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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Staying Active as the Weather Warms

By Donna Nichols • April 17, 2026
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Allergy Season Is Here: What Seniors Should Know

By Donna Nichols • April 2, 2026
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.

Why Are Seniors Always So Cold?

By Donna Nichols • March 9, 2026
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.