Preserve Your Family Memories

Donna Nichols • September 14, 2021

We often hear family members say, I sure wish I could hear mom or dad’s voice again, or if only I could hear that story one more time.

Well, you can, next time your parents or grandparents start telling a story, push record or video them on your phone.

This way you will have it forever; you can download it to a computer, or a jump drive and have it for the rest of your life and your children’s lives.

Preserving Family Memories with these resourses

What are some of the stories you will want to record?

If you have something specific you want to know about, be sure to ask them and make sure you record it; don’t depend on your memory!

In case you don’t have anything specific in mind, here are some key topics that may help:

  • Lifelong lessons and anecdotes
  • Treasured stories
  • Funny stories
  • Turning points
  • Joyful times
  • Sad times
  • Family traditions
  • Struggles and challenges
  • Proud moments
  • Things they wish they could change
  • Family history of other children
  • Family history of grandparents

The above are just some of the things that have probably made the largest impressions on your parents and they have made the biggest impact on their lives. You may find you have a lot in common or find things about them you didn’t even know.

If you are downsizing your parents or having to move them to a memory care facility , you may come across some of the following items that you want to hold on to since they play a large part in your family history.

  • Family photos, albums
  • Diaries
  • Mementos
  • Letters
  • Books
  • Family records
  • Photographs
  • VCR tapes/DVDs/CDs
  • Scrapbook, memory books

Once you have the above gathered, consider digitizing everything.

Old photos and letters fade, VCR tapes can be turned into DVDs or CDs and mementos can be stored in a safe place so you can go back to them whenever you’d like.

On Facebook, they have this link where you can view your past year in photos. I have done this several times and think it is a fabulous idea!

It shows everything I have posted for the year and I get to look back at all of the milestones and memories! It then gives you the option to create a photo book and I did this three years in a row.

It was the best thing I ever did; those three years held some of the most precious memories I had and now I can look back on them whenever I choose, not just when Facebook decides to throw them up on my wall.

This is a very inexpensive way to preserve your memories and keep a lasting record of all your accomplishments. The photos are very good quality and the cover of the book is a nice glossy coating. If I remember correctly, I think my books were only around $25.00 and I had approximately thirty pictures in each book.

The next book will be one of my mother and myself; I want those photos forever!

As you can see, there are many ways to preserve family memories; no matter how you choose to preserve yours, please preserve them. That is the important thing, that you preserve your family memories and history.

Your children, their children, their children and their children may want to know all about the history of their family one day and YOU will have preserved it for them to cherish.

If you’re looking for other senior living articles and resources then click here.

Got Questions?
Need Help?

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.