Author: ops

For most of us, moving into a new home is an exciting time – it may have meant that our family is growing, we have a terrific new job opportunity, or we are simply moving to a more appropriate home given the time in our lives.

The decision to move to a seniors housing community is often made for different reasons – many of which may be the culmination of many important decisions – some difficult – that you and your family have made over the past several weeks or months. It is likely that your new residence will be different from your current home, and that over the years you have accumulated a lot of “stuff” – some of which you will want to take with you, some of which you had forgotten you even had, and some things you may choose to part with.

No matter what the reason for moving, few of us are likely to be excited about packing boxes, loading trucks, and unpacking all of our ‘stuff’ (our friend with the pickup truck was always so popular when we moved). That said, we hope that the following guide offers you some things to consider:

Downsizing

The process of downsizing can be intimidating so it may help to think of the process as a means to simplifying your life. While getting rid of things you no longer need you make more room for those things you truly value.

3 Tips for Downsizing:

1. Plan ahead. Set aside specific days to go through your possessions. Allocate a couple of hours a day to avoid being overwhelmed by the task ahead.
2. Take measurements. Obtain a floor plan from your new home then measure the pieces of furniture that you wish to use in your new apartment. The staff at your new community will help with this.
3. Tag items. Use different colored post it notes to indicate which items you are giving away or selling, those that you are giving to family, and those that you are bringing with you.

Five Ways to Get Rid of Things You No Longer Need:

1. Estate Sale. An estate sale group may keep the process from becoming too daunting and groups like this have the ability to get the most for items you have decided to sell. Estate sale groups typically receive 35 to 40 percent of the profit from an estate sale.
2. Contact an Auction House. If you have higher-end collectibles, artwork, or furniture you may want to hire an auction house to sell the items on your behalf. Auction house groups typically receive 50-80 percent of the profit from an auction.
3. Charity. Contact a charity like your Church, the Salvation Army, or Goodwill and provide a list of items that you wish to donate. The charity will confirm which items they will accept so you may have items left to give to others.
4. Shred your papers. It’s important to proceed with caution if you have stockpiled important information like bank statements or financial documents. Home shredding machines are typically not of enough quality to get the job done so consider hiring a third party shredding service to get the papers properly destroyed and discarded.
5. Many senior communities have a store where residents can donate belongings that may be offered for sale – the proceeds may fund a common resident account that can be used to pay for special outings, entertainment, and other fun events. And, it can be a lot of fun!

On Moving Day

Much to the surprise of many older adults who are moving, they actually feel better afterward about not having to keep up with boxes of things they were not using or had not set eyes on in years. Unburdened by so much stuff, many people can focus on the enjoyment of their new home and be revitalized by new people, their new surroundings, and the satisfaction that someone in need is enjoying the charity of having received something special and useful.

It’s important to plan on the logistical tasks, like sorting and packing. If this part of moving gets bogged down, it really can impact you emotionally. Nowadays, there are many options for people to get outside assistance to help with sorting and downsizing. There are companies that specialize in relocation for seniors, and your new community can assist with securing trustworthy assistance. In addition to the physical tasks of moving, these companies can guide you through decision-making and give you feedback uninhibited by family or friends – this can help move the process forward.

Moving a Pet

1. If you are moving a pet a pet carrier will help the pet feel safe. Make sure the carrier is large enough so your pet can stand up and turn around easily.
2. Consider a pet relocation service – they will pick up and deliver your pet to your new home.
3. Keep your pet calm. Considering bringing a favorite toy.
4. Ease your pet into your new home. Try to keep your pet away from the commotion. You may want to consider boarding him or her during the moving day. Once he is home, let him take his time getting to know the new space.

Transitions

It is normal and healthy to feel apprehensive about moving. Without proper planning and plenty of help along the way, moving from a familiar environment where you feel safe and comfortable to a new environment can be stressful. If you are moving from out of town or out of state can make it seem more difficult.

