In a recent Irish Times article, John O’Sullivan writes, “According to experts, one potential telltale sign of dementia-induced memory loss is the layout of a person’s home.”
It caught me by surprise — we’re all concerned about the increases in Alzheimer’s and dementia but I never considered how a house can be an early indicator of cognitive loss. I’ve seen issues while in someone’s home that could have been a red flag but I simply didn’t look at it that way.
So, what about the home can indicate age-related cognitive issues? The article mentions things like household items that are out of place — a tea kettle in the freezer, for example. It’s fairly obvious, but what else?
Clutter and Disorganization: A cluttered and disorganized home may indicate difficulties in executive functioning – the ability to plan, organize, and complete tasks. Difficulty in maintaining orderliness may also be linked to memory problems and attention issues.
Navigation Challenges: Can the individual easily navigate through the home? Difficulty in spatial orientation and wayfinding may point to changes in brain function, particularly in areas responsible for spatial awareness and memory.
Safety Hazards: Take note of safety hazards or potential risks in the home. Forgetting to turn off appliances, leaving doors and windows unlocked, or neglecting to address tripping hazards can indicate lapses in judgment and decision-making – cognitive abilities that are crucial for maintaining independence and well-being as you age.
Decline in Home Maintenance: Is the person neglecting routine household tasks that they once managed effortlessly? A decline in home maintenance, such as neglecting repairs, failing to pay bills on time, or letting essential services lapse, may signal cognitive impairment.
Changes in Home Environment: Pay attention to any significant changes such as excessive hoarding, unconventional use of household items, or alterations to familiar spaces. These changes may reflect shifts in thinking, perception, or behavior associated with cognitive decline or neurological conditions.
It’s important to remember that occasional lapses in memory or organization are normal, especially as we age. However, if you notice persistent or significant changes in the layout and organization of the home, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation.
Early detection and intervention can help address cognitive issues and potentially slow the progression of cognitive decline.
Driving today is frightening. There is more traffic on the road than ever, people are driving faster, and with mobile devices being used in the car, there are an increasing number of distractions. The result is often deadly.
Without a doubt, there are people on the road who shouldn’t be driving. When it comes to the elderly, the tough part is that driving represents independence. Most baby boomers don’t like to rely on others to do something they feel they can do themselves.
Tough Talk
Seniors today are active, many are employed, they travel and like being able to get around on their own. Many will make small concessions or minor changes such as limiting night driving and avoiding heavy traffic areas. But having an in-depth conversation with them about when to truly relinquish the car keys and give up driving, is tough.
The discussion around restricting a senior’s ability to drive is so common that it is the topic of a recent Washington Post article, “Will your older self refuse to give up the car keys? Here’s how to plan.” The article points out that nearly 50 million people 65 and older had driver’s licenses in 2021 and nearly 19 million were 75 or older.
That’s a lot of people on the road who may have issues putting them at high risk for auto accidents. They may have physical limitations, poor vision, slower response rates, or cognitive loss. The key is having a plan and open conversation about how to proceed when the time comes for them to stop driving.
Tools to Help
A driving advanced directive. It will spell out how the decision is made when the appropriate time comes. How the conversation will take place and who will ultimately make the decisions. Many of the advanced directives are non-binding but do create a healthy framework for the conversation.
Driving evaluations. There are companies that will evaluate an individual’s driving ability and make a recommendation on whether they should continue to drive. If you’re not sure where to start, check with your insurance company and senior organizations like AARP.
Physician recommendations. Often a physician will flag concerns about a senior driving such as vision changes, reaction time, or memory loss – all of which can be particularly dangerous.
Use the tools available and have a healthy conversation about how to keep your loved ones safe on the road. For more information and additional resources, check out the complete article from the Washington Post (requires email address).
Elder abuse and neglect are issues capturing national attention and demanding our collective action. This form of abuse, marked by intentional harm or the failure to provide care, often by those in positions of trust, affects millions of seniors.
According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), approximately 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 60 has experienced some form of elder abuse, with estimates suggesting that as many as 5 million elders face abuse each year.
