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

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.