Are heat pumps or solar panels better?
Solar panels or a heat pump? Both can improve your home’s energy efficiency, reduce your carbon footprint and, crucially, save you money on your energy bills. Heat pumps use electricity to extract heat from the air and pump it into your home. This thermal energy can be used to heat your water supply and keep your home warm. Heat pumps produce so much thermal energy that they can... READ MORE
The role of a geriatric care manager
It can happen in an instant. One day your dad is living on his own, independent and mostly healthy despite advancing age. The next he’s in bed with a broken something, dependent on his grown children, and forced to move into a long-term care facility because you don’t have time to research alternatives. I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve seen it happen hundreds of times. Dad ... READ MORE
Many benefits of intergenerational living
In Fairfax City, a unique apartment complex is being built adjacent to the George Mason University (GMU) campus. Named One University, it will open in the summer of 2024 with 333 units for college students, 120 units for families, and 120 units for people over age 62. One University’s 10.8-acre site will have multi-family and senior apartments for people and families earning up to 60... READ MORE
Where family caregivers can find support
Few experiences in life are more difficult than caring for a loved one who is in mental decline, who is unstable, or who requires long-term care. Most family caregivers aren’t trained and don’t have any outside support, and it’s easy to imagine how overwhelming that situation would be. But give yourself a break: Do not take every burden upon yourself, or you’ll risk developing... READ MORE
DC Housing News — January 2023
Speaker series helps introduce The Carnegie Last fall, 150 people flocked to a lecture by “Downton Abbey” consultant Rebecca Eaton, executive producer at large for “Masterpiece Theater.” Eaton, who also worked on the television series “Sherlock,” shared some behind-the-scenes stories and reflected on her career in public television. The lecture was sponsored by The Carnegie... READ MORE
Understanding ‘activities of daily living’
When looking into what senior living options are available and their different levels of care, it is important to empower yourself by getting to know different key words and phrases used in the field. For example, in senior living communities, caregivers need to know what types of assistance a resident might need to stay healthy and safe. One way to identify needs and challenges is by... READ MORE
Adult day centers assist aging in place
When Eileen Roehr’s husband, Casey, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2018, she went looking for helpful resources. High on her to-do list was finding an adult day center for him. “The two most valuable things to keep people with dementia functioning as long as possible [are] physical activity and social interaction,” said Roehr, 80, a former psychiatric nurse. Roehr, of... READ MORE
New law saves more on green updates
If you’re planning a few home improvements that will boost the energy efficiency of your house, you may save some money on your projects now that the Inflation Reduction Act has been signed into law. One of the act’s main goals is to address climate change and slow down global warming. The legislation extends and enhances two tax credits that reward “green” upgrades to your home. ... READ MORE
A fall home prep and maintenance plan
This time of the year represents the harvest — a time to acknowledge growth and expansion as a natural part of our well-being. Read on for a list of fall home maintenance tips that will help you get excited about the season. Start indoors The basics. Now is a good time to inspect things like your home’s plumbing, electrical wiring and panels. Ensure that all plumbing is properly... READ MORE
Budgeting for your next home renovation
When you decide to renovate your home — whether to sell or make improvements for you and your family to enjoy — setting a budget can be a challenge. Knowing what you want to accomplish may be the easy part, but avoiding the bad advice out there and determining what you can actually afford takes research and detailed planning. Consider these tips from contractors who are members of... READ MORE