In 2017, the growing concern surrounding elder and at-risk adult abuse became increasingly evident in Rockdale County, primarily due to a significant growth in the elderly population. Between 2013 and 2017, Adult Protective Services (APS) investigated an average of 122 cases annually in the county and the District Attorney’s Office reported a surge in elder abuse investigations with APS investigating 341 cases of alleged abuse in 2018-19.
In response to this pressing issue, a dedicated team, including State Court Judge Clarence Cuthpert, Jr., District Attorney Alisha Johnson, and Sheriff Eric J. Levett, came together to form the PEARL Program (Protecting our Elderly and At-Risk with Resources for better Living). It used a multi-disciplinary team committed to safeguarding the elderly and at-risk adults.
The approach emphasizes prompt reporting of alleged abuse, enabling the swift removal of seniors and at-risk individuals from abusive situations. Beyond protection, the program ensures that resources and support are readily available to aid in recovery. Not stopping at protection, the PEARL Program also holds abusers and perpetrators accountable, both criminally and civilly, when necessary. This stance sends a clear message that elder abuse will not be tolerated in Rockdale County.
In May 2019, the PEARL Program achieved official recognition as one of only three multi-disciplinary teams in the State of Georgia. Today, it continues to collaborate with state and local agencies to ensure the well-being of the elderly (aged 65 and older) and at-risk adults (aged 18-64 with disabilities).
The Rockdale County PEARL Program’s mission is to:
Elevate awareness
Provide a timely response
Investigate effectively
Preserve the protective processes of any reported abuse towards the elderly and at-risk individuals in Rockdale County.
Through the PEARL Program’s dedication and tireless efforts, Rockdale County is committed to protecting its seniors, ensuring a safe and supportive community for everyone, regardless of age or vulnerability. Click here to learn more about PEARL.
Real estate agents sell houses and help people find houses but, on occasion, I’ve advised clients that their best move may be no move at all. If you love a home and are able to age in place, that may be your best option. I’ll be here to facilitate a sale or purchase when the time comes, but I am committed to always doing what’s best for my clients.
Fortunately for all of us, there are a lot of wonderful organizations who are experts in helping families right-size and make adjustments needed so that seniors can safely age in place.
Senior relocation company Caring Transitions created a brief guide to “Bringing Rightsizing and Age in Place Modifications Together.”
(Posted with permission from Caring Transitions of Northeast Atlanta) As we age, it’s important to consider how our living space can support our changing needs. Aging in place home modifications can help seniors maintain their independence and stay in their homes for as long as possible. Combining these modifications with rightsizing, or downsizing to a more manageable living space, can create a safe and comfortable environment for seniors.
Assess Your Home for Safety and Accessibility. Before making any modifications to your home, it’s important to assess your current living space for safety and accessibility. This includes identifying potential hazards such as loose rugs, uneven flooring, and narrow doorways. You should also consider the accessibility of your home, including the placement of light switches, electrical outlets, and other fixtures. By identifying potential safety and accessibility issues, you can create a plan for making the necessary modifications to your home to ensure a safe and comfortable living space for seniors.
Prioritize Modifications Based on Needs and Budget. When it comes to combining rightsizing and aging in place home modifications, it’s important to prioritize modifications based on both needs and budget. Start by identifying the most critical modifications that need to be made to ensure safety and accessibility in the home. This may include installing grab bars in the bathroom, widening doorways, or adding a stairlift. Once these critical modifications have been made, you can then focus on making additional modifications that will enhance comfort and convenience. Remember to consider your budget when making modifications and look for cost-effective solutions that will still meet your needs.
Consider Universal Design Principles. When combining rightsizing and aging in place home modifications, it’s important to consider universal design principles. Universal design is the concept of designing products and spaces that are accessible and usable by people of all ages and abilities. This means incorporating features like zero-step entrances, lever door handles, and adjustable height countertops. By incorporating universal design principles into your home modifications, you can create a space that is not only safe and comfortable for seniors, but also for visitors and family members of all ages and abilities.
