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. 

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.