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Security and online Senior Living Referral Services

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Once the online service puts you on their list they “own” you as a “lead.”

While researching Senior Living options online for yourself or a loved one you may be unaware of what happens with your information, and the level of your own security.

If you google search Assisted Living, a list of Online Senior Referral companies will appear. They require you to enter your information that includes: phone number, email, address, health and finances. All before being directed to a list of options.

These companies also put you on a “list.” That list is sent to numerous communities where your information will be entered into multiple databases and viewed by anyone that can access that data. You will then receive emails and phone calls from every community on the “list.”

Once the online service puts you on their list they “own” you as a “lead.” This remains true whether you move in soon, years later or even correspond with that company. This is how they receive compensation.

DO NOT give out your information to receive pricing or a list of communities.

A secure way to narrow down Senior Living options is to use a Local Senior Living Advisor. They will be willing to meet with you, in person, to assess your loved ones’ specific needs.

The Advisor will then, recommend the best options, coordinate the tours and take you to see those recommended options.

A Trusted Senior Living Advisor visits communities regularly and knows whom has stable staff, happy residents, good food and quality care. Online Referral companies are unable to provide this level of service.

A Local Senior Living Advisor will be your one point of contact. Only that advisor will have your information unless you wish to give it to the toured communities. This will eliminate needless contact from multiple communities and from the online referral service itself.

A Local Advisor can assist you with negotiating costs, recommend resources for: downsizing, selling a home, moving and assist with the necessary paperwork to get moved into a community.

Article Provided by:
Senior One Source
503-420-9011
www.SeniorOneSource.net

Article Provided By
Holmes Park House
The new Holmes Park House in Southern Oregon offers 24/7 physical and emotional care by compassionate and knowledgeable hospice-trained certified nurse assistants and universal caregivers that are managed by a registered nurse and supported by a full-time administrator, hospice-trained volunteers, and an activities director. Call today: 541-613-0543

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Weighing costs: home versus a senior living community

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When you compare the cost of living at home versus a senior living community, making the switch may be more affordable than you think. As you consider your choices and compare costs, remember you have options with a selection of communities that fit different budgets and personal preferences.

As you consider your choices for senior living and compare costs, remember you have options with a selection of communities that fit different budgets and personal preferences.

When you compare the cost of living at home versus a senior living community, making the switch may be more affordable than you think. As you consider your choices and compare costs, remember you have options with a selection of communities that fit different budgets and personal preferences. 

Compare Your Home Costs to Senior Living

When you want to compare your current budget with costs for a senior living community, consider what goes into the bottom line.

Price Considerations

Location, Location, Location — Just like your current home, pricing for senior living depends on supply and demand, and the local cost of living.

Size up the square footage — Residence size will also influence costs no matter where you are. Rent for a 500 square-foot studio apartment will usually be less expensive than rent for a 1,100 square-foot two-bedroom residence.

More services mean higher costs — Whether you have in-home help or assistance with daily life activities at a senior living community, more care will increase costs.

Reduce Your Monthly Expenses

Here’s how you can save money when you make a move to senior living:

– Say goodbye to home repairs, utility bills or lawn maintenance fees. Most living expenses are included in the monthly fee for senior living accommodations.

– Current homeowners will also do away with property tax, property insurance and expensive home repairs.

– You’ll save on food costs. Two or three meals per day are often included in your monthly fee.

– For seniors who may have cut their entertainment budget in their current home, a move is often a welcome change. Senior living communities bring back the fun with classes, outings and social gatherings.

– Safety and security are important. At a senior living community, you’ll have help available, if you ever need it. There’s no price tag on peace of mind.

Article Provided by:
Brookdale Senior Living
877-396-4700
www.Brookdale.com

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Common misunderstandings about a reverse mortgage

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The reasons to get a reverse mortgage are as diverse as the people getting them. Yet there are countless people that could benefit tremendously

People get reverse mortgages for all kinds of different reasons. Part of their overall financial plan is they no longer want to make a monthly mortgage payment, or they want to create additional cash flow or pay off debts. The reasons to get a reverse mortgage are as diverse as the people getting them. Yet there are countless people that could benefit tremendously from a reverse mortgage but won’t even consider it because of these common misunderstandings.

