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Seniors Meet

          We care about and love to see active members of senior community at Wellness Alliances. Bob and Mary are the founders of Seniors Meet. Seniorsmeet.org promotes, as the name suggested, seniors to meet up, where they can group together and socialize. We highly recommend our clients, as well as seniors in the community, to visit their website at seniorsmeet.org 

 

          Below are some of their articles that we would like to feature on our website, as it provides helpful information to the senior community in general.

Keep These Senior-Friendly Strategies in Mind When Downsizing Your Home
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   At some point, many people reach an age when they start to feel they are dealing with “too much house.” A big house is great for a family, as all that room can be a godsend when there are multiple kids, a pet or two, and a couple of full-grown parents, all competing for a bit of space and privacy in a bustling family environment. With an empty nest, many seniors find themselves considering downsizing for their golden years. 

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   Smaller homes tend to be better suited to older adults, as they’re often more affordable to purchase and maintain. And on top of that, once we reach a certain age, things like stairs and extra rooms frequently go from being unnecessary to outright safety hazards. Senior communities are an excellent option for many, since the homes are appropriate for older homeowners, and you’re surrounded by peers to connect with. 

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   Regardless of where you end up, downsizing can be an exciting process, but it can also be a bit stressful. Keeping these ideas in mind might help to make the process run a little more smoothly.

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   Hire Help in Advance

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   Moving help is often one of the last things dealt with, but it’s important that this item not be left for the bottom of the list. Just as Forbes points out, hiring a good moving company to help you on the big day can take a lot of stress and anxiety out of the process, but it can also be a pricey thing to put together. Look for movers in advance. Starting your search with plenty of time before the big day will help ensure you’re maximizing your value, and provide peace of mind.

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   Decide What to Do with Your Old Home

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   When it comes to your soon-to-be former home, there’s certainly a decision to be made, and it’s one that can impact how you move forward in a concrete way. You essentially have three main options when it comes to your current home:

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  1. Keep your home in the family by passing it onto a younger generation. If money isn’t an issue, this can be a great way to keep a cherished structure in the family forever. However, particularly due to the potential tax and legal consequences, touch base with an attorney before going this route.

  2. Consider renting your home, as this can help you with your post-retirement income. This is a great option for those who enjoy handyman tasks, live close by, or will enjoy a part-time job. Bear in mind that landlords have significant responsibilities, including expenses like paying taxes and insurance on the property. There are several apps you can use to lighten the workload, although some seniors prefer to pass the chores to a property manager so they can just collect the monthly rent check. 

  3. Selling your home is a great way to turn a nifty profit and offset the cost of whatever new home you wind up purchasing. If you decide to go this route, it’s typically best to connect with a real estate agent to help with this process. An agent can give you invaluable insights on things like upgrades, staging, and the current local housing market so you ensure the best possible sale. Before hiring an agent, make sure you ask them about what services they offer and how many sales they've facilitated locally.

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   While the money you earn from renting or selling can go toward buying a new home, you should also put aside money for care services if you believe that your health needs are not something you can handle on your own. At Wellness Alliances, they provide exceptional companion, personal, and home support care in order to meet all your needs.

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   Moving into a new home can be a pretty difficult experience, and that’s true at just about any age! Sometimes this applies doubly to the process of downsizing, but that doesn’t always have to be the case. With the right tips in mind, you can easily pick out the perfect home for your future and enjoy your retirement in peace and happiness.

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   To learn more about their home care services, contact Wellness Alliances at 1-702-815-9012.

Courtesy of Mary Shannon from Seniorsmeet.org

The Best Community Living Tips for Seniors
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   Community living can be a wonderful option for seniors who want to remain active and social and still have independence, but there are many different types of housing available that it can be a challenge to choose the right one for you. The best way to get started is to think about what your needs are and how to address them. Most community living spaces are made for those who don’t require daily care and who can live independently, but you can still make some safety modifications to your home. If necessary, you can look for grants or loans to help pay for them.

 

   Many senior communities offer places to socialize and provide a community garden or common area so you can still enjoy the benefits of an outdoor space without having to do yard work. Others allow you to own a home or mobile home in a community specifically designed for individuals aged 55 and up. Think about what type of arrangement works best for you, and then do a little research to get familiar with the differences between your options. 

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   Here are a few tips to help you get started.

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   Learn About Your Options for Daily Needs

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   One thing that often keeps seniors from living independently is transportation. Health issues such as vision or cognitive problems can make driving dangerous, while a lack of access to public transportation can also be an issue. If you no longer feel comfortable driving, it’s important to research your options. While most Medicare plans don’t include transport for seniors except in the case of a medical emergency, Medicare Advantage plans often partner with rideshare services to help older adults get to where they need to go. So, do some reading on your plan to see if an Advantage plan is the right one for you.

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   Choose the Right Retirement Community

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   Retirement communities have a lot to offer seniors because of the variety of services. Unlike retirement homes of the past, these communities might provide anything from daily care to a more independent situation that simply gives seniors opportunities for socialization. Finding the right home for your needs requires that you consider the location, whether they allow pets, if they provide opportunities to stay active, and how they handle care should you require it in the future. You’ll also want to find out whether the community allows residents to keep their own vehicles. Knowing which questions to ask will help give you peace of mind. 

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   Think About Your Future Needs

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   It can be difficult to figure out what your future needs will be, but if you currently have health issues, you might think about how best to set up your home for safety. Modifications such as adding a ramp, placing grab bars in the bathroom, and removing items such as throw rugs are easy and inexpensive and can go a long way toward preventing falls

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   You may need to make some outdoor modifications as well. For example, you may need to build an accessible entryway so you can get in and out safely. This will necessitate working with a concrete contractor, but if there are any trees, roots, or stumps in the way, you’ll need to have these removed as well. Before hiring a tree removal service, ask for customer referrals and get an estimate upfront to ensure there aren’t any hidden costs. 

 

   If you choose to live in a community for older adults that doesn’t offer support in the way of care, these modifications will be important in helping you age in place. The costs of modifying your home for aging in place can add up, so if you need a cash infusion, consider a refinance. This allows homeowners to take out a new higher-balance loan in place of their previous loan. Homeowners are then able to pocket the difference. In order to qualify for a refinance, you will need to provide lenders with a bank statement, credit report, and tax returns. 

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   Consider the Village-to-Village Model

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   Many seniors have turned to the village-to-village model when it comes to finding housing that helps them feel independent yet safe. These communities are for adults over a certain age and provide opportunities for socialization and access to particular services while maintaining affordability. One of the biggest benefits of this type of living situation is that many seniors feel a boost in confidence and mental health, but it also prevents isolation

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   Remaining independent is important for many seniors, but it’s essential to find a way to balance independence with safety. Community living is a great way to do that, but only when you find the right space for your needs. Do a little research to make sure you’ve found the best option for you, and keep your budget in mind at all times so you won’t have any issues down the road.

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   The skilled and experienced caregivers at Wellness Alliances can provide a wide range of non-medical home care services to seniors. Call 702-815-9012 to learn more!

Courtesy of Mary Shannon from Seniorsmeet.org

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