How to Cope with Seasonal Allergies

Donna Nichols • May 24, 2023
A woman is blowing her nose with a napkin in a field of flowers.

If you are anything like me, allergy season will kill you; I’m not looking forward to it. I’ve had the worst allergy problems since January and it’s not even allergy season. How about this one . . . I live in Florida, and I am allergic to tree and grass! HA! It is great for me during allergy season. I thought this blog may help some of you (and myself) deal with these terrible allergies we all seem to have.


My allergies come with sneezing, congestion, coughing, runny nose, itchy throat and eyes, and whatever other symptoms Mother Nature wants to throw at me. Short of a self-induced coma until after allergy season is over, here are some things we can try.


•        It’s recommended to stay indoors on dry, windy days and to go outside after a good rain. That’s pretty much impossible in Florida as most days are dry here and I love to be outside.

•        Do not hang your laundry outside. As pollen can cling to your clothes.

•        Do not mow your lawn or pull weeds. This can stir up the allergens in the air. Have a lawn service or ask a friend to mow for you during this time.

•        If you must work outside, try to wear a mask so you don’t breathe the pollen.

•        If you were outside, take off your clothes and shower immediately to rinse off any pollen that may be on your body.


Make sure you know what’s blooming and when. You can check the local news or if you have an Alexa or Google device, just ask what the pollen report is for the day. This is also a good way to narrow down what you are allergic to instead of spending money on testing and being poked with needles.


If pollen counts are expected to be high, take any medication before symptoms start and make sure your windows are closed. Also, stay inside during the early morning hours as that is when the pollen count is at its highest.


Keep the air inside your home clean. Use air conditioning in your house and make sure your filter is clean. Also, use air conditioning in your car, which is hard for me because I drive a convertible. The drier the air in your home the better, so you can get a dehumidifier to help dry it out. Use an air filter in your bedroom and clean your floors with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter.


There are so many over-the-counter remedies out there and you don’t need a prescription for them, but they all work differently.


Antihistamines help with the sneezing, itching, stuffy or runny nose, and watery eyes. These are your regular allergy pills like Zyrtec, Allegra, and Claritin and many of these have a generic equivalent that works just as good.


Nasal sprays help with your nasal symptoms. These include Flonase and Nasacort and a few others.


Oral decongestants such as Sudafed helps with nasal stuffiness. You may need to use an antihistamine with a decongestant but talk to your doctor first.


Rinse your sinuses with a saline nasal spray. This will flush out any mucus and allergens from your nose. You can purchase these kits and they are pretty inexpensive or you can make your own. If you make your own solution, use 1 qt. water (bottled), 1.5 tsp. canning salt, and 1 tsp. baking soda. Make sure you rinse your device after each use.


If you don’t want to take medications for your allergies, there are many natural remedies out there. Check with a health food store, but know that these are not proven to work. You may want to try acupuncture as well.



If none of the above works, you may need to get shots for your allergies (I hope I don’t have to go this route). Whatever you need to do, do it and take care of yourself. Word is this will be the worst allergy season yet.

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.