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.

The Heart of Guidance: The Role of a Senior Advisor in Elder Care

By Donna Nichols • September 5, 2025
In a world that often moves too fast, senior advisors offer something rare and essential: time, understanding, and a steady hand. Unlike their counterparts in the business world, senior advisors in elder care aren’t focused on profit margins—they’re focused on people. Who They Are Senior advisors in this space are often seasoned professionals, caregivers, or community advocates who help older adults and their families navigate complex decisions. They may work in senior living communities, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, or independently. What They Do • Guide families through transitions: Whether it's choosing assisted living or downsizing a home, senior advisors help make sense of it all. • Advocate for dignity and autonomy: They ensure that older adults’ voices are heard and respected in every decision. • Connect to resources: From transportation and wellness programs to Alzheimer’s and grief support, they know where to turn. • Offer emotional support: Sometimes, the most valuable thing they offer is a listening ear and a calming presence. Why It Matters A senior advisor isn’t just a resource—they’re a lifeline. They help families breathe easier, empower older adults to make informed choices, and bring compassion into moments that can feel overwhelming. If you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds like me,” you’re not alone. Many of us play this role informally, answering questions, calming nerves, and connecting dots. Whether you’re a professional advisor or a trusted neighbor, your presence makes a difference.  If you or someone you love is facing a big decision and could use a calm, caring guide—we’re here. No pressure, no jargon, just real people ready to help. Call us today on 386-847-2322 to start the conversation. Sometimes, the first step is simply knowing you’re not alone.

Grandparents Day: A Celebration of Heart, Humor & Heritage

By Donna Nichols • September 4, 2025
September brings a quiet kind of magic—the golden light, the hint of fall in the air, and a moment to honor the everyday heroes who’ve shaped our lives with love, laughter, and legendary stories: our grandparents. Whether you’re a grandparent yourself, a grateful grandchild, or someone who’s been “adopted” by a wise elder in your life, Grandparents Day is a chance to pause and celebrate the beautiful bridge between generations. What Makes Grandparents So Grand? • They’re walking history books—with tales of jukeboxes, moon landings, and the original recipe for Sunday gravy. • They’re master cheerleaders, showing up with hugs, cookies, and the kind of encouragement that sticks for life. • They’re wisdom whisperers, offering advice that somehow makes more sense with each passing year. And let’s be honest: they also have the uncanny ability to make you feel like the most important person in the room. A Legacy of Love Grandparents teach us that love doesn’t have to be loud to be lasting. It’s in the quiet gestures: the handwritten birthday card, the saved newspaper clipping, the way they remember your favorite snack or ask about that thing you mentioned weeks ago. They remind us that resilience is built over time—through hard work, humor, and a whole lot of heart. Their stories carry lessons we didn’t know we needed until we suddenly find ourselves living them. And for those who’ve lost a grandparent, this day can be bittersweet. But it’s also a chance to honor their memory—by sharing their stories, cooking their favorite dish, or simply whispering a thank-you into the September breeze. Celebrate with Us: A Little Fun for the Big Day This Grandparents Day, we invite you to: • Share a memory: What’s one moment with a grandparent that still makes you smile? • Send a shoutout: Post a photo or quote from your favorite grandparent on social media and tag us.

Honoring Our Elders: National Senior Citizens Day

By Donna Nichols • August 14, 2025
On August 21, we pause to celebrate the heartbeat of our communities—our senior citizens. This day isn’t just about marking a date on the calendar. It’s about recognizing the wisdom, resilience, and warmth that older adults bring to every conversation, every gathering, and every generation. Wisdom That Lights the Way From stories of first jobs and family traditions to lessons learned through love and loss, seniors carry a lifetime of insight. Their experiences are more than memories—they’re guideposts for those still finding their way. Today, we honor those stories and the voices behind them. Connection That Matters Whether it’s a neighborly wave, a shared recipe, or a quiet moment on the porch, seniors remind us that connection doesn’t need fanfare—it just needs heart. National Senior Citizens Day is a chance to say, “We see you. We value you. We’re better because of you.” Ways to Celebrate Host a storytelling circle or memory-sharing event Share a favorite photo and the story behind it Create a “Senior Spotlight” wall with quotes and wisdom Invite younger generations to learn a skill from a senior (gardening, baking, crafting) Spend time—listen, laugh, and learn A Day of Gratitude Let’s make August 21 a day of genuine appreciation. Whether you’re a senior yourself or someone lucky enough to know and love one, take a moment to reflect on the richness they bring to our lives. Their legacy is living, breathing, and beautifully unfolding every day.  This is a day to be celebrated every day! Senior citizens bring so much fulfillment to our lives, and we need to embrace the moments we spend with them, for they are precious.