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.

The Heart of Guidance: The Role of a Senior Advisor in Elder Care

By Donna Nichols • September 5, 2025
In a world that often moves too fast, senior advisors offer something rare and essential: time, understanding, and a steady hand. Unlike their counterparts in the business world, senior advisors in elder care aren’t focused on profit margins—they’re focused on people. Who They Are Senior advisors in this space are often seasoned professionals, caregivers, or community advocates who help older adults and their families navigate complex decisions. They may work in senior living communities, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, or independently. What They Do • Guide families through transitions: Whether it's choosing assisted living or downsizing a home, senior advisors help make sense of it all. • Advocate for dignity and autonomy: They ensure that older adults’ voices are heard and respected in every decision. • Connect to resources: From transportation and wellness programs to Alzheimer’s and grief support, they know where to turn. • Offer emotional support: Sometimes, the most valuable thing they offer is a listening ear and a calming presence. Why It Matters A senior advisor isn’t just a resource—they’re a lifeline. They help families breathe easier, empower older adults to make informed choices, and bring compassion into moments that can feel overwhelming. If you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds like me,” you’re not alone. Many of us play this role informally, answering questions, calming nerves, and connecting dots. Whether you’re a professional advisor or a trusted neighbor, your presence makes a difference.  If you or someone you love is facing a big decision and could use a calm, caring guide—we’re here. No pressure, no jargon, just real people ready to help. Call us today on 386-847-2322 to start the conversation. Sometimes, the first step is simply knowing you’re not alone.

Grandparents Day: A Celebration of Heart, Humor & Heritage

By Donna Nichols • September 4, 2025
September brings a quiet kind of magic—the golden light, the hint of fall in the air, and a moment to honor the everyday heroes who’ve shaped our lives with love, laughter, and legendary stories: our grandparents. Whether you’re a grandparent yourself, a grateful grandchild, or someone who’s been “adopted” by a wise elder in your life, Grandparents Day is a chance to pause and celebrate the beautiful bridge between generations. What Makes Grandparents So Grand? • They’re walking history books—with tales of jukeboxes, moon landings, and the original recipe for Sunday gravy. • They’re master cheerleaders, showing up with hugs, cookies, and the kind of encouragement that sticks for life. • They’re wisdom whisperers, offering advice that somehow makes more sense with each passing year. And let’s be honest: they’ve also got the best one-liners, the quirkiest traditions, and the uncanny ability to make you feel like the most important person in the room. A Legacy of Love Grandparents teach us that love doesn’t have to be loud to be lasting. It’s in the quiet gestures: the handwritten birthday card, the saved newspaper clipping, the way they remember your favorite snack or ask about that thing you mentioned weeks ago. They remind us that resilience is built over time—through hard work, humor, and a whole lot of heart. Their stories carry lessons we didn’t know we needed until we suddenly find ourselves living them. And for those who’ve lost a grandparent, this day can be bittersweet. But it’s also a chance to honor their memory—by sharing their stories, cooking their favorite dish, or simply whispering a thank-you into the September breeze. Celebrate with Us: A Little Fun for the Big Day This Grandparents Day, we invite you to:  • Share a memory: What’s one moment with a grandparent that still makes you smile? • Send a shoutout: Post a photo or quote from your favorite grandparent on social media and tag us.

Honoring Our Elders: National Senior Citizens Day

By Donna Nichols • August 14, 2025
On August 21, we pause to celebrate the heartbeat of our communities—our senior citizens. This day isn’t just about marking a date on the calendar. It’s about recognizing the wisdom, resilience, and warmth that older adults bring to every conversation, every gathering, and every generation. Wisdom That Lights the Way From stories of first jobs and family traditions to lessons learned through love and loss, seniors carry a lifetime of insight. Their experiences are more than memories—they’re guideposts for those still finding their way. Today, we honor those stories and the voices behind them. Connection That Matters Whether it’s a neighborly wave, a shared recipe, or a quiet moment on the porch, seniors remind us that connection doesn’t need fanfare—it just needs heart. National Senior Citizens Day is a chance to say, “We see you. We value you. We’re better because of you.” Ways to Celebrate Host a storytelling circle or memory-sharing event Share a favorite photo and the story behind it Create a “Senior Spotlight” wall with quotes and wisdom Invite younger generations to learn a skill from a senior (gardening, baking, crafting) Spend time—listen, laugh, and learn A Day of Gratitude Let’s make August 21 a day of genuine appreciation. Whether you’re a senior yourself or someone lucky enough to know and love one, take a moment to reflect on the richness they bring to our lives. Their legacy is living, breathing, and beautifully unfolding every day.  This is a day to be celebrated every day! Senior citizens bring so much fulfillment to our lives, and we need to embrace the moments we spend with them, for they are precious.