Care for Mom

Donna Nichols • April 6, 2023
An elderly woman in a wheelchair is looking out of a window.

Does your mom need more care? Does she live alone and are you worried about her? Have you tried home health care and find it just too much money, or perhaps the caregivers are different each time and mom requires more consistency?


Sometimes the signs mom needs more care are easy to spot, other times they are very hard to see. Let’s look at some of the signs that mom may need more care than she is receiving.


Two of the easiest signs are:


1.     The doctor recommends more care and possibly mom move to assisted living. Assisted Living Made Simple can assist you in your search for assisted living.



2.     Mom suffered a fall and cannot handle her home by herself. Mom can go to an assisted living community for rehab instead of a nursing home. Call us and we will help you place her somewhere she will be well taken care of.


These signs are very blatant and no-brainers; you must take more care of your mom. Whether it be moving her into assisted living or having home health come in, you must do something to ensure her safety.


Some signs that aren’t as easy to spot are:


1.     Mom’s personal hygiene has diminished. Her hair is unkempt, her clothes are dirty, and she is no longer keeping up with her makeup. It becomes hard for mom to keep up with laundry and sometimes she forgets to bathe.


2.     Mom’s mail is piling up and bills aren’t being paid. Sometimes when seniors become forgetful, it may be time for them to have more care, especially if they live alone.


3.     Mom forgot to lock the front door or turn off the stove. These two issues can be very dangerous and should be addressed immediately!


4.     Has mom lost or gained weight? Maybe she is forgetting to eat, or she forgot she ate and ate again. Having someone to help her would keep her on a regular meal schedule and she wouldn’t be apt to over or under eat.


5.     It’s hard for mom to get out of the bed, or her chair and walk to the other rooms in the house. Decreased mobility can mean mom needs more care, either in the home or in assisted living.


6.     Mom just doesn’t seem to want to do anything anymore. Has she lost interest in the things she used to love? Maybe having more care would inspire her to get back to the things she loves doing.


7.     Mom seems so lonely. If mom is alone all the time, she will become isolated and lonely. Having a caregiver can help with this, but it’s not full-time. If mom is feeling depressed and seems very isolated, you should look into assisted living. She will have other people around all the time, every day, to help keep her busy and occupied.


Signs of dementia in mom can range from aggressive behaviors, disorientation, and confusion. Other signs include problems speaking or struggling to find the right words and having trouble planning or organizing things, or perhaps she keeps repeating herself. Should you notice any of these signs in mom, please take her to a neurologist to be checked for Alzheimer’s or dementia.


Whatever signs mom is showing, we implore you to seek the necessary care for her. Whether it be home health care or assisted living, getting mom the care she needs is what is important. Assisted Living Made Simple will assist you whichever path you choose; just give us a call at 386-847-2322. We’re here to help.


An elderly woman wearing glasses is looking out of a window.

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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