Senior Living Advisors

Donna Nichols • May 27, 2021

What is a Senior Living Advisor?

A senior living advisor is someone who functions as a guide for families who are looking for a housing option that is most suitable for an elderly family member, ensuring they are safe and properly looked after with assisted living services.

Advisors are very familiar with the world of eldercare and assisted living, independent living and memory care options. Your advisor gets paid for their services by the community YOU choose for your loved one to move in; therefore, their service is completely free to the family and individual. Should an advisor ask you for money or payment of any kind, find another advisor.

Senior Living Advisors - Assisted Living Made Simple

Some reasons getting a senior living advisor is the right choice to make for your loved one:

→ Heightened emotions come into play when it’s about the decision-making process; having to make really quick decisions can be hard on the whole family, and can heighten stress levels for them. When you have a senior living advisor they will assist in the decision in a refined and professional way.

→ The advisor knows the area well. Searching the area you want may be difficult because you don’t know it as much as the senior living advisor. The assisted living expert knows the communities well and can provide the right information you need.

→ An advisor can be a time saver. It can be a huge task to go through a long list of communities, but with the aid of the senior living advisor, you won’t have to go through all that trouble. An advisor will narrow the search to the options based on what you need socially, physically, mentally, and financially. Your advisor should do all the leg work for you .

→ Senior living advisors are trained to provide professional assisted living guidance, and their experience comes into play whenever they are called upon to assist families to find the perfect forever home for a loved one. The service is 100% free of charge to families, so there is no need to worry about additional costs for an advisor.

How does a senior living advisor help families?

In order for an advisor to be effective and efficient at what they do, they have to have some of the following qualifications:

→ Personalized experience with a loved one. Usually, an advisor is contacted when something happens, we at Assisted Living Made Simple like to ensure that personal experience doesn’t happen.

We believe in planning; however, the unexpected does happen and when it does the first thing we do is take the time to know and understand the person and their immediate families, while also paying attention to their needs, emotionally, socially, physically, medically and financially.

Based on the information we gather, we then use our knowledge and skill in the field to suggest personalized care or housing options.

→ The advisors at Assisted Living Made Simple provide various options to the client, and then the various choices will receive detailed explanations.

The options will get narrowed down to the most relevant ones, generally three (3), and then your advisor will personally escort you to the communities to tour them.

→ Another part of the advisor’s job is to ensure they see the job through from the very beginning to the point where the client has made a decision where they will live and follow all the processes until they are settled in.

Assisted Living Made Simple likes to keep tabs on our clients for a while to ensure things are going well and they are happy and thriving at their new forever home.

What are the Top 3 questions prospects ask us as Senior Advisors?

The questions asked of us most are covered in the above and they are as follows:

  1. How much does your service cost?

    Our service is 100% free to the client . We receive payment from the assisted living community upon successful placement.

  2. What does an advisor do?

    An advisor works for you and your family to help ensure your loved one is placed in the perfect forever home suited for their unique situation.

  3. Why should we use a senior placement advisor?

    A senior placement advisor knows the area well and the communities they recommend. Assisted Living Made Simple’s motto is, “If we wouldn’t place our mom or dad there, we’re not going to place yours there either.” We know the ins and outs of the communities, how long the staff has been there, who has the best care, etc.

As you can see, the role of a senior living advisor entails quite a bit and we at Assisted Living Made Simple are honored to assist you and your family through the aging process. Please call or email us today for more information. 386-847-2322 , remember we are here to serve you at no cost to you or your loved one(s).

Benefits of Assisted Living

By Donna Nichols • May 2, 2025
Assisted living has many benefits, especially for older adults or people needing help with daily activities but not requiring full-time medical care. Here's a quick breakdown: Independence and support Residents get to maintain a level of independence while having access to help with things like: Bathing, dressing, or grooming Medication management Meal preparation So they still have freedom without the stress of handling everything alone. Access to care Staff is usually available 24/7, and while it’s not a nursing home, many places have nurses or aides on hand for basic health needs, depending on their licensure. It’s a safety net in case anything happens. Meals & housekeeping Daily meals, cleaning, laundry, and other chores are usually included, which reduces stress and gives you more time to enjoy life. Social life Assisted living communities often have activities, group outings, and common areas, which can help prevent loneliness and boost mental health. Safety & security These places are designed with safety in mind, such as grab bars, emergency call systems, and accessible layouts. Plus, knowing someone’s always nearby gives peace of mind. Peace of mind (for families, too) Families often feel relieved knowing their loved one is in a supportive environment where help is readily available. As you can see, assisted living has many benefits. If you feel it is unsafe for you or your loved one to live alone, please consider assisted living. It will give you peace of mind and them the safety and security they require.  If you or a loved one is ready to move to assisted living, please call us at 386-847-2322. We are experts in senior care.

What’s in Your Box?

