Downsizing can be a difficult process for seniors. They may have been living in their home for many years and have accumulated a lot of belongings. In addition, they may feel overwhelmed by the thought of downsizing and unsure of where to start. These 4 simple steps can help make the downsizing process a little easier.
1. Start by sorting through your belongings and deciding what you want to keep. Start by sorting through your belongings and deciding what you want to keep. This can be a difficult process, but it's important to be honest with yourself about what you really need. If you're not sure whether or not to keep something, ask yourself if you've used it in the past year. If the answer is no, then you probably don't need to keep it. Giving away cherished belongings to friends or family may make it easier to let go of some items knowing it will go to someone who will appreciate it. 2. Donate or sell items that you don't want or need anymore. Donating or selling unwanted items is a great way to downsize your belongings while also helping others. There are many charities that will accept donations of gently used clothing, furniture, and household items. You can also sell items online or at garage sales. If you find it is difficult to give up a particular item, consider taking a picture of it instead of keeping the item itself. Often it is the memory attached to an item that makes it important to us and a picture can help keep the memory alive instead of packing an item you may not actually need or use. 3. Pack up what's left and store it somewhere safe. Packing up your belongings can be time-consuming, but it's important to take the time to pack things appropriately. Wrap fragile items so you don’t break things you will need and label each box with its contents and the room it should be stored in. This will make it easier to find items when you need them and will prevent you from having to unpack and repack boxes unnecessarily. If possible, try to store boxes in a self-storage unit or in a friend or family member's home until you are ready to make the move. 4. Take your time when downsizing and don't rush through the process. Downsizing can be an and emotional process. Try to give yourself enough time to go through your belongings and make decisions about what to keep and what to let go of. If you're not sure what to do with an item set it aside and come back to it later, there is no need to dwell on it. If you're feeling overwhelmed, take a break or ask for help from friends or family members. Remember, downsizing is an opportunity to simplify your life and get rid of things that are no longer serving you. Follow these simple tips and soon enough, you'll be finished and will be able to enjoy your new home! Do you have any other tips for downsizing? Share them in the comments below! Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels began as a small Spokane Valley youth group project in 1975 has grown to serve over 20,000 meals each month to seniors throughout the entire 1,800 square miles of Spokane County. Unfortunately for many seniors the meal delivered is the only meal they eat that day and the volunteer who delivers it, is in many cases the only human contact the senior will have on that day. his face-to-face delivery provides a daily wellness check on the recipient. Volunteers utilize a routing software that not only gives directions but also allows volunteers to report back real-time data on the health and status of the clients, allowing for early intervention and peace of mind for the families of those we serve. For those seniors who are more mobile Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels operates dining locations known as Silver Cafes, in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Spangle, Deer Park, Airway Heights, and Rockford. Silver Cafes promote socialization through a restaurant-style dining experience and a full-service atmosphere. Each site offers games, activities, and simple conversation to help keep seniors engaged in the community and part of a vibrant social network. Volunteers are the backbone of the organization. Volunteer opportunities are flexible and can accommodate most any schedule, once per week, once per month, substitute, or holiday. Volunteers can help in a wide range of roles including driving, kitchen work, Silver Café service, event support, and office help. The Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels mission is funded by support of local donors and partnerships with both public and private agencies. The partnership with Aging and Long-Term Care of Eastern Washington makes it possible to provide both home delivered meals throughout the county as well as operate 12 Silver Café locations throughout Spokane County. Because of this public/private partnership, Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels is able to direct $0.91 cents of every private donor dollar to the mission and the meals as opposed to overhead. One of the major annual fundraisers is Cooking for a Cause. This event offers a night of decadent food tastings, auction, music, and dancing. Food is prepared by chefs from local restaurants and senior living communities. Each guest has the opportunity to sample a wide assortment of dishes, then they vote for their favorite. The night ends with the tallying of the votes to name one champion! Other donation programs include: FOOD & FRIENDS CLUB – MONTHLY GIVING PROGRAM By joining the Food & Friends Club, you are helping to get food and a friendly smile to seniors across Spokane County. Members receive a monthly newsletter so you can keep up to date on the impact your donation is providing for local seniors! MEMORIAL & TRIBUTE GIVING Donations to Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels can be made to honor loved ones, to celebrate