A service with something for everyone
Here’s a story about a new business that might appeal to you as a potential customer or as a potential employee. And it all spins off a very basic household chore: doing the laundry. Are you the kind of person who hates doing laundry? Maybe you see it as a Sisyphean task that never gets easier, only harder. Or you might just regard it as a necessary evil that wastes time and... READ MORE
Expert provides some home renovation tips
What can you do in each of the different areas of your home to allow you to live a long, safe life? New materials and new technology make adapting your home to fit your lifestyle easier than ever. Kevin Taylor of Taylor Made Custom Contracting, Inc. (taylormadecontracting.com), based in Jarrettsville, Maryland, is a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist through the National Association of... READ MORE
Founder of local village saw opportunity
Last month, Constance Row, co-founder and president of the Friendship Heights Neighborhood Network (FHNN) — a volunteer-run “village” — received the Debra Levy Humanitarian Award from GROWS, the Grass Roots Organization for the Wellbeing of Seniors. Debra Levy, for whom the award was named, served the Montgomery County area as a geriatric care manager for more than 30 years... READ MORE
Five ways to save energy this winter
Winter is the time of year when energy bills can skyrocket as we look for ways to stay warm and cozy indoors on chilly days. Focusing on energy efficiency can help you keep your home temperature comfortable and your energy bills at bay while also reducing your carbon footprint. Energy efficiency means using less energy to accomplish the same tasks while cutting energy bills and... READ MORE
How to avoid electrical fires in the home
Do you have a lamp that flickers? Or a light switch that doesn’t work quite as well as it used to? Play it safe — don’t use it, said Jim Resnick, program manager for Senior Outreach and Education at Montgomery County Department of Fire and Rescue Services. As a firefighter for 45 years, Resnick has some advice: Turn off that light or device. Throw it away or call an electrician... READ MORE
Options to pay for long-term care needs
Long-term care insurance helps pay for the cost of home healthcare or a nursing home. It also covers extended illness or disability. While long-term care (LTC) coverage can be great for retirees, premiums have begun to rise in recent years, making it a difficult expense for those on a limited income. So, how do you determine the best way to prepare for long-term care costs in... READ MORE
Tips to shovel safely; avoid falling on ice
It’s snow season, which can bring both joy and pain. If you have to shovel your driveway or walk across a slick sidewalk, take extra precautions this winter. After all, as of press time, local hospitals are inching toward overcapacity. “Not having to be in the hospital is critical,” said Dr. Scott Faucett, orthopaedic surgeon at The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics, which has... READ MORE
Prepare yourself against natural disaster
Emergency preparedness experts recommend that you have a “go bag” and a “stay bin” for disasters: kits with supplies to help you survive a few days if you have to evacuate your home or shelter in place. Preparing your finances for natural disasters is also smart. Having cash on hand, access to credit and the right insurance coverage can help you get through perilous times.... READ MORE
Tips for choosing a retirement location
Dear Savvy Senior, My husband and I will both be retiring in a few years and are interested in relocating to a warmer climate, but could use some help. What resources can you recommend for locating and researching good places to retire in the U.S.? —Retiring at 65 Dear Retiring, If you’re interested in relocating when you retire, like millions of other Boomers, there are a wide ... READ MORE
Help that can keep you living at home
Home healthcare and private duty care can help you maintain your independence in a familiar space. We all want to hold on to our independence for as long as possible. But what if you need help caring for yourself and you’re not ready to move to an assisted living facility? The answer for many people is to have someone come to the home and provide that care. “We always make an... READ MORE
