What can you do with boxes in the attic?
Preserve, share good memories while downsizing If you’ve ever tried to clear out your attic, basement or garage, you’ve likely unearthed treasures you’ll never be able to part with. Your wedding album, for one thing. Or yellowing scrapbooks, loose photographs, VHS tapes and slide carousels. What exactly should you do with these items that represent precious memories of a life... READ MORE
Sources that cover long-term care costs
This story was originally published on Nextavenue.org. The state of Washington is taking steps to fill a huge gap in our country’s patchwork long-term care system. Beginning this year, workers in that state must pay 58 cents of every $100 they earn into a fund to help pay their long-term care costs in the future. In 2025, those Washington state residents who have paid in for at... READ MORE
Your vacation home needs an estate plan
Do you have a treasured second home, summer property or another vacation residence that your family enjoys? Have you thought about what happens to this beloved property when you die? If you do not plan appropriately and thoughtfully, problems may arise when you are gone. In fact, problems are almost unavoidable when emotional attachment mixes with family relationships. Planning can help ... READ MORE
How ‘smart’ devices can make life easier
Hank Norsworthy was tired of having to walk down a dark hallway to get to bed. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 40 years ago, he uses a rollator (a walker with wheels) to get around. After several friends adopted smart home technology to automate certain features, he decided to give it a try. He bought an Echo Dot as well as some smart lightbulbs and smart plugs to help automate his... READ MORE
Some countries where it’s easy to retire
While a huge part of the adventure and challenge of moving abroad involves becoming immersed in a new culture, exploring the unknown and navigating a new language, having access to home comforts and people who speak English can help transform an overseas destination into a forever home. Things like the friendliness of the locals, the size of the expat community, activities on offer, and... READ MORE
After a fire, how to deal with insurance
Two of my readers, “Anna” and “Danny,” woke up early one morning when their carbon monoxide (CO) detector went off, notifying them of a fire. “It was a smoldering ceiling fire in our attic with little smoke, but which created carbon monoxide. Our CO detector woke us from a deep sleep, giving us time to call 911. Only a small bathroom and laundry area off of the kitchen were... READ MORE
Sharing home benefits owner and tenant
After living alone in her 1,600-square-foot house for decades, Susan (a retiree whose last name is withheld for privacy) decided to roll out the welcome mat at her home in Silver Spring, Maryland. She started renting her spare room to medical students about 10 years ago. Now she rents her room to people over age 60 through a new program called Montgomery County Home Sharing. “It’s ... READ MORE
DC Housing News — April 2022
New community opens soon in Olney, Md. A new retirement community in Olney, Maryland is “getting close” to opening, according to its executive director, Amy Rader. Located on 37 acres near a golf course, Cadence at Olney has 88 independent-living and assisted-living apartments; 41 of those are for residents needing memory care. Independent living apartments come in studio, one-... READ MORE
More couples move to assisted living
When Arlene Fingerhut was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2020, her family members weren’t surprised. “When I got the official diagnosis and had to tell my children, I said, ‘Guess what else I inherited from Grandma?’” Arlene, now 79, said in an interview with the Beacon. “My daughter answered right away: ‘Parkinson’s.’” In many ways, Arlene’s life stayed ... READ MORE
10 questions to help choose a community
Choosing the right senior living community that aligns with your vision can be challenging. Whether you’re looking to simplify your lifestyle or get the care that you need to thrive, you may struggle to navigate the many options out there. To help you focus your research and planning, here are 10 questions to ask when trying to find the perfect community for you: What care levels... READ MORE
