How Assisted Living Can Help Prevent Trips to The ER

Donna Nichols • February 16, 2021

An Assisted Living Community has many benefits but fewer trips to the ER may not be one you’ve thought about before. 

If your senior is still living in their own home, please read our blog about the home safety checklist to ensure the home is safe.

You may wonder how assisted living communities help prevent trips to the ER.

Well, let’s look at the bathroom in the seniors home versus the bathroom in an assisted living community.

While there are no 100% ways to guarantee accidents won’t happen assisted living communities are much better equipped to prevent recurring accidents. Let’s have a look at some of the ways they help prevent trips to the ER.

  1. Is the bathroom in the home equipped with grab bars in and out of the shower?
  2. Are there grab bars installed near the toilet?
  3. Are there throw rugs in the bathroom?
  4. Is the floor in the bathroom tile and does it get slippery?

Bathrooms in assisted living communities are handicapped accessorized . Meaning they have grab bars installed in the shower and outside of the shower. There is a grab bar by the toilet so they can raise themselves up easier, a lot of the bathrooms have pull strings as well.

Most of the floors have the non-slip tile or the rubber mats that are trip-proof.

In the home, are there handrails down the hallway and/or up the stairs? How about stairs to get up into the home? Are there three or four steps the senior has to climb to get into the front or back door? Are the handrails sturdy?

In an assisted living community, there are handrails in all of the hallways.

The communities don’t have stairs because seniors don’t need the aggravation or worry about having to climb them.

However, some do have inclines where a step or two might have been at one time. Assisted livings install ramps where the steps were so the wheelchairs, walkers, and any other equipment glide easier. Also, many seniors tend to not pick up their feet, so the ramp is easier for them to maneuver.

Does the senior have access to regular exercise in their home? If so, do they actually do it?

In an assisted living community, they have exercise programs to help the senior build strength in not only their muscles, but their minds as well.

Check out our blog on senior friendly activities for some things you can do with your seniors to help sharpen them.

Most seniors won’t go to the doctor if they think they have a cold, which can then turn into pneumonia.

In an assisted living community, they have access to regular doctor check-ups and if something is wrong, they receive the medical attention they require.

Does the senior eat healthy living at home?

Probably not, but at an assisted living community, they get the proper nutrition their body needs, and they get it three times a day! Yes! They receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all prepared by a community chef.

This is sounding pretty good right?

When a senior lives alone, they are just that, alone. What happens if they need to change a light bulb? Perhaps they need to step on a stool to reach it, and oops, they slip and fall.

Hopefully, someone checks on them regularly and will find them quickly, but what if that’s not the case? They could lay there for a long time before anyone realizes it and who knows what could happen.

In an assisted living community, they only need to tell the staff the light bulb is out and the staff has someone change the bulb for them.

No worries!!

If you are worried about placing your senior into an assisted living community, I hope this blog gives you some peace of mind.

Not only will they thrive and make new friends, but they will also have fewer trips to the ER, and have around the clock care.

That’s not slighting your loved one, that’s LOVING them!!!

If you need help or encouragement as a Caregiver give us a call at  386-847-2322  or check out our  Caregiver Support Group. Our  Senior Advisors  are here to walk with you through this journey.

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.

