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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What can a Senior Advisor do for you?

By Donna Nichols • July 17, 2025
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?

Beating the Florida Summer Heat

By Donna Nichols • July 7, 2025
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.

Honoring Independence Day with Grace

By Donna Nichols • July 2, 2025
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.