Managing Your Parent’s Care From a Distance

Donna Nichols • March 11, 2021

It is possible to manage your parent’s care from a distance and here’s how…

You may wonder how you can manage your parent’s care when you live in another state or even another country.

What is the first step?

First, decide what you CAN do for them !

  1. Can you take over their finances?
  2. Can you organize their doctor visits and transportation?

There is always something you can do for them no matter how far away you live thanks to technology.

Should you find it just too overwhelming for you, perhaps you need an advisor in the city where your parents live.

Please do NOT go to the internet and pick the first advisor you come across.

Some charge you money up-front, yes, BEFORE they do anything!!

Don’t fall prey to this kind of advisor.

An advisor should assist you free of charge unless you require an elder law attorney or a guardian.

The most important thing to ask your parents is what they want.

  1. Do they want to stay in their home?
  2. Do they want to move to an assisted living community ?

Please don’t try to make the decision for them, you may think you know what they want, but do you really?

You may think they need in-home care when they really need assisted living.

While in-home care is great, it doesn’t take the place of peace of mind of someone there for them 24/7 should they require any assistance.

If there are a couple of children involved, plan a Zoom or Facetime meeting so everyone is on the same page as to what your parents want.

Once you all know what they want, you can agree on what parts each of you will play in the role of their care.

You can contribute to their care in ways you never think you can, whether it be taking care of their finances, home repairs, or making their doctor appointments, even the smallest task becomes a great deal.

Make sure you plan visits as often as possible , this is another place where an advisor comes in. An advisor can regularly check in on your parents to make sure they are doing well and give you updates.

If it’s impossible for you to visit, plan regularly scheduled phone calls and Skype or Facetime. As long as they know you care about them, it makes all the difference in the world.

Also, as long as you are checking on them regularly, they are more likely to do what they are supposed to do.

Also, have an emergency plan in place, have people in place who can get to your loved one in case you cannot get there right away.

Know where they are going to go and how they are going to get there.

Have a list of their current medications ready to take with them and have a bag of bathroom supplies ready to go on short notice.

When they are ready for an independent living, assisted living, or memory care community, look for a local placement service like Assisted Living Made Simple to guide you.

The local companies have the knowledge and expertise of the communities in the area.

When you are not near your parents and are trying to manage their care, it can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be.

With some planning and effort, you can ensure your loved one gets the assistance they need.

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.

Protecting Your Skin at Every Age — Especially Under the Florida Sun

By Donna Nichols • May 4, 2026
May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, an important time to talk about protecting the skin we live in. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and Florida’s year‑round sunshine makes awareness especially important for seniors. Many older adults grew up in a time before sunscreen was widely used, which means decades of sun exposure may increase risk today. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, can develop quickly — but when caught early, it is highly treatable. Other types of skin cancer, like basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, are also common in seniors and often appear on areas that have seen the most sun over the years: the face, ears, neck, arms, and hands. What to look for: Early detection saves lives. Seniors should watch for: • New spots or moles • Changes in size, shape, or color • Spots that itch, bleed, or don’t heal • Anything that looks different from the rest Dermatologists often use the ABCDE rule to help identify concerning changes: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving over time. Simple ways to protect your skin: • Wear a wide‑brimmed hat and lightweight long sleeves when outdoors • Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply regularly • Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) • Avoid tanning beds • Schedule regular skin checks with a dermatologist, especially if you’ve had sunburns in the past Skin cancer awareness isn’t about avoiding the outdoors — it’s about enjoying it safely. Sunshine can lift our spirits, support healthy sleep, and encourage movement, but it’s important to protect ourselves along the way. With a few mindful habits and regular check‑ins, seniors can stay active, confident, and sun‑smart all year long.

Staying Active as the Weather Warms

By Donna Nichols • April 17, 2026
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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.