Moving is an important decision, and a big step toward being happy in this next stage of your life. The key to an easy transition lies in allowing the staff at your new community to help you make the move and connect with your fellow residents. Once you know your way around your new home, take the time to meet new people and join social activities such as attending a welcome lunch, finding a new church in the area, attending lectures at the community or joining one of many clubs offered in most modern senior communities. The possibilities are limitless, and it helps to go slowly – there is plenty of time to get involved. The willingness to help you after you’ve made this decision is an important part of your choosing your next community carefully.

When you can no longer manage daily living in your own home or with family members, an apartment at The Courtyards is a great option.  While Medicare does not cover assisted living, you may have other resources to help pay for your new home. Consider the following:

Long Term Care Insurance

If you or your family member have a Long Term Care Insurance policy, be sure to visit with your insurance professional in order to completely understand your benefits and to ensure that you get what you have paid for.  It is very common for insurance companies to decline payment on the first request.  An advocate at The Courtyards can help by contacting the insurance company in order to work through the issues and get approval.  To qualify, many companies will require that you need help in at least two areas of Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, transferring from bed to chair, walking, or toileting.

Long Term Care insurance benefits vary widely depending on the policy.  Benefits may range from $1,000 to more than $10,000 per month.

Life Insurance

A life insurance policy can provide financial support now.  Ask your insurance professional about cashing out the policy, accelerating it, or about living benefits.  Often, the company will buy the policy back for 50 to 75 percent of its value. The rules will be different depending on the company and type of policy.

If the company won’t redeem the benefits value, you may choose to sell the policy to a third-party company in return for a “senior” or “life” settlement, often up to 75 percent of the policy’s face value. After buying the policy for a lump sum, the third party company continues to pay the premiums until the policyholder passes away, at which time the company receives the benefits.

There are also “life assurance” benefits or life insurance conversion programs.  These allow beneficiaries to switch the benefit of a life insurance policy into long-term care payments. Life insurance conversion pays up to 50 percent of the value of the policy.  Although this is less than a life settlement, it is an option for lesser-value policies that might not qualify for life settlement.

The Veteran’s Administration

The VA (Veteran’s Administration) can be very generous when taking care of those who served in the US Military.  If you or your loved one is a veteran, you may be eligible for benefits that can be used to pay for assisted living.  If you have service-related injuries or disabilities it may be easier.

“Non-Service Connected Improved Pension Benefit with Aide and Attendance” (or Aid and Attendance as it’s commonly called) pays toward the cost of assisted living.  This is available to veterans or a surviving spouse who is disabled and whose income (not assets) is below a certain limit.  A veteran must have served at least 90 days on active duty and/or at least one day during wartime.  The medical condition doesn’t need to be service related, but you must meet medical qualification.  There are asset considerations.  Work with your accountant, banker and trust officers to assure your benefits won’t be effected and to learn ways to shield your assets.  Contact the VA and learn more about your qualification.

When you apply with the VA, have your military discharge papers and a letter from your doctor stating you have a valid medical condition that makes you appropriate for assisted living.  Prior to meeting with the VA, complete the formal application form “Veteran’s Application for Compensation and/or Pension”.

The professionals at The Courtyards are available to help our veterans receive the benefits they rightly deserve.

Consider Selling or Renting if you Own Your Home

Selling your home frees up your equity allowing you to use it for assisted living, often on a tax beneficial basis and eliminates the cost of owning and maintaining a home.  We understand that your or your Mom and Dad’s house may be treasured.  We get it.  You may want to consider renting out your home to supplement the cost of assisted living.

If you have trouble liquidating assets quickly, short-term “bridge” loans are a common way to access funds until assets are sold.  They are usually available up to $50,000 and are designed to fund the move to assisted living while waiting for the sale of property or to be approved for a pension.  

The Courtyards can help with these decisions and we are aligned with real estate professionals that can assist in the process of selling or renting the home.