milestones, or to remember the life of someone who has passed. Simply use the easy donation form, and enter the memorial/tribute information in the space provided. Silver Café Locations: American Indian Center 1025 W. Indiana Spokane, WA 99205 Tuesday and Thursday Meals Served at 11:00am Corbin Senior Center 827 W. Cleveland Ave Spokane, WA 99205 Monday, Wednesday and Thursday Meals Served at 11:00am Hillyard Senior Center 4001 N. Cook Street Spokane, WA 99207 Monday thru Friday Meals Served at 11:00am Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center 500 S. Stone Street Spokane, WA 99202 Monday thru Friday Meals Served at 11:00am SPOKANE SOUTH HILL Clareview Senior Living 4827 S. Palouse Hwy Spokane, WA 99202 Monday thru Friday Meals Served at 11:00am SPOKANE VALLEY Appleway Court 221 S. Farr Road Spokane Valley, WA 99206 Monday and Wednesday Meals Served at 11:00am Opportunity Presbyterian Church 202 N. Pines Road Spokane Valley, WA 99206 Tuesday and Thursday Meals Served at 11:00am Spokane Valley Senior Center 2426 N. Discovery Road Spokane Valley, WA 99216 Monday thru Friday Meals Served at 11:00am SPANGLE Spangle Service Club 165 N. Main Street Spangle, WA 99031 Monday and Thursday Meals Served at 11:00am DEER PARK Deer Park Senior Center St. Mary's Church 602 E. 6th Street Deer Park, 99006 Monday and Thursday Meals Served at 11:00am CHENEY United Methodist Church 204 4th Street Cheney, WA 99004 Tuesday and Thursday Meals Served from 11:00am WEST PLAINS (AIRWAY HEIGHTS AND MEDICAL LAKE) Airway Pointe Senior Apartments 13520 W. 6th Ave Airway Heights Wednesday and Friday Meals Served at 11:00am It can be overwhelming to be asked to make decisions for someone who is passing away or who is no longer able to express their wishes. It's even more difficult if they haven’t documented their wishes or discussed them with you in advance.
When it comes time to make these decisions for another there are two general standards of consideration, the Substituted Judgement Standard and the Best Interest Standard. Substituted judgment means you do the best you can to determine what the person would have done themselves if they were able to make the decision. Best Interest means you decide what is in the overall best interest of the person. If you are making decisions for someone at end of life it may be helpful to think about the following questions:
Advance directive Advance directives are legal documents that allow you to spell out your decisions about end-of-life care ahead of time. They give you a way to tell your wishes to family, friends, and health care professionals and to avoid confusion later on. Living will A living will is a written, legal document that spells out medical treatments you would and would not want to be used to keep you alive, as well as your preferences for other medical decisions, such as pain management or organ donation. POLST Form POLST forms (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) provide guidance about your medical care preferences in the form of a doctor’s order. Typically, you create a POLST when you are near the end of life or critically ill and know the specific decisions that might need to be made on your behalf. These forms serve as a medical order in addition to your advance directive. They make it possible for you to provide guidance that healthcare professionals can act on immediately in an emergency. DNR A DNR (do not resuscitate) order tells medical staff in a hospital or nursing facility that you do not want them to try to return your heart to a normal rhythm if it stops or is beating unsustainably using CPR or other life-support measures. Even though a living will might say CPR is not wanted, it is helpful to have a DNR order as part of your medical file if you go to a hospital. Without a DNR order, medical staff will make every effort to restore your breathing and the normal rhythm of your heart. Power of Attorney A power of attorney is a document you can use to appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf. The appointment can be effective immediately or can become effective only if you are unable to make decisions on your own. General Power Of Attorney A general power of attorney lets you give someone else the authority to act on your behalf, but this power will end if you are unable to make your own decisions. Durable Power Of Attorney A Durable power of attorney allows you to name someone to act on your behalf for any legal task, but it stays in place if you become unable to make your own decisions. Power of Attorney for Health Care A durable power of attorney for health care is a legal document naming a healthcare proxy, someone to make medical decisions for you at times when you are unable to do so. Your proxy, also known as a representative, surrogate, or agent, should be familiar with your values and wishes so he or she will be able to decide as you would when treatment decisions need to be made. Choosing a Medical Agent Think about who you trust to tell the doctors about what is most important to you and what you would want if you become too sick to tell them yourself. You want to choose someone who will follow your medical wishes, make sure your wishes are known to medical providers and is able to make decisions in situations that may be extremely stressful. What to Discuss with Your Medical Agent
This guide prepared by Lifestage can help you organize everything in one place so you and your loved ones can have peace of mind knowing there is a plan based on your needs and wishes. Apply code AssistedSpokane at checkout to download a digital copy for free. There are many factors that influence the risk of dementia. Some factors are beyond our control such as genetics and environment, but there are some steps you can take to help lower your risk of developing dementia.
