Living Life in Your 90’s

Donna Nichols • April 23, 2021

A gentleman stopped in our office to tell us a story about his 96-year-old mom. She lives in an assisted living community in another state and he thought she would be miserable. They are a very large, Italian family and she is used to cooking and being the “hub” for everyone.

As we all know, Italian mothers know how to cook and cook extremely well and cook a LOT for a lot of people. She offered to fix a pasta dish one day and the staff obliged. Needless to say, everyone loved it and raved about how delicious it was.

Living Life in Your 90's

Now, once a week she prepares dinner for the residents and staff, the residents come into the dining room a few at a time to enjoy her delicious dishes. Her son said she has never been so happy, and she’s 96 years old!

The community also made her grand marshal, so to speak, as she shows the “newbie’s” around the community.
Thinking they were doing the worst possible thing for their mother turned out to be the best! They can’t believe how much better she is doing. She is thriving and loving her life. These should be the BEST years of their lives and she is proof of how it should be.
Please don’t feel guilty about placing your loved one in an assisted living community, it could be the best decision ever made for both of you!

We at Assisted Living Made Simple work to ensure your loved one is placed in the perfect forever home where they will thrive just like this 96-year-old woman. We don’t want your loved one to ever move again and we want them to live the best years of their lives!

If you need help or encouragement as a Caregiver give us a call at  386-847-2322  or check out our  Caregiver Support Group. Our  Senior Advisors  are here to walk with you through this journey.

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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A Fresh Start Doesn’t Mean Starting Over

By Donna Nichols • January 9, 2026
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