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.

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.