What are the latest trends in retirement living? There’s a definite move toward accommodating retirees focusing on health, wellness and nature. Here’s a great article from Next Avenue about the latest trends.
In 2008, Janice Barton was vacationing at Serenbe, a biophilic, or nature-centered, community in the Chattahoochee Hills about 30 miles outside of Atlanta. She fell in love with the village’s English-style cottages, outdoor artist studio, nature trails, local shops and café all within walking distance, and decided to buy her forever home there.
“In a typical suburb, you drive into your garage, shut the door and that is it,” explained Barton, who at 73 is a solo ager. “Maybe you know your neighbors on either side or across the street but you don’t have anything in common so you don’t want to invest the time and energy. At Serenbe, I feel younger because I am engaged and I’m living a more vibrant life.”
Serenbe and other new amenities-laden retirement communities illustrate how the senior living industry is going through a transformation that has accelerated since the COVID-19 pandemic. Pre-pandemic Americans age 65+ expressed the desire to stay living in their homes as long as possible; the social isolation imposed by the pandemic has solo agers — the 12% of the population who, according to AARP, are widowed, divorced or without adult children to care for them — rethinking the desire to age alone at home.
Known for its “Best” lists, US News & World Report is now out with its Best Senior Living list. You’re now able to search for what they’ve determined to be the “best” near you.
(From US News & World Report) For many older adults, there may come a time when living in their current home is no longer desirable or possible. Making a choice about what the right next steps are can depend a lot on their health and their preferences.
Someone who no longer wants the upkeep of a larger home and yardwork might choose an independent living or continuing care retirement community. If basic daily tasks are becoming a struggle or if they’re recovering from a hospitalization, an assisted living setting where there is some help available, either temporarily or longer term, is a good choice. Families concerned for a loved one with memory loss can consider a memory care community with staff to help with both daily activities and safety.
To help seniors and their families make these decisions, residents and families from over 3,000 independent, assisted and memory care communities were surveyed. They were asked to rate their experience with the things that matter most – the kindness of staff; variety of activities; quality of the food and dining experience; whether local transportation is provided to doctor’s appointments, grocery stores or other daily needs; the quality of on-site caregiving and more. The top-rated communities for each level of care have been rated Best Senior Living in their categories.
A recent Washington Post article looks at “how a move manager can help you trim down on your belongings.” There are several of these companies in the Atlanta area including franchises Caring Transitions and Smooth Moves. They are extremely helpful for homeowners or their adult children who need to clean out, liquidate items or pack in advance of a move or to simply ensure the space is clutter-free, clear and safe.
Like a senior real estate specialist (SRES), these organizations specialize in helping older adults downsize and relocate. Check out this article from the Washington Post and here are links to a couple of the senior move managers in Atlanta.
They will provide you with a quote for the services you need.
Senior housing is bouncing back after a struggle through the pandemic. So, what’s popular now when it comes to senior living?
Senior Housing News explores the latest senior living trends.
(From Senior Housing News) More senior living projects will be focused on the small-home trend, to create affordable environments that are easier to secure from an infection control standpoint. Such projects might involve campuses of modular or prefabricated tiny houses, or dwellings arranged in “pocket neighborhoods.” Dr. Bill Thomas is a proponent of such communities, with the Kallimos Communities and Minka initiatives. The trend also includes the growth of franchised residential assisted living, as exemplified by Majestic Residences.
Not only will communities become bigger and smaller than ever, but some will redefine the high end of the market, while senior living will also become more accessible than ever for less affluent consumers.
In terms of luxury, the urban offerings from Coterie, Inspir, Sunrise and Watermark already are setting the bar higher than ever, with designs, technology offerings, hospitality services, health care, prime locations and other components justifying monthly rates of $20,000 or more. Providers such as Balfour Senior Living, Solera Senior Living and Galerie Living are also pushing the envelope on luxury. In 2022, expect further innovations in luxury senior living, such as the recently announced plan from Hallmark Properties to create three “ultra luxury” residential assisted living communities of fewer than 20 rooms, with residents having access to a gourmet chef and a personal butler.
