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.

What can a Senior Advisor do for you?

By Donna Nichols • July 17, 2025
A senior advisor is a personal guide or advocate for older adults and their families. Here’s what they can do for you: Help Navigate Options They can explain the differences between independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing homes, and in-home care, and recommend the best option for a person's health, lifestyle, and budget. Find the Right Community or Services They often have knowledge of (and connections with) local senior living communities or services. They’ll: Match your needs to suitable options Setting up tours Even help ask the right questions Assist with Financial Planning Some advisors can help figure out how to pay for care: Understanding long-term care insurance Veterans’ benefits Medicaid/Medicare guidance Budget planning Guide Legal and Paperwork Stuff They can refer you to elder law attorneys, help with advance directives, or even help you understand contracts from senior living facilities. Support for Families They can act as a neutral third party when families struggle with decisions, easing tension and helping everyone feel informed and involved. Assist with Movers and Downsizers Some advisors have connections with movers, downsizers, and other people who can make your transition smooth.  If you believe a senior advisor can assist you, please call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation at 386-847-2322 . Our services are 100% FREE to you! What have you got to lose?

Beating the Florida Summer Heat

By Donna Nichols • July 7, 2025
Florida summers come in three flavors: hot, hotter, and what fresh hell is this? Whether you're a lifelong local or newly initiated into the Sunshine Sweat Fest, you know it’s more survival sport than season. So, how do we stay cool without losing our cool? Here’s your sun-savvy guide to getting through it. Make hydration a hobby Not just water, electrolytes are your best friends when you're sweaty. Coconut water, cucumber-mint spritzers, watermelon slices. If your drink doesn’t sparkle, chill, or drip condensation like a rom-com montage, it’s not summer-ready. Dress for success and summertime Loose, light, breathable fabrics. Cotton, linen, or the holy grail: moisture-wicking. Bonus points for sun hats and SPF clothing that make you look like a beach detective on vacation. Fans ARE your best friends Table fans, ceiling fans, handheld fans—the whole rotation. Keep them oscillating like your thoughts during a political debate. And if you’ve got a cooling towel? You’re royalty. Avoid the “Roasting Hours” From 11 AM to 4 PM, Florida turns into a convection oven. Errands, walks, and yard work? Schedule them early or late. Unless you’re trying to get baked like a Publix cookie—then by all means. Sunscreen is a lifestyle Apply, reapply, then pretend  you're an influencer and do it again. Because nothing says “I’m melting” like a shoulder burn shaped like your purse strap. Eat lightly Cold meals can be your best friend—salads, chilled pasta, and fruit-forward lunches are all options. Bonus points if you serve them on plates fresh from the fridge like the true champion you are. Rest, reset, repeat If the heat’s making you crankier than a mosquito at a citronella convention, take breaks: shade, air conditioning, quiet corners. Recharge without guilt—you’re surviving a sauna with its own zip code. Florida heat might be relentless, but so are we. With humor, hydration, and a healthy dose of stubborn grace, we ride the wave and keep the ice cubes coming. Stay cool out there, friends. You’ve got this.

Honoring Independence Day with Grace

By Donna Nichols • July 2, 2025
Not every 4th of July needs to burst with fireworks. For many older adults, especially those with tender hearing, health challenges, or a fondness for quieter joys, Independence Day can be just as meaningful in a slower rhythm. It’s the scent of something delicious simmering nearby, the comfort of a cool seat and a cherished show, and the simple dignity of being remembered; of having made it this far, with stories to tell and wisdom that still glows brighter than any sparkler. Caregiver Tips for a Thoughtful 4th: Keep things soft and soothing. Loud sounds can be jarring for seniors with sensory sensitivities, dementia, or PTSD. Choose instrumental patriotic music or old-time radio shows that bring joy without overwhelming them. Build a gentle plate. Soft, easy-to-eat favorites like tender pulled chicken, mashed potatoes, or a festive red, white, and blue parfait (layered Greek yogurt, mashed berries, and crushed graham crackers) keep things celebratory without strain. Spark memories, not stress. Bring out family photo albums, classic Americana films, or even music from their youth. Columbo, The Andy Griffith Show, or golden-age musicals can be a comforting trip down memory lane. Create rest-friendly spaces. A cozy chair near the window, a shaded seat outside, or even a reclined viewing spot for a live TV broadcast of fireworks can help them feel included without fatigue. Let them lead the conversation. Ask about what Independence Day meant to them growing up. You might discover tales of ration books, war bonds, or dancing at VFW halls. These stories are treasures wrapped in the quiet of the day.  In the end, Independence Day is about honoring resilience—the kind that’s quieter, often overlooked, but profoundly enduring. Whether you’re caring for someone, being cared for, or simply holding space for reflection, there’s beauty in choosing peace over spectacle. This Fourth of July, let’s celebrate not just the freedom of a nation but also the freedom to adapt, to rest, and to cherish those we love in the way that suits them best.