Care for Mom

Donna Nichols • April 6, 2023
An elderly woman in a wheelchair is looking out of a window.

Does your mom need more care? Does she live alone and are you worried about her? Have you tried home health care and find it just too much money, or perhaps the caregivers are different each time and mom requires more consistency?


Sometimes the signs mom needs more care are easy to spot, other times they are very hard to see. Let’s look at some of the signs that mom may need more care than she is receiving.


Two of the easiest signs are:


1.     The doctor recommends more care and possibly mom move to assisted living. Assisted Living Made Simple can assist you in your search for assisted living.


2.     Mom suffered a fall and cannot handle her home by herself. Mom can go to an assisted living community for rehab instead of a nursing home. Call us and we will help you place her somewhere she will be well taken care of.


These signs are very blatant and no-brainers; you must take more care of your mom. Whether it be moving her into assisted living or having home health come in, you must do something to ensure her safety.


Some signs that aren’t as easy to spot are:


1.     Mom’s personal hygiene has diminished. Her hair is unkempt, her clothes are dirty, and she is no longer keeping up with her makeup. It becomes hard for mom to keep up with laundry and sometimes she forgets to bathe.


2.     Mom’s mail is piling up and bills aren’t being paid. Sometimes when seniors become forgetful, it may be time for them to have more care, especially if they live alone.


3.     Mom forgot to lock the front door or turn off the stove. These two issues can be very dangerous and should be addressed immediately!


4.     Has mom lost or gained weight? Maybe she is forgetting to eat, or she forgot she ate and ate again. Having someone to help her would keep her on a regular meal schedule and she wouldn’t be apt to over or under eat.


5.     It’s hard for mom to get out of the bed, or her chair and walk to the other rooms in the house. Decreased mobility can mean mom needs more care, either in the home or in assisted living.


6.     Mom just doesn’t seem to want to do anything anymore. Has she lost interest in the things she used to love? Maybe having more care would inspire her to get back to the things she loves doing.


7.     Mom seems so lonely. If mom is alone all the time, she will become isolated and lonely. Having a caregiver can help with this, but it’s not full-time. If mom is feeling depressed and seems very isolated, you should look into assisted living. She will have other people around all the time, every day, to help keep her busy and occupied.


Signs of dementia in mom can range from aggressive behaviors, disorientation, and confusion. Other signs include problems speaking or struggling to find the right words and having trouble planning or organizing things, or perhaps she keeps repeating herself. Should you notice any of these signs in mom, please take her to a neurologist to be checked for Alzheimer’s or dementia.


Whatever signs mom is showing, we implore you to seek the necessary care for her. Whether it be home health care or assisted living, getting mom the care she needs is what is important. Assisted Living Made Simple will assist you whichever path you choose; just give us a call at 386-847-2322. We’re here to help.


An elderly woman wearing glasses is looking out of a window.

Protecting Your Skin at Every Age — Especially Under the Florida Sun

By Donna Nichols • May 4, 2026
May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, an important time to talk about protecting the skin we live in. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and Florida’s year‑round sunshine makes awareness especially important for seniors. Many older adults grew up in a time before sunscreen was widely used, which means decades of sun exposure may increase risk today. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, can develop quickly — but when caught early, it is highly treatable. Other types of skin cancer, like basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, are also common in seniors and often appear on areas that have seen the most sun over the years: the face, ears, neck, arms, and hands. What to look for: Early detection saves lives. Seniors should watch for: • New spots or moles • Changes in size, shape, or color • Spots that itch, bleed, or don’t heal • Anything that looks different from the rest Dermatologists often use the ABCDE rule to help identify concerning changes: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving over time. Simple ways to protect your skin: • Wear a wide‑brimmed hat and lightweight long sleeves when outdoors • Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply regularly • Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) • Avoid tanning beds • Schedule regular skin checks with a dermatologist, especially if you’ve had sunburns in the past Skin cancer awareness isn’t about avoiding the outdoors — it’s about enjoying it safely. Sunshine can lift our spirits, support healthy sleep, and encourage movement, but it’s important to protect ourselves along the way. With a few mindful habits and regular check‑ins, seniors can stay active, confident, and sun‑smart all year long.

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.