Reverse Mortgage

A reverse mortgage allows you to borrow money against the equity that has been built up in your home.  This is a good option if either you or your spouse (or Mom or Dad) wishes to stay in the home while you need assisted living.  When the remaining spouse moves, the reverse mortgage is repaid through the sale of the home.  If you or your family would like to own the home after you move, this is probably not the best choice.

Annuity

If you have considerable savings but are worried about outliving your resources you may consider an annuity.  When you purchase an annuity, you pay a lump sum to the insurance company to receive regular payments over a specified time period (usually the rest of your life).  The biggest benefit of an annuity is that even if your purchase premium runs out, you can get more money back than you put in. It can be more beneficial for you than just spending your savings.

ElderLife Line of Credit

ElderLife offers lines of credit programs for those who need assistance with funding assisted living while waiting for another financial event like the sale of a home. These options are available to both seniors and their families.

Tax Deductibility Benefit

Current tax laws allow for deduction of certain medical expenses associated with living in Assisted Living communities for the purpose of receiving medical care. The deduction may be applicable for adult children who are paying for some or all of the costs associated with living in an Assisted Living community. We advise consultation with a tax consultant to confirm availability before making financial decisions.

Companion Living Options

Companion Suites offer a more affordable roommate option, and The Courtyards offers resident apartments and a ‘match-making’ service to ensure that a compatible roommate can be found. It’s a great option that doesn’t sacrifice any of The Courtyards’s amenities and services.

Paying for assisted living might seem like a daunting task and hopefully these ideas help in that process.  Contact us anytime to discuss these and other options that may be available to you.  We are here to help in any way we can.

Staying connected to people within our peer group plays an important role in both physical and mental health, no matter our age. However, spending time with people younger than us can be just as positive. Here are just a few benefits to staying involved with the younger generations.

Cognitive Health

Regular involvement with younger people helps seniors stay mentally sharp. An Australian study conducted with elderly women found that grandmothers who watched their grandchildren at least once a week performed better on cognitive tests than grandmothers who didn’t. However, both groups of grandmothers scored higher than elderly women who had no grandchildren at all. While there are many other determinants that play into cognitive health, such as environmental and hereditary factors, social engagement has proven particularly effective at helping seniors maintain cognition.

Mental Health

As well as aiding in cognitive health maintenance, regular interaction between seniors and younger people has been shown to significantly improve the mental health of both groups. A 20-year study conducted across multi-generational families found that, for both grandparents and adult grandchildren, regular interaction reduced depressive symptoms. Grandparents who only received support without providing it to their relatives were actually shown to have increased symptoms of depression. A give-and-take relationship appears to be most effective at improving and maintaining mental health for all age groups.

Strong links between children and their grandparents directly benefit the child as well. In a separate study, close grandparent-grandchild relations were shown to decrease emotional and behavioral problems for students aged 11 to 16.

Multi-Generational Program at The Courtyards

“A resident favorite during the holiday season is the many high school music programs that visit the community,” Liz Lawson, Executive Director, said. “Each year, Satin Strings and choirs from the local high school perform many holiday favorites in the dining room. The music is so moving, it often brings us to tears Choirs visit on into the evenings many times through the holidays.”

“Every Tuesday, a church group comes in to play the piano and sing with the residents living in our Memory Care neighborhood. The residents hold their hymn books and sing along.”

Would you like to volunteer for our Multi-Generational Program or learn more about The Courtyards? Call (432) 339-1048 today!

According to Carrie Robertson, Research & Community Education, Chicago Methodist Senior Services, as stated in her blog post Goal Setting – Important at Any Age, “Adults that are in or approaching retirement might think they’ve already reached their destination, and therefore won’t really benefit from goals anymore. While you may have reached your retirement destination, a whole new journey is just beginning. Without a road map for this new journey, the days, weeks, and years might pass you by – leaving you wondering where your time has gone and what happened to all those things you wanted to do after retiring.”

