Avoid These 5 Crucial Mistakes When Choosing a Senior Living Community

Donna Nichols • July 19, 2021

Don’t make these crucial mistakes when choosing a Senior Living Community

At Assisted Living Made Simple we see this all the time and decided to share with you the 5 most common mistakes you need to avoid when choosing a community.

Avoid these mistakes when choosing a senior living community © Halina Valiushka  | Dreamstime.com

1. Focusing on the beauty of the community.

Yes, this place is beautiful, look at the chandeliers, the garden is lovely, there are so many books in the library! What about the care? Do they have any? How long has the staff worked there? Do they care about YOU?

See if you can chat with a few of the residents when you visit the community. If that’s not possible, pay attention to how they look, are dressed and if they are engaging with others. This can tell you if the staff is keeping them healthy and active.

2. Deciding too quickly.

Don’t make this decision too quickly. Assisted Living Made Simple always likes to tour you at three (3) places, whether it be in the Palm Coast area or Central Florida, to ensure you see the different communities and their offerings.

This is one reason we ask the questions we do, we don’t want you to move into the wrong community. We want you to move one time and one time only. Moving into a community doesn’t have to be stressful, but if you move into the wrong one, it increases your stress level immensely.

3. Taking this on by yourself.

Don’t do this alone! There are placement services out there who do this for YOU! We take you by the hand and have already done the leg work. We know the good, the bad and the ugly. If we won’t place our loved one there, we’re not going to place your loved one there.

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4. Not visiting the communities for yourself.

Too many people say they don’t have time, or they trust their loved one’s decision. Please visit the community for yourself; you may notice something your loved one missed.

This is very important! Once again, try to visit during lunch and eat with them so you can taste the food; you want to ensure it’s good. Don’t rely on pictures from the internet; you know how good food looks in TV commercials and then it doesn’t look that good at the restaurant? The same thing can happen in these communities, the rooms and/or food in the pictures can be fantastic and when you’re living there, it’s nothing like the pictures. So, please visit them for yourself and check them out.

5. Waiting too long.

Please don’t wait too long to make the move. This happens all too often and then you’re stressing out, scrambling around at the last minute trying to find a community for your loved one.

Make a plan, you know when the time is coming. Start the talk now. Rose and her partner, Susan, wrote a book, A Guiding Light for Seniors and Their Families , it is a comprehensive workbook that walks you through the stages of aging and helps you make a plan. It gives you pointers about how to start the talk, tells you what documents you need to have in order and so much more and it’s a free download from our website.

There is no reason for mistakes when choosing a community for you or your loved one. With the proper guidance, it can be a stress-free, hassle-free journey. Call Assisted Living Made Simple today for your FREE consultation. DON’T go it alone!!

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.

Hurricane Season in Florida

By Donna Nichols • June 4, 2025
Florida's paradise of sun-kissed beaches, vibrant culture, and tropical beauty—is also home to one of the most intense annual weather phenomena: hurricane season. From June 1 to November 30, Floridians remain on high alert as powerful storms brew in the Atlantic, each potentially bringing torrential rain, fierce winds, and coastal surges. Understanding hurricane season is crucial for residents and visitors, as it ensures safety and preparedness in the face of nature’s fury. The Impact on Florida Florida has experienced some of the most destructive hurricanes in history, including Andrew (1992), Irma (2017), Ian (2022), Debby, Helene, and Milton (2024). These storms left behind immense devastation, flooding homes, severing power lines, and reshaping entire communities. The economic toll of hurricanes is staggering, affecting local businesses, tourism, and infrastructure. Coastal regions, particularly the Florida Keys and areas along the Gulf Coast, often face the most significant risk. However, inland areas are not immune—wind damage and flooding can wreak havoc miles from the shoreline. Preparing for Hurricane Season Being prepared is the best defense against hurricanes. Here’s how Floridians can safeguard themselves: Stay Informed : Monitor local weather reports and emergency alerts. The National Hurricane Center provides real-time tracking and updates. Create an Emergency Kit : Stock up on essentials, including water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, and extra batteries. Don’t forget important documents and pet supplies! Have a Plan : Know evacuation routes and shelter locations. Discuss emergency plans with family members and establish a safe meeting point. Secure Your Home : Reinforce windows, clear debris from your yard, and consider investing in storm shutters if possible. Hurricane season is a reality in Florida, but with preparation and awareness, residents can confidently weather the storm. Whether you’re a lifelong Floridian or a visitor experiencing the Sunshine State, staying informed and ready is key.  Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember—storms may come, but resilience keeps Florida strong.

