Taking Care of Mom

Donna Nichols • May 24, 2023
A woman is sitting on a bench next to an older woman in a wheelchair.

Another Mother’s Day has come and gone and hopefully you have a chance to spend some time with your mom. Perhaps you noticed that mom is not getting around quite as well as she used to, or maybe she is becoming forgetful. Did you notice anything out of the norm, like maybe her medications are being skipped, she can’t prepare meals any longer, or maybe her checkbook isn’t so up to date, and her finances are a mess?


Were you going out to lunch and mom was apprehensive to drive, or maybe nervous in the car? Did she have a hard time with the menu? Was she able to remember what she ordered? Did she have a hard time cutting her food and eating it? Was she talkative and able to keep up with the conversation, or did she look lost when she was spoken to?


How were mom’s clothes? Were they unkempt, like they hadn’t been cleaned or pressed well? How was her hair, and makeup (if she wears any)? Were her shoes on the right feet? Was she shuffling when she walked? Did you notice any signs that mom wasn’t doing so well?


Did you ever think the best gift you could give mom is moving her into an assisted living community? Mom would have care available to her when she needed it and you wouldn’t have to worry about her as much. Assisted living communities all include three meals a day, housekeeping, laundry, utilities, and snacks. Transportation to doctor’s appointments and shopping is available at most of them with notice.


Assisted living communities have common rooms, dining rooms, and most of them have salons, gyms, and lounges. They have activities during the day, so mom will have things to keep her busy. Some of them have garden areas where the residents care for the plants and have butterfly gardens as well. They celebrate the holidays and throw birthday parties and have parties just for fun. There are so many amenities when you live in an assisted living community.


Does this mean mom is “confined” to the community and cannot leave? No. You can take mom out to lunch or shopping if you want. You can even take her away with you for the weekend if you plan to do something like that. Say you wanted to take mom on a week-long vacation with you and your family, no problem, just let the staff know the dates she will be out and you’re all set.


Is there a downside to an assisted living community? Maybe as far as finances go, but we at Assisted Living Made Simple can help to find more money for you if you qualify. Please call us today to schedule your free consultation at 386-847-2322.



Taking care of mom is one the greatest privileges we have in this life, let’s make sure we do it well and do what’s best for her. 

A nurse is hugging an older woman in a wheelchair.

Coping with Holiday Loneliness

By Donna Nichols • December 8, 2025
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Holiday Visits: How to Spot Changes in a Loved One’s Needs

By Donna Nichols • December 2, 2025
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Gratitude in Every Season

By Donna Nichols • November 13, 2025
As Thanksgiving approaches, we’re reminded that gratitude isn’t just a holiday tradition — it’s a way of life. At Assisted Senior Services, we see it daily: in the quiet strength of caregivers, the wisdom of our seniors, and the small moments that make a big difference. We believe gratitude is more than a feeling. It’s a practice. A way of seeing the world, even in challenging times. For seniors, caregivers, and families, this season can stir a mix of emotions. There may be joy in gathering, but also grief, fatigue, or change. That’s why we hold space for all of it — and honor the quiet strength it takes to keep showing up with love. Gratitude doesn’t erase hardship, but it helps us carry it. It reminds us that even in uncertainty, there are still ordinary gifts: a warm hand to hold, a shared laugh, a moment of peace. Whether you’re caring for a loved one, navigating new challenges, or simply pausing to reflect, this season invites us to slow down and appreciate the ordinary gifts around us — a warm smile, a shared story, a helping hand. We are grateful for: • The families who trust us to walk alongside them, through transitions and triumphs. • The caregivers who show up with compassion and grace. • The caregivers who offer comfort, dignity, and patience every single day. • The seniors who teach us resilience, humor, and the value of every day – reminding us of what really matters. This Thanksgiving, we honor your journey. We celebrate your courage. And we’re here to support you — not just during the holidays, but all year long. So, whether your Thanksgiving is bustling or quiet, traditional or tender, we hope you find something to hold onto — and someone to hold it with. From all of us at Assisted Senior Services, thank you for being part of our community. We’re honored to support you, and we wish you a season filled with warmth, connection, and care. Happy Thanksgiving!