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Check the refrigerator to ensure there is food in it and it isn’t outdated. Check the cabinets as well for outdated food.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

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 also have 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.