Are You Waiting Too Long for Assisted Living?

Donna Nichols • November 6, 2024
A man with a ring on his finger is holding a cane.

How do you know if you're waiting too long to go into assisted living?


A time comes when it is too late. People are waiting until they are so ill, the only solution they have is a nursing home. There is no reason to go to a nursing home unless you have a machine or mechanical device needed to keep you alive (Oxygen machine is not in that category).


It does not have to be that way. Assisted living communities are the new nursing homes.


Assisted living regulations are very clear; you must be able to stand and pivot (with/without) assistance from a seat to a chair to be accepted in an assisted living community.


Assisted livings have different levels of licensure.


  •                 Standard
  •                 LNS (Limited Nursing Service)
  •                 ECC (Extended Congregate Care)
  •                 LMH (Limited Mental Health)


Some offer 24-hour nursing care, and some specialize in Memory Care. Most offer aging in place. So, what do these license levels mean?


Standard licensure: offers basic assistance from medication management to assistance with dressing, bathing, and toileting. They offer meals, transportation, and activities. Most offer apartment lifestyle living with services. They are not required to have a nurse on staff.


LNS licensure: offers all the same as the standard licensure, but they do have a nurse on staff or on call.


ECC Licensure: Allows additional nursing services and total assistance with personal care services. Your loved one may have a higher impairment level, which requires more needed assistance. Nursing is on the premises 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


LMH Licensure: The facility administrator and staff of facility who are in direct contact with mental health residents must complete specific training to deal with mental health residents.


All licenses can order home health for residents with a doctor’s order. Home health offers physical therapy, occupational therapy, and skilled nursing, but it must be ordered by a doctor!!

 

Hospice: All residents, if accepted by hospice, can age in place with hospice care within the community they live in. Hospice does not mean end-of-life like the stigma it has been given anymore. Hospice can provide the equipment, supplies, and any additional services the assisted living community is unable to furnish. They also offer palliative care.


Back to the question: How do you know if you’ve waited too long to go into assisted living?


You really don’t know until it’s too late, but with proper guidance you can find an assisted living that can provide quality care in a home-like environment that offers your loved one and your family peace of mind. You need to make a plan and work with a qualified senior advisor to assist you in finding the right forever home for your loved one.


We all think that caring for our loved ones means that we must physically care for them. Not true, giving them a place with qualified trained caregivers and socializing with people their age is caring for them and allowing you to be their family or friend again.


Don’t let guilt rule your decisions. Allow smart advice and caring people to guide you to giving your family members the best journey of their lives. As we all know each part leads us to the next best part of our lives for the time left of our lives, or the “Time of our Lives.”

The Heart of Guidance: The Role of a Senior Advisor in Elder Care

By Donna Nichols • September 5, 2025
In a world that often moves too fast, senior advisors offer something rare and essential: time, understanding, and a steady hand. Unlike their counterparts in the business world, senior advisors in elder care aren’t focused on profit margins—they’re focused on people. Who They Are Senior advisors in this space are often seasoned professionals, caregivers, or community advocates who help older adults and their families navigate complex decisions. They may work in senior living communities, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, or independently. What They Do • Guide families through transitions: Whether it's choosing assisted living or downsizing a home, senior advisors help make sense of it all. • Advocate for dignity and autonomy: They ensure that older adults’ voices are heard and respected in every decision. • Connect to resources: From transportation and wellness programs to Alzheimer’s and grief support, they know where to turn. • Offer emotional support: Sometimes, the most valuable thing they offer is a listening ear and a calming presence. Why It Matters A senior advisor isn’t just a resource—they’re a lifeline. They help families breathe easier, empower older adults to make informed choices, and bring compassion into moments that can feel overwhelming. If you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds like me,” you’re not alone. Many of us play this role informally, answering questions, calming nerves, and connecting dots. Whether you’re a professional advisor or a trusted neighbor, your presence makes a difference.  If you or someone you love is facing a big decision and could use a calm, caring guide—we’re here. No pressure, no jargon, just real people ready to help. Call us today on 386-847-2322 to start the conversation. Sometimes, the first step is simply knowing you’re not alone.

Grandparents Day: A Celebration of Heart, Humor & Heritage

By Donna Nichols • September 4, 2025
September brings a quiet kind of magic—the golden light, the hint of fall in the air, and a moment to honor the everyday heroes who’ve shaped our lives with love, laughter, and legendary stories: our grandparents. Whether you’re a grandparent yourself, a grateful grandchild, or someone who’s been “adopted” by a wise elder in your life, Grandparents Day is a chance to pause and celebrate the beautiful bridge between generations. What Makes Grandparents So Grand? • They’re walking history books—with tales of jukeboxes, moon landings, and the original recipe for Sunday gravy. • They’re master cheerleaders, showing up with hugs, cookies, and the kind of encouragement that sticks for life. • They’re wisdom whisperers, offering advice that somehow makes more sense with each passing year. And let’s be honest: they’ve also got the best one-liners, the quirkiest traditions, and the uncanny ability to make you feel like the most important person in the room. A Legacy of Love Grandparents teach us that love doesn’t have to be loud to be lasting. It’s in the quiet gestures: the handwritten birthday card, the saved newspaper clipping, the way they remember your favorite snack or ask about that thing you mentioned weeks ago. They remind us that resilience is built over time—through hard work, humor, and a whole lot of heart. Their stories carry lessons we didn’t know we needed until we suddenly find ourselves living them. And for those who’ve lost a grandparent, this day can be bittersweet. But it’s also a chance to honor their memory—by sharing their stories, cooking their favorite dish, or simply whispering a thank-you into the September breeze. Celebrate with Us: A Little Fun for the Big Day This Grandparents Day, we invite you to:  • Share a memory: What’s one moment with a grandparent that still makes you smile? • Send a shoutout: Post a photo or quote from your favorite grandparent on social media and tag us.

Honoring Our Elders: National Senior Citizens Day

By Donna Nichols • August 14, 2025
On August 21, we pause to celebrate the heartbeat of our communities—our senior citizens. This day isn’t just about marking a date on the calendar. It’s about recognizing the wisdom, resilience, and warmth that older adults bring to every conversation, every gathering, and every generation. Wisdom That Lights the Way From stories of first jobs and family traditions to lessons learned through love and loss, seniors carry a lifetime of insight. Their experiences are more than memories—they’re guideposts for those still finding their way. Today, we honor those stories and the voices behind them. Connection That Matters Whether it’s a neighborly wave, a shared recipe, or a quiet moment on the porch, seniors remind us that connection doesn’t need fanfare—it just needs heart. National Senior Citizens Day is a chance to say, “We see you. We value you. We’re better because of you.” Ways to Celebrate Host a storytelling circle or memory-sharing event Share a favorite photo and the story behind it Create a “Senior Spotlight” wall with quotes and wisdom Invite younger generations to learn a skill from a senior (gardening, baking, crafting) Spend time—listen, laugh, and learn A Day of Gratitude Let’s make August 21 a day of genuine appreciation. Whether you’re a senior yourself or someone lucky enough to know and love one, take a moment to reflect on the richness they bring to our lives. Their legacy is living, breathing, and beautifully unfolding every day.  This is a day to be celebrated every day! Senior citizens bring so much fulfillment to our lives, and we need to embrace the moments we spend with them, for they are precious.