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!
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.
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.
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.