At the same time, more senior living providers will make good on their plans to serve middle-market consumers in 2022. On the leading edge of this trend, 2Life Communities just announced plans for its first middle-market Opus community, making progress on a concept that has been in the works. 2Life is just one of many senior living organizations that has been contemplating how to serve the middle market, given the incipient demand that was quantified in research released in 2019. The next 12 months will bring more concrete examples of how providers and investors believe they can meet this demand, with Transforming Age and Seasons Living being two such organizations to watch.
A new CNBC report said it all, “It’s a scary time for new retirees. Stocks have plunged this year. Bonds, which traditionally serve as a ballast when stocks falter, have also been pummeled. Both trends are worrisome for seniors who rely on investments for their retirement income. High inflation also means retirees need to draw more income to afford the same items and make ends meet.”
So, what’s a baby boomer to do? What steps should you take to protect yourself from loss? Of course, the #1 recommended action to take is “spend less” but there are other things to be mindful of. Click here for the full article.
It used to be that a family stayed in a home for 50+ years moving out only when necessary, but times have certainly changed. Couples and individuals are healthier longer and when they decide to move, it’s not necessarily a move to live with a child or into a senior living facility.
The National Association of Realtors’ 2021 Generational Trends Report shows the changing priorities of today’s seniors.
1/4 or more of seniors surveyed cite the desire to live closer to family and friends as their primary reason for relocating. The second most cited reason is that they consider their existing home too large.
More than 1/2 of seniors surveyed say their top consideration when looking for a neighborhood is the quality of the neighborhood. Coming in second is its proximity to friends and family and third is its convenience to shopping and health facilities.
When asked about factors causing a buyer to move, 1/4 of 66-74 year olds and 1/3 or 75-95 year olds say a household members health is the primary reason.
Among those considering senior-related housing, today’s seniors are looking for detached single family houses located in a suburb.
Understanding what seniors want and need in their next homes is what Senior Real Estate Specialists do best. They specialize in knowing what homes and communities work best for seniors who want accessibility, convenience and security in their future neighborhood.
The survey also revealed that seniors contact agents as a first step in the home search process, take the longest (an average of 10 weeks) to search, and ultimately view fewer homes than younger home buyers. Seniors want a realtor with the expertise to make the homebuying process as stress-free as possible. Atlanta Seniors Real Estate is one of the best at understanding how best to serve senior homebuyers. Contact us for a complimentary consultation to learn how we can help you with your next real estate transaction.
Have You or a Loved One Been Scammed? Here are some recommendations of what to do next:
DO
Report the fraud. Let people who can help you know about the scam. Reporting the deception can stop more individuals from being victimized. Start by contacting your bank and the Federal Trade Commission at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/ You may also want to report losses to local police or your State Consumer Protection Office at https://www.usa.gov/ state-consumer.
Work with your bank to recover lost funds. Contact your financial service provider to let them know what happened. Although there is no guarantee, they may be able to help recover your funds if you get in touch quickly.
Change passwords and ignore unknown calls. After a scam, change your passwords, replace any compromised credit cards, and block calls from unknown numbers to avoid getting scammed again.
DON’T
Be embarrassed. Fraudsters are convincing, and millions of people fall victim to their tactics every year. Although it is unsettling to be taken in by a scam, don’t let those uncomfortable feelings stop you from taking action.
Stay silent. Talking to family and friends that you trust about your experience can help you move on. Remember–they encounter scams too. Sharing your story can raise awareness and keep your loved ones safe.
Stop using all devices. Getting scammed can shake you up, but don’t let it shut you down. Devices are still safe and useful if you take precautions.
