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.

Why Are Seniors Always So Cold?

By Donna Nichols • March 9, 2026
If you’ve ever walked into a room full of older adults and noticed the sweaters, shawls, and space heaters humming in the corner, you’re not imagining it — many seniors really do feel colder than everyone else. And it’s not just a quirk. There are real, physical reasons behind it, and understanding them can make daily life a lot more comfortable. 1. Our Internal Thermostat Changes Over Time As we age, the body becomes less efficient at regulating temperature. The internal “thermostat” in the brain doesn’t respond as quickly to cold, so seniors may feel chilly even when the room is warm enough for others. 2. Less Muscle = Less Heat Muscle mass naturally decreases with age, and muscle is what helps generate body heat. With less of it, the body simply produces less warmth. Even active seniors may notice they get cold more easily than they used to. 3. Thinner Skin and Reduced Circulation Skin becomes thinner over time, offering less insulation. On top of that, circulation often slows, meaning warm blood takes longer to reach hands, feet, and other extremities. This is why fingers and toes are often the first to feel icy. 4. Medications Can Play a Role Many common medications — including those for blood pressure, thyroid issues, or depression — can affect how warm or cold someone feels. It’s not always the medication itself, but how it interacts with the body’s temperature signals. 5. Underlying Health Conditions Conditions like anemia, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or poor circulation can all contribute to feeling cold. Sometimes, persistent chilliness is the body’s way of asking for a check-in with a healthcare provider. 6. Hydration and Nutrition Matter More Than You Think Dehydration and low-calorie intake can both make the body feel colder. Seniors who don’t drink enough water or who eat lightly may notice they’re chilly more often. Simple Ways to Stay Warm and Comfortable • Layer up with breathable fabrics • Keep moving — even gentle stretching boosts circulation • Warm beverages throughout the day • Use blankets or heated throws safely • Check room drafts and adjust thermostat settings • Talk with a doctor if coldness is new or worsening A Warm Note to Close Feeling cold isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a natural part of aging. With a few small adjustments and a little awareness, seniors can stay cozy, comfortable, and confident all year long.

How the Spring Season Helps Us Heal

By Donna Nichols • March 3, 2026
Spring has a way of softening the world. The air warms, the light lingers, and suddenly the small things — a bird call, a new bloom, a gentle breeze — feel like invitations to breathe a little deeper. For many seniors, especially those carrying grief, stress, or the weight of a long winter, March can feel like a quiet turning point. Here’s why spring so often brings emotional renewal, no matter your age. 1. Light Returns, and So Does Energy Longer days naturally lift mood. More sunlight helps regulate sleep, boosts energy, and gently nudges the body out of winter’s heaviness. Even a few minutes outside can shift the way the day feels. 2. Nature Models Healing Spring is a season of second chances. Trees bud again, flowers push through the soil, and the world rebuilds itself without rushing. For seniors navigating loss or change, this slow, steady renewal can feel reassuring — a reminder that healing isn’t linear, but it is possible. 3. Movement Feels More Natural Warmer weather encourages small steps: a walk to the mailbox, a few minutes on the porch, tending to a plant. These simple movements help ease stiffness, improve mood, and reconnect the body with the world around it. 4. Social Life Blossoms Too As the weather improves, people naturally come out of hibernation. Neighbors chat outside, community events pick up, and families gather more often. Even brief interactions can brighten a day and reduce feelings of isolation. 5. Spring Encourages Reflection — and Release There’s something about fresh air and open windows that invites a mental reset. Many seniors find themselves sorting through memories, letting go of what no longer serves them, and making space for what’s next. A Season That Meets You Where You Are Spring doesn’t demand big changes. It simply offers gentle reminders: you’re still growing, still healing, still here. Whether you’re grieving, rebuilding, or simply ready for a lighter season, March brings a quiet kind of hope — one that arrives softly and stays.
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Winter Wellness: Staying Safe and Steady in February

By Donna Nichols • February 5, 2026
February may not bring snow to Florida, but it still carries its own kind of winter — cooler mornings, shorter days, and a natural pull toward staying indoors. For older adults, this season is a gentle reminder to slow down, stay steady, and take good care of body and spirit. A Season for Paying Attention Winter has a way of making us less aware of our bodies. We move a little slower. We drink less water. We stay inside longer. These small shifts can affect balance, energy, and overall well‑being. The good news is that a few simple habits can make February feel safer, brighter, and more comfortable. Keep Your Space Safe and Well‑Lit Falls often happen not because of weakness, but because of poor lighting or clutter. A few small adjustments can make a big difference. • Turn on the lights before walking into a room • Keep pathways clear of shoes, bags, or small rugs • Use nightlights in hallways and bathrooms • Make sure frequently used items are within easy reach A safe home is a confident home. Supportive Shoes — Even Indoors Many seniors prefer slippers or socks inside, but these can be slippery or unstable. Supportive shoes with a good grip help prevent falls and maintain strong posture. Think of them as your indoor “winter boots” — steady, comfortable, and protective. Hydration Matters, Even When It’s Cool When the weather isn’t hot, it’s easy to forget to drink water. But hydration affects everything: energy, digestion, mood, and even balance. Try keeping a glass of water near your favorite chair or sipping warm herbal tea throughout the day. Your body will feel the difference. Stay Organized with Medications Winter is a good time to check in with your medication routine. • Are your pill organizers easy to open • Do you have refills ready • Are your medications stored in a visible, convenient place A little organization prevents missed doses and reduces stress. Connection Keeps the Cold Away Even in sunny Florida, winter can feel isolating. Shorter days and quieter routines can make anyone feel a bit lonely. Reach out to someone this month — a friend, a neighbor, a family member. A five‑minute conversation can warm the whole day. If you’re part of a senior community or church group, February is a wonderful time to join an activity, attend a luncheon, or simply sit with others. Human connection is one of the best wellness tools we have. Gentle Movement Keeps You Strong You don’t need a gym or a long walk to stay active. Try: • Light stretching in the morning • Standing up and sitting down a few times to strengthen your legs • A slow walk around the house or yard • Simple balance exercises while holding onto a counter Movement keeps joints flexible, muscles strong, and spirits lifted. A Month for Self‑Kindness February invites us to be gentle with ourselves. To rest when we need to. To move when we can. To reach out when we feel alone. To take small steps that help us feel safe, steady, and cared for. Winter won’t last forever — but the habits you build now can support you all year long.