How do Senior Living Advisors Help Find Assisted Living?

Donna Nichols • November 9, 2023

How do Senior Living Advisors Help Find Assisted Living?

A collage of people with the words assisted living on the bottom

Ever wonder how a senior advisor helps find an assisted living community? We will help clear that up for you in this blog. Please read on to hopefully get your questions answered.

 

A senior advisor helps seniors find a place that best suits their needs. At Assisted Living Made Simple, we ask that you do not look on your own, even if you do not use us as your advisors, please use an advisor. A senior advisor knows the ins and outs of the communities, something the client is not privy to; we know which communities are best suited for each individual situation.

 

Senior advisors take into consideration many factors when searching for an assisted living community for you or a loved one. Advisors sit down with the family and go over the following to get a better picture of what the client’s needs and wants are:

 

           How much money do they have? Which community will they be able to afford for the rest of their years that has everything they need?

 

           Do they have long-term care insurance? Do they qualify for VA Aid and Attendance?

 

           What are their care needs? Do they need medication management only, or do they need a much higher level of care? This will determine if they need a community that has a specialized license in place.

 

           How far is the community from their family? Will the family be able to visit often?

 

           What type of person are they? Do they like to socialize and be around others, or do they prefer to be alone?

 

           Did they lead an active lifestyle? Do they like gardening, working out, walking, swimming, or cooking? What activities do they like?

 

A senior advisor takes all the above into consideration and more to find the best suited living arrangements for you or your loved one. If you or your loved one likes gardening, for example, we would search for a community that has a garden outside, or if or an avid swimmer, we want to ensure we find a community with a pool.

 

Once we have found approximately three (3) communities that suit your needs and wants, we will then take you on escorted tours of the properties. At Assisted Living Made Simple, we like to give you at least three (3) options so you can see the differences in the communities.

 

Sometimes three communities are not an option; there have been many times when it has been an emergency move. We have placed people in as little as five (5) hours, the paperwork is what takes the longest.

 

So, how can we do this for free, you ask? The communities pay senior advisors they have agreements with. This does not mean your rate increases so we receive payment. Your rate stays the same; we receive a portion of your payment from the community should we place you there.

 

Senior advisors can also help negotiate prices for you, which is another reason we ask that you do not search for a community on your own. Once the community has your name, we cannot negotiate the price on your behalf.

 

Most senior advisors will recommend the communities that suit your needs and wants, not the ones that pay the highest commission. Our motto at Assisted Living Made Simple is, “If we won’t out our loved one there, we won’t put your loved one there.” That is how all senior advisors should operate.

 

Give us a call today to schedule your free consultation, it does not cost anything, and we are your one stop for senior services! 386-847-2322.

 

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.