Planning for Seniors
You don’t have to look far to find older people in dire condition. The last years for you or your loved ones come sooner than expected, especially if those close to you may disappoint you. All the more reason for:
Plan A Will, Trust ?, Financial Power of Attorney, Living Will, Medicare Supplement Insurance, Long Term Care Insurance [both ridiculously complex], final arrangements and possibly a final move [70% of seniors spend the rest of their lives in the place they turned 65].
Reasons to move Be close to children [70% of those over 65 live within an hour of a child], the cost of living, the weather, the immobilized assets in the house, the house and the garden are too much work, the neighborhood has gone downhill….
Final move: that is, move, unpack, try to find things, change addresses, banks, subscriptions, phone numbers, phone books, insurance … start to know the streets and shops, find a doctor, dentist, mechanic, plumber … and letting go of the small and familiar things of the past. The sooner you move in, the sooner these adjustments will begin and the larger the residence you can afford to buy. [If you can afford a house now, you might be able to afford only a condo later. The earlier you move, the sooner you can begin remodeling you might need for your later years. Seems your final move is your last and best chance to beat the game and should come before everything else.
Retirement communities [senior trailer parks, apts, co-ops, condos ….] Many of these offer security, peace of mind, recreation, transportation, access to medical care, maintenance personnel, laundry, and some political and economic influence. They offer to be close to their peers, which means more people home during the day to mingle, safe walks at night, and to be around peers who have planned well in advance to be there and be less of a burden to their relative.
Living like this, away from the competitive ‘outside world’, is like seeing your grandchildren: you enjoy the ‘outside’, but are content to walk through the front door to your home, where it is safer, quieter, more orderly and well. kept. It is so relaxing. Older people deserve it; they have paid their debt.
Residence you want to use [or for resale value in a retirement community], be on the ground floor without steps at least one entrance, have 36 ”wide doors, low thresholds, door levers instead of knobs, lower light switches and thermostat, higher exits, handles in the shower, low bathtub and interconnected [photoelectric] smoke [and heat?] Attic, basement, and garage alarms connected to smoke alarms in most rooms; when one goes out, they all go out. You may want an automatic indoor sprinkler system. You want a short-pile rug with a non-fluffy pad, no rugs, safer and easier appliances and tools, sensor lights for security, an intercom, and remote controlled ceiling fans to help ventilate your home on a daily basis and reduce energy costs. If your hobby is home repair, you want a top repairman; if useful, a garage; if you work in the garden, a patio; if it is internet, access; other – [http://www.seniorresource.com/ageinpl.htm/]. Another thought is that these provisions would be helpful in the event that you become disabled due to an accident.
Because
A large one or a minivan, which makes it easier to get in and out. Automatic seat belts and the latest safety features. [abs, traction, stability control, side curtain airbags], global positioning system, backup warning system, cell phone or emergency phone http://www.emergencycellphones.com/, AAA membership, a spacious garage for easy access to your car and more storage space.
Money
* The average American spends 18 years in retirement.
* Only 2% are independently wealthy.
* Experts estimate a [middle income] person needs about 70% of their early retirement to maintain their standard of living. Low-income people need 90% or more.
* Country social security 40%.
* [http://www.a-guide-for-seniors.com/index.html]
* http://www.aarp.org
* Reverse mortgages, etc. carefully.
Al garner [has lived in http://www.lwlagunawoods.com since march ‘03]
