When your kids make your home theirs
Should the hanging from Thailand stay on the living-room wall where it has lived since I was born? Should we lay out the family room as it was when I was 8, when I was 17 or in a completely new configuration? Should we leave my mother’s spice rack on the north wall of the kitchen? What about the spices? When you live in a house passed down over generations, deep-time design... READ MORE
Useful services also offer part-time jobs
Two new businesses have come to the region that might appeal to you as a potential customer — or as a potential employee. Their services are aimed at those who are seeking certain kinds of practical help to enable them to remain in their neighborhoods as they age. One of them spins off a very basic household chore: doing the laundry. Are you the kind of person who hates doing laundry?... READ MORE
Survey: How we feel about aging in place
The older you are, the less you fret about aging in your own home or community. That’s a key insight from a new Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll, which found that U.S. adults ages 65 or older feel much better prepared to “age in place” than those 50 to 64, who are mostly still in the final stretches of their working years. The poll also documented... READ MORE
What can you do with boxes in the attic?
Preserve, share good memories while downsizing If you’ve ever tried to clear out your attic, basement or garage, you’ve likely unearthed treasures you’ll never be able to part with. Your wedding album, for one thing. Or yellowing scrapbooks, loose photographs, VHS tapes and slide carousels. What exactly should you do with these items that represent precious memories of a life... READ MORE
Sources that cover long-term care costs
This story was originally published on Nextavenue.org. online pharmacy buy estrace no prescription with best prices today in the USA online pharmacy purchase lasix no prescription with best prices today in the USA The state of Washington is taking steps to fill a huge gap in our country’s patchwork long-term care system. Beginning this year, workers in that state must pay 58 cents ... READ MORE
Your vacation home needs an estate plan
Do you have a treasured second home, summer property or another vacation residence that your family enjoys? Have you thought about what happens to this beloved property when you die? If you do not plan appropriately and thoughtfully, problems may arise when you are gone. In fact, problems are almost unavoidable when emotional attachment mixes with family relationships. Planning can help ... READ MORE
How ‘smart’ devices can make life easier
Hank Norsworthy was tired of having to walk down a dark hallway to get to bed. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 40 years ago, he uses a rollator (a walker with wheels) to get around. After several friends adopted smart home technology to automate certain features, he decided to give it a try. He bought an Echo Dot as well as some smart lightbulbs and smart plugs to help automate his... READ MORE
Some countries where it’s easy to retire
While a huge part of the adventure and challenge of moving abroad involves becoming immersed in a new culture, exploring the unknown and navigating a new language, having access to home comforts and people who speak English can help transform an overseas destination into a forever home. Things like the friendliness of the locals, the size of the expat community, activities on offer, and... READ MORE
After a fire, how to deal with insurance
Two of my readers, “Anna” and “Danny,” woke up early one morning when their carbon monoxide (CO) detector went off, notifying them of a fire. “It was a smoldering ceiling fire in our attic with little smoke, but which created carbon monoxide. Our CO detector woke us from a deep sleep, giving us time to call 911. Only a small bathroom and laundry area off of the kitchen were... READ MORE
Sharing home benefits owner and tenant
After living alone in her 1,600-square-foot house for decades, Susan (a retiree whose last name is withheld for privacy) decided to roll out the welcome mat at her home in Silver Spring, Maryland. She started renting her spare room to medical students about 10 years ago. Now she rents her room to people over age 60 through a new program called Montgomery County Home Sharing. “It’s ... READ MORE
