Assisted Living for Rehab – What’s it Like?

Donna Nichols • September 5, 2023
A nurse is helping an elderly man with his leg exercises.

Well, I did it this time; I fell and broke my hip. WOW, does it hurt! Landed in the hospital; my surgery is tomorrow and then I will have at least a month, if not more, of rehab. This is just great!


Did you know that insurance pays for you to have rehab either at home or in a nursing home? What if you don’t have anyone at home with you and can’t get out of bed and walk by yourself to the bathroom or kitchen? You must go to a nursing home for rehab where someone is there to help you get up from your bed. But I don’t want to go to a nursing home, I don’t think they are very good. I hear they have 1 aide to 20 – 25 residents: that’s some crazy numbers.


There is an alternative to a nursing home. You can go to an assisted living for rehab. All assisted livings are 30 days at a time. What does that mean? That means that you can go, just like I did, to an assisted living community for a month or two and have your physical therapy come in and work with you there.


I went to a smaller 8 bed assisted living community and it was the best thing I could have done. It was private pay, but well worth it as my family must work and there was no one to care for me at home. The aides would get me up in the morning, take me into the bathroom where I could wash up, and dress me. They would then take me out to the dining room for breakfast; some days I would get up so early I would have a small breakfast in my room so as not to wake the others. I didn’t have to cook or clean anything; it was great!


After breakfast, they’d take me back to my room because I wanted to say my daily prayers, where my bed was made and ready for the evening. After my prayers, I could watch television in my room, read the newspaper, or join the other residents for activities; it was always my choice.


Lunch would be served around noon, and I could never eat as much as they served because I was still full of breakfast so I would just have some soup and crackers or something light. After lunch it was time for my physical therapy and what a workout I would get. I would usually have to take a nap after that or try to do some of the exercises they gave me. I wanted to get better quickly!


I would watch my afternoon programs and then the news. I asked for a shower every other day and they were very accommodating. There was always someone there to assist me in everything I did; I felt extremely safe in their capable hands. Dinner was around 5:30 or 6:00 and after dinner they would help me get into the bathroom to wash up again and get me into my night clothes.


I had a bell to ring if I needed something while in my room and whenever I had to ring it, someone was right there to assist. All my medications were given to me on time; another thing I didn’t have to worry about. I would retire for the evening when I was ready, there was no set time and would start over the next day; only difference is it would be occupational therapy instead of physical therapy.


This may not sound like a great time to you, but it is so much better than being in a nursing home where you may not be able to get up out of your bed for hours at a time. And who knows if you can join the others staying there and if they have activities or not.



Yes, it was a little costly, but it was well worth it to me, and I would do it again if I must, but I’m hoping we never cross that bridge again!

A group of elderly people are sitting on a couch with a nurse.

What can a Senior Advisor do for you?

By Donna Nichols • July 17, 2025
A senior advisor is a personal guide or advocate for older adults and their families. Here’s what they can do for you: Help Navigate Options They can explain the differences between independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing homes, and in-home care, and recommend the best option for a person's health, lifestyle, and budget. Find the Right Community or Services They often have knowledge of (and connections with) local senior living communities or services. They’ll: Match your needs to suitable options Setting up tours Even help ask the right questions Assist with Financial Planning Some advisors can help figure out how to pay for care: Understanding long-term care insurance Veterans’ benefits Medicaid/Medicare guidance Budget planning Guide Legal and Paperwork Stuff They can refer you to elder law attorneys, help with advance directives, or even help you understand contracts from senior living facilities. Support for Families They can act as a neutral third party when families struggle with decisions, easing tension and helping everyone feel informed and involved. Assist with Movers and Downsizers Some advisors have connections with movers, downsizers, and other people who can make your transition smooth.  If you believe a senior advisor can assist you, please call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation at 386-847-2322 . Our services are 100% FREE to you! What have you got to lose?

Beating the Florida Summer Heat

By Donna Nichols • July 7, 2025
Florida summers come in three flavors: hot, hotter, and what fresh hell is this? Whether you're a lifelong local or newly initiated into the Sunshine Sweat Fest, you know it’s more survival sport than season. So, how do we stay cool without losing our cool? Here’s your sun-savvy guide to getting through it. Make hydration a hobby Not just water, electrolytes are your best friends when you're sweaty. Coconut water, cucumber-mint spritzers, watermelon slices. If your drink doesn’t sparkle, chill, or drip condensation like a rom-com montage, it’s not summer-ready. Dress for success and summertime Loose, light, breathable fabrics. Cotton, linen, or the holy grail: moisture-wicking. Bonus points for sun hats and SPF clothing that make you look like a beach detective on vacation. Fans ARE your best friends Table fans, ceiling fans, handheld fans—the whole rotation. Keep them oscillating like your thoughts during a political debate. And if you’ve got a cooling towel? You’re royalty. Avoid the “Roasting Hours” From 11 AM to 4 PM, Florida turns into a convection oven. Errands, walks, and yard work? Schedule them early or late. Unless you’re trying to get baked like a Publix cookie—then by all means. Sunscreen is a lifestyle Apply, reapply, then pretend  you're an influencer and do it again. Because nothing says “I’m melting” like a shoulder burn shaped like your purse strap. Eat lightly Cold meals can be your best friend—salads, chilled pasta, and fruit-forward lunches are all options. Bonus points if you serve them on plates fresh from the fridge like the true champion you are. Rest, reset, repeat If the heat’s making you crankier than a mosquito at a citronella convention, take breaks: shade, air conditioning, quiet corners. Recharge without guilt—you’re surviving a sauna with its own zip code. Florida heat might be relentless, but so are we. With humor, hydration, and a healthy dose of stubborn grace, we ride the wave and keep the ice cubes coming. Stay cool out there, friends. You’ve got this.

Honoring Independence Day with Grace

By Donna Nichols • July 2, 2025
Not every 4th of July needs to burst with fireworks. For many older adults, especially those with tender hearing, health challenges, or a fondness for quieter joys, Independence Day can be just as meaningful in a slower rhythm. It’s the scent of something delicious simmering nearby, the comfort of a cool seat and a cherished show, and the simple dignity of being remembered; of having made it this far, with stories to tell and wisdom that still glows brighter than any sparkler. Caregiver Tips for a Thoughtful 4th: Keep things soft and soothing. Loud sounds can be jarring for seniors with sensory sensitivities, dementia, or PTSD. Choose instrumental patriotic music or old-time radio shows that bring joy without overwhelming them. Build a gentle plate. Soft, easy-to-eat favorites like tender pulled chicken, mashed potatoes, or a festive red, white, and blue parfait (layered Greek yogurt, mashed berries, and crushed graham crackers) keep things celebratory without strain. Spark memories, not stress. Bring out family photo albums, classic Americana films, or even music from their youth. Columbo, The Andy Griffith Show, or golden-age musicals can be a comforting trip down memory lane. Create rest-friendly spaces. A cozy chair near the window, a shaded seat outside, or even a reclined viewing spot for a live TV broadcast of fireworks can help them feel included without fatigue. Let them lead the conversation. Ask about what Independence Day meant to them growing up. You might discover tales of ration books, war bonds, or dancing at VFW halls. These stories are treasures wrapped in the quiet of the day.  In the end, Independence Day is about honoring resilience—the kind that’s quieter, often overlooked, but profoundly enduring. Whether you’re caring for someone, being cared for, or simply holding space for reflection, there’s beauty in choosing peace over spectacle. This Fourth of July, let’s celebrate not just the freedom of a nation but also the freedom to adapt, to rest, and to cherish those we love in the way that suits them best.