Category: Planning for the Future

Financial Planning for a Retirement Community

Moving into a senior living community is a major life decision that requires careful consideration, especially when it comes to financial planning. Understanding the types of senior living communities, assessing the costs, and budgeting for the future are all essential to making an informed decision.

Senior living communities come with a range of services, amenities, and costs. Identifying the type of community that best suits your needs is the first step in planning your finances for senior living.

Independent or Active Adult Communities: These communities provide a residential environment with many amenities and activities but tend to offer minimal medical care. Their costs are generally lower than other communities since they do not include healthcare services.
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer more extensive healthcare services including assistance with daily activities, bathing, or dressing. The cost may be higher than other communities due to the level of care provided. If residents require more care than the assisted living community can offer, they may need to hire additional assistance or relocate to a skilled nursing facility, which can further increase expenses.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs): CCRCs provide a full continuum of care including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care, all within the same community. These communities may have a higher price than others, but offer considerably more healthcare services, amenities, and life enrichment opportunities.

Assess the Costs

If you added up the cost of all your monthly expenses, what would the total be?

Many seniors are often surprised to find that when they add up all of their current expenses, they are already spending as much, if not more, than what the monthly fee at a senior living community would be.

Living at home requires you to pay separate bills for most expenses such as your mortgage, utilities, home maintenance, and other services. You also have to budget for things like groceries, healthcare costs, entertainment, and travel expenses.

Imagine how much easier managing your finances would be if your expenses were bundled into a single monthly payment. That is exactly the kind of structure senior living communities can provide.

At communities like Maple Knoll Village, your monthly fee covers all essentials including your rent, utilities, maintenance, housekeeping, and more. But the value goes beyond just the basics—this fee also includes a wide range of life-enriching activities from educational workshops and happy hours to musical performances and excursions. Plus, residents enjoy access to many on-site amenities like the fitness center, technology lab, swimming pool, library, and more.

Try out Maple Knoll Village’s comparison evaluation form to see how your current expenses stack up against the cost of living in a retirement community.

Budget for the Future

Planning a budget for the future is essential when considering senior living, as it provides financial stability and peace of mind throughout your retirement years.

Start by evaluating your current income sources, including Social Security, pensions, investments, and savings. Compare this income list to the costs associated with senior living, while also factoring in potential future expenses. As you age, your healthcare needs and the level of assistance required may increase, making it essential to plan for these possibilities.

Choosing a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) can be an excellent option for those looking to budget and plan for the future. With all levels of care available on a single campus, you can have peace of mind knowing your needs will be met, no matter how they evolve over time. CCRC’s typically have a one-time entrance fee accompanied by a monthly fee that is designed to ensure all of your needs are met. As a non-profit CCRC, Maple Knoll Village is able to provide an added layer of assurance to residents with the Future Care Plan. This benevolent care program provides financial support to residents should their monetary resources become depleted due to no fault of their own ensuring all of their needs continue to be met.

A well-developed financial plan allows seniors to enjoy retirement without the constant worry of financial uncertainty. This includes having the resources to pursue hobbies, travel, and other activities that enhance your quality of life. Working with a financial planner can help you create a realistic budget that accounts for both your current situation and future needs.

For more information on financial planning resources or to learn more about Maple Knoll Village please contact us at 513-782-2717.

What is a Continuing Care Retirement Community?

As the aging population continues to increase, so does the need for innovative senior living solutions that provide the care needed to age gracefully. One of the more popular options for many seniors is the Continuing Care Retirement Community, or CCRC.

LeadingAge defines CCRCs as retirement communities that offer a full range of living accommodations by providing a unique blend of independence, community, and a supportive continuum of care within a single campus. With a wide range of health services and amenities, residents of these communities can seamlessly transition to a higher level of care should their healthcare needs change over time.

CCRCs provide various levels of care including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care.

Independent living is best suited to seniors who primarily lead a self-sufficient lifestyle but prefer to reside in a community that offers social activities, dining options, and other amenities. CCRCs like Maple Knoll Village provide a variety of living accommodations for those residing in independent living neighborhoods including villas, single level homes, and apartments. Services such as maintenance, housekeeping, and landscaping are designed to help free residents of the burdens of daily life allowing them to be as active as they desire with numerous provided opportunities for life enrichment.

