Nursing Homes Don’t Have to be the Answer

Rose Traub • November 12, 2020

Are You Waiting Too Long for Assisted Living?

How do you know if you’re waiting too long to go into assisted living?

A time comes when it is too late.

People are waiting until they are so ill, the only solution they have is a nursing home.

There is no reason to go to a nursing home unless you have a machine or mechanical device needed to keep you alive ( An oxygen machine is not in that category ).

It does not have to be that way. Assisted living communities are the new nursing homes.

Assisted living regulations are very clear, you must be able to stand and pivot (with/without) assistance from a seat to a chair in order to be accepted in an assisted living community.
Assisted livings have different levels of licensure.

  • Standard
  • LNS (Limited Nursing Service)
  • ECC (Extended Congregate Care)
  • LMH (Limited Mental Health)
    Some offer 24-hour nursing care and some specialize in Memory Care. Most offer to age in place.

So what do these license levels mean?

Standard licensure :

offers basic assistance from medication management to assistance with dressing, bathing, and toileting.

They offer meals, transportation, and activities. Most offer apartment life-style living with services.

They are not required to have a nurse on staff.

LNS licensure :

Offers all of the same as the standard licensure, but they do have a nurse on staff or on call.
ECC Licensure:

Allows additional nursing services and total assistance with personal care services.

Your loved one may have a higher impairment level, which requires more needed assistance. Nursing is on the premises 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

LMH Licensure :

The facility administrator and staff of the facility who are in direct contact with mental health residents must complete specific training to deal with mental health residents.

All licenses can order home health for residents with a doctor’s order. Home health offers physical therapy, occupational therapy, and skilled nursing, but it must be ordered by a doctor!!

Hospice :

All residents, if accepted by hospice, can age in place with hospice care within the community they live.

Hospice does not mean end-of-life like the stigma it has been given anymore. Hospice can provide the equipment, supplies, and any additional services the assisted living community is unable to furnish. They also offer palliative care.

Back to the question: How do you know if you’ve waited too long to go into assisted living?

You really don’t until it’s too late, but with proper guidance, you can find an assisted living that can provide quality care in a home-like environment that offers your loved one and your family peace of mind.

You need to make a plan and work with a qualified senior advisor to assist you in finding the right forever home for your loved one.

We all think that caring for our loved one means that we have to physically care for them.

Not true!

Giving them a place with qualified trained caregivers and socialization with people their age is caring for them and allowing you to be their family or friend again.

Don’t let guilt rule your decisions.

Allow smart advice and caring people to guide you to give your family member the best journey of their lives.

As we all know each and every part leads us to the next best part of our lives for the time left of our lives, or the “Time of our Lives”.

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.

Beating the Florida Summer Heat

By Donna Nichols • July 7, 2025
Florida summers come in three flavors: hot, hotter, and what fresh hell is this? Whether you're a lifelong local or newly initiated into the Sunshine Sweat Fest, you know it’s more survival sport than season. So, how do we stay cool without losing our cool? Here’s your sun-savvy guide to getting through it. Make hydration a hobby Not just water, electrolytes are your best friends when you're sweaty. Coconut water, cucumber-mint spritzers, watermelon slices. If your drink doesn’t sparkle, chill, or drip condensation like a rom-com montage, it’s not summer-ready. Dress for success and summertime Loose, light, breathable fabrics. Cotton, linen, or the holy grail: moisture-wicking. Bonus points for sun hats and SPF clothing that make you look like a beach detective on vacation. Fans ARE your best friends Table fans, ceiling fans, handheld fans—the whole rotation. Keep them oscillating like your thoughts during a political debate. And if you’ve got a cooling towel? You’re royalty. Avoid the “Roasting Hours” From 11 AM to 4 PM, Florida turns into a convection oven. Errands, walks, and yard work? Schedule them early or late. Unless you’re trying to get baked like a Publix cookie—then by all means. Sunscreen is a lifestyle Apply, reapply, then pretend  you're an influencer and do it again. Because nothing says “I’m melting” like a shoulder burn shaped like your purse strap. Eat lightly Cold meals can be your best friend—salads, chilled pasta, and fruit-forward lunches are all options. Bonus points if you serve them on plates fresh from the fridge like the true champion you are. Rest, reset, repeat If the heat’s making you crankier than a mosquito at a citronella convention, take breaks: shade, air conditioning, quiet corners. Recharge without guilt—you’re surviving a sauna with its own zip code. Florida heat might be relentless, but so are we. With humor, hydration, and a healthy dose of stubborn grace, we ride the wave and keep the ice cubes coming. Stay cool out there, friends. You’ve got this.

Honoring Independence Day with Grace

By Donna Nichols • July 2, 2025
Not every 4th of July needs to burst with fireworks. For many older adults, especially those with tender hearing, health challenges, or a fondness for quieter joys, Independence Day can be just as meaningful in a slower rhythm. It’s the scent of something delicious simmering nearby, the comfort of a cool seat and a cherished show, and the simple dignity of being remembered; of having made it this far, with stories to tell and wisdom that still glows brighter than any sparkler. Caregiver Tips for a Thoughtful 4th: Keep things soft and soothing. Loud sounds can be jarring for seniors with sensory sensitivities, dementia, or PTSD. Choose instrumental patriotic music or old-time radio shows that bring joy without overwhelming them. Build a gentle plate. Soft, easy-to-eat favorites like tender pulled chicken, mashed potatoes, or a festive red, white, and blue parfait (layered Greek yogurt, mashed berries, and crushed graham crackers) keep things celebratory without strain. Spark memories, not stress. Bring out family photo albums, classic Americana films, or even music from their youth. Columbo, The Andy Griffith Show, or golden-age musicals can be a comforting trip down memory lane. Create rest-friendly spaces. A cozy chair near the window, a shaded seat outside, or even a reclined viewing spot for a live TV broadcast of fireworks can help them feel included without fatigue. Let them lead the conversation. Ask about what Independence Day meant to them growing up. You might discover tales of ration books, war bonds, or dancing at VFW halls. These stories are treasures wrapped in the quiet of the day.  In the end, Independence Day is about honoring resilience—the kind that’s quieter, often overlooked, but profoundly enduring. Whether you’re caring for someone, being cared for, or simply holding space for reflection, there’s beauty in choosing peace over spectacle. This Fourth of July, let’s celebrate not just the freedom of a nation but also the freedom to adapt, to rest, and to cherish those we love in the way that suits them best.

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.
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