Donna Nichols • August 9, 2023

Hospice Does NOT Mean End of Life 

Hospice care in a skilled nursing or assisted living facility

The biggest myth about Hospice care is that it means end of life, but the goal of Hospice care is to make the senior’s life as comfortable as possible.


So, what does Hospice do?


The hospice has visiting nurses, so the family doesn’t have to worry about taking the older adult to the doctor’s office, unless necessary. Hospice also provides pain management services and emotional support for the senior.


Many people remain in hospice care for six months or longer. To qualify for hospice under Medicare, a doctor must certify that it’s possible you may pass within six months. After six months, should your health get better, you can transition to a lower level of care; should your health have declined, you will have to be recertified to continue your hospice care through Medicare.


You do not have to give up all your other medical treatments because you go into hospice care. All hospice companies have their own policies, but normally hospice is there to make your life more comfortable, not uproot it and remove all your other medications.


You do not have to be in a nursing home or a hospice care center to receive hospice care. Hospice care can happen anywhere, at any time. If you live in an assisted living community, they can come in there to see you. If you still live in your home, they can come there to see you. Hospice can go wherever you live.


Hospice care doesn’t cost as much as you probably think. If you have Medicare, you are usually covered for most of it. Also, most insurance plans, and HMOs have hospice coverage. You may pay very little for hospice care.


How do you choose the right hospice provider?


Ask around, check with your doctor, the nurses, and family and friends. Word of mouth has always been the best advertising and it can work well in this situation also. Always a great person to have in your corner is a geriatric care manager, they work for YOU and have your best interest in mind.


Take notes about your first impression of the company. Schedule a consultation and take notes on how well informed they are. Ask plenty of questions and make sure they know the answers. Find out how long they have been in business and at that location. Also, ask for references; you are placing your life of the life of a loved one in their hands, you can’t be too careful.


Ensure they have Medicare approval before signing anything. Also, make sure this includes any necessary medical equipment, home health nurses, any therapy that may be needed, and grief support for the family.


Make sure you know what you will be responsible for paying for, such as any equipment that isn’t covered, any medication they don’t provide, and any services you will need they don’t cover. Get all this information up front so there aren’t any surprises later.


The truth about hospice is that it’s a type of medical care where the goal is to maintain or improve quality of life for someone whose condition is likely terminal.


Hospice has a special focus on controlling pain and discomfort, but also addresses all symptoms of a disease while providing comfort and support to the patients and their families.



So, to sum up, the biggest myth about Hospice care is that it means end of life, but the goal of Hospice care is to make the senior’s life as comfortable as possible.


A close up of a person holding another person 's hand on their chest.

Protecting Your Skin at Every Age — Especially Under the Florida Sun

By Donna Nichols • May 4, 2026
May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, an important time to talk about protecting the skin we live in. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and Florida’s year‑round sunshine makes awareness especially important for seniors. Many older adults grew up in a time before sunscreen was widely used, which means decades of sun exposure may increase risk today. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, can develop quickly — but when caught early, it is highly treatable. Other types of skin cancer, like basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, are also common in seniors and often appear on areas that have seen the most sun over the years: the face, ears, neck, arms, and hands. What to look for: Early detection saves lives. Seniors should watch for: • New spots or moles • Changes in size, shape, or color • Spots that itch, bleed, or don’t heal • Anything that looks different from the rest Dermatologists often use the ABCDE rule to help identify concerning changes: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving over time. Simple ways to protect your skin: • Wear a wide‑brimmed hat and lightweight long sleeves when outdoors • Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply regularly • Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) • Avoid tanning beds • Schedule regular skin checks with a dermatologist, especially if you’ve had sunburns in the past Skin cancer awareness isn’t about avoiding the outdoors — it’s about enjoying it safely. Sunshine can lift our spirits, support healthy sleep, and encourage movement, but it’s important to protect ourselves along the way. With a few mindful habits and regular check‑ins, seniors can stay active, confident, and sun‑smart all year long.

Staying Active as the Weather Warms

By Donna Nichols • April 17, 2026
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Allergy Season Is Here: What Seniors Should Know

By Donna Nichols • April 2, 2026
April in Florida means sunshine, flowers, and… pollen. Lots of pollen. For many seniors, allergy season can bring sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and fatigue — symptoms that can be frustrating but manageable with awareness and simple habits. Here’s what older adults and caregivers should keep in mind as allergy season peaks. 1. Allergies Can Change Ov er Time Even if someone never had allergies before, they can develop later in life. The immune system shifts with age, and new sensitivities can appear. If symptoms show up suddenly each spring, allergies may be the reason. 2. Pollen Counts Are Highest in the Morning For seniors who enjoy morning walks or porch time, this can be a surprise. On high‑pollen days, shifting outdoor time to later in the afternoon can make a big difference. 3. Staying Hydrated Helps Ease Symptoms Water thins mucus, supports the immune system, and helps the body flush irritants. Seniors often drink less than they realize, so gentle reminders — a water bottle nearby, herbal tea, flavored water — can help. 4. Keep the Indoors as Allergen‑Free as Possible A few simple habits go a long way: • Keep windows closed on high‑pollen days • Change air filters regularly • Remove shoes at the door • Shower or change clothes after being outside These small steps help reduce the amount of pollen that sneaks indoors. 5. Pay Attention to New or Worsening Symptoms If allergy symptoms feel different than usual, last longer than expected, or interfere with daily life, it’s a good time to check in with a healthcare provider. Sometimes what looks like allergies can be something else entirely. A Breath of Fresh (and Cleaner) Air Allergies may be part of spring, but they don’t have to steal the joy of the season. With a little awareness and a few simple habits, seniors can stay comfortable, active, and able to enjoy everything April has to offer.