What Does it Take to Move Into an Assisted Living Community?

Donna Nichols • January 18, 2023
A list of types of assisted living facility licenses in florida

Not sure what it takes to move into assisted living? Let’s talk about some of the criteria and the different licenses. Education is so important, you don’t want to choose an assisted living community based on the aesthetics only!! Not every assisted living is the same!!


We will start with the assisted living criteria:


• You must be able to stand and pivot alone, or with one or two-person assist.


• Assisted living communities are private pay; they do NOT accept Medicare as a form of   payment. There are Medicaid communities, but not all communities accept Medicaid (we know which ones do) and it has to be Medicaid waiver for assisted living.


• All prospective residents require a negative COVID test 24 hours prior to admission.


• Hospice patients may be eligible for certain assisted livings based on their condition.


Let’s talk about licenses now. We know what communities have what kind of license and we work with you to figure what kind of license you will need, if any.


• Standard - This licensure allows basic assistance with dressing, transfers, feeding, grooming, bathing, toileting, medication management and administration.

 

• LNS – This licensure allows residents to receive licensed nursing assistance.

 

• ECC – An ECC license allows for additional nursing services and total assistance with personal care services. Residents may have higher impairment levels than those living in a standard ALF. 

 

• LMH – This licensure is issued to a standard ALF that serves three or more mental health residents. The facility administrator and the staff of the facility who are in direct contact with mental health residents must complete specified training.


What does Assisted Living Made Simple (ALMS) do for you?


• ALMS helps you make a plan


• ALMS has the resources to facilitate the process. We’ve already done the leg work


• ALMS work hand in hand with you


• ALMS know what communities have what available


• As senior advocates, ALMS makes recommendations for home health care, private caregivers, and Hospice care

 

• ALMS places seniors into assisted living, independent living, and memory care communities

 

• ALMS walk the family through the process, evaluating all their needs; medically, financially, socially

 

• ALMS handles all logistics; from start to finish

 

So, what exactly does a senior advocate do you ask? Well, at Assisted Living Made Simple, here are some of the other things we can do for you; and we do it all for FREE!!!

 

• ALMS works diligently with families and/or client to find the best plan of action

 

• ALMS works to qualify the needs of the client

 

• ALMS will assess the client’s needs today as well as future needs

 

• ALMS will chisel down available benefits for the client

 

• ALMS will advocate for the senior! Whatever it takes!!! We will fight the fight!

 

Now that you know more about assisted living and the criteria, give us a call to schedule your FREE consultation!! Assisted Living Made Simple has helped thousands of families through the confusing maze and we can help you too; all you have to do is pick up the phone!! 386-847-2322.

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The Heart of Guidance: The Role of a Senior Advisor in Elder Care

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.

Grandparents Day: A Celebration of Heart, Humor & Heritage

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’ve also got the best one-liners, the quirkiest traditions, and 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.

Honoring Our Elders: National Senior Citizens Day

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.