The Importance of Words and How They Affect People

Donna Nichols • July 5, 2024
A scrabble board with the words `` choose words '' written on it.

Have you ever been at a restaurant or in a store and the server or clerk calls you “honey” or “sweetheart”? I, personally, can’t stand it when someone calls me this, even if it’s done with the best of intentions. This is condescending in my opinion and usually done by someone much younger than I am.

 

We tend to “talk down” to seniors as well. It’s not our intention, it’s just something we do, and we need to be more aware of it and change the way we speak to them and about them.

 

A lot of seniors think of their caregivers as “babysitters” we must emphasize they are caregivers and are there to make sure nothing happens to them. Explain to them that as you cannot be there, someone must prepare their meals because they can’t cook or carry plates to the table any longer. Let them know the caregiver is not there to babysit them, they are there to assist them. The caregiver is there to make their bed, do their laundry, and clean their bathroom as they are no longer able to do those things either.

 

Another important thing is using the word “diaper.” Please don’t use this word if your senior is incontinent. Call them what they are, whether they are Depends, or pads, or whatever, just don’t call them diapers, because babies wear diapers.

 

Remember: small changes make big differences.

 

Thinking about the words you use; how do you convince your loved one it’s time to move into an assisted living community? Please don’t use the word “facility,” this word brings up ideas of a nursing home or an institution and our assisted living communities are nothing like that. Use words like community or apartment, after all, they are moving into an apartment within a community.

 

Don’t dwell on their declination, instead stress the positive aspects of the community. Like, senior communities are resort-like living with all your meals included housekeeping, activities, and laundry; you don’t have to do anything unless you want to. You will have so many other people to share movie time with, meals with, play cards with and so many other social gatherings with others.

 

Should you slip up and use words that make them feel like a child, don’t beat yourself up, just apologize and try better next time. Change takes time, once you start noticing the words you say and the impact they have, the easier it will become to improve. All we really want is for our loved ones to maintain their dignity and be willing to accept the support they need so they can continue to live life to the fullest.

 

Should you need assistance with any aspect concerning your elder(s), please call us at 386-847-2322. We are Assisted Senior Services.

 

Maya Angelou said it best,

 

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said,
people will forget what you did,
but people will never forget how you made them feel.” 

— Maya Angelou

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.

How the Spring Season Helps Us Heal

By Donna Nichols • March 3, 2026
Spring has a way of softening the world. The air warms, the light lingers, and suddenly the small things — a bird call, a new bloom, a gentle breeze — feel like invitations to breathe a little deeper. For many seniors, especially those carrying grief, stress, or the weight of a long winter, March can feel like a quiet turning point. Here’s why spring so often brings emotional renewal, no matter your age. 1. Light Returns, and So Does Energy Longer days naturally lift mood. More sunlight helps regulate sleep, boosts energy, and gently nudges the body out of winter’s heaviness. Even a few minutes outside can shift the way the day feels. 2. Nature Models Healing Spring is a season of second chances. Trees bud again, flowers push through the soil, and the world rebuilds itself without rushing. For seniors navigating loss or change, this slow, steady renewal can feel reassuring — a reminder that healing isn’t linear, but it is possible. 3. Movement Feels More Natural Warmer weather encourages small steps: a walk to the mailbox, a few minutes on the porch, tending to a plant. These simple movements help ease stiffness, improve mood, and reconnect the body with the world around it. 4. Social Life Blossoms Too As the weather improves, people naturally come out of hibernation. Neighbors chat outside, community events pick up, and families gather more often. Even brief interactions can brighten a day and reduce feelings of isolation. 5. Spring Encourages Reflection — and Release There’s something about fresh air and open windows that invites a mental reset. Many seniors find themselves sorting through memories, letting go of what no longer serves them, and making space for what’s next. A Season That Meets You Where You Are Spring doesn’t demand big changes. It simply offers gentle reminders: you’re still growing, still healing, still here. Whether you’re grieving, rebuilding, or simply ready for a lighter season, March brings a quiet kind of hope — one that arrives softly and stays.

Winter Wellness: Staying Safe and Steady in February

By Donna Nichols • February 5, 2026
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.