Benefits of Smaller Assisted Living Communities

Donna Nichols • February 4, 2022

When looking for an assisted living community for yourself or a loved one, you may think of the bigger the better; not always the case!

Yes, the larger communities are beautiful, brighter, plenty of room to roam around, but do they have enough staff for the residents?

Are the meals home-cooked?

Are you able to all eat together like one big happy family?

Come along as we tour one of the Smaller Assisted Living Homes in Florida

@roseassistedlivingguide It’s the individual patios for megive me a call and I’ll help you find an #assistedliving perfect for your loved one! 386-847-2322 #agingparent ♬ Paper Birds (3 min) - Jordan Halpern Schwartz
On TikTok? Come connect with us and watch more tours of communities

Why We Love the Smaller Communities

We love the smaller communities because the residents receive more one-on-one care; the staff ratio is usually one, maybe two staff members per resident (usually six residents).

In the larger communities, with such staff shortages, you’re lucky if the ratio is one staff member for each twenty-thirty residents.

Think about those numbers!

We’re not saying anything is wrong with the larger communities, it’s just the care you or your loved one receives in a smaller community can be so much more personal and more often .

There are home-cooked meals in a kitchen where you can sit at the dining room table and talk with the person preparing your dinner.

The smaller communities have a dining room table for six to eight , so it’s like having dinner with your family.

Everyone is together at one place; not all spread around in a great big dining hall.

You get to know each other (residents and staff) more personally and develop friendships and real relationships with these people.

The smaller communities can shop at local fresh markets as opposed to having a supplier have to deliver the fruits and vegetables and such.

This makes options tastier and healthier.

Generally, each large bedroom has a private bathroom ; there are some smaller communities that have shared rooms with shared bathrooms.

This particular one in the video has a private bathroom in each bedroom and as you can see the bedrooms are large and you are able to fit quite a bit of furniture in them.

The fact that they do each person’s laundry individually is a fabulous touch.

Some of the larger communities have you write the residents name in the clothes and they wash them by floors or sections; some of these communities are huge and it would take a lot of time to wash each person’s clothes individually.

Most of the communities, large and small, allow you to bring your own furniture. However, the larger communities seem to have smaller rooms so you may not be able to bring all that you’d like.

The smaller communities are easier to accept all the furniture you want in your room. Having a patio is another great feature; not all offer patios, so if you find a community with a patio, grab it!

The living room area is very large and can accommodate many people. Most of them are equipped with lift chairs as well; if not lift chairs, they have extremely comfortable recliners.

This is especially great for game night which could be so entertaining. Look at all the room for Twister!!

These are just some of the reasons why we at Assisted Living Made Simple love our smaller communities and we think you will love them too! Call us today to schedule your FREE consultation.

How It Works

Learn Your Needs

Assisted living facilities are not one size fits all. We start by learning your unique needs and desires for your next home.

Be There Every Step

From touring facilities with you to helping you navigate the healthcare system, our team will be there will you every step of the way.

Love Your Next Stage

Moving into an assisted living facility is a big change, but with the right placement, you can love your next home.

Our service is complimentary. There is never any cost to the senior or their family . 

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.