Assisted living is designed to provide the necessary assistance for those who need help with daily activities while still allowing them to maintain their independence. Maple Knoll Village provides assisted living residents with individualized care plans that offer the support needed for bathing, grooming, dressing, medication reminders, and more. With the 24/7 presence of nursing staff, ongoing health monitoring, and frequent wellness checks, assisted living residents at Maple Knoll Village enjoy proactive and compassionate care.

Skilled nursing care offers comprehensive healthcare for older adults that may require an elevated level of assistance with daily activities or rehabilitation services. Skilled nursing communities are short-term and long-term residences that focus more heavily on medical assistance for those with chronic illnesses, injuries, or individuals that require 24-hour supervised care. Located within Maple Knoll Village, Bodmann Skilled Health Center allows residents to maintain their dignity and pride no matter what level of care they may require. Compassionate care and support are provided with a wide array of healthcare services, individualized care plans, engaging activities based on cognitive abilities, and attentive staff.

By providing these various levels of care, CCRCs can proactively accommodate the changing needs of their residents over time. In fact, AARP has found that one of the chief benefits of CCRCs is the stability and peace of mind provided to older adults and their loved ones alike, knowing there is high quality care and services offered in one place.

While CCRCs may require an upfront entrance fee and ongoing monthly fees, they also offer financial predictability. Many CCRCs have contracts that outline future care costs, which can help residents and their loved one’s plan for long-term expenses. As a nonprofit continuing care retirement community, Maple Knoll Village provides an added layer of assurance with the Future Care Plan. This benevolent care program provides support to Maple Knoll Village residents should their financial resources become depleted due to no fault of their own ensuring they have found their forever home.

Choosing to live at a CCRC like Maple Knoll Village means you will enjoy a full continuum of care, a supportive environment, and a vibrant community. Our variety of services, all provided in one location, allow you to stay within the same community even as your or your loved one’s healthcare needs might change. To learn more about Maple Knoll Village, please visit us online at www.mapleknoll.org.

Embracing Generosity

While the act of giving knows no bounds, there is a special place where it can have a profound impact – a nonprofit retirement community.

Retirement communities are essential for our aging loved ones and can provide them with a quality home for their golden years. But simply having a roof over their heads is not enough. Nonprofit retirement communities place quality of life and the well-being of residents over the bottom-line profit. In fact, at a nonprofit community, all funds are invested back into the community providing elevated comfort, care, and quality of life for residents.

Nonprofit retirement communities thrive when enveloped in an atmosphere of generosity and kindness. Giving to a nonprofit community has numerous benefits for both recipients and those who give such as enhanced community offerings, a sense of belonging, and a culture of gratitude.

Enhanced Community Offerings

Financial contributions to non-profit retirement communities can allow for improved facilities and expanded services. This may include upgraded living accommodations, innovative solutions for senior care, and overall improved quality of life for residents.

Whether it is funding healthcare services, recreational activities, or educational programs, donations from the community play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for seniors. These generous contributions enrich the daily lives of residents, providing them with opportunities for joy, laughter, and personal growth.

Creating a Sense of Belonging

Whether it is through donations, volunteer work, or simple acts of kindness – giving to a nonprofit retirement community like Maple Knoll Village provides a shared purpose. This sense of camaraderie can help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness by creating a supportive environment in which everyone feels valued and appreciated.

For those living in retirement communities, engaging in acts of kindness and philanthropy can boost self-esteem, reduce stress, and increase their overall happiness levels. Likewise, receiving support and assistance from volunteers and donors can uplift their spirits and instill a sense of optimism. This creates a positive atmosphere full of mutual respect, kindness, and empathy which fosters stronger relationships among residents and staff members.

A Culture of Gratitude

In a world where acts of kindness and generosity are more important than ever, giving to nonprofit retirement communities stands out as a profoundly meaningful endeavor. Knowing that they have made a positive difference in the lives of seniors can be a source of pride and fulfillment for donors and volunteers alike.

By giving to a nonprofit retirement community, individuals leave behind a lasting legacy of compassion and kindness. Their contributions not only make a difference in the lives of current residents but also pave the way for future generations to benefit from the same spirit of generosity. This creates a timeless gift that continues to enrich the lives of others for years to come.

If you would like to make a difference and contribute to the lives of seniors in our community, visit us online at https://mapleknoll.org/donate/.