Misunderstanding: You Must Give Your Home’s To The Bank.

You remain fully vested on the title, not the bank. You are in full control and can sell or refinance your home.

Misunderstanding: The Bank Gets The Home When You Die.

The home will go to the estate. The estate will determine what to do with the home. Any remaining equity from the sale of the home goes to the estate.

Misunderstanding: You Can Outlive A Reverse Mortgage.

There is no term on a reverse mortgage or any balloon payments. The loan is active as long as you are living and the home is your primary residence.

Misunderstanding: I Could Owe More Than My Home Is Worth.

You can never owe more than what your home is worth. The FHA reverse mortgage is a non-recourse loan, which means, if the loan amount exceeded the home’s value, you, your heirs or your estate are not liable. The most you can ever owe is what the home is worth.

Misunderstanding: You Should Only Get A Reverse Mortgage If You Are Desperate.

In the past, reverse mortgages attracted the stigma that only desperate homeowners would get a reverse loan. Today’s senior homeowners are seeing the value that a reverse mortgage brings to their lives not only from a financial perspective but also in an increased quality of life.

Misunderstanding: You Need To Own Your Home Free And Clear In Order To Qualify.

You do not need to own your home free and clear in order to get a reverse mortgage. Many people get a reverse mortgage to pay off their current mortgage and free up monthly cash flow.

Misunderstanding:  I May Lose Social Security Or Medicare Benefits.

A reverse mortgage does not affect Social Security or Medicare because the proceeds are a loan, not income. Some need based programs such as Medicaid may be affected.

Misunderstanding: I Can’t Use The Money The Way I Want To.

It is your money and you can use in any way you see fit. You could purchase long- term care or life insurance, supplement your income, pay for in-home care, pay your grandchildren’s education, remodel, or upgrade your home or anything else that makes sense to you.

Article Provided by: Matt Allen, MLO-254296 Pacific Residential Mortgage LLC
NMLS-1477/WA CL-1477
Equal Housing Lender
541-500-0186, www.OregonReversePro.com

 

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Retirement choices for veterans in Puget Sound

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Many retired officers and veterans choose to live in civilian neighborhoods and housing, but when the time is right, there are many housing options available for retired veterans to consider.

The Puget Sound area is home to many retired veterans.  There are many reasons why veterans choose to retire here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Joint Base Lewis McChord, the temperate winters, the pristine scenery, and many advantageous tax benefits have combined to present an attractive package to retirees. Many retired officers and veterans choose to live in civilian neighborhoods and housing, but when the time is right, there are many housing options available for retired veterans to consider.

Many retired veterans choose to reside at civilian retirement communities and assisted living and memory care communities. There are many wonderful options in the Puget Sound area and depending on the specific needs of each veteran these can be wonderful choices.  Civilian assisted living and memory
care communities are not affiliated with the VA.

Some veterans choose a retirement community that specializes in serving the retired military community.  Residents may enjoy the camaraderie of their fellow veterans along with added benefits such as close associations with military bases and VA hospitals and veteran-focused transportation and activity programs.

For veterans who need a higher level of care, many community Nursing Homes offer Veterans a place to live
and receive skilled nursing care 24/7. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) contracts with nursing homes across the country to care for Veterans. Other services include onsite occupational and physical therapy, access to social services, short-term rehab, and dementia care. The VA will often pay for Nursing Home care if you meet eligibility criteria involving your service connected status, level of disability, age, and income.

Certain VA benefit programs such as “Aid and Attendance” will also pay for assisted living services and memory care services depending on eligibility.

VA benefits can be extraordinarily complex, so consider speaking with a Veteran Services Officer (VSO). Veteran Services Officers volunteer throughout the United States, frequently at hubs for veterans like American Legion halls or Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW) lodges. You can also locate a VA accredited attorney or VSO/Benefits representative here: http://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/

As a veteran, you have a unique story and it makes a lot of sense to speak with a knowledgeable advisor, take a tour of your local communities and resources for retired military personnel, and plan ahead to make sure that your retirement is everything that you want it to be.