By Donna Nichols • April 8, 2025
What does that mean? It means what’s important to you. What do you want to take with you should you leave your home and move to an assisted living community? Assisted living apartments typically range from 500 to 900 square feet, so if you come from a home that is 2,000 square feet, you will be losing a significant amount of square footage. What’s important to me may not be important to you; it differs for everyone. You’ll want to balance practical needs with personal comforts when thinking about what to bring. Here's a breakdown of what might be in your box and what to consider taking with you: When preparing to move into an assisted living community, the "box" is a metaphor for the essentials or comforts you’re packing to make the space your own. Here’s what could go in that box: Personal Essentials: Clothing: Comfortable, easy-to-wear clothes, including shoes that are safe for walking (like non-slip footwear). Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, lotion, and other personal hygiene items. Medications: A well-organized container for daily meds (check with staff for any medication regulations). Comforting Personal Items: Photographs: Family pictures, old albums, or framed photos of pets can help create a homier feel. Favorite Books or Magazines: If you love to read, packing a few favorite books or magazines can be comforting. Blankets or Throw Pillows: Soft, cozy items that remind you of home. Technology: Cell phone or tablet: Stay in touch with family and friends. If needed, a simple phone with larger buttons might be helpful. Charger and headphones: Keep your devices powered up and ready for entertainment or communication. Entertainment & Hobbies: Crafts, puzzles, or knitting: Hobbies like knitting, crocheting, or painting can offer a good mental boost. Music: A playlist or a device with your favorite tunes. Maybe even a small portable speaker. Documents: Important papers: Health documents, insurance information, and personal identification should always be within easy reach. Safety Items: Walkers or canes: If you use mobility aids, don't forget these items. Glasses and Hearing Aids: Any vision or hearing accessories you rely on to help with daily life. What would you take with you? When moving into an assisted living community, you may not have the space for everything you own, so bringing only the most meaningful and necessary items is important. Here's a breakdown of what to take with you: Personal Care and Health Items: Your medications, medical devices (like CPAP machines), and other health-related essentials should come. Items like hearing aids, glasses, and dentures are crucial to have on hand. Don’t forget a first aid kit with basic items like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and a thermometer. Bedding and Furniture: Sheets, blankets, and pillows that are soft and familiar. If allowed, take small, comfortable furniture like a favorite chair or nightstand. Decorative Touches: Personal touches such as a family photo frame, a small vase, or your favorite artwork can make a new space feel welcoming. Consider a small rug to help make the room feel warmer and more comfortable. Clothing: Comfortable clothing that suits the climate where you’ll be living. Slippers and non-slip shoes are very important for safety and comfort. Seasonal clothing: Depending on the time of year, pack sweaters, jackets, hats, or lighter clothes. Technology: Smartphone or tablet for keeping in touch with family and friends. A Kindle or e-reader could be a great option if you like to read but want to save space. Tangible Keepsakes: A small heirloom, a favorite book, or a memory box filled with meaningful trinkets can bring emotional comfort in a new place. Food & Kitchen Tools (if allowed): Some assisted living communities may allow you to have a few personal items for snacks, like a mini fridge or microwave in your room. Favorite snacks or special foods you enjoy might be comforting to have on hand. Considerations for Your New Space Each assisted living community has its own rules and space limitations, so it’s a good idea to ask what you can bring and what is already provided. Many communities offer furniture, housekeeping, and even activities, so your primary focus may be personalizing your space with items that truly bring you joy and comfort. Ultimately, the most important things to take will help you feel settled, safe, and supported in this new chapter of your life. What’s in your box for this kind of move? Are there any personal items you would want to make sure are packed?

Live in the Now

By Shar Barron • April 1, 2025
Why do we wait? Now is here. Buy the pretty flowers, eat the cake, call that old friend, and tell “your person” you love them. I see couples staring at their phones in restaurants instead of each other, and it saddens me. My husband is gone, and oh, how I’d love to sit and stare at him, talk to him over a meal. I used to go home and hear, “How was your day?” Now, I hear only silence. I didn’t miss his voice until it was no more. What I wouldn’t give to hear it again. Living in the now means you look forward to that greeting or sharing that meal. Who can I tell my secrets to? Who will never tell another soul? My guy was my confidant, and I miss that so much! I have no one to be silly with or cry with; all that is gone forever. You need to breathe. Sometimes, that little breath gives you time to remember the good things. Instead of rushing around and trying to do so much… Today is a gift. That gift is now, and if you take a breath… Sometimes, you realize how blessed you are. Look up at the sky, listen to the birds chirp, and watch the sun rise and set… Just take that moment, take that breath, and enjoy the now. If you think of someone, don’t hesitate to call them. If you want to go somewhere, don’t wait. The best advice that can be given is to simply breathe and recognize that this moment is the most important part of your day. The NOW matters. You realize it too late most of the time. Value the NOW. Make the NOW matter! Embrace the precious little moments. Savor the nonsensical words. The NOW is priceless; realize it before you don’t have someone to share it with. Live in the NOW before it’s gone.  God gave you the gift of NOW - what a priceless treasure. Grab it and enjoy those NOW moments. There are so many, and those memories are baked into your bones to treasure forever.
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