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
.
Love 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.
Love 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!
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?
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.
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.