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.

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.
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