Weathering the Storm: A Senior’s Guide to Hurricane Season in Florida

By Donna Nichols • June 3, 2025
Hurricane season in Florida, running from June to November, is a time for preparation, not panic. While these storms bring powerful winds, heavy rain, and potential flooding, a well-thought-out plan can make all the difference—especially for seniors. Taking proactive steps ensures safety, comfort, and peace of mind when the storm arrives. Let’s explore how you can best prepare, stay safe, and recover after the storm. For seniors, hurricanes present unique challenges. Mobility concerns may make evacuation difficult, medical needs require careful planning, and power outages can disrupt essential healthcare devices. Knowing the potential risks helps guide preparation efforts. Flooding: Heavy rain and storm surges can cause rapid water level rises, making roads impassable and homes vulnerable. Strong Winds: Hurricanes can bring winds exceeding 100 mph, toppling trees, damaging homes, and cutting off power. Extended Recovery Time: After a storm, essential services may be limited, making access to food, medications, and transportation difficult. Essential Preparations Emergency Kit: Assemble an emergency kit with the following essentials: medications, medical records, flashlights, extra batteries, non-perishable food, and water (enough for one gallon per person per day) – sufficient for three to five days. Evacuation Plan: Find nearby senior-friendly hurricane shelters that provide accessibility and medical support. Arrange Transportation: If you don’t drive, organize transportation with family, friends, or local emergency services. Communication Strategy: Stay connected with family, neighbors, and emergency contacts. Sign up for emergency alerts through local weather services.  Staying Safe During the Storm When the storm arrives, stay indoors and follow safety guidelines. Shelter Wisely: If you are staying home, choose an interior room away from windows. Monitor Updates: Use a battery-powered radio or phone to stay informed on conditions. Stay Calm: Practice relaxation techniques to manage stress and anxiety. What to do After the Storm Once the storm passes, careful steps ensure safety. • Assess Damage before venturing outside—watch for fallen power lines or debris. • Seek Assistance for cleanup, repairs, or financial aid through FEMA or community organizations. • Emotional Resilience: Recovering from a hurricane takes time. Connect with neighbors, friends, and local support groups to help ease the process. Conclusion Preparation is the best way to weather the storm—both physically and emotionally. By taking proactive steps, seniors can remain safe, informed, and in control during hurricane season. If you or a loved one needs additional support, contact your local emergency management office or organizations like the Red Cross. Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember that every storm eventually passes.

What do Seniors Want?

By Donna Nichols • May 7, 2025
Aging isn’t about slowing down—it’s about living more deliberately. As people age, their priorities shift from chasing time to cherishing it. So, what do seniors truly want? The answer is as diverse as the individuals themselves, but some clear themes emerge when we listen closely. 1. Connection and Community One of the most important things seniors crave is connection. Meaningful relationships bring joy and purpose, whether with family, old friends, or new acquaintances. Many seek social opportunities through clubs, senior centers, classes, or online communities. Loneliness can be a silent struggle, so companionship is a deeply valued part of life. 2. Respect and Independence Seniors want to be seen for who they are: individuals with a lifetime of experience, knowledge, and stories. Being treated with dignity and not being "talked down to" matters. So does having the freedom to make choices about their own lives. Maintaining a sense of autonomy is key when deciding how to spend their day, what to eat, or where to live. 3. Health and Wellness Staying healthy is more than just avoiding illness—it’s about having the energy to enjoy life. Seniors are increasingly proactive about fitness, mental health, and nutrition. Access to quality healthcare, fitness programs tailored to their needs, and mental stimulation are all top priorities. 4. Purpose and Meaning Retirement doesn’t mean retiring from life. Many seniors want to stay active through volunteering, mentoring, or even starting new ventures. Purpose drives fulfillment, whether taking care of grandchildren, learning a new skill, or contributing to a cause they care about. 5. Security and Peace of Mind Financial stability, safe housing, and access to reliable services give seniors peace of mind. Many are concerned about outliving their savings, dealing with unexpected health issues, or navigating complex systems. Clear information, supportive resources, and a sense of safety help ease these worries. 6. Fun and Adventure Yes—seniors still want fun! Travel, hobbies, music, food, and laughter never go out of style. Joy is ageless, whether it's a road trip, gardening, or dancing to old tunes. Seniors want to experience life, not just watch it pass by. Start by Listening Ultimately, the best way to understand what seniors want is simple: ask them. Every person, no matter their age, has unique preferences, needs, and dreams. When we listen with empathy and engage with respect, we create a world where aging is celebrated, not feared. Let’s build that world together. Call us to help each other enrich the lives of our seniors. 386-847-2322.
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