Remodel for aging in place with style
Your kids are successfully launched and, suddenly, you seem to have more disposable income. This could be a good time to tackle the remodeling projects you’ve been putting off. And while you’re updating your house for style, consider adapting it so you can age in place comfortably. Studies show that most homeowners age 50 and older say they want to remain in their house as they... READ MORE
How ‘solo agers’ can stay happy and safe
Retirement coach Sara Zeff Geber visited several Northern California assisted living facilities to interview “solo agers” — people, either single or coupled, who don’t have children to help them as they grow older. At many facilities, she couldn’t find any. That puzzled her until she realized that adult children are often the ones pushing the move into long-term care... READ MORE
Finding the right home healthcare aide
When it comes to home-care workers — the aides who provide in-home personal assistance and healthcare support to seniors — Brenda Case has seen it all. Case, age 55, a real estate agent in Grand Junction, Colorado, was for several years a full-time caregiver for her mother, who had severe rheumatoid arthritis. And in that time, a constantly rotating cast of home care workers came in... READ MORE
Building a more cohesive community
Remember television’s “Cheers,” the bar where everybody knew your name? What if you lived in an entire community where everyone knew your name? That’s one of the principles behind the growing interest in a concept known as cohousing. The concept of cohousing was first pioneered in Denmark in the early 70s as a multigenerational community that would foster close ties among... READ MORE
New program helps residents age in place
Would you like to remain in your own home as you age, but worry that it won’t be either financially or logistically feasible? If so, you’re not alone. A 2018 AARP survey reported that three out of four adults 50 and older would indeed like to continue living in their own homes and communities as they get older. Fortunately for Maryland residents, a new pilot program spearheaded by ... READ MORE
Best ways to retire without a mortgage
The prospect of retiring without a mortgage is an attractive one. No more monthly mortgage payments to your home lender means extra money to spend on having fun in retirement. After years of punctual principal-and-interest mortgage payments, it’s the least you deserve, right? There are several smart ways to retire without a mortgage. We’ve come up with six that fit a variety of... READ MORE
Storage spaces take shape in creative ways
Storage pieces are not what they used to be. Changes in home design and technology mean that boxy, old-fashioned armoires, dressers and china hutches are being repurposed or are making room for cabinets, shelving and sideboards in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and styles. Today’s decor embraces an eclectic look, and rooms might serve more than one function. Walk-in closets and... READ MORE
Free counseling for Mont. Co. homebound
Silvia (not her real name) had a busy life until she retired. But her life changed dramatically after that. Growing health concerns, a dent in finances, and lack of supportive family or friends led to isolation, anxiety and depression. Although she received medical care for her physical ailments, she never sought help for anxiety and depression. Silvia’s case is one example of the... READ MORE
How to find the last house you’ll ever buy
My husband and I bought what we thought was a starter home 20 years ago. Now we think of it as our “forever” home, where we plan to retire and live out the rest of our days. We got lucky, because most of the features that make our place good for “aging in place” — the single-story layout, open design, wide doorways — weren’t on our must-have list when we were... READ MORE
Plan ahead if caring for a parent from afar
Dave Nickerson’s mother, Catherine, is almost 95, but he said she’s as independent and self-sufficient as ever. A former schoolteacher, Catherine has lived for 65 years in the same house where Dave grew up, near Boston. And she’s made it very clear she intends to stay there. “She’s embedded in the community,” Dave said. Dave helped remodel the house a few years ago, so his... READ MORE
