What Do Seniors Need Most?

Donna Nichols • September 26, 2020
The number one thing we find our seniors need most is advocates!! Not traditional advocates, they need advocates with HEART!!!! Senior Advocates who do the job because they love it and love the seniors, not just because they are getting paid for it. Money should not drive an advocate .What do Seniors Need Most? Senior Advocates that will fight for themLove and heart should be the driving force. If money drives them, then they won’t fight for the seniors like they need to fight. Someone has to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. Advocates fight for children and the homeless.

What about our seniors?

They get forgotten. People have lost heart through the years and most of them are so much more about the money. For five (5) days a week, eight (8) hours a day, they will do what the system allows them to do for our seniors. What happens when something arises on the weekend? Does that senior have your cell phone number? No, they have your office number, but you’re not there. An advocate needs to be readily available because anything can happen at any given moment. And this is usually exactly when something happens when you’re not available. So, you say, “But I don’t get paid to work weekends.” Really? What if it was your mother or father? Wouldn’t you want someone fighting for them no matter what time of day it was? I would!!! The advocates I refer to are the social workers and case managers, but the heart has been lost in their positions. It’s not all their fault. They now have agendas because our health-care system has failed them. The system won’t let them do what is really needed for the people. The policies they have are unfortunately the wrong ones, as most agendas are filled with their own fulfillment. If it’s not my family, I won’t worry about it type of attitude. Not everyone thinks this way, but many have these thought patterns. However, if you are an independent advocate, you don’t have to answer to the “system”. Well, I ask you to do one thing. Put yourself in that person’s shoes and think of them as your family. Your mother and/or father don’t have enough money to go to assisted living, yet you can’t care for them and you don’t want them fading away in a nursing home. Especially these days where COVID has been rampant in the nursing homes due to patients being sent to the hospital and brought back with COVID.

What does one do?

The advocates need to have the resources and the ability to help the seniors receive financial assistance. They need financial help in the way of government subsidies, other than Medicaid. So, if you’re thinking Medicaid will help, let me share this with you. Medicaid is backlogged years ! It can take up to five (5) years for a person to receive Medicaid benefits. This is unacceptable when someone needs this money to survive. If you are at the end of your rope and don’t know where to turn or what to do to help, wouldn’t you like to know there are advocates that will help you with no hidden agenda? An advocate that has only you and your loved one(s) best interest at heart? Wouldn’t it be great to have someone say, “I got you!”? Let us help you! We can take the stress out of finding the perfect solution for your unique situation. Here at Assisted Living Made Simple , we will fight for you and your loved ones. Schedule a FREE Consultation with us or pick up the phone and give us a call at 386-847-2322 Today!
By Donna Nichols September 5, 2025
In a world that often moves too fast, senior advisors offer something rare and essential: time, understanding, and a steady hand. Unlike their counterparts in the business world, senior advisors in elder care aren’t focused on profit margins—they’re focused on people. Who They Are Senior advisors in this space are often seasoned professionals, caregivers, or community advocates who help older adults and their families navigate complex decisions. They may work in senior living communities, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, or independently. What They Do • Guide families through transitions: Whether it's choosing assisted living or downsizing a home, senior advisors help make sense of it all. • Advocate for dignity and autonomy: They ensure that older adults’ voices are heard and respected in every decision. • Connect to resources: From transportation and wellness programs to Alzheimer’s and grief support, they know where to turn. • Offer emotional support: Sometimes, the most valuable thing they offer is a listening ear and a calming presence. Why It Matters A senior advisor isn’t just a resource—they’re a lifeline. They help families breathe easier, empower older adults to make informed choices, and bring compassion into moments that can feel overwhelming. If you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds like me,” you’re not alone. Many of us play this role informally, answering questions, calming nerves, and connecting dots. Whether you’re a professional advisor or a trusted neighbor, your presence makes a difference.  If you or someone you love is facing a big decision and could use a calm, caring guide—we’re here. No pressure, no jargon, just real people ready to help. Call us today on 386-847-2322 to start the conversation. Sometimes, the first step is simply knowing you’re not alone.
By Donna Nichols September 4, 2025
September brings a quiet kind of magic—the golden light, the hint of fall in the air, and a moment to honor the everyday heroes who’ve shaped our lives with love, laughter, and legendary stories: our grandparents. Whether you’re a grandparent yourself, a grateful grandchild, or someone who’s been “adopted” by a wise elder in your life, Grandparents Day is a chance to pause and celebrate the beautiful bridge between generations. What Makes Grandparents So Grand? • They’re walking history books—with tales of jukeboxes, moon landings, and the original recipe for Sunday gravy. • They’re master cheerleaders, showing up with hugs, cookies, and the kind of encouragement that sticks for life. • They’re wisdom whisperers, offering advice that somehow makes more sense with each passing year. And let’s be honest: they also have the uncanny ability to make you feel like the most important person in the room. A Legacy of Love Grandparents teach us that love doesn’t have to be loud to be lasting. It’s in the quiet gestures: the handwritten birthday card, the saved newspaper clipping, the way they remember your favorite snack or ask about that thing you mentioned weeks ago. They remind us that resilience is built over time—through hard work, humor, and a whole lot of heart. Their stories carry lessons we didn’t know we needed until we suddenly find ourselves living them. And for those who’ve lost a grandparent, this day can be bittersweet. But it’s also a chance to honor their memory—by sharing their stories, cooking their favorite dish, or simply whispering a thank-you into the September breeze. Celebrate with Us: A Little Fun for the Big Day This Grandparents Day, we invite you to: • Share a memory: What’s one moment with a grandparent that still makes you smile? • Send a shoutout: Post a photo or quote from your favorite grandparent on social media and tag us.
By Donna Nichols August 14, 2025
On August 21, we pause to celebrate the heartbeat of our communities—our senior citizens. This day isn’t just about marking a date on the calendar. It’s about recognizing the wisdom, resilience, and warmth that older adults bring to every conversation, every gathering, and every generation. Wisdom That Lights the Way From stories of first jobs and family traditions to lessons learned through love and loss, seniors carry a lifetime of insight. Their experiences are more than memories—they’re guideposts for those still finding their way. Today, we honor those stories and the voices behind them. Connection That Matters Whether it’s a neighborly wave, a shared recipe, or a quiet moment on the porch, seniors remind us that connection doesn’t need fanfare—it just needs heart. National Senior Citizens Day is a chance to say, “We see you. We value you. We’re better because of you.” Ways to Celebrate Host a storytelling circle or memory-sharing event Share a favorite photo and the story behind it Create a “Senior Spotlight” wall with quotes and wisdom Invite younger generations to learn a skill from a senior (gardening, baking, crafting) Spend time—listen, laugh, and learn A Day of Gratitude Let’s make August 21 a day of genuine appreciation. Whether you’re a senior yourself or someone lucky enough to know and love one, take a moment to reflect on the richness they bring to our lives. Their legacy is living, breathing, and beautifully unfolding every day.  This is a day to be celebrated every day! Senior citizens bring so much fulfillment to our lives, and we need to embrace the moments we spend with them, for they are precious.