Nothing to Feel Thankful For

Donna Nichols • November 21, 2022
An elderly woman is leaning on a window sill looking out the window.

So, it’s Thanksgiving and you don’t feel very thankful, what’s wrong with you? Could be nothing; did you suffer a loss of some kind? Was there a traumatic event, such as a hurricane? Did you lose your job or have some bad health news? Any one of these things can make you feel less than thankful and like not celebrating the holiday. But you have family coming over and need to get over these feelings. How do I overcome feeling sadness, loneliness, or depression?


First, you should consult a doctor, your condition may be related to PTSD and there are medications and treatments for PTSD. Accept that these are your feelings and you just can’t help it. Hopefully these feelings will be gone by Christmas, if not, remember the steps you take to get through Thanksgiving and apply them to the Christmas and New Year holidays as well.


→       Don’t fake it. Do not “pretend” to be happy, this will only make you feel worse. Go into the day with your feelings the way they are and try the best you can to deal with them.


→       Try to avoid all confrontational situations. Whether it’s proving you are right about something or a relative who just gets under your skin, think about how you will handle the situation ahead of time.


→       Should you find yourself alone on Thanksgiving, make a plan about how you will spend the day ahead of time. Research what places will be open and maybe a little window shopping is just what the doctor ordered. If you prefer to be with others, ask a friend if you can join them, or maybe volunteer dishing out meals to others.


→       Treat yourself with compassion and understanding; everyone goes through rough patches at times and there is nothing wrong with you for feeling this way. Not feeling thankful on Thanksgiving does not make you a bad person, so accept your feelings for what they are this year and go easy on yourself.


→       End your long day with something to look forward to. You made it through a most difficult day and you should reward yourself. Cozy up with a good book and a cup of cocoa, take a long walk outside (weather permitting), go for a drive, or take a nice, warm bath. Whatever you choose to do, make sure it’s something rewarding.



We tend to think that we need to feel thankful and enjoy the holiday to have a wonderful day and if we don’t feel this way, we will have a terrible day. Most of us usually always have just an okay day with all kinds of ups and downs throughout the day. Don’t assume your day will be terrible because you aren’t thankful; find a way to realize it will be an okay day and get comfortable with that idea. There will be some pleasant moments and a few highlights no matter how you choose to spend your Thanksgiving.


We at Assisted Living Made Simple want to wish you all a happy and peaceful Thanksgiving holiday.

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.