Elder’s Hurricane Kit

Donna Nichols • September 3, 2024
A sign that says `` are you ready for hurricane season ''

Hurricane season in Florida is six (6) months long, that’s half of the year. While it’s rare to have hurricanes outside of the months of August and September, it does happen, and it is happening more often. Hurricanes have become more intense as well as more prevalent.


I was born here in New Smyrna Beach and can remember when I was little going outside and playing in hurricanes as they were no more than wind and slight rain. We would prop our front door open, open our windows and sliding glass door and the breeze that came through the house was fabulous.


These days you must board up your entire house and don’t even think about stepping outside! Going out in a hurricane today is like being in the Wizard of Oz when Dorothy’s house is whipping through the sky and she tells Toto, I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore.


2004 saw four (4) hurricanes within a six-week period. This was the worst year I can remember ever hitting Florida in my 60+ years.


           August 13, 2004, saw Hurricane Charley which came ashore in Punta Gorde as a strong Category 4 hurricane.


           September 5th we were hit by Hurricane Frances at Hutchinson Island as a Category 2 hurricane.


           On September 16th, very soon after Frances along came Ivan. Ivan hit the western panhandle, Pensacola area, as a Category 3 hurricane.


           September 26th brought Hurricane Jeanne hitting Hutchinson Island again, only this time as a Category 3 hurricane.


Yes, 2004 was an extremely busy year for hurricanes here in Florida.


           September 1, 2008, Hurricane Gustav hit the panhandle again, luckily it was downgraded to a Category 2.


           Memorial Day weekend 2012, yes before hurricane season evens began, we had tropical storm Beryl. She ruined so many plans for services and memorials as she dumped so much water throughout Jacksonville and beyond.


           Jump ahead to 2022, and we saw two devastating hurricanes, Ian, and Nicole. Ian was a monster at a Category 4 in September and luckily Nicole came late in November and was only a Category 1, yet she did so much more damage to an already damaged city; we were all thankful Nicole wasn’t any stronger.


           August 30, 2023, brought Hurricane Idalia a strong Category 3 storm making landfall in Keaton Beach, Florida.


Some of our regular afternoon thunderstorms can be worse than a hurricane, so if you hear thunder, please get inside. And remember, just because you don’t see lightning, it doesn’t mean it’s not there; we are the lightning capital of the United States.


September 10 is the peak for hurricane season, and it is rapidly approaching, are you ready? Do you have a hurricane kit prepared? What about a kit for your elders? What will they need to take in a hurry? You should have something prepared for them so they can grab it and go in a hurry. What should you pack for them to take in case they need to evacuate quickly?


In the bottom of a box place a case of water, any important papers (sealed in plastic), put some snacks for a couple of days in there too. Make sure to put a flashlight in the box along with extra medications and any other pertinent information you think they may need. If they enjoy doing word search puzzles, put a book or two of those in there too. You may want to make sure they have clean clothes, including under garments and pajamas, extra hygiene products, toilet paper, and hair care products in the box as well. And don’t forget the first aid supplies too!


Just remember, our elderly loved ones don’t think as quickly as they used to, it’s up to you to ensure they are prepared in case they need to evacuate in a hurry. If they reside in a nursing home or an assisted living community, please make sure the staff knows where their belongings are, so they grab them if evacuation time comes. If they live in their own home, make sure they know where this box is and write notes and post by the door or telephone as to where it is located so they can grab it and go quickly.



Just as we depended on them to keep us safe when we were young, they now depend on us to keep them safe as they age. Make sure you are there for your elderly loved ones.

A poster showing how to prepare for a hurricane.

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.