Organizations/Resources That Help the Elderly and Caregivers

Donna Nichols • May 11, 2021

We receive calls every day asking who can help me with this or that? Well, there are organizations and companies that cater to our seniors.

We have a lot of them already listed over on our Resources page but I wanted to share some that you may not know about here.

Resources for the Elderly and Caregivers 

Florida Ombudsman Program

The mission of the Florida Ombudsman Program is to improve the quality of life for all Florida long-term care residents by advocating for and protecting their health, safety, welfare, and rights.

They are advocates for those living in nursing homes, assisted living communities, and adult family care homes.

All their services are confidential and free of charge.

You can find information about resident’s rights and training on their website. You can also find out how to volunteer, read news and publications, watch videos, and file a complaint.

If you click on their links tab, you will find a wealth of information there as well.

Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA)

Want to know if a facility has had any violations or who owns it?

The AHCA’s  mission is “Better Health Care for all Floridians.”

They are responsible for administering the Florida Medicaid program, licensure and regulation of Florida’s health facilities, and providing information to Floridians about the quality of care they receive.

On the AHCA website, you can find out about a certain community, such as if they are licensed, how many violations they received, and who the owner/owners are.

You can also report a facility if you feel the facility is putting residents at risk.

AARP

AARP’s mission is to empower people to choose how they live as they age.

Their website provides a wide variety of services from help with tax preparation to free online classes. You can find just about anything you’re looking for on their website and it’s all free as well.

Senior Relocation Services

Senior Relocation Services are professional movers who cater exclusively to the senior community.

They have extensive experience in doing the physical move for families when downsizing – from an assessment of what will fit into the new home to assisting in final set up – making the move less stressful.

They are aware of Relocation Trauma and are mindful of it during the whole process. Comfort and familiarity is their goal.

Services include organizing, packing/unpacking, developing floor plans, home staging and more.

They will also take care of the move for you, eliminating the extra step.

Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregiver Support Group

Assisted Living Made Simple holds three (3) Alzheimer’s/Dementia caregiver support groups a month.

They are monthly education and support groups designed to provide emotional, education, and social support to those who are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or related dementia.

We have one in Port Orange on the first Friday of each month, one in New Smyrna on the second Tuesday of each month, and one on the third Tuesday of each month in Ormond Beach.

Our support groups are amazing and caregivers feel so much lighter and relieved after attending a group. They realize they are not alone.

Please visit our website at www.almsnsb.com and click on the resources for more helpful links. You are always welcome to call us at 386-847-2322 for more direction as well.

If you need help or encouragement as a Caregiver give us a call at  800-345-7311  or check out our  Caregiver Support Group. Our  Senior Advisors  are here to walk with you through this journey. 

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.

How the Spring Season Helps Us Heal

By Donna Nichols • March 3, 2026
Spring has a way of softening the world. The air warms, the light lingers, and suddenly the small things — a bird call, a new bloom, a gentle breeze — feel like invitations to breathe a little deeper. For many seniors, especially those carrying grief, stress, or the weight of a long winter, March can feel like a quiet turning point. Here’s why spring so often brings emotional renewal, no matter your age. 1. Light Returns, and So Does Energy Longer days naturally lift mood. More sunlight helps regulate sleep, boosts energy, and gently nudges the body out of winter’s heaviness. Even a few minutes outside can shift the way the day feels. 2. Nature Models Healing Spring is a season of second chances. Trees bud again, flowers push through the soil, and the world rebuilds itself without rushing. For seniors navigating loss or change, this slow, steady renewal can feel reassuring — a reminder that healing isn’t linear, but it is possible. 3. Movement Feels More Natural Warmer weather encourages small steps: a walk to the mailbox, a few minutes on the porch, tending to a plant. These simple movements help ease stiffness, improve mood, and reconnect the body with the world around it. 4. Social Life Blossoms Too As the weather improves, people naturally come out of hibernation. Neighbors chat outside, community events pick up, and families gather more often. Even brief interactions can brighten a day and reduce feelings of isolation. 5. Spring Encourages Reflection — and Release There’s something about fresh air and open windows that invites a mental reset. Many seniors find themselves sorting through memories, letting go of what no longer serves them, and making space for what’s next. A Season That Meets You Where You Are Spring doesn’t demand big changes. It simply offers gentle reminders: you’re still growing, still healing, still here. Whether you’re grieving, rebuilding, or simply ready for a lighter season, March brings a quiet kind of hope — one that arrives softly and stays.
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Winter Wellness: Staying Safe and Steady in February

By Donna Nichols • February 5, 2026
February may not bring snow to Florida, but it still carries its own kind of winter — cooler mornings, shorter days, and a natural pull toward staying indoors. For older adults, this season is a gentle reminder to slow down, stay steady, and take good care of body and spirit. A Season for Paying Attention Winter has a way of making us less aware of our bodies. We move a little slower. We drink less water. We stay inside longer. These small shifts can affect balance, energy, and overall well‑being. The good news is that a few simple habits can make February feel safer, brighter, and more comfortable. Keep Your Space Safe and Well‑Lit Falls often happen not because of weakness, but because of poor lighting or clutter. A few small adjustments can make a big difference. • Turn on the lights before walking into a room • Keep pathways clear of shoes, bags, or small rugs • Use nightlights in hallways and bathrooms • Make sure frequently used items are within easy reach A safe home is a confident home. Supportive Shoes — Even Indoors Many seniors prefer slippers or socks inside, but these can be slippery or unstable. Supportive shoes with a good grip help prevent falls and maintain strong posture. Think of them as your indoor “winter boots” — steady, comfortable, and protective. Hydration Matters, Even When It’s Cool When the weather isn’t hot, it’s easy to forget to drink water. But hydration affects everything: energy, digestion, mood, and even balance. Try keeping a glass of water near your favorite chair or sipping warm herbal tea throughout the day. Your body will feel the difference. Stay Organized with Medications Winter is a good time to check in with your medication routine. • Are your pill organizers easy to open • Do you have refills ready • Are your medications stored in a visible, convenient place A little organization prevents missed doses and reduces stress. Connection Keeps the Cold Away Even in sunny Florida, winter can feel isolating. Shorter days and quieter routines can make anyone feel a bit lonely. Reach out to someone this month — a friend, a neighbor, a family member. A five‑minute conversation can warm the whole day. If you’re part of a senior community or church group, February is a wonderful time to join an activity, attend a luncheon, or simply sit with others. Human connection is one of the best wellness tools we have. Gentle Movement Keeps You Strong You don’t need a gym or a long walk to stay active. Try: • Light stretching in the morning • Standing up and sitting down a few times to strengthen your legs • A slow walk around the house or yard • Simple balance exercises while holding onto a counter Movement keeps joints flexible, muscles strong, and spirits lifted. A Month for Self‑Kindness February invites us to be gentle with ourselves. To rest when we need to. To move when we can. To reach out when we feel alone. To take small steps that help us feel safe, steady, and cared for. Winter won’t last forever — but the habits you build now can support you all year long.