Assess Senior Well-Being During the Holidays

Donna Nichols • December 17, 2020

Use Holiday Visits to Assess Senior Well-Being

Hopefully, you will be able to visit your elderly mom or dad for Christmas. Please use this time to make a visual assessment of their living arrangements.

Are they eating properly? Is the house clean, are they clean? Has their hair been brushed/washed? How is their personal hygiene?

Are they still able to wash their clothes? Make sure they have soap powder and the washing machine and dryer are in good working order. Also, check to ensure the dryer is properly vented.

Check the refrigerator to ensure there is food in it and it isn’t outdated. Check the cabinets as well for outdated food.

If they have a pet, make sure there is food for the animal and the pet has been fed. Ensure the pet is well bathed and doesn’t have fleas.

See what kind of medications they are taking; do they have the correct amount of pills in the bottle? Make sure they are taking the right amount, not more, not less.

This would be a great time to go check out our blog titled, Home Safety Checklist. There are many items listed in that blog you wouldn’t even think to check.

For example, we all think to cover cords with a throw rug or carpet, right? Not in a senior’s home. It can cause a bulge in the carpet and make for a pretty good tripping hazard. Also, there should be no throw rugs at all; they can become a slip hazard. A trip or slip is the last thing anyone needs, let alone a senior.

Check the outlet covers and make sure they are on correctly. Look for loose or frayed wires on all the cords throughout the home.

Should you find yourself one of the lucky ones visiting your family members for the holidays, please “investigate” the house as thoroughly as possible. The last thing you want is to get back home and find they suffered a slip and fall or something more catastrophic.

Look to see if they are able to clean their bathroom, if not look for the local Council on Aging to find assistance. You can also look on Angie’s List or Care.com to find caregivers with references.

If it looks like they just can’t take care of themselves anymore, or are alone and have given up, it may be time to consider Assisted Living.

Assisted Living does not have the stigma it once had. These communities are places where the senior can thrive and become social again.

Should you find yourself faced with the prospect of placing your loved one, please do not look to the internet for help.

Find a local placement service, they know the communities, the staff, the food, and which ones offer the best care for your loved one’s needs.

If you need help or encouragement as a Caregiver give us a call at  386-847-2322  or check out our  Caregiver Support Group. Our  Senior Advisors  are here to walk with you through this journey.

Protecting Your Skin at Every Age — Especially Under the Florida Sun

By Donna Nichols • May 4, 2026
May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, an important time to talk about protecting the skin we live in. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and Florida’s year‑round sunshine makes awareness especially important for seniors. Many older adults grew up in a time before sunscreen was widely used, which means decades of sun exposure may increase risk today. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, can develop quickly — but when caught early, it is highly treatable. Other types of skin cancer, like basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, are also common in seniors and often appear on areas that have seen the most sun over the years: the face, ears, neck, arms, and hands. What to look for: Early detection saves lives. Seniors should watch for: • New spots or moles • Changes in size, shape, or color • Spots that itch, bleed, or don’t heal • Anything that looks different from the rest Dermatologists often use the ABCDE rule to help identify concerning changes: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving over time. Simple ways to protect your skin: • Wear a wide‑brimmed hat and lightweight long sleeves when outdoors • Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply regularly • Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) • Avoid tanning beds • Schedule regular skin checks with a dermatologist, especially if you’ve had sunburns in the past Skin cancer awareness isn’t about avoiding the outdoors — it’s about enjoying it safely. Sunshine can lift our spirits, support healthy sleep, and encourage movement, but it’s important to protect ourselves along the way. With a few mindful habits and regular check‑ins, seniors can stay active, confident, and sun‑smart all year long.

Staying Active as the Weather Warms

By Donna Nichols • April 17, 2026
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Allergy Season Is Here: What Seniors Should Know

By Donna Nichols • April 2, 2026
April in Florida means sunshine, flowers, and… pollen. Lots of pollen. For many seniors, allergy season can bring sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and fatigue — symptoms that can be frustrating but manageable with awareness and simple habits. Here’s what older adults and caregivers should keep in mind as allergy season peaks. 1. Allergies Can Change Ov er Time Even if someone never had allergies before, they can develop later in life. The immune system shifts with age, and new sensitivities can appear. If symptoms show up suddenly each spring, allergies may be the reason. 2. Pollen Counts Are Highest in the Morning For seniors who enjoy morning walks or porch time, this can be a surprise. On high‑pollen days, shifting outdoor time to later in the afternoon can make a big difference. 3. Staying Hydrated Helps Ease Symptoms Water thins mucus, supports the immune system, and helps the body flush irritants. Seniors often drink less than they realize, so gentle reminders — a water bottle nearby, herbal tea, flavored water — can help. 4. Keep the Indoors as Allergen‑Free as Possible A few simple habits go a long way: • Keep windows closed on high‑pollen days • Change air filters regularly • Remove shoes at the door • Shower or change clothes after being outside These small steps help reduce the amount of pollen that sneaks indoors. 5. Pay Attention to New or Worsening Symptoms If allergy symptoms feel different than usual, last longer than expected, or interfere with daily life, it’s a good time to check in with a healthcare provider. Sometimes what looks like allergies can be something else entirely. A Breath of Fresh (and Cleaner) Air Allergies may be part of spring, but they don’t have to steal the joy of the season. With a little awareness and a few simple habits, seniors can stay comfortable, active, and able to enjoy everything April has to offer.