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. 

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.