making roads impassable and homes vulnerable. Strong Winds: Hurricanes can bring winds exceeding 100 mph, toppling trees, damaging homes, and cutting off power. Extended Recovery Time: After a storm, essential services may be limited, making access to food, medications, and transportation difficult. Essential Preparations Emergency Kit: Assemble an emergency kit with the following essentials: medications, medical records, flashlights, extra batteries, non-perishable food, and water (enough for one gallon per person per day) – sufficient for three to five days. Evacuation Plan: Find nearby senior-friendly hurricane shelters that provide accessibility and medical support. Arrange Transportation: If you don’t drive, organize transportation with family, friends, or local emergency services. Communication Strategy: Stay connected with family, neighbors, and emergency contacts. Sign up for emergency alerts through local weather services.  Staying Safe During the Storm When the storm arrives, stay indoors and follow safety guidelines. Shelter Wisely: If you are staying home, choose an interior room away from windows. Monitor Updates: Use a battery-powered radio or phone to stay informed on conditions. Stay Calm: Practice relaxation techniques to manage stress and anxiety. What to do After the Storm Once the storm passes, careful steps ensure safety. • Assess Damage before venturing outside—watch for fallen power lines or debris. • Seek Assistance for cleanup, repairs, or financial aid through FEMA or community organizations. • Emotional Resilience: Recovering from a hurricane takes time. Connect with neighbors, friends, and local support groups to help ease the process. Conclusion Preparation is the best way to weather the storm—both physically and emotionally. By taking proactive steps, seniors can remain safe, informed, and in control during hurricane season. If you or a loved one needs additional support, contact your local emergency management office or organizations like the Red Cross. Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember that every storm eventually passes.

What do Seniors Want?

By Donna Nichols • May 7, 2025
Aging isn’t about slowing down—it’s about living more deliberately. As people age, their priorities shift from chasing time to cherishing it. So, what do seniors truly want? The answer is as diverse as the individuals themselves, but some clear themes emerge when we listen closely. 1. Connection and Community One of the most important things seniors crave is connection. Meaningful relationships bring joy and purpose, whether with family, old friends, or new acquaintances. Many seek social opportunities through clubs, senior centers, classes, or online communities. Loneliness can be a silent struggle, so companionship is a deeply valued part of life. 2. Respect and Independence Seniors want to be seen for who they are: individuals with a lifetime of experience, knowledge, and stories. Being treated with dignity and not being "talked down to" matters. So does having the freedom to make choices about their own lives. Maintaining a sense of autonomy is key when deciding how to spend their day, what to eat, or where to live. 3. Health and Wellness Staying healthy is more than just avoiding illness—it’s about having the energy to enjoy life. Seniors are increasingly proactive about fitness, mental health, and nutrition. Access to quality healthcare, fitness programs tailored to their needs, and mental stimulation are all top priorities. 4. Purpose and Meaning Retirement doesn’t mean retiring from life. Many seniors want to stay active through volunteering, mentoring, or even starting new ventures. Purpose drives fulfillment, whether taking care of grandchildren, learning a new skill, or contributing to a cause they care about. 5. Security and Peace of Mind Financial stability, safe housing, and access to reliable services give seniors peace of mind. Many are concerned about outliving their savings, dealing with unexpected health issues, or navigating complex systems. Clear information, supportive resources, and a sense of safety help ease these worries. 6. Fun and Adventure Yes—seniors still want fun! Travel, hobbies, music, food, and laughter never go out of style. Joy is ageless, whether it's a road trip, gardening, or dancing to old tunes. Seniors want to experience life, not just watch it pass by. Start by Listening Ultimately, the best way to understand what seniors want is simple: ask them. Every person, no matter their age, has unique preferences, needs, and dreams. When we listen with empathy and engage with respect, we create a world where aging is celebrated, not feared. Let’s build that world together. Call us to help each other enrich the lives of our seniors. 386-847-2322.
More Posts