In the United States, several government agencies investigate complaints. Report your experience to one of the following:
>Medicare-related fraud: U.S. Department of Health 800-HHS-TIPS • (800-447-8477) • oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud
>IRS Impersonators: Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). 800-366-4484 • treasury.gov/tigta/reportcrime_misconduct.shtml
>Social Security scams: Social Security Administration 1-800-269-0271• https://oig.ssa.gov/
>General scams: The Federal Trade Commission 877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) • ftccomplaintassistant.go
(Published with permission of Caring Transitions of Northeast Atlanta)
What is a family Heirloom? Heirlooms are usually possessions passed down from generation to generation, holding a story about a piece of important family history. But not all heirlooms share the same type of value outside of your family circle. To most, that same heirloom isn’t worth much at all. That’s because everyone attaches a different value to their heirlooms, making it priceless in their mind.
There are four types of value we attach to family heirlooms — sentimental, functional, monetary and social. It’s beneficial to understand the value we put on items passed down from generation to generation — especially as we talk about these items with younger family members.
In case you missed it, a great interview on NPR’s Morning Edition this week. Seniors across the US are struggling with the same question — if I sell my house, where will I go? Click here to read the interview transcript.
Helping your parents downsize is an emotional process for you and for them. With some compassion, tact, preparation, and possibly some outside help, it can be a smooth experience for everyone involved.
Before helping your parents, prepare yourself mentally and emotionally. Sometimes the emotional aspect of downsizing goes overlooked as you focus on the more practical aspects. Checking in with yourself and setting your perspective goes a long way in creating a more positive experience.
Recognize that this won’t be easy. Even with a plan, downsizing can bring up some tough emotions. Expect the process to be a little messy and stressful and be compassionate towards your parents and yourself.
Be patient. Downsizing can be especially difficult if your parents are leaving the family home, or if an upsetting circumstance triggered the downsize. On top of that, it often takes longer than expected, depending on how many possessions must be decluttered. Put yourself in your parents’ shoes as best you can. A little patience goes a long way.
Don’t try to take over. Unless there is an issue of impaired cognitive function, know that your parents are ultimately the decision makers. Trying to force them into anything will only be counterproductive. If your parents are losing cognitive functioning, still be respectful and involve them as much as you reasonably can, so they feel they still have some control.
More than 2 million people in the United States file fraud complaints each year, many of them in the senior population. Here are some tips that can help you identify a scam before falling victim.
SCAM SAFETY TIP #1 If someone contacts you from an organization you trust, verify that they are who they claim to be. You can hang up or stop replying, then contact them using information on the organization’s website.
Verify the organization. Call them back: Scammers want to build trust fast— preferably in a matter of seconds. They often pretend to be from a government agency or another well-known organization such as Apple, Medicare, Amazon, or local utilities companies. These imposter scammers will have specific, personal details that make them seem legitimate. Never give out your credit card or social security details over the phone unless you are the one who initiated the call.
SCAM SAFETY TIP #2 Be aware of people who present you with a problem or a prize. Never give out personal details or credit card info over email or over the phone during an unexpected, incoming call.
Be skeptical of urgent problems or sudden prizes: If you get a call about a sudden problem (a missed bill, back tax, family health emergency) that until now, you hadn’t known about, be alert. Be skeptical of any unexpected prizes like a sweepstakes or all-inclusive vacation. Oftentimes, scammers will use these scenarios and ask for a “small fee” to claim winnings.
SCAM SAFETY TIP #3 Keep social media accounts private. Never give someone who contacts you remote access to your computer or device.
Avoid oversharing personal details online: Scammers are experts at extracting info. Sometimes they will research their targets beforehand. They might call and know names, hometowns, family members or home purchase prices. This kind of information is available online, and is easy for them to access. Having this information also makes it easy for them to win your trust and get more details from you. After purchasing a home, your personal details may be more readily available online. Be alert.
SCAM SAFETY TIP #4 Even if something is urgent, there is always time for you to verify details online.
Remember, there’s always time to double check: If you or someone you know is being pressured to make an immediate payment, be suspicious. Scammers expect victims to act fast, before anyone can realize they are illegitimate, so they threaten with losses. If you feel nervous, time-pressured, or afraid of losing benefits during a phone call, it may be a scam.