Weathering the Storm: A Senior’s Guide to Hurricane Season in Florida

By Donna Nichols • June 3, 2025
Hurricane season in Florida, running from June to November, is a time for preparation, not panic. While these storms bring powerful winds, heavy rain, and potential flooding, a well-thought-out plan can make all the difference—especially for seniors. Taking proactive steps ensures safety, comfort, and peace of mind when the storm arrives. Let’s explore how you can best prepare, stay safe, and recover after the storm. For seniors, hurricanes present unique challenges. Mobility concerns may make evacuation difficult, medical needs require careful planning, and power outages can disrupt essential healthcare devices. Knowing the potential risks helps guide preparation efforts. Flooding: Heavy rain and storm surges can cause rapid water level rises, making roads impassable and homes vulnerable. Strong Winds: Hurricanes can bring winds exceeding 100 mph, toppling trees, damaging homes, and cutting off power. Extended Recovery Time: After a storm, essential services may be limited, making access to food, medications, and transportation difficult. Essential Preparations Emergency Kit: Assemble an emergency kit with the following essentials: medications, medical records, flashlights, extra batteries, non-perishable food, and water (enough for one gallon per person per day) – sufficient for three to five days. Evacuation Plan: Find nearby senior-friendly hurricane shelters that provide accessibility and medical support. Arrange Transportation: If you don’t drive, organize transportation with family, friends, or local emergency services. Communication Strategy: Stay connected with family, neighbors, and emergency contacts. Sign up for emergency alerts through local weather services.  Staying Safe During the Storm When the storm arrives, stay indoors and follow safety guidelines. Shelter Wisely: If you are staying home, choose an interior room away from windows. Monitor Updates: Use a battery-powered radio or phone to stay informed on conditions. Stay Calm: Practice relaxation techniques to manage stress and anxiety. What to do After the Storm Once the storm passes, careful steps ensure safety. • Assess Damage before venturing outside—watch for fallen power lines or debris. • Seek Assistance for cleanup, repairs, or financial aid through FEMA or community organizations. • Emotional Resilience: Recovering from a hurricane takes time. Connect with neighbors, friends, and local support groups to help ease the process. Conclusion Preparation is the best way to weather the storm—both physically and emotionally. By taking proactive steps, seniors can remain safe, informed, and in control during hurricane season. If you or a loved one needs additional support, contact your local emergency management office or organizations like the Red Cross. Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember that every storm eventually passes.

What do Seniors Want?

By Donna Nichols • May 7, 2025
Aging isn’t about slowing down—it’s about living more deliberately. As people age, their priorities shift from chasing time to cherishing it. So, what do seniors truly want? The answer is as diverse as the individuals themselves, but some clear themes emerge when we listen closely. 1. Connection and Community One of the most important things seniors crave is connection. Meaningful relationships bring joy and purpose, whether with family, old friends, or new acquaintances. Many seek social opportunities through clubs, senior centers, classes, or online communities. Loneliness can be a silent struggle, so companionship is a deeply valued part of life. 2. Respect and Independence Seniors want to be seen for who they are: individuals with a lifetime of experience, knowledge, and stories. Being treated with dignity and not being "talked down to" matters. So does having the freedom to make choices about their own lives. Maintaining a sense of autonomy is key when deciding how to spend their day, what to eat, or where to live. 3. Health and Wellness Staying healthy is more than just avoiding illness—it’s about having the energy to enjoy life. Seniors are increasingly proactive about fitness, mental health, and nutrition. Access to quality healthcare, fitness programs tailored to their needs, and mental stimulation are all top priorities. 4. Purpose and Meaning Retirement doesn’t mean retiring from life. Many seniors want to stay active through volunteering, mentoring, or even starting new ventures. Purpose drives fulfillment, whether taking care of grandchildren, learning a new skill, or contributing to a cause they care about. 5. Security and Peace of Mind Financial stability, safe housing, and access to reliable services give seniors peace of mind. Many are concerned about outliving their savings, dealing with unexpected health issues, or navigating complex systems. Clear information, supportive resources, and a sense of safety help ease these worries. 6. Fun and Adventure Yes—seniors still want fun! Travel, hobbies, music, food, and laughter never go out of style. Joy is ageless, whether it's a road trip, gardening, or dancing to old tunes. Seniors want to experience life, not just watch it pass by. Start by Listening Ultimately, the best way to understand what seniors want is simple: ask them. Every person, no matter their age, has unique preferences, needs, and dreams. When we listen with empathy and engage with respect, we create a world where aging is celebrated, not feared. Let’s build that world together. Call us to help each other enrich the lives of our seniors. 386-847-2322.
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