Never too early to develop your care plan

By Liz Weston
Posted on January 25, 2024

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

Smart home devices boost aging in place

By Jim Miller
Posted on January 19, 2024

Dear Savvy Senior, I’ve been talking to my mobility challenged mother, who lives alone, about automating her house with some smart home products to make it more convenient. She’s very interested, but we’d like to get your opinion as to which types of smart devices are most helpful for older adults aging in place. —Searching Daughter Dear Searching, If your mother is game,... READ MORE

Three steps to help downsize in a hurry

By Liz Weston
Posted on January 11, 2024

Ideally, you’d spend months or even years carefully purging excess belongings — but life may have other plans. Maybe you or someone you love has a health crisis and needs to move into assisted living. Or perhaps someone has died, and their home has to be cleared before next month’s rent is due. Maybe you’re just moving soon and want to significantly lighten your load. If you... READ MORE

Some pros and cons of retiring abroad

By Becca Van Sambeck
Posted on January 10, 2024

Retirement is one of the most exciting phases in a person’s life, and for good reason: Suddenly, for the first time in decades — or maybe even ever — all your time is yours. It’s an opportunity to try different things, embark on new adventures, or simply relax for once. But where should you spend your time embracing the luxury of retirement? While plenty of people opt to stay... READ MORE

Has time come to buy your dream house?

By Erin Wood
Posted on January 09, 2024

I don’t know about you, but over the last few years, the conversation at just about every barbecue or dinner party inevitably turns to how high real estate prices have become. And just as quickly, the blame is laid at the feet of Airbnb — the online short-term rental company that enables homeowners to rent out spare rooms or entire homes, giving travelers alternatives to traditional... READ MORE

Five facts to know about assisted living

By Liz Weston
Posted on January 05, 2024

If you or a loved one can no longer live safely at home, assisted living may be the answer. Residents typically live in their own rooms or apartments and get housekeeping services, meals and help with personal care. But facilities can vary enormously, and people’s expectations about assisted living often clash with reality, experts say. Here are some important things to know. 1.... READ MORE

Villages can help neighbors age in place — DC Edition

By Margaret Foster
Posted on January 04, 2024

A few decades ago, it was easy to live out your golden years at home. Neighbors might knock on the door with a casserole in hand, check in to see if you need anything, even give you a ride to the doctor. Nowadays, older adults might find living at home a bit lonely. That’s where a “village” can help. What exactly is a village? “Villages are a community of people who care about ... READ MORE

DC Housing News — January 2024

By Beacon Staff
Posted on January 03, 2024

Plans for new affordable apartments in Silver Spring, Md. When Falkland Chase opened in 1937 in Silver Spring, Maryland, Eleanor Roosevelt cut the ribbon at what was then the D.C. area’s largest garden-style apartment complex. Now Falkland Chase has a new owner and a new purpose. Last fall, developer Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH), based in Arlington, Virginia, ... READ MORE

Villages can help neighbors age in place — Baltimore Edition

By Margaret Foster
Posted on December 26, 2023

For those aging in their longtime home, tasks that used to be routine may over time become daunting. Driving at night and getting to medical appointments might become challenging, too. And for those who live alone, life can become, well, lonely. If you happen to live in northwest Baltimore, however, a volunteer group can be of help. Founded in 2012, Northwest Neighbors Connecting (NNC)... READ MORE

Advances in smart homes and devices

By Amita Chatterjee
Posted on October 20, 2023

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is the latest technology to make headlines. Its ability to create human-like conversation and interaction is what sets it apart from existing computer systems. Our homes are becoming more intelligent with AI-powered devices controlling our lights, thermostats and more. Such residences (often dubbed “smart homes”) are characterized by the ability to... READ MORE