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A Comprehensive Help Guide for Seniors 50+
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Senior Living Choices
(It’s just too much house and yard for me!)
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“I kind of envy you people who are permitted for your righteousness' sake, to dwell in a boarding
house; not that I should want to always live in one, but I should like the change occasionally from
this housekeeping slavery to that wild independence. A life of don't-care-a-damn in a boarding house
is what I have asked for in many a secret prayer”
Mark Twain in Letter to W. D. Howells, 1/28/1882
If you start to feel you’ve got just too much house and yard to take care of, you’re not alone.
As we age, and much like Mark Twain expressed in the quote above, we may often find
ourselves overwhelmed by the responsibility of owning and living in our sprawling homes.
The other side of the coin is the need for personal care. You need someone to watch over
things (and you), which is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s part of the cycle of life. We come into
the world needing constant attention, and often we leave in the same condition.
Additionally, you should be aware that studies have shown this kind of community living is good
for you! Social contact increases your satisfaction with life and can positively impact your
health. Giving up all those chores around the house, getting monitored regularly by health care
professionals and increased mobility because of ‘senior’ friendly environments are all
recommendations for this form of lifestyle.
Regardless of the reason you may be considering a change in residence, it’s important to know
the options available to you. In this chapter, I’ll breakdown the different retirement and
assisted living choices along with the services they provide.
Retirement Communities
These are designed for seniors who are pretty independent both physically and socially. It’s
maintenance free living with opportunities to meet and socialize with other folks that have
reached the same stage of life as you have, sharing activities that often include arts and crafts,
exercise, entertainment of all types, games and outings. Independent living communities add
new dimensions to senior living instead of the often lonely, unattached senior being forced to
wait by the phone for a family member to show some attention to them.
Of course, the fact that all this is maintenance-free, from housekeeping to transportation and
meals, makes it very appealing for many!
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A Senior Moment
If you decide to go this way, don’t expect any
federal or government help on the financial end!
Though there are some long-term-care insurance
programs which may cover some aspects of
assisted-living care, the over riding cost is your
responsibility!
How independent can you get?
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Are you like me, and learn best by doing? There is simply no substitute for practice. When you
put what you learn to use right away, you reinforce what you’ve learned and this helps you
retain it.
When you take action step #1 (see above), you take the first step to a wonderful world of rich,
independent living. You learn how to:
- stay in touch with family and friends
- communicate online with people around the world that share your interests and hobbies
- get news and information for free and instantly
- even do a little shopping
all this without leaving the comfort of your home via a computer with an Internet connection.
This area of “assisted living” is one of the fastest growing industries in America today. Shared
living arrangements range in size from small, home-style settings to larger full service facilities.
Your senior options for more assistance are available, but these aren’t nursing homes. They
are filled with activity, although you can often find assisted services (called ADL- Assisted Daily
Living options) like bathing, dressing and dining. But, over all, the focus is on promoting
independent, active lifestyles for residents.
C.C.R.C.
This stands for Continuing Care Retirement Communities. These typically bring together all of
the above concepts that a retirement community provides, but also includes nursing-home care.
As your needs change, you don’t have to leave the community to get appropriate care at every
stage. Most CCRC’s demand a one-time entrance fee (pretty hefty, usually) along with a
monthly rental or service fee.
Senior Living Helps
Let’s start exploring this idea and gather some facts about it, shall we? Listed here are
associations that provide senior living resources you can take advantage of today:
- Area Aging Agency- they’ll find options in your area and community. The Eldercare
Locator I mentioned earlier will steer you to them. Call 800-677-1116 and ask for the
local aging agency in your town or city.
- HUD- this government group will help you or your aging parent to find housing options. A
HUD approved councilor is waiting at 800-569-4287.
- AAHSA- the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging will offer
consumer tips on choosing facilities and services. They currently list over 5,600 places
and organizations. Call them at 800508-9442
- CCAC- the only fully accredited national body for continuing-care retirement communities.
Make sure your choice is accredited and up to code
- Senior Housing Network: Over 55,00 listings at seniorhousing.net
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Action Step #5
Start surfing the web and gathering information for
the list of ‘helps’ listed on the above page. Even if
you’re not planning to move right away, start
educating yourself about the options out there.
Besides, it’s fun to look over the brochures and
discover the many options available to you both
now, and in the future.