Article Provided by:
Susan Fine, Director of Marketing
Patriot’s Landing Retirement Community
877-964-4900
www.PatriotsLanding.com

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CCRCs are now called “Life Plan Communities”

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It’s no surprise they’re revolutionizing (CCRCs) retirement and reinventing themselves and the senior living field.

Since they were teens, the boomers have done things differently. So it’s no surprise they’re revolutionizing retirement (CCRCs) and reinventing themselves and the senior living field. To meet the needs of this generation senior living communities have transformed from care providers into vibrant villages offering a range of residential options along with new opportunities for creative, educational and personal exploration. Clearly, the name Continuing Care Retirement Community no longer describes the vibrant, forward-looking nature of the contemporary senior living community, which is really
a Life Plan Community.

On November 1, 2015, at the LeadingAge Annual Meeting in Boston, the task force that led the initiative to develop a new category name for Continuing Care Retirement Community (“CCRC”) announced its recommendation that communities adopt the term “Life Plan Community” as the new descriptor.

For many years a significant number of CCRCs have been concerned that the very category name used to describe them actually limits consumer interest. In particular, the terms “continuing care” and “retirement” were perceived to have negative connotations among potential residents leaving them with the impression that communities were only for people that need care and thus are for older, less healthy people. The potential truth of this is evidenced by the continuing increase in the average age of people moving to CCRCs over the last decade. Many communities and organizations have stopped referring to themselves as Continuing Care Retirement Communities altogether, developing their own alternative wording to describe the lifestyle benefits their communities offer.

The goal was to develop a name and compelling messaging to engage those older adults who will be seeking services during the next decade and to encourage prospects to enter CCRCs at a younger age. The name change from CCRC to Life Plan Community switches the emphasis from passive care to active living and planning—a shift that appeals to younger, healthier senior adults.

The agencies and research firms serving on the NameStorm Task Force worked closely together for two years to explore the viability of the existing category name (Continuing Care Retirement Community or CCRC) among key audiences and to generate and evaluate alternative names. The process involved more than 4,350 consumers and over a hundred CCRC operators. The same rigor was applied to the vetting process and to trademark and legal analysis which culminated with the selection of Life Plan Community as the new category name.

Article Provided by:
LeadingAge
www.LifePlanCommunity.org

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Where to begin when navigating housing options

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You have limited time to find a new ‘home’. Where do you begin to find your way through the maze of housing options, care needs, budget and amenities?

Where do I begin when navigating housing options?

The doctor just informed you that it would be unsafe for your senior loved one to return to their home without 24/7 supervision. You have limited time to find a new ‘home’. Where do you begin to find your way through the maze of housing options, care needs, budget and amenities? Don’t go it alone- Referral agencies and placement consultants are a valuable resource to save time and anxiety. These professionals are familiar with the numerous options and availability. Many also review the state survey and public disclosure file for any record of criminal activity or lack of compliance with laws/rules.

Step 1: Gain detailed knowledge of the medical/ assistance needs of the resident. This will narrow the type of community to those that are licensed and capable of providing the proper care. It may be awkward for families to ask the personal questions related to care needs and personal assistance; sometimes an objective third person is able to ask more detailed questions and uncover concerns or fears while helping the resident maintain a sense of privacy.

Step 2: Know your budget. Community fees may vary, with application fees, deposits, levels of care and ancillary services. A placement consultant may be able to help you to better balance the big picture.

Step 3: Focus on the geographic area that fits best. This is a new chapter in their life, and they will be creating a whole new social network. The goal is to accommodate frequent visitation of the resident’s support system. Proximity to an established network of friends and family is an important factor, should any healthcare or emotional changes occur.

Step 4: Visit the communities. After narrowing the field to those that best fit your needs, you will be better able to look at the amenities, services and activities. Get to know the activities offered, meet the staff, and try the food. These are the things that make a community feel like home and help aid the adjustment process.

Consultants are familiar with numerous communities, services offered, fee structures, and activity programs. Fees are paid by the communities, and the service is free to you! The benefit is a reliable and knowledgeable resource at no cost to your family.

Provided by: Jennifer Cook, Living Right Senior Placement
For more information: www.LivingRight.net, 503-780-7353

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