1. Control high blood pressure High blood pressure has harmful effects on the heart, blood vessels, and brain. These stress factors can increase the risk of stroke and vascular dementia. Treating high blood pressure with medication and healthy lifestyle changes, such as exercising and quitting smoking, may help reduce the risk of dementia. 2. Get plenty of sleep Sleeping well is important for your mind and body. Try to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Talk with a doctor if you are not getting enough sleep or if you think you may have a sleep disorder. 3. Maintain a healthy diet Aim for a mix of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and seafood, unsaturated fats such as olive oil, low-fat or nonfat dairy products, and limit other fats and sugars. 4. Stay physically active Physical activity has many health benefits, such as helping to prevent obesity, heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. 5. Stay connected with family and friends Connecting with people and engaging in social activities can prevent social isolation and loneliness, which are linked to higher risks for cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. While it is impossible to completely eliminate all risk of developing dementia these tips can help lower your risk and improve your overall health. As the temperatures rise here in Spokane it’s important to remember that summer heat can be hazardous for anyone, but especially for our seniors. As we age, our bodies do not process the temperature changes as efficiently as they did when we were younger.
There are several warning signs to watch for when it comes to heat exhaustion:
While out and about in the summer heat these 3 tips will help keep you safe. 1. Stay Hydrated It is recommended a person should drink eight glasses of water a day just to stay hydrated. Drinking smaller amounts of water frequently is more effective than drinking a lot of water all at once. In addition to water, foods with high water content, such as Jell-O, fruit, or popsicles can help with your overall water intake. 2. Wear Appropriate Clothing Light loose-fitting clothing that breaths well is ideal for hot weather. Light colored clothing is a good choice as well. Also consider wearing a hat with flaps that shade the face, back of neck, and ears. Always wear sunglasses that offer protection from UV rays. 3. Stay Cool Avoid the mid-day sun when possible. Plan your outdoor activities for the morning or evening whenever possible when temperatures are lower. Going for a swim or even a cool shower can help keep your body temperature in the proper range. According to the CDC if you are experiencing any symptoms of heat exhaustion you should:
Get medical help right away if:
We all want to enjoy the bright sunny days of summer while staying safe. Follow these tips and watch for these signs of heat exhaustion to make the most of the season. Taking care of an aging loved one is a big task, however there are several things you can do to lighten the load. Here are 8 tips for new family caregivers to help you be the most effective caregiver you can be.