Are Retirement Communities Worth It?

maple knoll village retirement community

Are you considering a retirement community for yourself or your loved one?

With so many options for senior living available, it can be hard to decide if a retirement community is the best fit for you or your loved one. Here are some factors to consider when evaluating the value of retirement communities:

Lifestyle Needs: Retirement communities often offer a range of amenities and services designed to appeal to a diverse population. They also supply a built-in social network of friendly neighbors to help combat loneliness and isolation by providing companionship. Communities such as Maple Knoll Village offer extensive amenities such as a fitness center, indoor pool, technology learning lab, certified arboretum with walking trails, travel opportunities, planned social events, and more.

If you value an active and socially engaged lifestyle, retirement communities can certainly provide you with a fulfilling and enriching environment.

Maintenance-Free Living: The older we get, the harder it becomes to safely maintain the upkeep of large homes and spacious yards. Retirement communities will often provide maintenance-free living services to alleviate the burden of house upkeep. These services may include housekeeping, landscaping, and maintenance. Maple Knoll Village also offers services such as security, snow removal, transportation, an onsite full-service salon, and more. The less time spent on the tedious tasks of upkeep, the more time available to spend living life to the fullest.

Long-Term Planning: Consider your long-term needs. Will a retirement community be better able to meet your needs as you age? Some retirement communities have a continuum of care that allows residents to transition to higher levels of care such as assisted living or skilled nursing when necessary. These communities are categorized as continuing care retirement communities (CCRC).

As a CCRC, Maple Knoll Village provides peace of mind for residents knowing they have found a place to call home for the rest of their lives, regardless of how their healthcare needs may change. If you or a loved one have specific health needs or anticipate needing more assistance with daily activities as you age, a retirement community with on-site healthcare services may be the best fit for you.

Financial Considerations: The cost of living in a retirement community varies widely depending on the location of the community, services offered, and your individual needs.

Some seniors may choose to age in place in their home. But as they grow older, they may need to hire outside help for housekeeping, lawn maintenance, and personal care needs. It is essential to consider all factors when evaluating if a retirement community is worth the cost. Evaluate the initial entry fee, monthly fees, and services or amenities offered at the community. Compare these costs with the expenses associated with maintaining your current home and projected expenses as you age.

Having a financial plan in mind for future needs will help you make the best evaluation possible.

Research and Visit: The best ways to learn about a retirement community are to visit it in person, view their website or online resources, and speak to their current residents. Most retirement communities will have designated staff available to show you around and help you determine if their community is the best fit.

Many communities also will have social media sites that are great at giving you an inside look at what life is like at that specific community. Maple Knoll Village has a very active presence on Facebook and Instagram where you can see photos and videos of real resident homes, events, trips, and more!

Deciding whether a retirement community is worth it really is a personal decision based on your unique needs and wants. If you value amenities, peace of mind, and a sense of community, retirement communities like Maple Knoll Village are certainly a great option for you to live out your retirement years to the fullest.

Active Adult Communities vs. Retirement Communities: Understanding the Difference

As individuals approach the age of retirement, they will often explore housing options that cater to their specific needs and lifestyle. Often used interchangeably, active adult communities and retirement communities present very different opportunities for older adults. Understanding the difference between these two living options for retirees will help you make an informed decision that fits your lifestyle.

Active Adult Communities

Active adult communities are designed for individuals that are seeking an independent lifestyle. These communities typically feature single-family homes, townhouses, or condominiums. Key features of active adult communities include:

Age-Restrictions

One defining characteristic of active adult communities is the 55+ age restriction. These communities aim to create an environment where residents can enjoy an active and social lifestyle amongst their peers. Age restrictions help ensure a sense of community and shared interests.

Lifestyle

Geared towards an independent lifestyle, these communities provide an environment where residents are encouraged to pursue their hobbies, remain active, and socialize. While some residents of active adult communities may still work, others will spend their time organizing clubs and excursions with their neighbors. These communities do not typically have dedicated staff onsite to organize outings and activities.

Services and Healthcare

Maintenance and landscaping services are commonly provided to residents in active adult communities allowing them the freedom to maintain their own home independently. Interior maintenance of the home such as housekeeping services are not usually provided and would have to be contracted out. Healthcare and support services may not be readily available in the direct vicinity of the community. Should a resident’s health needs change, they may have to consider relocating to an assisted living or skilled nursing community.