Work with a Professional to Ensure Quality and Safety. When it comes to combining rightsizing and aging in place home modifications, it’s important to work with a professional to ensure that the modifications are done safely and effectively. A professional can help you assess your home and determine which modifications are necessary to create a safe and comfortable living space for seniors. They can also ensure that the modifications are done in compliance with local building codes and regulations. Additionally, a professional can help you select the right products and materials to ensure that the modifications are of high quality and will last for years to come.
As seniors age in place, it’s important to make modifications to their homes to ensure safety and comfort. Design for aging in place includes home modifications such as grab bars, non-slip flooring, and wider doorways. These modifications can help seniors maintain their independence and reduce the risk of falls.
In addition to home modifications, age in place home care can provide assistance with daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and transportation. Rightsizing and aging in place together can also be beneficial, as it allows seniors to declutter and downsize their living space while still maintaining their independence. Caring Transitions offers professional guidance and support for these transitions, as well as assistance with estate planning and other services. By incorporating these strategies and seeking professional help when needed, seniors can age in place with peace of mind and improved quality of life.
If you are interested in Caring Transitions for relocation or estate liquidation services, contact Mike DeLeon.
Cybercrime reported to the FBI cost Americans 50 and older nearly $3 billion last year, a 62 percent increase from 2020, according to data from the bureau. The steep rise in dollar losses came despite a drop in incidents reported by older adults to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Americans ages 50 and over filed 166,831 complaints with the cybercrime unit in 2021, down from 191,768 the year before.
Overall, nearly a quarter of last year’s total cybercrime losses were borne by people 60 and older, the population that is the focus of the new report. Tech support scams, investment fraud and what the bureau terms “confidence fraud” — cons that play on victims’ emotions and affections, primarily via romance scams — were major drivers of rising fraud costs, collectively accounting for more than half of that age group’s losses.
Confidence frauds, which also include grandparent scams, were the costliest cons for older adults, with 2021 losses topping $432 million for victims age 60 and up, a 54 percent increase from the prior year.
But it’s tech support scams — in which crooks posing as IT pros from well-known tech companies charge hefty fees to fix fabricated computer problems — that have seen the most explosive growth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), commonly known as a reverse mortgage loan, is a federally insured home loan that allows borrowers age 62 and over to access a portion of their home equity to supplement their retirement income. Like their traditional cousins, reverse mortgage loans have financial obligations, requirements and qualifications, but repayment is structured differently. Whereas traditional loans require borrowers to make loan repayments each month for a designated period of time, reverse mortgage loan borrowers aren’t required to make monthly mortgage payments, so long as they pay property taxes, homeowner’s insurance and comply with loan terms. Instead, non-taxable loan proceeds are made available to the homeowner to use at their discretion, such as paying off other expenses, building up a financial buffer for future unanticipated expenses, or planning for the retirement of their dreams.
How Can a Reverse Mortgage Help with Retirement Planning?
According to American Advisors Group (AAG), there are many features of reverse mortgage loans that can benefit seniors who are looking to supplement their retirement income.
Eliminate monthly mortgage payments. Rather than paying money to the lender each month, you receive funds to enhance your retirement savings. The loan is repaid when you sell your home, move to another primary residence or when the last borrower leaves the home.
You remain the homeowner and stay in your home. You maintain ownership of and the title to your home as long as you comply with the terms of the loan.
How you spend the proceeds of the loan is up to you. The loan proceeds have very few restrictions and can be used to pay for common senior expenses like medical care, in-home care, household repairs and remodeling, or paying off other debt. Disbursement options vary: you choose a full or partial lump sum, monthly payments or a line of credit.
Social Security, Medicare, your 401(k) and pension are not affected. A reverse mortgage loan is considered a loan and not income, so proceeds are not taxable. However, need-based benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may be affected.
