If your children are grown, it might be the perfect time to declutter decades worth of possessions and downsize the family home. Let’s take a look at how to get the job done with the least amount of tears shed. Choosing a house. Once you’ve decided to move, ask yourself a few questions about the… Read more »
When aging family members requires intense medical care, it’s time to consider moving them to a nursing facility. These facilities are licensed by the states and fall into two categories: intermediate care and skilled nursing care. Let’s take a look at what you can expect from these types of living arrangements. Today, only a small… Read more »
When seniors first show signs of needing help with medical and daily personal care, it’s time to consider moving to a community that provides what’s known as assisted living. When you need a hand. Once capable of living alone, seniors who begin having health issues may find they need a little extra help, but don’t… Read more »
Active adult communities are for healthy seniors who are in search of a vibrant lifestyle with lots of leisure activity options. Age requirements. There are two types of active adult communities. One is the age restricted community, where at least 80 percent of the occupied homes must have a resident aged 55 or older. The… Read more »
Seniors with memory disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, require specialized care and housing. Let’s look at what a memory care facility offers and what you need to know when making a decision for a loved one. What you can expect. Since Alzheimer’s disease becomes progressively worse, only seniors in the early to moderate stages can… Read more »
Choices for senior living vary widely — with younger seniors typically opting for “active adult” or “independent living” communities. The two are similar but have subtle differences. The community with the more extensive amenities is the active adult community, which targets residents over the age of 55. Most residents own their homes, are free of… Read more »
Continuing care communities offer senior citizens independent living, assisted living and nursing care, allowing them to age in place as their needs change. Senior citizens typically move into a continuing care community while they are still healthy and active. Resident sign a contract that guarantees that their needs will be met for medical and personal… Read more »
When preparing for retirement — especially if contemplating a move to another state — it’s crucial to research the tax implications. Make sure your search is comprehensive, including state and local taxes on income, property, and consumer sales purchases, because different states take different approaches to taxing their residents. Also check for tax breaks specifically… Read more »
As people age, routine movement around the home may become a challenge. If seniors choose to age in place, what can be done to ensure comfort and safety when simply moving about the house? Let’s take a look. A ramp makes a house more accessible to those using wheelchairs or walkers. Eliminating a curb at… Read more »
Aging in place can be a great comfort to senior adults, especially when necessary renovations make familiar surroundings more accessible. That’s particularly true in the kitchen, which is a bustling place during meal preparation and the center of family life. For starters, an open kitchen floorplan is a big help to a family member using… Read more »
Aging in place can be a great comfort to senior adults, especially when necessary renovations make familiar surroundings more accessible. That’s particularly true with bathrooms, where comfort and safety must be considered as loved ones’ mobility and dexterity diminish. Doorways need to be 36 inches wide to accommodate a wheelchair. This includes both the bathroom… Read more »
As home trends shift toward smaller spaces and simpler living, many are exploring non-traditional housing, such as campers and RVs. While lots of fulltime RV fans are retirees, people of all ages who crave freedom and financial savings are embracing the lifestyle. See if you think RV living might be right for you. Cost versus… Read more »
In pursuit of the perfect home, our wants and needs change as our lives, families and priorities change. A house that might have once been your dream can wind up feeling too big, too overwhelming to maintain, or too expensive. Here’s a list of reasons why you might be ready to downsize to a smaller… Read more »
Retirement communities, marketed to the 55-plus crowd, are often loaded with recreational amenities such as swimming pools, golf courses, clubhouses and gyms. Do these developments live up to their advertising brochures? Here’s a look at the pros and cons. Pros. Most senior-living residents enjoy the freedom from having to mow their lawns and perform other… Read more »
You may have heard the term “reverse mortgage,” but have you ever investigated how they work? Here’s a tutorial to help you understand if a reverse mortgage is right for you. What is a reverse mortgage? A reverse mortgage, also known as a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, is a tool typically used by an older… Read more »
The Baby Boom generation is carrying more mortgage debt into retirement than any generation before it, bucking conventional wisdom that you shouldn’t enter retirement until you’re debt-free. Who’s right? What’s the best path for you? Here are several factors to consider. Losing a tax break. When you own your home outright, you lose the mortgage… Read more »
