How to Stay Safe Around the House This Summer

Donna Nichols • June 19, 2023
A construction worker wearing a hard hat and safety vest.

Another great article in the June 2023 AARP Bulletin discusses ways to stay safe this summer. It covers ways to stay safe around the house, around town, when you travel and outdoors. The first blog will cover ways to stay safe around the house. Each section was written by different experts, so I will highlight some of the bullet points for you here.


Tony Nestor suggests storing at least 3 to 6 gallons of bottled water per person – enough to last three days – along with chlorine dioxide tablets to purify additional water, if available. This is in case there is too much power being used and the power company must turn grids off or there are blackouts, or there is severe weather, and the power is out for days. He also suggests having a hand operated can opener, hand flashlights, and batteries.


Steve Kerber points out that you have only three minutes or less to escape a home fire. Steve says if you’re on an upper floor and have only one staircase, please make an alternate escape route. He also says to make sure you have smoke alarms installed on the ceiling or high on the walls on every level of the house, inside every bedroom and outside sleeping areas. Make sure you check them at least twice a year.


Blake Layton says if you notice signs like pencil-thin mud tubes along your home’s foundation or discarded wings after a termite swarm, call for help right away. Also, if traveling, bedbugs like to hitch onto your clothes, so check the mattress for dark or reddish spots and use the luggage cart for your suitcase instead of putting it on the bed.


Susan McKelvey points out that more than 19,000 burned barbecue chefs and their guests end up in an emergency room. Before the start of grilling season, check the tank hose and connection points for leaks or breaks; spray them with a light solution of soap and water while the propane tank valve is open. If you see bubbles, shut off the tank, because there may be a leak. If you smell gas when lighting the grill, turn off the tank, then the grill. Keep your grill clean, as built-up grease and drippings cause many fires.


Tobie Stanger touches on the home-repair scams and says that summer typically brings an army of scam contractors going door-to-door. They will claim they just happen to be paving a driveway down the street and have leftover material, or they’ll offer to pave your driveway for a low price. If you take the bite, they’ll generally take your money and do the work shoddily, fail to finish the job, or do nothing at all. Be aware of anyone offering to do work unsolicited!


Alyssa Spence talks about garden accidents and says that mishaps involving lawnmowers and other garden equipment sent more than 112,000 adults to emergency rooms in 2021. Handheld tools pose a hazard too, they injured another 43,000 people. Don’t work outside if you’re distracted, overheated, or overtired. Don’t let grandkids ride on the lawnmower with you and shut all gear down completely before cleaning or adjusting. Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated on hot days. Always wear gloves when working with hand tools.


As stated, I just pointed out the bullet points, to read the entire sections, pick up the AARP Bulletin. The next blog will cover ways to stay safe around town. I hope you find some valuable tips in my blogs to keep you safe!

A man without a shirt is holding a spatula in front of a grill.

The Heart of Guidance: The Role of a Senior Advisor in Elder Care

By Donna Nichols • September 5, 2025
In a world that often moves too fast, senior advisors offer something rare and essential: time, understanding, and a steady hand. Unlike their counterparts in the business world, senior advisors in elder care aren’t focused on profit margins—they’re focused on people. Who They Are Senior advisors in this space are often seasoned professionals, caregivers, or community advocates who help older adults and their families navigate complex decisions. They may work in senior living communities, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, or independently. What They Do • Guide families through transitions: Whether it's choosing assisted living or downsizing a home, senior advisors help make sense of it all. • Advocate for dignity and autonomy: They ensure that older adults’ voices are heard and respected in every decision. • Connect to resources: From transportation and wellness programs to Alzheimer’s and grief support, they know where to turn. • Offer emotional support: Sometimes, the most valuable thing they offer is a listening ear and a calming presence. Why It Matters A senior advisor isn’t just a resource—they’re a lifeline. They help families breathe easier, empower older adults to make informed choices, and bring compassion into moments that can feel overwhelming. If you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds like me,” you’re not alone. Many of us play this role informally, answering questions, calming nerves, and connecting dots. Whether you’re a professional advisor or a trusted neighbor, your presence makes a difference.  If you or someone you love is facing a big decision and could use a calm, caring guide—we’re here. No pressure, no jargon, just real people ready to help. Call us today on 386-847-2322 to start the conversation. Sometimes, the first step is simply knowing you’re not alone.

Grandparents Day: A Celebration of Heart, Humor & Heritage

By Donna Nichols • September 4, 2025
September brings a quiet kind of magic—the golden light, the hint of fall in the air, and a moment to honor the everyday heroes who’ve shaped our lives with love, laughter, and legendary stories: our grandparents. Whether you’re a grandparent yourself, a grateful grandchild, or someone who’s been “adopted” by a wise elder in your life, Grandparents Day is a chance to pause and celebrate the beautiful bridge between generations. What Makes Grandparents So Grand? • They’re walking history books—with tales of jukeboxes, moon landings, and the original recipe for Sunday gravy. • They’re master cheerleaders, showing up with hugs, cookies, and the kind of encouragement that sticks for life. • They’re wisdom whisperers, offering advice that somehow makes more sense with each passing year. And let’s be honest: they also have the uncanny ability to make you feel like the most important person in the room. A Legacy of Love Grandparents teach us that love doesn’t have to be loud to be lasting. It’s in the quiet gestures: the handwritten birthday card, the saved newspaper clipping, the way they remember your favorite snack or ask about that thing you mentioned weeks ago. They remind us that resilience is built over time—through hard work, humor, and a whole lot of heart. Their stories carry lessons we didn’t know we needed until we suddenly find ourselves living them. And for those who’ve lost a grandparent, this day can be bittersweet. But it’s also a chance to honor their memory—by sharing their stories, cooking their favorite dish, or simply whispering a thank-you into the September breeze. Celebrate with Us: A Little Fun for the Big Day This Grandparents Day, we invite you to: • Share a memory: What’s one moment with a grandparent that still makes you smile? • Send a shoutout: Post a photo or quote from your favorite grandparent on social media and tag us.

Honoring Our Elders: National Senior Citizens Day

By Donna Nichols • August 14, 2025
On August 21, we pause to celebrate the heartbeat of our communities—our senior citizens. This day isn’t just about marking a date on the calendar. It’s about recognizing the wisdom, resilience, and warmth that older adults bring to every conversation, every gathering, and every generation. Wisdom That Lights the Way From stories of first jobs and family traditions to lessons learned through love and loss, seniors carry a lifetime of insight. Their experiences are more than memories—they’re guideposts for those still finding their way. Today, we honor those stories and the voices behind them. Connection That Matters Whether it’s a neighborly wave, a shared recipe, or a quiet moment on the porch, seniors remind us that connection doesn’t need fanfare—it just needs heart. National Senior Citizens Day is a chance to say, “We see you. We value you. We’re better because of you.” Ways to Celebrate Host a storytelling circle or memory-sharing event Share a favorite photo and the story behind it Create a “Senior Spotlight” wall with quotes and wisdom Invite younger generations to learn a skill from a senior (gardening, baking, crafting) Spend time—listen, laugh, and learn A Day of Gratitude Let’s make August 21 a day of genuine appreciation. Whether you’re a senior yourself or someone lucky enough to know and love one, take a moment to reflect on the richness they bring to our lives. Their legacy is living, breathing, and beautifully unfolding every day.  This is a day to be celebrated every day! Senior citizens bring so much fulfillment to our lives, and we need to embrace the moments we spend with them, for they are precious.