1. Set Your Boundaries From The Start Determine the number of hours you have available or what days of the week you will be available. If your loved one tends to call you 10 times a day be clear about when you will be able to take calls, especially if you have work of your own to be done. It’s ok to say, only call if there’s an emergency. 2. Utilize Home Delivery Running all over town buying food and supplies can quickly run you ragged. These days nearly any product you need can be found on Amazon and delivered directly to your door. They even offer subscription service on everyday items such as toilet paper, laundry detergent, multi-vitamins, adult diapers, and so much more. Having the essentials delivered automatically can free up a lot of time for other tasks. As a bonus you often get a discount on the products when you subscribe. 3. Order Meal Kits Services such as Hello Fresh or Blue apron provide meal kits that are delivered directly to your door. This can relieve a lot of stress over meal planning and meal preparation since everything you need for a tasty nutritious meal is delivered right to your door eliminating several trips to the grocery store. 4. Learn About Their Ailments If your loved one suffers from a particular ailment such as Alzheimer's, learn as much as you can about the condition so you know how it is likely to progress over time. Knowing what to expect can make you a more effective caregiver and will help you plan ahead as your loved ones needs change. 5. Get Organized Gather critical information in one place. Put together a list of medications, medical history, insurance information, power of attorney, financial obligations, emergency contacts, etc. These documents will likely need to be updated from time to time so it can be helpful to set a calendar reminder to review them at least every three months. 6. Get Help Help from a housekeeper, a gardener, or a professional caregiver can give you the much-needed time to recharge. Just taking a day or two to take care of yourself will make you a more effective caregiver and reduce the likelihood of burning out or developing resentment toward the person you are caring for. 7. Make the Home Safe Make sure you have all the safety equipment you need like handrails, ramps, shower chairs, and proper lighting. Remove throw rugs and other trip hazards. This guide will help you thoroughly prepare your home for a senior with safety in mind. 8. Plan Ahead It is likely that your loved one’s needs will increase over time. At some point it may become necessary to find full time help or even an assisted living community. This point will be different for everyone and that is why it’s important to think about it ahead of time and have a plan. Maybe you will be the primary caregiver until they can no longer walk, or maybe it will be until they can no longer use the bathroom themselves. There is no right or wrong answer, but it is important to have a plan for when that day comes. What is the metaverse?
The metaverse is in its infancy. Trying to predict exactly what the metaverse will become is a little like people in the 90’s trying to guess what the internet would become now. Everyone had different ideas about what would be possible with the internet, but no one knew exactly how it would evolve. Today the metaverse is a digital virtual reality inhabited by your avatar. You wear a headset that functions as window into a 3-D environment that you can interact with by means of motion-sensing controllers that you hold in your hands. This virtual world has many different portals, almost like different cities that you can explore. Probably the most well-known company to move into the metaverse is Facebook. In fact, they have even changed their name from Facebook to Meta. Big Companies are rapidly moving into the metaverse Companies such as Microsoft, Apple, Google, and, Meta, are building virtual worlds where you can socialize, buy goods, learn, and play games. Faster internet connections, more powerful virtual-reality headsets are creating brand new opportunities for business. Companies like Nike and This new technology will be useful for a lot more than gaming. Product demos can be released worldwide instantly. Employees will be able to receive training in fully immersive 3-D environments. The hybrid home and office work structure will make interactions that happen in the metaverse even more relevant. Sotheby’s recently announced that it would open its own metaverse gallery consisting of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT’s) An NFT is a piece of digital artwork secured via a blockchain (a digital ledger). As time goes on more and more interactions will take place in this virtual world just like more and more interactions have moved onto the internet since the early 1990’s. Older Adults in the Metaverse Future applications for older adults may include telehealth medical visits in which a doctor located anywhere in the county could see your virtual 3-D body. By just putting on a headset you could be whisked away to the louvre in Paris or sitting front row at your favorite concert. Perhaps the biggest impact of the metaverse for older adults may lie in its ability to relieve social isolation and loneliness. Only time will tell what the metaverse will become. It is highly likely that what we think of it today will be drastically different from what it becomes in 20 years. At this moment we are watching the technology evolve before our eyes, but it is worth the challenge to keep up with what will become possible in the future. Consumers have been paying more for food and gas for a while now, but the price increases have affected nearly every purchase a person makes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, inflation rose by 7% in 2021, the largest increase since the 1980’s. Higher prices are weighing heavily on those who can least afford it, especially seniors on a fixed income. Here are 5 easy way you can fight inflation in your budget.
