Being Thankful after a Devastation

Donna Nichols • November 2, 2022
An aerial view of a hurricane in the ocean

 

Following the wrath of Hurricane Ian, you may feel you have nothing to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, but there is always a silver lining you just have to see it, and believe me, it's there!


It's inevitable that loss of life, home, belongings, jobs, businesses and community will affect everyone, whether they were impacted personally or not. You, or someone you know, may have lost your house, or parts of it, you may have lost your belongings and your furniture, or your car. But you have your life, you have your cherished memories and you have your friends and family.

 

So, how do you cope after a major hurricane? If you know what signs to look for, you can get help sooner thus deterring larger health problems down the road. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a very serious condition that can arise from any kind of natural disaster. If you notice any of the signs below, PLEASE seek help immediately!!

 

Signs can vary from person to person and some people never show any signs of PTSD at all, but the most common signs are outlined below. 


 Emotional signs can include being anxious, fearful and sad, or angry. Feeling guilty is another big emotional sign, especially after a disaster, such as hurricane Ian was. This is referred to as survivor’s guilt. You may feel as though you should have lost your home when you came out unscathed and your neighbor lost everything.

 

These are all normal feelings and it’s like a grieving process. Take the time to let your feelings run their course and then carry on. Do not dwell on your gain/loss; pick yourself up, brush yourself off and get back to business. That is the only way to push through those emotional signs and not let them take over your mental capabilities. PLEASE do NOT try to drink them away or take drugs to numb them!! These solutions are only temporary and will only worsen the situation.

 

Reach out to others for support!!

 

Physical signs which can include gastric and stomach problems, headaches, eating or drinking too much, sweats or chills, shaking and muscle twitches. This is the category I fall into. When I was younger, they called it a nervous stomach. I was always sick with a stomach ache and headache, not knowing it would lead to migraines and severe gastro issues later in life.

 

I am still thankful though because it could be so much worse. This is what I mean about looking for the silver lining. My issues could leave me debilitated, not able to work or play golf, but they don’t. These same issues have others on disability and they are unable to do anything. So, does it suck to have these issues? Yes. Could my situation be worse? Yes. Do I wish things were different? Yes. Can I change the way things are? No. Does it do me any good to stress over the way things are? No. Am I grateful I can still have an active life? YES!!! 

 

Look for that lining!! It’s there!!!

 

There are also behavioral and cognitive signs of PTSD which can result in severe health problems. Some of those include, trouble falling or staying asleep, using too much alcohol, tobacco, drugs, isolation, thinking clearly, concentration, confusion, trouble making difficult decisions and remembering things.

 

Most of these symptoms will dissipate over time. However, if they don’t subside seek medical advice.

 

Here are some tips to help you cope:

 

Here at Assisted Living Made Simple, we are very support group oriented!! Find a support group to help you for your unique situation. There are so many online groups out there; a simple Google search will turn up hundreds of possibilities for you to find the perfect fit.

 

●         Keep in touch with family and friends for support too.

●         Make sure you acknowledge when you are having a stressful moment and deal with it constructively, don’t let emotions get pent up inside you.

●         Share your experiences with others and send support messages. These will not only help others in your situation, but will make you feel better as well.

●         Exercise to help release the endorphins into your body. These are natural mood enhancers and are great for your brain health too!

●         Listen to music and take deep breaths and feel the stress flowing out of your body with every exhale.

●         Eat healthy and drink lots of water.

 

Hopefully some of the above will help you deal with the after affects of hurricane Ian so you are able to find a way to be thankful this November. We are always here for you and are just a phone call away.

 

"Things" can be replaced, YOU cannot! I know the struggle is real, but you can rebuild because you are resilient and it is what we do as human beings! Ask yourself; is this the worst thing that has ever happened to me? If so, count yourself lucky; if it's not, then you know you can get through this too.

And remember, the only way to get to the other side is through!

 

Assisted Living Made Simple is thankful YOU are still with us!! 


A neon sign that says gratitud is surrounded by plants.

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.

Winter Wellness: Staying Safe and Steady in February

By Donna Nichols • February 5, 2026
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