How a Senior Advisor Helps Find You an Assisted Living Community

Donna Nichols • April 12, 2024
A group of people standing in front of a building that says placement advisor

When you or a loved one needs an assisted living community, do you know how to find the correct community? 95% of people don’t, they know what they want, but they don’t know exactly what they need. When you search on your own, you look at the aesthetics of the community, you don’t look at the “inside” of that community as well.

 

What you see when searching for an assisted living community is what’s on the outside, the big apartments, the nice garden area, the pretty dining room, the beautiful chandeliers, the large, heated swimming pool. What you don’t look for is what kind of care they offer. How long has the nursing staff been there? Do they even have nursing staff? Will I be able to live there forever as I decline? How long has the executive director been there?

 

There are so many factors to take into consideration when searching for an assisted living community and you cannot think of everything. That’s why you need a senior advisor. A senior advisor helps seniors find a place that best suits their needs and wants. This is a very time-consuming process if you don’t know the communities, that’s why it’s best to work with a specialist. Best of all, senior advisors work for FREE!

 

So, what does a senior advisor do?

 

Senior advisors specialize in finding seniors the right place to live where they can age in place. At Assisted Living Made Simple we like to call it the perfect forever home. Senior advisors know the area, the different licenses the communities have and the inside scoop about each place and what it’s really like to live there.

 

An advisor should take the following factors into consideration for each situation:

 

1.     What is the person’s monthly budget? You don’t want them to be over-extended on their monthly payments.

2.     What are their payment options? Is it all private pay, do they have long-term care insurance, are they able to receive VA Aid and Attendance?

3.     What are their care needs? Do they only need medication management? If so, the price won’t be as much as if they need medication management, dressing and bathing assistance, feeding assistance, etc.

4.     Is the location close to family and friends? You want to make sure they are near friends and family to ensure they are visited regularly. If they have visitors regularly, they don’t feel so alone, and it helps them adapt easier.

5.     What is your loved one(s) personality? Do they like to socialize? Would they prefer a larger community with more people? Or would they prefer a smaller community with less people? This is another important factor to consider. We don’t want them living somewhere with a lot of other people where they will feel intimidated or out of place. We want them to be comfortable.

6.     What kind of lifestyle did they have and what kind do they want to have now? Were they active before leaving their home and would they like to continue to be and are they able to continue to be active? Do they prefer to do things on their own, like reading, puzzles, and watching TV? Are these the things they want to continue to do while at their new home?

 

Once you, your loved one(s) and your advisor take all the above into consideration, your advisor will set up tours of some communities they believe will be the perfect fit for your elder. They will take you on the tours and help you narrow the options down to the top choice. Once you have made your decision, your advisor will set up your move in with the community. He/she will give you information on movers and anything else you may need. Your advisor will be by your side through the entire journey.

 

You do NOT pay a senior advisor out of your pocket. An advisor receives a commission from the community your loved one moves into. Should an advisor ask you for a fee, walk away and look for another advisor!! Also, do NOT sign an exclusivity form with an advisor. An advisor does not have exclusive rights to YOU!

 

As you can see, there are many factors to take into consideration when looking for a senior living community. Please do NOT go this route alone. Assisted Living Made Simple is YOUR senior advisor team! We are here for you, and we will do our due diligence to find you the perfect forever home for you or your loved one(s). Call today for your FREE consultation, 386-847-2322.

 


A group of people standing in front of a building that says placement advisor

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.

Hurricane Season in Florida

By Donna Nichols • June 4, 2025
Florida's paradise of sun-kissed beaches, vibrant culture, and tropical beauty—is also home to one of the most intense annual weather phenomena: hurricane season. From June 1 to November 30, Floridians remain on high alert as powerful storms brew in the Atlantic, each potentially bringing torrential rain, fierce winds, and coastal surges. Understanding hurricane season is crucial for residents and visitors, as it ensures safety and preparedness in the face of nature’s fury. The Impact on Florida Florida has experienced some of the most destructive hurricanes in history, including Andrew (1992), Irma (2017), Ian (2022), Debby, Helene, and Milton (2024). These storms left behind immense devastation, flooding homes, severing power lines, and reshaping entire communities. The economic toll of hurricanes is staggering, affecting local businesses, tourism, and infrastructure. Coastal regions, particularly the Florida Keys and areas along the Gulf Coast, often face the most significant risk. However, inland areas are not immune—wind damage and flooding can wreak havoc miles from the shoreline. Preparing for Hurricane Season Being prepared is the best defense against hurricanes. Here’s how Floridians can safeguard themselves: Stay Informed : Monitor local weather reports and emergency alerts. The National Hurricane Center provides real-time tracking and updates. Create an Emergency Kit : Stock up on essentials, including water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, and extra batteries. Don’t forget important documents and pet supplies! Have a Plan : Know evacuation routes and shelter locations. Discuss emergency plans with family members and establish a safe meeting point. Secure Your Home : Reinforce windows, clear debris from your yard, and consider investing in storm shutters if possible. Hurricane season is a reality in Florida, but with preparation and awareness, residents can confidently weather the storm. Whether you’re a lifelong Floridian or a visitor experiencing the Sunshine State, staying informed and ready is key.  Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember—storms may come, but resilience keeps Florida strong.
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