SCAM SAFETY TIP #5 Only use protected, traceable methods of payment. Using a credit card means seniors can dispute payments “after the fact” if a product is not delivered as advertised.
Pay with credit card: Scammers often request specific forms of payment. Anytime someone asks to be paid quickly via wire transfer, gift card or mailed cash, be wary. Most legitimate organizations offer a variety of safe, traceable payment options and let you decide the best form of payment.
BONUS TIP To opt-out of marketing calls and easily recognize scams, consider registering your number with the National Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov. Within a month of submission, all legitimate businesses should stop calling you. Scammers will still use your number, but you will know that the calls you receive are no legitimate.
The article below comes from the National Association of Realtors/SRES. Hilary Walker has earned the Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation and is committed to helping Atlanta-area seniors manage their unique real estate needs.
Preparing a home for sale is always a significant undertaking. For seniors, in particular, the pre-listing process can feel overwhelming. An agent who has earned their Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) designation can guide your efforts and help make the transition go as smoothly as possible.
You can trust your SRES® designee to help you:
Map out a plan.
An SRES® understands that each client faces different circumstances and challenges. They can advise you on a sequence of steps tailored to your situation. And they’ll guide you through the process at whatever pace suits your needs. Your SRES® will take a no-pressure approach and look for ways to make your move more manageable and less stressful.
Set priorities.
Please don’t assume that every aspect of your home has to appear picture-perfect before listing it for sale. Your SRES® understands what matters most to buyers in your market and can help you focus on the most critical projects. The top priorities are often decluttering living spaces and cleaning your home thoroughly, immediately before it is listed.
Evaluate renovations.
Is it essential to update your flooring, paint your walls, or replace your appliances? Your SRES® knows local buyers’ top priorities and understands which renovations offer the biggest bang for the buck. They’ll explain your options, but it’s up to you to decide if you want to add these projects to your list.
Suggest trusted resources.
If you need help with any aspect of your move, your SRES® can provide suggestions. They’ve already vetted related service professionals that understand seniors’ concerns and can assist in decluttering, packing, renovating, and more. The choice is always yours, but it’s nice knowing you can turn to these trusted resources.
Discuss staging options.
Many sellers assume they need to stage their home before listing it. Again, this depends on your local real estate market and your personal situation. Often, staging isn’t mandatory. Today’s property marketing options include virtual staging techniques, which might be a good alternative. Your SRES® can discuss your options and offer recommendations tailored to your concerns.
Regardless of when and where you are moving, you’ll have a better experience if you work with an agent who has earned the SRES® designation- someone who is committed to helping seniors navigate their housing transitions successfully
If you’re a baby-boomer or senior and you aren’t sure what to do about downsizing, you’re certainly not alone. In a recent Atlanta Seniors Real Estate survey, we found:
67% of respondents are planning to move
40% of respondents say they will be downsizing
40% say they’re looking for an owner’s suite on the main level or a ranch style home
With inventory low, you know you can easily sell your home, but what then? Where do you go? Will you be able to find a home that meets your needs? And, with interest rates on the rise, you’ll likely be paying more than you expected just a few months ago.
So, is this a hopeless situation for seniors hoping to sell and move into something smaller?
Absolutely not.
One positive for seniors is that they have seen much higher interest rates in their lifetime, so the fluctuations aren’t as much of a shock to them as it is to younger buyers. And the plusses don’t stop there.
Atlanta Seniors Real Estate owner and Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) Hilary Walker, says her clients are in a strong situation if they can just find a home they like and are comfortable moving into. She explains, “In the case of these kinds of buyers, interest rates don’t bother them too much since, in most cases, they plan to use the equity they have in their current home to purchase the next home or they only plan to keep the mortgage for a few years before they pay it off and live mortgage free. In a couple of cases, they are choosing to use a Reverse Mortgage to help stretch their wealth, therefore, the interest rate is not an issue since they can choose not to make any mortgage payments on a monthly basis.”