The nature of the goals you set as a senior adult may change when you compare them to goals of year’s past, but they are no less important in helping you live life to the fullest! Is there something you have always wanted to experience or a skill you’ve always wanted to learn? There’s no better time than retirement to explore new knowledge, new opportunities, and new perspectives.

Setting SMART Goals
Statistics say that only 8% of people stick with their new goals each year. Much of that has to do with the type of goals people set. Without structure, goals are more like wishes floating on a breeze. Here are a few S.M.A.R.T. tips to provide the structure most of us need to ensure we will be successful in achieving our goals.

S: Goals should be specific – Add specificity to goals so that you will know for certain when you have achieved them. For example, I resolve to take piano lessons, and practice 15 minutes a day so I can wow my family at Christmas next year; or I resolve to write in a journal every day because I enjoy writing and want to get better at it.

M: Goals should be measurable – Tracking progress toward your goal by measuring small improvements will help keep you motivated.

A: Goals should be achievable – Your body may not be able to do what it used to, but that simply means you can get more creative about your goals. Set goals that you can achieve. Once you achieve them, you might even be able to aim higher.

R: Goals should be relevant – Set goals that make you feel good, and not goals that meet other people’s expectations. Your goals are to help you live your best life possible.

T: Goals should be time bound – Without a deadline, it’s easy to put off until tomorrow what could be done today. It can sometimes be helpful to set mini-deadlines on the way to your major goal. For instance, if your goal is to to improve your flexibility and range of motion this year, a mini-deadline is to work towards touching your toes every day for the first 100 days.

Working toward goals together
As we age, our social networks can become smaller and smaller. Our friends and families may move away and pursue their own lives. It can get lonely and be difficult to find the motivation to work toward new goals when we don’t have a big circle of friends to celebrate the achievement of these goals with. That’s the beauty of The Courtyards.

Residents who live at The Courtyards are surrounded by wonderful friends and caring staff who can support them in achieving their goals and inspiring them to consider new goals. To learn more about The Courtyards, visit https://courtyards-al.com/.

February is often artistically expressed with cherubs and lace and little pink or red hearts. February is also American Heart Month, which is a perfect time to focus on the muscle central to a happy and full life, our hearts.

Heart disease is a leading cause of death for men and women, according to the Center for Disease Control. Everyone has the potential to develop heart disease. Risk factors for heart disease can include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, unhealthy diet, and for some, even social isolation.

But don’t worry! There are lots of small changes you can make to keep your ticker ticking!

1. Begin with a visit to your doctor to discuss heart health. You can see where you are today through simple tests and work with your doctor to establish healthy heart goals.
2. Add exercise to your daily routine. Simple activities like walking, swimming, or dancing can help keep your heart in tip-top shape. It is important to be active every day.
3. If you smoke, try to quit. Smoking is very harmful to your health and the health of those around you. The Center for Disease Control offers support to help you quit.

Senior living communities support a heart healthy lifestyle through physical activity programs, social engagements, and the opportunity for residents to take advantage of a 24/7 care staff, should they need assistance. If you are 55 years of age or older and would like to learn more about the benefits of a senior living community like The Courtyards, give us a call at 432-339-1048.

Your social life – your friendships and your family – are probably a source of happiness in your life. While socialization is critical for all people, regardless of age, seniors can be more susceptible to isolation. Many seniors have spent a considerable portion of their lives in the company of others – be it in the workplace or raising children. Upon retirement, an “empty nest”, or the death of a spouse, the opportunities for socialization often decrease, especially if the senior must rely on others for transportation.

But research has indicated that an active social lifestyle is more important than ever in helping seniors maintain a sharp mind, remain connected to the world around them, increase feelings of happiness, and develop a sense of belonging.

In addition to wonderful opportunities for socialization at The Courtyards, a little extra companionship can ease the transition and make all the difference when it comes to the quality of our lives. At The Courtyards, we celebrate early and often; we make move-in days, birthdays, holidays, and “just because” days cause for celebration with friends and neighbors.