1. Senior Property Tax Exemption If you own your home, see if you qualify for a senior property tax exemption. Property taxes can create a unique problem for retirees. As property values go up, property taxes increase as well, but incomes may not keep up with the pace of tax increases. Many states have responded to this issue by enacting tax relief policies for senior citizens. Unfortunately, the county assessor will not automatically let you know if you qualify for an exemption. It is up to you to review the eligibility requirements and then submit an application. Information on the requirements can usually be found on your county assessor’s website. 2. Cancel Subscriptions You No Longer Use It’s easy to forget about a newspaper subscription or gym membership you set up on auto pay years ago and no longer use. By reviewing your last two months of bank statements and credit card statements you may catch a few recurring payments that you can easily do without. 3. Shop Around for Insurance If you are like most people, you probably haven’t competitively shopped your homeowners or car insurance rates for many years. Call around to find out if you can get a better rate with another company. If you are insuring your home and car with different companies, you may also be able to save by moving both policies to the same company. Before changing companies be sure to thoroughly compare the coverage to make sure you are protected at the same level. 4. Utilize a Mail-order pharmacy Many insurance companies offer a discount if you use their preferred mail-order pharmacy. In most cases you will have a single copayment for a 90 day supply of medication that is equal to what you pay for a 30 day supply when you go pick up medications yourself. For example, if you pay $25 per month for a medication, you will likely pay only $25 every 3 months with the mail-order option. When you multiply that savings by multiple medications the amount of money you keep in your pocket could be substantial. As an added bonus the medications are delivered directly to your door so you will save on gas by eliminating multiple trips to the pharmacy. Before making any changes be sure to verify coverage and notify your doctor. 5. Shop Online Prices online are going up just like everywhere else, but they seem to be rising at a slower pace. According to Adobe’s digital price index, online prices are up just 3.6% from a year ago, compared with a 7.9 percent jump in the overall consumer price index. If you couple your online purchases with a rewards card, you may even get a little cash back each month. Just make sure you can pay the balance in full each month, because if you end up paying interest on a credit card it will quickly erode any potential savings. Hopefully you will be able to utilize some of these ideas to help ease the worry many of us are feeling with inflation on the rise. Of course, there are several other bigger steps that can be made to free up cash such as downsizing, moving in with family, taking out a reverse mortgage, or selling an insurance policy however these types of life changes require very careful consideration and shouldn’t be jumped into hastily. Always consult a trusted financial advisor before making any major financial decisions. As you get older, you might be considering making changes to your living situation. Whether you’re thinking moving somewhere warmer or moving into an assisted living community, you will likely need to make a big decision about what to do with your house. Should you sell? Should you rent it out? Should you buy another house closer to family or friends?
Like any big decision in life what is best for you may not be the same as what is best for another. The real estate market has been increasing dramatically in recent years. Selling now would likely net you a nice profit, but remember, selling your home means you’ll have to find a new place to live and go through the process of moving. For those who don’t need a lump sum right away renting your home could provide additional monthly income if you don’t mind being a landlord. It is also important to consider how many years you would likely use it as a rental because you could lose the primary residence tax exemption. In simple terms you can sell your primary residence and be exempt from capital gains up to $250,000 for an individual or $500,000 if married and filing jointly. As always you should consult a tax professional about your particular situation. 4 Tips for Seniors Selling their Homes 1. Consult with Your Financial Advisor A good place to start for seniors thinking about selling their home is with your financial advisor. After the rapid appreciation of real estate in recent years it is likely you will have a significant gain. You will want to discuss the tax implications of selling and how the sale of your home will impact your retirement planning. You may also want to discuss the idea with your family. If you have children they may want to buy the property from you. If you are considering the snowbird lifestyle you may want to consider living with them part time while you rent out the property for additional income. 2. Hire a Good Real Estate Agent It’s important that you hire the right real estate agent when selling your house. A good real estate agent will price your home appropriately to maximize the selling price while ensuring the home will sell, not just sit on the market for months. There are Realtors who have earned the designation of Senior Real Estate Specialists (SRES). These agents have taken additional training in order to address the unique needs of seniors. They are familiar with many of the financial considerations including reverse mortgages and taxes. They will also be familiar with local retirement settings and which options will be able to meet you needs. An SRES agent will help you plan and coordinate all the pieces that go into preparing a home sale, listing and showing your home, and then moving. 