True that higher interest rates will not necessarily mean more houses on the market, but it may mean 10 offers instead of 20. So, don’t hesitate to begin the process and sign on to work with an SRES agent who is familiar with all of the issues associated with baby-boomers selling and buying real estate.
Increasingly, we’re hearing of home sellers being approached by iBuyers – those companies who purchase your home quickly without you having to list and have showings. The largest iBuyers include Zillow, Opendoor, Offerpad, Simple Sale and Redfin Now. It’s a tempting approach for many appearing to be simple and fast, but is it really worth it? I know from experience that working with an iBuyer can mean that you’re leaving money on the table. If you have questions about iBuyers, contact me and I can tell you more.
For some basic information about today’s iBuyers, check out the article below from Nerdwallet.
An iBuyer, or “instant buyer,” is a real estate company that uses algorithms and technology to buy and resell homes quickly. When selling a home to an iBuyer, you may get a cash offer in as little as 24 hours without the hassle of staging and repeatedly showing the home.
You can also buy a home from an iBuyer. The companies’ websites or apps let home buyers view available properties, schedule tours and request information to get started. Closing may occur more quickly with an iBuyer because you don’t have to accommodate a traditional seller’s timeline.
My mature and experienced clients know that rates have been much higher than they are today (just 20 years ago they may have purchased a house with a 7% rate). So, today’s rate at just over 5% is still a good rate in their minds, although we’ve been spoiled with those extremely low 3% rates in recent years.
These clients are savvy and experienced to know also that increasing rates can be a detraction for buyers who want to buy now or very soon. So, now the baby boomers and older homeowners in my circle are calling to ask the very serious question…”How quickly do you think my home will sell if we put it on the market now and where do I go if I sell now?“
Here are two scenarios that I’ve seen first-hand.
First Scenario
A first-time home buyer (over 65) approved for a loan in late March prefers purchasing rather than renting because rent has increased by a significant amount for the last 3-years. We have been on the lookout for a home but have not yet found anything suitable.
Reasons for a delayed purchase in this case are:
wanting a home with all spaces on one level
low inventory in the area of choice with only one or two potential homes coming on the market each week
multiple offers on those few homes or they are in disrepair
and the buyer is searching with a lower-than-average price point (average house values for our local area rose from $278k to $338k)
The first week of May, the lender informed us that the interest rates went up over a quarter percent since the buyer was approved in March so there will be an increase in mortgage payments. This makes the buyer nervous because they are on a fixed income. An interest rate hike above 5.5% may force this buyer out of the homeownership market so time is of the essence.
Second Scenario
Most of my clients are already retired, on a fixed income, or have a budget they are adamant to stick to, so overspending for another home is hard to do. I say “overspending” because that is the word of choice among some of my clients who have watched the market take an unprecedented boom of house prices and, while that is fantastic for the seller, it is a hard pill to swallow for the mature buyer.
However, those who need to move are acknowledging this is the market they are in and must move forward regardless. I have a few clients who are in the situation of needing to sell the large home where they raised their families or enjoyed their mid-life empty nest, replacing the space with their hobby or 2nd career or entertaining friends and family periodically. But the time has arrived that the house is simply too large. They are heating and cooling, and cleaning spaces they rarely use so they want to downsize or resize while they can get a good price for their home.
One of my clients wants to move out of their 5,000 square foot home while identifying a comparable smaller home at a mid-range price point – reasonable, at least so we thought.
The search was difficult for these reasons:
in the madness of the real estate frenzy of 2021/22 even homes in the higher price points were not presented as well as they should have been – a stark difference between photos online and in person
almost every decent home that came on the market received multiple offers within a day or two
their competition was no longer just another occupant buyer but now it was large fund investors vying for that property, too
In the case of these kinds of buyers, interest rates don’t bother them too much since, in most cases, they plan to use the equity they have in their current home to purchase the next home or they only plan to keep the mortgage for a few years before they pay it off and live mortgage free. In a couple of cases, they are choosing to use a Reverse Mortgage to help stretch their wealth, therefore, the interest rate is not an issue since they can choose not to make any mortgage payments on a monthly basis.
