IT CAN HAPPEN: SENIORS GETTING KICKED OUT OF ASSISTED LIVING

dailycaring.com • February 21, 2023
An elderly man is sitting down with his hands on his chin.

I found this on dailycaring.com and thought it real important to share with you (I copied and pasted it here for you to read). This can really happen. PLEASE don't let it happen to you or your loved one!


Terrible, but true: seniors can get kicked out of assisted living


It’s awful, but defenseless older adults are actually getting kicked out of assisted living facilities.


It’s called involuntary discharge and basically means they could be evicted with only 30 days written notice.


As a family caregiver, it’s important to understand why this could happen and how you to protect your senior from a terrible situation.


Regulations around assisted living discharge


Each state has regulations that protect assisted living residents from being kicked out for unlawful reasons.


The regulations and notice period may vary by state, but in general, there are only a handful of reasons that allow a facility to involuntarily discharge a resident.


This includes:


  • Not paying the bill.
  • Needing more health care or personal assistance than the facility is licensed to provide.
  • Endangering the health or safety of other people.
  • Breaking a rule in the resident contract (aka admission agreement).
  • Closing of the facility (going out of business).


Facts you need to know about being evicted from assisted living


If your senior has been told to leave, these basics help you make sure the facility isn’t trying to retaliate against complaints or get away with something illegal.


  • Facilities have to provide written notice to the resident and (if known) to a family member or legal representative.
  • Facilities have to document the reasons they are discharging the resident.
  • In most situations, written notice has to be given at least 30 days before the discharge date.
  • Facilities can’t discharge residents who have submitted a timely application for Medicaid and are waiting to hear about their eligibility.
  • Residents have the right to appeal the discharge decision with the state.


Note: Regulations may vary by state


Where to get help with an assisted living discharge


If your older adult has gotten an involuntary discharge notice, it can always be appealed. Some facilities even have an internal appeals process.


If an internal appeal process doesn’t exist or isn’t helpful, you can file an appeal with the state.


This could be a confusing process, so you might want to involve the local ombudsman. They work independently to help assisted living residents and makes sure problems with facilities get resolved.


It could also help to get a lawyer involved. They can make sure the facility isn’t trying to get around the law.


It’s great if your senior has an elder law attorney, but if they can’t afford to hire a lawyer, contact the local Legal Aid organization.

 

Bottom line


Sometimes, a facility is justified in telling a resident that they must leave. This usually happens when someone’s health or safety is at stake.


But in other cases, the facility may be trying to kick a resident out for an unlawful reason.


To protect your older adult, understand the rules, know that you can appeal the decision, and get additional help if needed.



Know your rights! If you think you or your loved one has been treated unfairly, remember to reach out to an ombudsman or an elder law attorney. They are there to assist you!!

An elderly woman is sitting on a couch covering her face with her hands.

Staying Active as the Weather Warms

By Donna Nichols • April 17, 2026
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

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.

Why Are Seniors Always So Cold?

By Donna Nichols • March 9, 2026
If you’ve ever walked into a room full of older adults and noticed the sweaters, shawls, and space heaters humming in the corner, you’re not imagining it — many seniors really do feel colder than everyone else. And it’s not just a quirk. There are real, physical reasons behind it, and understanding them can make daily life a lot more comfortable. 1. Our Internal Thermostat Changes Over Time As we age, the body becomes less efficient at regulating temperature. The internal “thermostat” in the brain doesn’t respond as quickly to cold, so seniors may feel chilly even when the room is warm enough for others. 2. Less Muscle = Less Heat Muscle mass naturally decreases with age, and muscle is what helps generate body heat. With less of it, the body simply produces less warmth. Even active seniors may notice they get cold more easily than they used to. 3. Thinner Skin and Reduced Circulation Skin becomes thinner over time, offering less insulation. On top of that, circulation often slows, meaning warm blood takes longer to reach hands, feet, and other extremities. This is why fingers and toes are often the first to feel icy. 4. Medications Can Play a Role Many common medications — including those for blood pressure, thyroid issues, or depression — can affect how warm or cold someone feels. It’s not always the medication itself, but how it interacts with the body’s temperature signals. 5. Underlying Health Conditions Conditions like anemia, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or poor circulation can all contribute to feeling cold. Sometimes, persistent chilliness is the body’s way of asking for a check-in with a healthcare provider. 6. Hydration and Nutrition Matter More Than You Think Dehydration and low-calorie intake can both make the body feel colder. Seniors who don’t drink enough water or who eat lightly may notice they’re chilly more often. Simple Ways to Stay Warm and Comfortable • Layer up with breathable fabrics • Keep moving — even gentle stretching boosts circulation • Warm beverages throughout the day • Use blankets or heated throws safely • Check room drafts and adjust thermostat settings • Talk with a doctor if coldness is new or worsening A Warm Note to Close Feeling cold isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a natural part of aging. With a few small adjustments and a little awareness, seniors can stay cozy, comfortable, and confident all year long.