Transition Packages

The first few days of life in a new home can be a little hectic—without someone to show you around and offer a hand. So when you or your loved one is moving into The Courtyards or returning after a hospital or rehabilitation stay, and you can’t be there every minute to help, one of our trained companions can provide one-on-one assistance to gently introduce (or reintroduce) new faces, routines and activities in a loving and personalized way. With a Transition Package, you can rest easy knowing that a potentially stressful time will be handled in the most kind and caring manner at The Courtyards.

Celebration Packages

We understand that work schedules or distance just don’t allow you to spend all the time you’d like with your loved one. And, unfortunately, you can’t wrap up a big hug and tie it with a bow. So a one-on-one Celebration Package can make any day extra special. Birthdays. Holidays. Personal days. We’ll help you plan an event or activity with a trained companion to attend to your loved one’s every need. From museum visits or theatre tickets and dinner at a favorite restaurant to a parade or picnic at the park, a customized Celebration Package includes all expenses, escort fees and transportation.

Recreation Packages

A move to The Courtyards doesn’t mean your loved one has to give up favorite activities. Golf, High School Football games, museum memberships…you name it. Recreation Packages make transportation and participation in those loved pastimes possible. Our one-on-one companions are specifically trained to meet the special needs those pursuits require. You can rest easy knowing that an on-staff associate will provide all the one-on-one compassionate and loving assistance your loved one needs to get the most enjoyment out of treasured hobbies and activities.

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life

One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s is memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; increasingly needing to rely on memory aids (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.

What’s a typical age-related change?
Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.

2. Challenges in planning or solving problems

Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.

What’s a typical age-related change? 
Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook.

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure

People with Alzheimer’s often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game.

What’s a typical age-related change? 
Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a television show.

4. Confusion with time or place

People with Alzheimer’s can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.

What’s a typical age-related change?
Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.

5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships

For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer’s. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast, which may cause problems with driving.

What’s a typical age-related change? 
Vision changes related to cataracts.

6. New problems with words in speaking or writing

People with Alzheimer’s may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a “watch” a “hand-clock”).

What’s a typical age-related change? 
Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.

7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps

A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time.

What’s a typical age-related change?
Misplacing things from time to time and retracing steps to find them.

8. Decreased or poor judgment

People with Alzheimer’s may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.

What’s a typical age-related change? 
Making a bad decision once in a while.

9. Withdrawal from work or social activities

A person with Alzheimer’s may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced.

What’s a typical age-related change?
Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations.

10. Changes in mood and personality

The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer’s can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.

What’s a typical age-related change? 
Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.

The legend of St. Patrick is celebrated every year on March 17. Images of four-leafed clovers, leprechauns, and pots of gold decorate festive gathering places as revelers wish the “luck of the Irish” to one another. But do you really have to be Irish to be lucky?

According to a video hosted on the YouTube channel It’s Okay to Be Smart, psychologist Richard Wiseman has researched hundreds of people who call themselves lucky and found that there are four principles of luck:

1. Lucky people maximize chance opportunities by generally being relaxed and open to opportunities.
2. Lucky people make decisions based on their intuition, or gut feelings.
3. Lucky people’s attitudes transform bad luck into good luck because of the way they perceive events.
4. Lucky people expect good things to happen.

Sounds pretty good, don’t you think? By relaxing more, listening to our inner wisdom, and having a positive attitude, we might find ourselves to be even luckier lads and lasses.

And, in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, here’s an Irish blessing just for you:

May your pockets be heavy
And your heart be light,
May good luck pursue you
Each morning and night.

Your retirement years can be exciting and new when you pare down your expenses and begin a new chapter more simply.

For many older adults, moving to a smaller home makes financial and lifestyle sense. Once your children have grown, the expense and maintenance of multiple rooms that remain empty become unnecessary. Although there may be sentimental reasons to hold on to a family home, life is full of changes, and your retirement years can be exciting and new when you pare down your expenses and begin a new chapter more simply.