If you want to know more about how interest rates may affect your decision or that of a loved one to move forward with a sale or purchase, feel free to contact me.
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
Moving into a long-term care community is a significant life change and requires someone to consider several factors when deciding where to live. When the time comes for extra support while aging, everyone deserves to feel welcome and safe accessing long-term care.
Welcoming policies, practices and culture are all factors which should be considered when trying to find an inclusive and welcoming long-term care facility for LGBTQ+ elders. Learn how to properly screen facilities for these and other factors in a resource created by HRC Foundation and SAGE.
Did you purchase or sell a home in 2021? If so, Senior Real Estate Specialist Hilary Walker gives you two quick tips in advance of the 2021 tax filing deadline.
Baby-boomers and seniors want to retire and move to a tax-friendly state. So, how tax-friendly is Georgia? An Atlanta Journal Constitution article looked at that and found that it ranks pretty well for the following reasons:
There is no tax on Social Security retirement benefits.
Anyone 65 and older is offered a maximum deduction of $65,000 per person on all types of retirement income.
Sales taxes and property taxes are relatively moderate. The 4% sales tax puts Georgia in the bottom 20 of the country. Georgians pay below-average for property taxes. It’s around $870 per year in property taxes per $100,000 in home value.
If you purchased a home last year, the closing attorney would have made reference to you filing for your Homestead Exemption in the new year following your purchase. In addition to this, when you are of retirement age there is likely to be a seniors exemption that you can apply for, giving you a further reduction on your property tax bill.
Please check with your county Tax Assessors’ office for the correct forms to file. As a Real Estate professional, I remind my buying clients about claiming their Homestead Exemption within the first couple of months of the new year after their home purchase because it is a property tax break you should not leave on the table, providing the property is your primary residence.
Homestead exemption applications are due by April 1 for the current tax year. The link below provides information including:
How to determine if you’re eligible for a Homestead Exemption
The items that fill our homes can be cherished, but when those items start to get in the way, it may be time to clear clutter. If you care for your home and an aging loved one too, this can become even more complex.
We have signs to help you decide if your possessions are holding you or a loved one back from being organized. In both cases, we can easily become blind to the number of items we accumulate over time and grow accustomed to clutter being there. If you’re not sure you need to remove excess “stuff” from your living environment here are signs clutter has taken over and it’s time to get organized.
In Your Home
Streamlining in your home to save space will help you stop clutter from taking over your space. Each room should have designated spaces for everything that belongs in the room.
Signs you may have too much “stuff” in your home:
You planned to clear clutter and get organized for a while, but haven’t had time.
You have more clothing and shoes in your home than can be worn in a specific season and laundry has become overwhelming.
You have trouble finding items like keys or other daily essentials frequently.
You have multiple spaces where “stuff” consistently continues to accumulate.
You have a large amount of items connected to memories or emotions that have taken up too much space.
3 Tips to Start Getting Organized
Create a plan. Start the process by deciding which items are most meaningful to you and what you need for your family’s daily routine. Then identify heirlooms and keepsakes you are certain you want to keep.
Know your space. Understand the layout, limitations, and organization wishes for your home. Decide what you believe should comfortably be in each room.
Sort your items. Decide which items you want to donate or consider selling. Evaluate the best options to help you with that task.
In Your Loved One’s Home
Here’s a list of significant changes that could indicate your parents may currently or soon need additional support streamlining or professional decluttering help:
You observe stacks of unpaid bills or late notices.
Your loved one has trouble finding important or daily use items.
Changes in housekeeping that indicate parents are having trouble with clutter.
Clutter is causing numerous safety concerns in the home, such as covering heat and air conditioning ducts or trip and fall hazards.
Clutter is leading to issues with disorganized medications, spoiled food in the fridge, lack of healthy food items, infestations or mold.
