When is the Time Right?

Donna Nichols • December 21, 2022

How do you know when it's time to move your loved one to assisted living?

A group of elderly people are posing for a picture.

So, twenty-five or thirty years ago, you promised mom or dad you would NEVER put them in a “home”. Well, have you checked out the “homes” lately? They aren’t called “homes” anymore in they way they were and most of the stigma has been removed from the label. The assisted living communities of today are more like resort-style living. They are so well-equipped that you never have to leave.


Most of them have chapels, beauty salons, gyms, swimming pools, a bar, dining room, a common room, a library and so much more. They also include three (3) square meals a day, utilities, housekeeping, laundry, nursing care (if needed), activities, outings and transportation (if you don’t drive). Another upside to assisted living is there is no house or yard maintenance, if a light bulb goes out in your apartment, you call maintenance, how awesome is that? You also don’t have to pay for homeowner’s insurance or have the worry about replacing appliances. If I was old enough, and the time is coming soon, I would consider living in an assisted living community (in the independent section) just for the convenience of it all.


Now, how do you know when it’s time to move mom or dad to an assisted living? First and foremost, when safety is an issue is the biggest concern! Take the quiz below and if you answer yes to a few of the questions, you may want to give us a call to schedule your free consultation.


What happens when I call? When you call our office at 386-847-2322, I will take some basic information from you about your loved one. I will then give that information to one of our highly trained advisors who will contact you to go into more detail about your loved one’s medical, financial and social needs. Your advisor will then recommend what they feel is the best solution for your unique situation; it may not be assisted living; it may be home health or day care. Your advisor will then personally escort you on tours of the assisted living communities, if that is the recommendation agreed upon.


We will stay with you from start to finish! Holding your hand every step of the way, there is a lot to consider, and you have so much on your plate as it is, let US help you!!



1.     Is your loved one at risk of falling or having difficulty getting around?

2.     Is personal care such as, unkempt clothes, hygiene, change in appearance, attending to hair, bathing and dressing becoming more difficult?

3.     Is taking medications becoming more confusing with the right doses and at the right times?

4.     Is your loved one losing weight or finding it difficult to cook or grocery shop?

5.     Are the daily household chores and yard being neglected or becoming unsafe?

6.     Are we noticing a diminishment in driving skills – dents/scratches – driving too slowly? OR if not driving, are they having difficulty arranging transportation?

7.     Has there been an increased amount of memory loss, forgetfulness, or confusion?

8.     Is unopened mail piling up, past due bills, or mishandled finances?

9.     Has your loved one become reluctant to leave the house or socialize?

10. Are you noticing changes in personality, mood, or are they experiencing more irritability?


Please call us right away if you answered yes to any of the above questions so we can evaluate your loved one’s unique situation. People thrive today once they move into assisted living communities, so let’s start the new year off right by keeping mom, dad, or both, safe, healthy and happy.

An older woman and a younger woman are posing for a picture together.

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.