Want to know more? Click here to read the full article from AgingCare including: *How to qualify for a Reverse Mortgage Loan *What are the obligations as a borrower? *How Does the Government Regulate HECM Loans? *How to Apply for a Reverse Mortgage
Choosing the right long-term care option is an important decision many older adults face daily. If a late-life move is part of your healthy aging plan, the next step is choosing a new place and preparing for what’s next. The hardest part for many people is getting started on choosing the right residence and planning for the move.Understand Your Situation
If you are still undecided about your move that’s okay. Moving somewhere new can be a difficult decision at any age. If you are an older adult moving may have improve your quality of life, here are a few ways to tell it’s time:
You have health complications that are not suited for the current layout of your residence
The thought of caring for or paying for landscaping, cleaning multiple bedrooms, or other general upkeep tasks and costs seems stressful
Moving could save you money in retirement
Your home has lots of space that is never used
Understand Your Health
Before embarking on this journey, there are three important areas you will want to factor into any senior living decision with the support of your doctor or care team:
Medical Concerns
Cognitive Concerns
Assessment of functional abilities or “Activities of Daily Living”
Understand Your Options
After gathering all the information you need about you or a loved one’s medical condition, start the selection process by making sure everyone helping you make a decision understands the difference between each senior living option. Here are simple definitions to share for some of the senior living options you and your loved ones may be considering:
RetirementCommunities: A housing option where community residence is specifically for people in a retirement age range and may include single-family homes, condos, townhomes or apartments modified for older adults needs.
Continuing-Care Retirement Communities: A campus-like community that offers different levels of care like independent living housing, assisted living, and skilled nursing care in one location.
Skilled Nursing: A facility that provides a wide range of health and personal care services that typically includes medical and nursing care, social and mental health care, and rehabilitation services.
Respite Care: An assisted living or skilled nursing facility that caters to short-term medical care for older adults and others recovering from surgery or a serious illness.
AssistedLiving: A housing option that provides support for Activities of Daily Living that typically includes transportation, meals or meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, recreational and exercise activities. In some cases, these communities will help with care tasks like bathing, washing hair, or dressing if they become harder for a resident to do on their own.
Memory Care Facilities: A skilled nursing or assisted living community with larger staff that offers more supervision and security features designed specifically for people living with memory impairment.
Compare Your Options
Once you have a firm understanding of your options, asking the right questions can help you make an informed thoughtful decision. Use the questions below to help pinpoint what senior living option will be a good fit.
Do I have health conditions that require extensive care or minimal care?
If you or your family member has health complications that require a specific care plan or accessibility accommodations, it is important to factor this into your senior living selection process. This could be something as simple as moving to a space with a simpler layout or a wheelchair friendly entrance. Remember it’s better to understand what you need to make a decision you will enjoy.
Do I still have the ability to drive or would I prefer transportation is provided?
Driving is often associated with independence for some seniors. If you have physical limitations or take medications that make it unsafe or uncomfortable to drive, you will want to consider how that makes an impact on where you decide to live. Depending on the option you choose you will want to know the proximity to the grocery store, family members and friends, a community’s walkability, and transportation options.
Which option is the best choice for my social life?
Social interaction has been associated with health benefits like a sharper memory, increased physical and emotional health, and longevity for older adults. An integral part of quality of life is maintaining connections to those you love as well as maintaining friendships. As we age, it is easy to feel disconnected or out of touch. Strong social connections and interactions with family, neighbors, or other people you see regularly can help you or a loved one maintain quality of life while aging.
Which option best fits into my financial plan and will accommodate future changes to my health?
Being realistic about your finances and creating a budget is a great step towards planning long-term care for your future. In many cases, budgets and savings have a limit for what is covered. It is important to include the possibility of being a resident in more than one senior living facility in your healthy aging plan. Making solid financial plans or creating a new financial plan could help you decide which move is the right decision for you now and how to prepare financially for health changes that may occur in the future. The National Institute on aging has detailed information on covering the costs of long-term care, you can read about here.
Consider Hiring a Move Manager
Moving can be both a physical and psychological process. From furniture pieces and photos that hold memories, to deciding what to purge, to the labor it takes to move each item, a plan can help simplify the moving process for anyone. Once you’ve decided on the right senior living option, it may be helpful to get expertise from an expert that specializes in late-life moves. Caring Transitions has Certified Relocation & Transition Specialist with specialty training in move management, senior relocation and senior transition services ready to help you.
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