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As I mentioned earlier, the assisted living option is one where over 80% of seniors pay out-of-
pocket to enjoy. Medicare doesn’t cover it but some states are beginning to cover some
services under Medicaid or other government programs.
Even though you can purchase long-term care insurance policies for assisted living, less than
5% of Americans have such coverage.
Alternatives to Total Care
I know that the idea of living in a nursing home is depressing! There’s no way around it. You
feel like you’ll just be ‘waiting to die’ and are completely incapacitated (although this
assumption is often not true). So, before we go down that road, let’s look at a few alternatives
to total care facilities.
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A Senior Moment
Many seniors can stay right in the comfort of
their own homes! Home health-care services,
home delivered meals, visiting and shopping
services, adult day care, and the Advantage
program from the Department Of Human
Services all make it possible.
More good news: In some cases Medicare and
Medicaid will help defray costs!
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Subsidized Senior Housing through federal and state programs can help pay for older people
with low and moderate incomes. Some of these homes offer assistance to residents who need
help with various tasks like shopping and laundry. You usually live independently in an
apartment within a senior housing complex.
Board And Care Homes offer group living arrangements that meet your needs if you can’t live
independently, but don’t require nursing home services. They have a wide range of services
and offer help for daily living, including eating, walking, bathing and toileting. In some cases,
private long-term-care insurance medical assistance programs help to pay the costs attached.
We’ve already discussed the two major options of assisted living centers and continuing care
communities. Any of these options work if you need less skilled care, or require some skilled
care for brief periods of time.
Nursing Homes
May I make a solid suggestion to you about this subject?
Slow down! Too often, people make snap decisions about a nursing home facility. It’s possible
that the very best time to start your search is long before you actually need one. Then, you’re
in no immediate situation of poor health or emergency thinking which overwhelms your
judgment, and you can rest assured that this issue has been fully planned for in advance.
Involve everyone that is intimate with your life to join in the search, too. Let them help you
make this major decision. After all, they are affected by this choice nearly as much as you are. If
you start with an initial list of homes, make sure that list includes places that are close to those
that may wish to visit you on a regular basis. Having frequent visitations not only secures your
living comfortably, but also saves your loved ones from having to interrupt their often busy lives
to make a long out-of-the-way trip to see you.
Just like your own home, when you purchased it you heard the old real estate axiom, “it’s
location, location, location.” It’s just a fact of life that residents who have regular visitation are
treated better. It’s human nature.
Here are your “sources” to contact for this initial search:
In many states, citizens have put together organizations that closely monitor nursing home
quality. Your local state agency is a source to remember, too. Hospital planners and social
workers are another source of information. They always maintain a list of nursing homes and
know about vacancies before anyone else.
Once you have your list, you need to actually visit them. See as many as you can to make
comparisons. It’s amazing how many houses folks will look at when making a home purchase
but, when it comes what could very well be the last home of their lives, they rush into it after
seeing only one or two places.
Take the time to talk to the Director and staff. Say hello to actual residents and their families.
Taste the food, walk the halls, see the rooms, check it out fully and roam around.
It might be very worthwhile to actually plan a “surprise” visit on a night or weekend. No
Directors or day staff, but a chance to see the home in “off hours” which might prove to be
quite revealing.
Additionally here is your checklist:
NURSING HOME CHECKLIST
- Cleanliness (Fresh appearance and smell)
- Treatment (Was dignity shown to all residents, friendliness, patience, respect.)
- Activities (Residents enjoying a variety of opportunities to interact and exercise)
- Food. (Is it tasty, varied, served in a pleasant fashion)
- Help (Staff responds quickly to call bells and show help for those that need assistance)
- Homey (Is it a place where living is more important that dying and the staff and
management reflect this philosophy?)
- Close to relatives and friends (Is this close to your loved ones so they can visit you
often?)
- Recommendations (Have you talked to at least one resident and one family of a resident
for their recommendation?)
- Surprise Visit (Have you “popped in” on a night shift or weekend to see how things look?)
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Action Step #6
Makes copies of that checklist and take it with
you as you shop around. Go ahead and give a
grade for each item and make notes as soon as
you hit the parking lot before you go home
while things are fresh in your mind. Do this with
every nursing home you visit and then compare
notes before making a final decision.
