Summertime in Florida

Donna Nichols • June 17, 2024
A logo for summer time with a sun , birds and waves.

Summertime in Florida can be unbearable! With so many outdoor activities, you must drink a lot of water to beat the heat and stay healthy. Just remember, drinking cold water in the heat can make you sick, room temperature is the best. I know nothing tastes better than some ice, cold water when it’s 100° outside, but when you drink cold water while you are so hot, you tend to drink it too quickly which sends your body into a type of shock. This can give you an upset stomach, make you sick, and has even caused some people to faint.


The Florida heat has caused more illnesses, especially in seniors, in the summer months. The number one reason for this is because we forget to stay hydrated. Once our body becomes dehydrated, we can experience confusion, blood pressure, body temperature, and heart rate problems. If it continues, it can lead to kidney damage, brain damage, and in severe cases, death. For mild cases, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and rest; replenish your body with the fluids it has exhausted. For severe cases, seek medical help immediately.


I cannot stress the importance of staying hydrated in the heat; if you don’t like water, please drink fluids with electrolytes in it. Do NOT drink alcohol or sugary drinks in excess while out in the heat. Drinking these types of liquids will cause you to become more dehydrated.


Make sure you use plenty of sunscreen too. The Florida sun is different here; it is so much stronger than anywhere else. Not using sunscreen can lead to skin cancer which isn’t pleasant. It creates ugly patches on your skin and may have to be removed surgically. Even if your skin cancer is caught early and can be frozen, the spots that remain are red, patchy, and itchy, so just use the sunscreen and skip the hassle of possibly getting skin cancer.

 

Florida also has BUGS that are more prevalent in the summertime! We have horrendous summer storms, not to mention our hurricanes! Some of our summer storms can be worse than a hurricane, we are the lightening capital of the world. If you’re new to Florida and think you’ve found paradise, you are right, you did; but you need to be prepared for what’s in store for the summer months which can be wicked here in beautiful Florida.


UGH! The bugs in Florida are horrible! They literally eat you! It’s so hard to enjoy a morning or evening outside. They’re called no-see-ums, and they will give you welts, red marks, and itch like crazy. The worst part is you can’t see them until it’s too late. Then we have the biggest mosquitoes in the WORLD, okay, I’m exaggerating, but they are big, and so is their bite. Hopefully, one doesn’t get inside your house because it will buzz around your ears at night or worse, get under your covers and bite you all night long.


Storms and hurricanes are another summertime occurrence in Florida. Our summer storms can bring more rain, wind, and flooding than a hurricane. The good thing is they usually only last fifteen minutes to an hour and then they’re gone.


Hurricanes can last for days, drenching our grounds and blasting us with torrential winds. When these hurricanes stay for several days, they do so much damage to our homes, vehicles, and our mental stability. We can be stuck in our homes with no water or power for weeks, sometimes months. You must ensure you have plenty of water, food, and supplies on hand to last at least a month. Once everything is back to normal, stock up again because you never know when the next one will hit.


In 2004, Charley, Francis and Jean hit the New Smyrna Beach area all within a six-week time frame and it was brutal. Each brought their own specialties, and it is a year that will not soon be forgotten. Then in 2022, we had Ian and Nicole, both of which brought so much damage to our beachside and many structures around the entire state. It seems the storms are getting more intense as the years go by, but you can always prepare. Make sure you know what to have on hand and where you will go should you have to evacuate.



Living in Florida is the best! I have lived here all my life, and I don’t think I’d ever want to live anywhere else. If you think about it, everywhere has something and I don’t mind our summers. There are many people who cannot take the heat, bugs, or storms, but you can live with them if you plan and are prepared. Call Assisted Living Made Simple at 386-847-2322 to make a plan today!

There is a lot of lightning in the sky over the city at night.

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.
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