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.

Winter Wellness: Staying Safe and Steady in February

By Donna Nichols • February 5, 2026
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February and the Heart

By Donna Nichols • February 2, 2026
Small Habits That Make a Big Difference February brings a soft reminder to pause and check in with the most loyal companion we have — our heart. It beats for us without asking, carrying us through decades of joy, loss, laughter, and change. American Heart Month invites us to honor that steady work with simple habits that help us feel stronger, more energized, and more connected. The Power of Small Steps Heart health doesn’t require dramatic resolutions or strict routines. In fact, the most meaningful changes are often the smallest ones — the ones we can weave into our day without feeling overwhelmed. A ten‑minute walk after breakfast. Choosing water before coffee. Stretching your arms and shoulders while waiting for the kettle to boil. Turning on a favorite song and letting your body sway a little. These tiny choices add up. They support circulation, boost mood, and remind us that caring for ourselves is still possible at every age. Movement That Meets You Where You Are Not everyone can take long walks or join a fitness class — and that’s okay. Gentle movement counts. • Marching your feet while seated • Rolling your shoulders to release tension • Standing up and sitting down a few times to strengthen your legs • Reaching toward the ceiling to open your chest Every bit of movement helps the heart do its job with less strain. Food That Loves You Back Heart‑healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. Think in terms of adding rather than restricting. • Add a handful of berries to breakfast • Add a few colorful vegetables to lunch • Add a sprinkle of nuts or seeds for healthy fats • Add one extra glass of water during the day Small additions feel doable — and they nourish the body in ways you can feel. Connection Is Heart Medicine, Too Loneliness can weigh on the heart just as much as physical strain. February is a wonderful time to reach out. Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Share a memory with a grandchild. Join a community activity, even if just for an hour. Let someone know you’re thinking of them. Human connection is one of the most powerful heart‑protective habits we have. A Month to Celebrate Your Strength Your heart has carried you through so much — every milestone, every challenge, every moment of joy. This month is not about perfection. It’s about honoring your resilience and choosing one or two small habits that make you feel good. A healthier heart doesn’t happen overnight. It happens in the quiet, steady choices we make each day. And February is the perfect time to begin.

Connection Is the Resolution That Lasts

By Donna Nichols • January 12, 2026
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