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What You Don’t Want To See
There are definitely things you don’t want to see when you make these comparisons. Any one
of them should be a warning sign that things aren’t what they seem. They include:
- Odors: Any odd smells may indicate poor health conditions and sloppy housecleaning. It
may also portend urine and feces are around.
- Restraints: Any device that makes people stay in their beds and wheelchairs is
demeaning and indicate that there is probably poorly trained staff in the home. These
include vests, wheelchair locks, locked trap trays, bed restraints and wrist restraints.
These are all more common than you’d realize.
- No privacy: If you see unclothed residents at open doors or hallways, or if the staff
doesn’t have to knock to enter a room you may not get a level of privacy that is
important to you.
- Disrespect: If you notice anyone speaking in a rough or inconsiderate tone to a resident,
turn around and leave. No one deserves to be treated crudely.
- Unanswered calls for help: Try a call button and see if someone responds in a timely
fashion. Go ahead. It’s your life and future residence. If it takes more than a few minutes
for a nurse or assistant to appear, Go home! You don’t want to spend your life there
waiting forever for attention you’ve paid for.
- Boredom: Do the residents look awfully bored and lonely, or inactive? There’s a reason
for that.
- Eating Assistance: If you see someone staring at his or her food, or dropping or spilling it
with no one around, or notice food that fell on the floor, then you’ve found a sub-
standard nursing home.
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A Senior Moment
Even though 1 out of every 3 seniors will
need nursing home care at some point in
their lives, after age 65 a woman has a
greater chance of entering one (62%) versus
a man (35%). Why?
No, it’s not bad luck - it’s simply because
women live longer than men.
Action Step #7
Get the well-written 37-page booklet on how
to choose a nursing home for free from
Medicare Services. You can call 800-633-4227
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After the last section, it might appear that nursing homes are sneaky and full of holes as far as
care is concerned. Actually, most homes across the country - by far the majority - give quality
care for residents. But, to make sure they all stay honest, there is a program in place that you
need to know about - the Ombudsmen.
Advocates for Residents
Ombudsmen resolve problems of each resident and work to effect change, which improves the
quality of care. When psychological, physical or other kind of abuse occurs, the ombudsmen
want to know about it. Thousands of these trained and dedicated individuals volunteer and
regularly visit nursing homes and long-term-care facilities to give voice to the often voiceless.
The program began in 1972 and is now found in all states under the Older Americans Act, a
function of the AoA (Administration on Aging). There are about 1,000 paid ombudsmen, and
another 8,000 certified volunteers working in 591 communities across the country.
They stand up for so many fine things, all of which are now law. These include being treated
with respect and dignity, free from chemical and physical restraints. Residents must be allowed
to manage their own finances, voice grievances without fear of retaliation and associate
privately with any person of their choice. From sending and receiving personal mail to having
personal and medical records kept confidential, the ombudsman is like a local police force in
action for seniors.
Always remember, two additional laws require that residents always be fully informed - prior to
admission - of their rights, the services available and all charges. You must be given advance
notice of any transfer or discharge as well.
You can volunteer as an ombudsman, you know. It would be a great way to get trained on
what should happen when you, yourself, are a resident! For information on your local
ombudsmen program call your Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116,
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A Senior Moment
This Ombudsmen program is one of the most
wonderful things about aging at this time in
history. These folks not only investigate and
resolve complaints. They represent residents
before government agencies and fiercely seek
legal and other remedies to protect us.
This is another thing your grandparents wouldn’t
believe was possible as they aged.
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Far, Far Away
It can be excruciating if you’re a long-distance care-giver. Long distance care is more and more
common in our society as children of seniors travel extensively for career advancement, or
simply because our super-mobile world allows moves to distant locales.
We’ve come so very far from the time when families took on the elderly into their midst and the
family lived in close proximity to each other.
So, I’d like to introduce you to a relatively new phenomenon known as the Geriatric Care
Manager (G.C.M.). This professional specializes in helping families to meet their long-term care
needs. They can help you tackle problems such as eligibility for assistance and your specific
needs for service. They also screen, arrange and monitor in-home help and other services.
They even take care of financial, legal and medical issues as well as provide referrals to
geriatric specialists so you can conserve assets and avoid future problems.
