The Health Care System is Failing Our Parents & Grandparents

Rose Traub • August 24, 2020

As a senior advocate every day I get frantic phone calls and every day I see people in crises. I help people navigate our health-care system. It’s broken and it’s heartbreaking.

The other day I received a phone call from a wife, “Can you please come help me? Will you please come to my house? I don’t know what to do.”

I walk into her house and I see her husband sitting in feces. No one is there to help them. She’s so sick she can’t possibly do anything. She has home health which her physician ordered, but they weren’t there.

She keeps calling and begging them to come, but they can’t because Medicare only allows them to come once a day.

They are trapped in our broken health care system. This is unacceptable!!!

Once a day, really???

This is one of many calls I’ve received over the years. It’s getting worse, not better.

A dear friend called me because her husband was in the hospital. The doctor told her that he had to go to a rehabilitation facility.

She told him no, COVID is rampant in rehabs and she was going to send him to an assisted living facility where he could receive care and physical therapy.

The doctor informed her that if she didn’t do what he informed her to do, he would discharge him against medical advice and Medicare would not pay her hospitalization bill.

As if she didn’t have enough to worry about, let’s add more stress. Thankfully, she called me.

That is simply not true. He can go to an assisted living community and he’s been in one for 3 weeks now.

And guess what, he’s thriving and getting stronger every day.

I could write about my experiences for pages and pages. This was only two days this month, and I work seven days a week.

We as human beings have to step up. People are suffering.

Our system is turning a blind eye. It’s our seniors who are falling into the dark hole we call the health-care system and this just shouldn’t be happening.

Our medical community must stand up to the insurance industry for something to change. Business people, insurance agents are NOT licensed doctors. Doctors go to school for 10 plus years. The people making decisions for our health care may or may not have gone to school at all. It’s time to stand up!

By the way, I did help the gentleman sitting in his feces. I gave him a bath and made his wife a cup of tea. You would have done the same, RIGHT?

If you need help or encouragement as a Caregiver give us a call at 386-847-2322  or check out our  Caregiver Support Group. Our  Senior Advisors  are here to walk with you through this journey. 

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.

Why Are Seniors Always So Cold?

By Donna Nichols • March 9, 2026
If you’ve ever walked into a room full of older adults and noticed the sweaters, shawls, and space heaters humming in the corner, you’re not imagining it — many seniors really do feel colder than everyone else. And it’s not just a quirk. There are real, physical reasons behind it, and understanding them can make daily life a lot more comfortable. 1. Our Internal Thermostat Changes Over Time As we age, the body becomes less efficient at regulating temperature. The internal “thermostat” in the brain doesn’t respond as quickly to cold, so seniors may feel chilly even when the room is warm enough for others. 2. Less Muscle = Less Heat Muscle mass naturally decreases with age, and muscle is what helps generate body heat. With less of it, the body simply produces less warmth. Even active seniors may notice they get cold more easily than they used to. 3. Thinner Skin and Reduced Circulation Skin becomes thinner over time, offering less insulation. On top of that, circulation often slows, meaning warm blood takes longer to reach hands, feet, and other extremities. This is why fingers and toes are often the first to feel icy. 4. Medications Can Play a Role Many common medications — including those for blood pressure, thyroid issues, or depression — can affect how warm or cold someone feels. It’s not always the medication itself, but how it interacts with the body’s temperature signals. 5. Underlying Health Conditions Conditions like anemia, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or poor circulation can all contribute to feeling cold. Sometimes, persistent chilliness is the body’s way of asking for a check-in with a healthcare provider. 6. Hydration and Nutrition Matter More Than You Think Dehydration and low-calorie intake can both make the body feel colder. Seniors who don’t drink enough water or who eat lightly may notice they’re chilly more often. Simple Ways to Stay Warm and Comfortable • Layer up with breathable fabrics • Keep moving — even gentle stretching boosts circulation • Warm beverages throughout the day • Use blankets or heated throws safely • Check room drafts and adjust thermostat settings • Talk with a doctor if coldness is new or worsening A Warm Note to Close Feeling cold isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a natural part of aging. With a few small adjustments and a little awareness, seniors can stay cozy, comfortable, and confident all year long.