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
Remodeling trends to watch for in 2022
After spending most of their time at home for the last 21 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many homeowners are looking for ways to make their homes fit their new realities. Open floor plans are out; dedicated spaces for remote work and learning are in. Yards are being transformed into entertainment spaces, and walls are being repainted. At the same time, increased demand and... READ MORE
When a loved one requires memory care
For Marylander Larry Barrett, the agonizing decision to find a memory care community for his wife, Martha, began more than 10 years ago. That’s when Larry first noticed that something was going on with Martha, then 60, a lawyer. She’d forget the name of a person she met the night before. On a trip to Louisville, Ky., where she grew up, she forgot the way to her childhood... READ MORE
How to choose a remodeling contractor
When planning a potential home remodeling project, the list of decisions to make may feel nearly endless. Ultimately, you may find the most important decision is choosing a trustworthy team of professionals to complete the job. For example, an organization like the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) provides homeowners with helpful ways to find qualified,... READ MORE
Fund a dream retirement with your home
Selling a mortgage-free house can put money in your pocket and give you the opportunity to dream, explore or start a new life in a different area. Consider Suzanne and Paul, who had paid off their mortgage and were willing to take on some risk. First, they sold their suburban New York home and left for Israel, where they rented an apartment for 10 months. “By moving to a less... READ MORE