Think of them as your on-site senior care manager and long-distance liaison to the care-giving
community. They can even move your loved one comfortably to or from a retirement complex,
care nursing home. They are experts and offer consumer education, advocacy counseling and
support.
Choose Carefully!
Before you decide on a G.C.M., remember that this field is fairly unregulated and some people
without specialized training put out shingle as a Geriatric Care Manager. So, you must screen
applicants to assure that you’ve found someone that is truly qualified.
ASK:
- What are their professional credentials?
- To see their license
- Are they a member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers?
- How long have they been providing care?
- What is their average response time to calls from clients and their families?
- What is their method of getting back to you? It might be pager, phone, cell phones,
answering service or voice mail.
- Do they provide home-care services?
- How are vacations and days off covered?
- Will you be working with one G.C.M. or several?
- What are their fees? In writing, if you please!
- What references do they provide? (Check them!)
How Much For A Geriatric Care Manager (G.C.M.)?
The cost varies with the scope of services provided. You may choose from various alternatives
according to where you live. If you’re not too far away, you can handle some issues, if they are
rare, yourself. Expect to spend between $299 and $350 for a client assessment and around
$40 to $150 an hour for services provided.
You can find a G.C.M. through your Area Aging Agency (800-677-1116), the National Association
of Professional Geriatric Care Managers at www.caremanager.org or through your local
hospital, geriatric assessment center and charitable organization, such as the Alzheimer’s
Association.
The Family Caregiver Alliance offers support and resources for you.
The CareGuide gives you a full range of services, articles, and help for children of seniors.
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The above is an extract of a chapter from the ebook "The Senior Sourcebook".
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Here are the contents of the book:
Introduction
Senior Guide to Computer Literacy
Medicare & Health Issues
Medicare Part A
Medicare Part B
Non- Coverage In Medicare
Medicare Prescription Drug Benefits
Limited Income Subsidies
My Head Is Spinning
Medicare Fraud
Other Resources
Home Sweet Home
Making Your Home Senior Friendly
Remodeling Resources for Seniors
Household Helpers
Senior Living Choices
Retirement Communities
C.C.R.C.
Senior Living Helps
Alternatives to Total Care
Nursing Homes
NURSING HOME CHECKLIST
What You Don’t Want To See
Advocates for Residents
Far, Far Away
Choose Carefully!
Senior Finances
Retirement
Savings Resources
Financial Planners
10 Questions To Ask Your Financial Planner
Financial Planners Resources
Legal Eagles For Seniors
The Taxman Cometh
Thy Will Be Done
Choose An Executor
Will Resources
Living Trusts
The Three Types Of Reverse Mortgage Loans
Why I’m Wary
Reverse Mortgage Resources
Down & Dirty Debt
Medical Debt For Seniors
Bankrupt Basics
Medical Cost Resources
In Conclusion
Living The Life
Living Fully As A Senior
Driving Around
Driving Resources
No More Automobile? No problem!
Utility Bills
Volunteering
Other Employment Resources
Safety
Long Distance Grandparents
Resources For Far-away Grandparents
Afterword
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Did you know that in the USA alone, someone turns 50 every seven seconds. Yes, the baby-
boomer generation is alive and kicking and the senior population reaching 65 and up will
double from 35 Million to well over 70 Million in the next two decades!
So what does that mean to you?
It means plenty. In the words of our author, "Unlike any generation before them, they will live
longer, look and feel younger, have more options and better support systems than any 'elderly'
group of people since the dawn of civilization."
This means that seniors will demand more and better information. Retirement for these
healthy, vibrant people may be non-existent and play time and travel are a given.
They do more, have more and want to keep it. They require access to sophisticated medical
and dental care. They have more money and need state of the art advice to grow it. Above all
else, they have more questions than answers.
That's where "The Senior Sourcebook" comes in. This comprehensive guide covers everything
from Medicare to Financial Planning. You won't believe what is jam-packed inside the pages.