Determining if your house is too big for your needs

Do you have rooms that you never or rarely enter such as a formal living room or dining room? Do you have a finished basement that hasn’t seen a party in a decade? Are you an empty nester, with just two of you living in a four-bedroom, two-story colonial?

A ‘yes’ answer to any of these means that you probably can benefit through downsizing.

Think of what your actual needs are in housing. You likely want a comfortable bedroom, a family room for entertaining, and a large eat-in kitchen. Beyond these basics, maybe you’d like a study to use as a home office or for hobbies, and you might want a spare bedroom for guests or grandchildren. A home featuring all of these amenities can likely be found under 1,500 square feet or less.

A smaller home means much lower living expenses

A home that is 1,500 square feet or less has considerably lower overall carrying costs. Mortgage payments, insurance, taxes, maintenance, and repair costs are all keyed, in one way or another, to the size of the home. Even a poorly insulated smaller home will save owners a big chunk of money each year over a larger, more energy-efficient home. And if you are not using rooms, why pay each month to heat or cool the space? If you can successfully shave $1,000 a month off your living expenses through downsizing, you can direct the savings toward your retirement accounts for when you may need the extra funds.

A move can be a refreshing new start

Beyond the financial benefits of downsizing, the process of simplifying one’s life can provide clarity and peace. We all accumulate stuff throughout our lives and often feel guilt in tossing things away. Even if you are not hoarding, you likely still have a lot that you simply do not need. Imagine having a closet that only contains the clothing you currently wear or a garage that keeps your car out of the rain and snow and isn’t filled with years of unused miscellaneous things. Decluttering as part of downsizing is a major benefit for older adults.

Planning your move

Decluttering is a component of packing as part of your move. Before planning your move, think about what tasks you might be able to handle yourself. If you need assistance packing, moving companies are glad to help, but it will add to your expense. Make sure to research moving companies before making a hiring decision. Check out online reviews and speak to at least three companies. In addition to cost, see what services they provide. If they do not disassemble furniture, you may need to make additional arrangements.

While packing yourself can help you save on moving expenses, being organized in the process can also help speed up your unpacking. Follow some simple professional tips such as packing heavier items in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger boxes.

Downsizing makes sense for many older adults. With a solid plan, well-researched housing needs, and moving strategy, you can lower your costs and embark on a simpler lifestyle.

There are literally hundreds of ways to connect with people nowadays, thanks to technology. You can tweet, snap, like, post, share, and pin your way to connecting with possibly millions of people around the world in an instant.

Those interactions can keep us occupied for a while, but they are different than the kinds of interactions we create in a deep, personal relationships. According to Jim Taylor, Ph. D.’s article in Psychology Today, “Social media platforms are obviously social in nature, but I see it as being ‘social lite,’ because it limits the richness of human interactions, or ‘social safe’ because it keeps relationships at a comfortable distance.”

As humans, we derive many benefits from personal relationships, including living longer, being better suited to deal with stress, having greater health, and feeling richer, according to Mary Jo Kreitzer, RN, Ph. D., in her article for the University of Minnesota.

In fact, the lack of close, personal relationships directly correlates with declines in our health, especially as we age. The National Institute on Aging quotes several research studies that indicate social isolation constitutes a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality, especially in older adults. Loneliness, the article says, may have a physical, as well as emotional, impact. For example, people who are lonely frequently have elevated systolic blood pressure.

One way to develop more personal relationships is to engage with people like you. Whether being a part of a local civic club, like Kiwanis or the Lion’s Club, taking group classes that interest you, or considering moving out of a house where you are alone to a community full of your peers, you can find ways to meet people with whom you can share stories and become friends. Your quality of life depends on it!

If you would like more information about the social programs and events at The Courtyards, please give us a call at 432-339-1048 and find out how to get connected in a meaningful way.