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.

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
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

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.