Just take a look:
- Senior Guide to Computer Literacy
- Medicare & Health Issues
- The Basics
- Medicare Part A
- Medicare Part B
- Non- Coverage In Medicare
- Medicare Prescription Drug Benefits
- Catastrophic Coverage
- Limited Income Subsidies
- Medicare Fraud
- Making Your Home Senior Friendly
- Remodeling Resources for Seniors
- Household Helpers
- Senior Living Choices
- Retirement Communities
- Alternatives to Total Care
- Nursing Homes
- Senior Finances
- Retirement
- Savings Resources
- 10 Questions To Ask Your Financial Planner
- Choose An Executor
- Creating a Will
- Living Trusts
- Reverse Mortgages
- Medical Debt For Seniors
- Basics of Bankruptcy
- Medical Cost Resources
- Volunteering
- Employment Resources
- Grandparenting
- and much, much more
Whether you are fast approaching the senior category, are already there or have parents who
can use your help there is something for everyone in "The Senior Sourcebook."
You won't find a better source for all things senior anywhere! If you have parents who are
ready for assisted living, find the answers here.
Need to write or update your will? Get some guidance about creating it or consider a living
trust. You'll find it all inside the digital pages.
Are you trying to sort out the Medicare puzzle for your parents? Discover the details here in
easy to understand language anyone can decipher.
As we mentioned in the beginning of this message, someone here in the USA turns 50 every
seven seconds. Be prepared. Get the answers to all those questions.
More importantly, get the answers to all the questions you don't even know to ask.
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This book retails for $17. However, I will give you special bonus - you get the following 4
additional ebooks absolutely free.
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Do you have "Maximum Memory Power?"
If you had to think about that answer you are not using your memory to
its fullest potential.
You've probably lost car keys or mis-placed an item on occasion. The
worst case scenario is forgetting a name, especially when the person is
someone you should know!
Well, there is relief in site. Learn how set the wheels in motion and
increase your memory skills.
Research on diseases of aging, such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of
dementia, has indicated that keeping our minds active and positive may
delay the onset of those diseases in some people.
Almost anyone can improve their use of that powerful filing system
between our ears. That will help you improve
almost every area of your business and social life!"
Don't Worry - Be Happy!
Yeah, right!
Seriously, are you happy. . .truly happy?
If you feel that your happiness is a fleeting thing that you can't really
put your finger on then you probably need a happiness boost.
If you are not experiencing enough happiness in your life, you are
missing out on so much. Did you know that your degree of happiness
can have an impact on your overall health and well being?
It's true. Happy people live longer.
If you'd like to learn how to increase your happiness quotient you just
need to know how and "How to Be Happy: A Complete Guide to Rational
Living" is just the ticket!
Happiness is not just a state of mind that comes and goes on a whim.
Happiness can be learned.
"Old-timers Disease Is No Joke"
It's a good bet that you, like the rest of us, have forgotten something
then jokingly said, "it must be old-timers disease."
What do you do when it hits close to home and it's no longer a laughing
matter?
With more than 18 million known cases of Alzheimer's Disease world
wide the odds are that you have had some contact with
someone who is close to this horribly degenerating disease. It may be a
victim or a family member of a victim.
Maybe you even suspect that one of your loved ones is exhibiting early
stage symptoms of Dementia and/or Alzheimer's Disease and
you'd like some answers.
Get all those haunting questions that slip into your thoughts day and
night answered once and for all.
Understanding Incontinence
If you suffer from this condition there is good news on the horizon.
Do you find yourself avoiding public outings?
Are you becoming a hermit, trapped at home rather than subject
yourself to public humiliation if you have an episode of accidental
leakage?
Do you find yourself terrified to sneeze, cough or fearful of a simple drive
over a bumpy road?
If so, you need to know that you can end the embarrassment once and
for all!
Discover what one woman learned when she finally ended the denial
and faced her problem head on.
She shares her experience and discovery in a candid discussion of a
hidden problem that is far more prevalent than you realize.
Her message is simple. You CAN end the suffering and embarrassment
once and for all!
Take the first step and find out how you, too, can take back control of
your life.
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Yes, for $17 you get all these 5 ebooks:
The Senior Sourcebook
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Maximum Memory Power
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How to be Happy
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The Complete Guide to Alzheimer's Disease
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Understanding Incontinence
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Immdediate Download
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Your purchase through PayPal is fully secure.
Your purchase is also fully guaranteed - if for any reason, you are not satisfied with your
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With this iron-clad guarantee, what have you got to lose?
Go ahead and click on the PayPal buy button.
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P.S. In the famous words of Dylan Thomas, “Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage
against the dying of the light.” Grab your copy of "The Senior Sourcebook" today!
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Proudly brought to you by Jacob Gan PhD (Michigan)
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