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.

 

Winter Wellness: Staying Safe and Steady in February

By Donna Nichols • February 5, 2026
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February and the Heart

By Donna Nichols • February 2, 2026
Small Habits That Make a Big Difference February brings a soft reminder to pause and check in with the most loyal companion we have — our heart. It beats for us without asking, carrying us through decades of joy, loss, laughter, and change. American Heart Month invites us to honor that steady work with simple habits that help us feel stronger, more energized, and more connected. The Power of Small Steps Heart health doesn’t require dramatic resolutions or strict routines. In fact, the most meaningful changes are often the smallest ones — the ones we can weave into our day without feeling overwhelmed. A ten‑minute walk after breakfast. Choosing water before coffee. Stretching your arms and shoulders while waiting for the kettle to boil. Turning on a favorite song and letting your body sway a little. These tiny choices add up. They support circulation, boost mood, and remind us that caring for ourselves is still possible at every age. Movement That Meets You Where You Are Not everyone can take long walks or join a fitness class — and that’s okay. Gentle movement counts. • Marching your feet while seated • Rolling your shoulders to release tension • Standing up and sitting down a few times to strengthen your legs • Reaching toward the ceiling to open your chest Every bit of movement helps the heart do its job with less strain. Food That Loves You Back Heart‑healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. Think in terms of adding rather than restricting. • Add a handful of berries to breakfast • Add a few colorful vegetables to lunch • Add a sprinkle of nuts or seeds for healthy fats • Add one extra glass of water during the day Small additions feel doable — and they nourish the body in ways you can feel. Connection Is Heart Medicine, Too Loneliness can weigh on the heart just as much as physical strain. February is a wonderful time to reach out. Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Share a memory with a grandchild. Join a community activity, even if just for an hour. Let someone know you’re thinking of them. Human connection is one of the most powerful heart‑protective habits we have. A Month to Celebrate Your Strength Your heart has carried you through so much — every milestone, every challenge, every moment of joy. This month is not about perfection. It’s about honoring your resilience and choosing one or two small habits that make you feel good. A healthier heart doesn’t happen overnight. It happens in the quiet, steady choices we make each day. And February is the perfect time to begin.

Connection Is the Resolution That Lasts

By Donna Nichols • January 12, 2026
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