3 Tips to Help Loved One’s Streamline
Help your loved one get rid of items that belong to other people. Have they held on to your childhood furniture and keepsakes or stored items for family and friends? If your answer is yes, start clearing those items.
Dispose of broken and outdated items. In most cases, broken items are no longer useful or functional, but a hazard. Be sure to discard these items to clear room as well as for safety.
Be patient and prioritize the well-being of everyone involved. In a world driven by immediacy, we often want instant results. Remember this is a process that works best with a plan and lots of patience. If the task exceeds what you comfortably do, experts like those at Caring Transitions can help.
If these signs describe your home or your loved one’s home, it’s time to reclaim your space and get organized! This can be an overwhelming task, but you don’t have to do it alone. Experts at Caring Transitions can help you clear space. Learn more by contacting Mike DeLeon at Caring Transitions of Northeast Atlanta – mdeleon@caringtransitions.com.
Caring for your family can bring joy to your life. If you are caring for your parents and children, this can become complex. As your parents age, their needs and abilities change. If you’ve started to consider the next best move for Mom, Dad or another senior loved one, we have guidance on trigger moments that signify it may be time to talk about a plan.
Here’s a list of significant changes that could indicate your parents may currently or soon need additional support such as home care, decluttering help, financial advising, or assisted living:
Difficulty keeping up with finances. Observe stacks of unpaid bills or late notices.
Changes in personal hygiene or housekeeping that indicate parents are having trouble with personal grooming or housework.
Your parent repeats themselves often in the same conversation, seems confused, highly emotional or exhibits unusual paranoia. This could be caused by medications or other more serious cognitive issues.
Excessive shopping through TV or online outlets, or an unusual interest in online sweepstakes that require their personal information, phone numbers, addresses, social security or banking information.
Your parent is extremely isolated due to loss of a spouse or loss of personal mobility.
Numerous safety concerns in the home, such as heat, air conditioning, leaks, crumbling plaster, trip and fall hazards, steep stairways, loose carpeting and outdated electrical.
Health concerns: disorganized medications, spoiled food in the home, lack of healthy food items, infestations or mold
Recent diagnosis of a chronic health condition that requires a variety of care services provided by multiple practitioners.
If you noticed any of the trigger moment changes above, it may be time for your loved one to consider rightsizing or a move that benefits their health condition. Here are 5 tips to help you prepare them to “Rightsize” for whatever comes next.
Help your loved one get rid of items that belong to other people. Quite often, the first place you can begin to clear is where other people’s items gather. Have they held on to your childhood furniture and keepsakes or stored items for family and friends? If your answer is yes, start clearing those items. Contact family members and friends to find out if they want their items back or no longer have use for them.
Dispose of broken and outdated items. In most cases, broken items are no longer useful or functional, but a hazard. Items like chipped or broken decorative items can be especially harmful depending on the material the item is made of, the paint used to decorate it, or if the item has sharp or jagged edges. Be sure to discard these items to clear room as well as for safety. Also consider discarding well worn, old, holey, or torn clothing, bed linens, and towels as well as chipped or broken dinnerware.
Start the process by identifying items your loved one absolutely loves and needs. After deciding what items are needed to live safely and comfortably, such as a bed, place for clothes or eating utensils, you can then consider which items they love most that are not essential to daily life or comfort.
Be patient and prioritize the well-being of everyone involved. In a world driven by immediacy, we often want instant results. Remember that Rightsizing is a process that works best with a plan and lots of patience. This is a conscious decision to set the next phase of your life for comfort and healthy living. If the process exceeds what your family can do comfortable, consider hiring experts like Caring Transitions.
For every milestone in our lives, we use space differently. Quite often, embarking on new territory can be both exciting, and in some cases frightening. Having open and honest conversations with your loved ones about the next steps in their life can ease some of the anxiety and uncertainty surrounding this topic.
Published with permission of the senior relocation specialists at Caring Transitions.
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