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
I’m retired. Should I pay off my mortgage?
If you’ve ever tuned in to The Ramsey Show on the radio, you know Dave Ramsey likes to talk about the best ways to pay down debt and why it’s imperative to be debt-free. Then you may come across Ric Edelman, the founder of one of the largest personal finance companies in the country. His advice is just the opposite of Ramsey’s: You should stretch out a big mortgage for as long... READ MORE
Understand taxes on selling your home
If your home’s value has soared, congratulations. If you decide to sell, beware. Financial advisor James Guarino said some clients don’t realize that home sale profits are potentially taxable until their returns are prepared — and by that time, they may have spent the windfall or invested the money in another house. “They’re not happy campers when they find out that Uncle... READ MORE
Three decades providing assisted living
When Veena Alfred was a young girl in India, she first experienced the joy of taking care of others. Raised in her grandparents’ stately home, Alfred and her five siblings grew accustomed to welcoming her grandmother’s friends as if they were bonus grandparents. “When these elderly women came, we were assigned certain chores,” Alfred remembered in an interview with the Beacon.... READ MORE
Keys to finding the perfect place to retire
Three days after Cheryl Gremban retired in 2018, she and her husband Charlie, 67, who had retired 10 years before, sold their home near San Francisco and moved to Carlsbad, California, near San Diego. The move wasn’t impulsive. Carlsbad had been on their radar screen for a few years. Like many retirees, the Grembans wanted to live closer to family. Of their three sons, the nearest one... READ MORE
DC Housing News — October 2022
Balfour Palisades taking reservations A new community offering older adults a continuum of care will soon open in the District of Columbia’s Palisades neighborhood. With a small-town feel, Balfour Palisades will enable residents to stay engaged in the world around them while retreating to a relaxed, cozy setting. The community offers month-to-month lease options without a large... READ MORE
