Tricky balancing caregiving and working
For the past three years, Paula Gomes said that she has sometimes felt she is working two full-time jobs: her human resources position at Emory University in Atlanta, and her role as a caregiver to her mother and mother-in-law. “There’s just a lot to learn” when you become a caregiver, said Gomes, 60, executive director of Emory’s Faculty Staff Assistance Program. “You’re... READ MORE
Communities addressing racial justice
Last June, after four Minneapolis police officers were charged in the murder of an unarmed black man named George Floyd, many Americans became upset by police brutality, particularly against minorities. Some marched in rallies, and others displayed signs on their lawns or windows. At Broadmead, a Life Plan Community in Cockeysville, residents began talking about racial justice. First, ... READ MORE
Communities expand use of technology
The rapid spread of the coronavirus is quickly dispelling the idea that older adults won’t use and can’t understand advanced technology. Several senior living communities in the D.C. area are implementing new technological innovations, or are relying more heavily on established ones, due to the isolation imposed in response to the pandemic. “These perceived boundaries of seniors with ... READ MORE
Home care sees uptick during pandemic
Before coronavirus descended on the D.C. area, a resident of the Ring House in Rockville used to call House Calls LLC whenever she needed groceries, help taking medication or writing a check. Now, however, her trusted home care provider, Sarah Putnam, can’t go into her apartment. In fact, she can do little more than deliver groceries to her front steps. When it comes to writing a check,... READ MORE
Bringing people together safely, clearly
While talking with family and friends on the phone or video chatting on platforms like Zoom or FaceTime are better than nothing, people all across the world are missing the opportunity to engage with their fellow human beings in person. This is especially true of those living in retirement communities where they are largely isolated during the pandemic. In June, the Georgia-based company... READ MORE
Home equity line of credit pros and cons
As a result of the coronavirus, many families are facing both short-term income uncertainty and uncertainty regarding the future value of their asset holdings. One way to provide more stability regarding access to assets at a reasonable cost is a home equity line of credit (HELOC). Individuals who have substantial equity in their primary residence are generally able to obtain a line of... READ MORE
Communities pivot during the pandemic
This summer, change is in the air. Everyone has had to make adjustments to fight the current pandemic — staying at home, wearing face masks — including those who live in local assisted living or independent living facilities. All of these communities have had to make changes to ensure the safety of their residents. At Blair House at Stoneleigh in Baltimore, for instance, visitors must ... READ MORE
The liberating feeling of a smaller home
With the current trend toward de-cluttering and downsizing, there are plenty of books about how to winnow down possessions to the few that are truly necessary and beloved. One book shows how you can live well once that’s done. In Downsize: Living Large in a Small House (2019, The Taunton Press), author Sheri Koones focuses on practical ways to live well at home once you’ve... READ MORE
Sell with less hassle (but for less money)
The prospect of selling and leaving your longtime home can seem overwhelming under the best of circumstances. But it is all the more so if you have lost your spouse, have health or cognitive issues, or need a quick sale so you can move to a better situation, such as assisted living. The challenge is greater if the home is in poor condition, say, because of long-deferred maintenance. Your ... READ MORE
Love, marriage in the time of pandemic
The bride wore sensible sandals and the white lace dress she had fortunately purchased in pre-pandemic times. Her left hand clutched a small bouquet of white and pink roses. The groom wore a dark sports coat with a boutonniere to match her bouquet. Her hair was white; what remained of his was gray. The chapel pews were empty. With their Baltimore County retirement community under... READ MORE