3. Declutter and Clean Like most people you’ve probably accumulated a lot of things in your house. Before selling your home is the perfect time to declutter. Donate items you no longer need, pass along sentimental items to family and friends, sell items to make a little extra cash, or put them into storage if you think you may need them at a later date. When it comes to cleaning, hire a professional to perform a deep cleaning in your house. Having your carpets cleaned, floors scrubbed, and windows clean will make a big difference when photographing and showing your house. 4. Hire a Moving Service You may want to consider hiring a moving service instead of trying to move everything yourself. Hiring help will reduce the risk for injury or falls when moving heavy boxes or furniture. If you prefer not to hire movers consider asking family, friends, or neighbors for help. There are many factors to consider when thinking about selling your home. Carefully weigh your current needs and do your best to think about what your future needs are likely to be. Selling a home and moving can be a stressful experience especially for those who have been in their home for a long period of time. Don’t be afraid to lean of family, friends, and professionals for help. Each year approximately 500,000 seniors let their life insurance policies lapse, walking away from over $100 billion in benefits. That is a lot of money that seniors are giving up for nothing. Unfortunately most seniors who have let a policy lapse say they would have considered selling it had they known they could.
The process of selling a life insurance policy is known as a life settlement. This involves selling an existing life insurance policy to a third party for more than the policy's cash surrender value, but less than the death benefit. Life settlements can be a valuable source of liquidity for people who would otherwise surrender their policies or allow them to lapse, or for people whose life insurance needs have changed, but they are not for everyone. The amount you will receive depends on several factors, including your age, health and the terms and conditions of your policy. In addition to paying you a lump sum for your policy, the buyer agrees to pay any additional premiums that might be required to support the cost of the policy for as long as you live. In exchange, the buyer will receive the death benefit when you die. Reasons to Sell Your Life Insurance Policy Each person’s situation is unique, and reasons for selling a policy will vary, but ultimately a sale will occur when a person no longer needs, wants, or can afford their policy. This may happen when:
Factors to Consider When Deciding to Sell Your Life Insurance Policy Life settlements have proven to be profitable for institutional investors. As a result, competition among life settlement providers has become increasingly intense. Because the life settlement industry may target seniors who could be in poor health, it can be prone to aggressive sales tactics and abuse. This does not mean that you should never consider a life settlement. A life settlement might make sense for you if you no longer want or need your current policy, or if you can no longer afford the expense of paying insurance premiums. Even if these factors apply to your situation, you should proceed with caution and consider the following issues: 1. Ongoing Life Insurance Needs: If you are considering buying a new policy with the proceeds of the life settlement, you will need to determine whether you will be able to get a new policy with equivalent coverage and at what cost. You might want to consider options such as reducing your existing amount of coverage or making a 1035 Exchange. A 1035 Exchange is a tax advantaged method for swapping an individual’s life insurance coverage from one policy to another. 2. Less Costly Alternatives: If one of the factors driving your decision is a need for cash, be aware that surrendering your life insurance policy for its cash value or pursuing a life settlement are not your only options. If you still want coverage you might consider borrowing against your policy. Also some policies offer accelerated death benefits, which allow an individual with a long-term, catastrophic, or terminal illness to receive benefits on his or her policy before dying. 3. Difficulty Determining a Fair Price: One of the hardest things to know when you are selling a life insurance policy is whether you are getting a fair price. The best way to make sure you are getting a fair price is to shop around. 4: Impact on Your Finances: A cash payment from a life settlement can have unintended financial consequences, especially if your financial circumstances have changed from when you first bought the policy. For instance, if you currently receive Medicaid benefits, a life settlement could impact your ability to participate in that program. 5. Impact on Your Survivors: Carefully consider your need for immediate income against the future financial needs of your survivors. Before you proceed with a life settlement, be sure you fully understand the financial implications for you and your family. You may want to consult your attorney, accountant or trusted financial professional. |
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