Community residents volunteer in-house
Retired Baltimore County music teacher Keith Derrickson enjoys performing on the piano, sometimes wearing a powdered wig. For almost seven years he has lived at Oak Crest in Parkville, Maryland, volunteering his talent at the community’s open houses. “I play while people are coming in and give them some ambiance. I have a Bach wig and a Beethoven wig,” he said. Indeed, Derrickson... READ MORE
Should you sell your home for a smaller one?
If you spent your teenage years waiting anxiously for one of your siblings to get out of the shower, the idea of selling your spacious, multi-bathroom home and moving into a smaller house or condo may feel like a reversal of fortune. Yet for many retirees, downsizing makes financial and practical sense. Younger baby boomers — those currently ranging in age from 57 to 66 — made up 17% ... READ MORE
Seabury Resources for Aging turns 100
One of the oldest nonprofits in the Washington, D.C. area has been helping older adults for 100 years. Seabury Resources for Aging, founded in 1924, will celebrate its centennial next month at a gala at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Seabury began with a small home for older adults: just four rooms in a house on Wisconsin Avenue in Northwest Washington. Its tradition of... READ MORE
DC Housing News — April 2024
Inspīr Embassy Row coming to D.C. Maplewood Senior Living is bringing a new 174-unit luxury senior living residence to Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C. Inspīr Embassy Row will have amenities such as an indoor heated saltwater pool, steam room, sauna, salt room, movie theater, salon and spa. With a prime location on Massachusetts Avenue at the end of Embassy Row, the eight-story... READ MORE
Consider community with all levels of care
Dear Savvy Senior: Can you help me identify some good senior living communities that offer all levels of housing and care, from independent living to nursing home care? I am in my late 70s and know I need to downsize from my current house, but I want my next move to be my last. —One Move Mary Dear Mary, If you want your next move to be your last, an all-inclusive retirement... READ MORE
Watering right saves money (and plants)
Until I installed soaker hoses throughout my vegetable beds last year, I’d always watered my plants by hand, which over the years had become tiresome. Standing outside holding a garden hose wasn’t exactly my idea of a good time, but it directs water precisely to the soil above roots, making sure it lands where it’s needed. That eliminates waste, and goes a long way toward... READ MORE
How to declutter if moving or downsizing
Spring — and spring cleaning — are now upon us. With the changing seasons, you may be changing seasons of your life, too, including looking for ways to declutter your home, especially if you’re moving or downsizing. Once he retired, Jakob Miller finally had the time and energy to organize his three-bedroom home. “As I entered my golden years, I realized that I needed to... READ MORE
In-home care can help you age in place
Most people want to age in place and live at home for as long as possible: According to an AARP survey, three-quarters of people 50 and older are hoping to do so. But managing this successfully may mean hiring outside help, such as health aides who can assist you with daily activities that have become challenging. You might wonder when exactly it will make sense to seek that service.... READ MORE
Finding the right retirement community
Many older adults decide that a retirement community will be their next move. However, retirement communities can vary significantly in terms of their housing options, amenities, healthcare services and the lifestyle that they offer. Here are seven steps to help find the right retirement community for you. 1. Choose a location for the retirement community search Step one is to figure... READ MORE
Never too early to develop your care plan
At some point, most older people will need help getting through the day. Someone turning 65 today has a 70% chance of eventually requiring assistance with basic living activities, such as bathing, dressing and using the toilet, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. That’s the grim reality. Even grimmer is that Medicare typically doesn’t pay for such... READ MORE