How a Senior Advisor Helps Find You an Assisted Living Community

Donna Nichols • April 12, 2024
A group of people standing in front of a building that says placement advisor

When you or a loved one needs an assisted living community, do you know how to find the correct community? 95% of people don’t, they know what they want, but they don’t know exactly what they need. When you search on your own, you look at the aesthetics of the community, you don’t look at the “inside” of that community as well.

 

What you see when searching for an assisted living community is what’s on the outside, the big apartments, the nice garden area, the pretty dining room, the beautiful chandeliers, the large, heated swimming pool. What you don’t look for is what kind of care they offer. How long has the nursing staff been there? Do they even have nursing staff? Will I be able to live there forever as I decline? How long has the executive director been there?

 

There are so many factors to take into consideration when searching for an assisted living community and you cannot think of everything. That’s why you need a senior advisor. A senior advisor helps seniors find a place that best suits their needs and wants. This is a very time-consuming process if you don’t know the communities, that’s why it’s best to work with a specialist. Best of all, senior advisors work for FREE!

 

So, what does a senior advisor do?

 

Senior advisors specialize in finding seniors the right place to live where they can age in place. At Assisted Living Made Simple we like to call it the perfect forever home. Senior advisors know the area, the different licenses the communities have and the inside scoop about each place and what it’s really like to live there.

 

An advisor should take the following factors into consideration for each situation:

 

1.     What is the person’s monthly budget? You don’t want them to be over-extended on their monthly payments.

2.     What are their payment options? Is it all private pay, do they have long-term care insurance, are they able to receive VA Aid and Attendance?

3.     What are their care needs? Do they only need medication management? If so, the price won’t be as much as if they need medication management, dressing and bathing assistance, feeding assistance, etc.

4.     Is the location close to family and friends? You want to make sure they are near friends and family to ensure they are visited regularly. If they have visitors regularly, they don’t feel so alone, and it helps them adapt easier.

5.     What is your loved one(s) personality? Do they like to socialize? Would they prefer a larger community with more people? Or would they prefer a smaller community with less people? This is another important factor to consider. We don’t want them living somewhere with a lot of other people where they will feel intimidated or out of place. We want them to be comfortable.

6.     What kind of lifestyle did they have and what kind do they want to have now? Were they active before leaving their home and would they like to continue to be and are they able to continue to be active? Do they prefer to do things on their own, like reading, puzzles, and watching TV? Are these the things they want to continue to do while at their new home?

 

Once you, your loved one(s) and your advisor take all the above into consideration, your advisor will set up tours of some communities they believe will be the perfect fit for your elder. They will take you on the tours and help you narrow the options down to the top choice. Once you have made your decision, your advisor will set up your move in with the community. He/she will give you information on movers and anything else you may need. Your advisor will be by your side through the entire journey.

 

You do NOT pay a senior advisor out of your pocket. An advisor receives a commission from the community your loved one moves into. Should an advisor ask you for a fee, walk away and look for another advisor!! Also, do NOT sign an exclusivity form with an advisor. An advisor does not have exclusive rights to YOU!

 

As you can see, there are many factors to take into consideration when looking for a senior living community. Please do NOT go this route alone. Assisted Living Made Simple is YOUR senior advisor team! We are here for you, and we will do our due diligence to find you the perfect forever home for you or your loved one(s). Call today for your FREE consultation, 386-847-2322.

 


A group of people standing in front of a building that says placement advisor

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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