Retirement Communities

Retirement communities are designed to provide a supportive and inclusive environment by offering a range of living options and care levels. A variety services are provided to residents based on their changing needs and independence. Key features of retirement communities include:

Age Diversity

Continuing care retirement communities like Maple Knoll Village are designed to allow residents to age in place by providing all levels of care. This includes independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. These different levels of care allow for a diverse range of resident ages and abilities.

Engaging Lifestyle

Retirement communities employ activity staff dedicated to creating engaging activities and excursions for residents. This fosters a sense of community and belonging by encouraging residents to socialize, connect, and participate in group activities. At Maple Knoll Village, each level of care has its own dedicated activity staff ensuring activities are personalized based on individual abilities. Our residents enjoy a variety of activities and excursions such as weekly happy hours, technology classes, cooking demonstrations, and scheduled trips to art performances, museums, and restaurants.

Focus on Services and Healthcare Support

Retirement communities ensure quality care and support is provided by offering on-site healthcare services or local healthcare partnerships. Services may include assistance with daily activities, medication management, wellness programs, access to medical professionals, and specialized memory care for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

The nursing staff at Maple Knoll Village provide quality and compassionate care for residents with the bonus of an on-site clinic staffed by highly accredited physicians. The availability of healthcare services within the Maple Knoll community ensures that the changing health needs of residents are addressed promptly and effectively.

Retirement communities also provide a wide range of services such as: dining, housekeeping, transportation, landscaping, and maintenance. Residents of Maple Knoll also enjoy many on-site amenities including: a fitness center and indoor pool, multiple dining venues, a hair salon, technology lab, gathering spaces, and an accredited arboretum.

Making the Choice

Choosing between an active adult community and a retirement community depends on your needs and desired lifestyle. Active adult communities are ideal for those who live independent and active lives without fear of the future. Retirement communities are ideal for those who desire a supportive and inclusive community with options for different levels of care as their needs evolve.

When considering your retirement living options, it’s important to carefully consider factors such as lifestyle, healthcare requirements, and long-term goals. Touring different communities, talking to current residents, and consulting with loved ones can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your vision of a fulfilling retirement. To schedule a tour of Maple Knoll Village, please visit www.mapleknoll.org or call 513-782-2717.

Common Financial Scams that Target Older Adults

According to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), over 88,000 individuals ages 60 and up reported they were victims of an internet scam in 2022. This was a drastic 84% increase compared to 2021 reports, and monetary losses totaled over three billion dollars, the highest monetary loss compared to all other age groups.

As the number of financial scams targeting seniors continues to rise, it is important to educate yourself and your loved ones on common scams to protect yourself against them. Some of the most common financial scams that target older adults include sweepstakes scams, robocall scams, and impersonation scams.

Sweepstakes Scams

One of the most common types of financial scams, sweepstakes and lottery scams tend to follow a similar script. The scammer will call or email an older adult notifying them that they have won a prize of some sort. The catch is that the scammer will claim that to receive their winnings, the older adult must cover taxes or shipping fees by sending them gift cards or money up front. This can result in the older adult losing hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. Any type of request to send someone money to receive a prize should be considered a red flag. If you find yourself on the receiving end of what you suspect is a sweepstakes scam, hang up and consult with a trusted friend or loved one before complying.

Robocall Scams

With the development of modern technology, robocall scams have become increasingly sophisticated in recent years. Scammers can disguise the number they are calling from, making it seem that it is from a reputable organization. Some robocall scams will claim that your car payment did not go through, and immediate payment is required to prevent your car from being repossessed. Other robocall scams may claim they are from a law enforcement agency and request that you pay a fine otherwise you will be sued or arrested. If you ever receive one of these calls, it is important to contact local law enforcement to report the call and confirm if the information is true before taking any action.

Impersonation Scams

Scammers will often use a fake caller ID or email to pretend to be someone they are not such as your bank, utility company, or a government agency. They will use various high-pressure tactics to trick you into giving up information by playing on your emotions. They may claim that there has been fraud detected on your account or threaten you with legal action if you do not comply with their requests. While these tactics can certainly be scary, it is important to pause and evaluate the situation before reacting. If it seems abnormal for the company to contact you in this way or you were not expecting this type of phone call, do not give them any personal or financial information and hang up. If you think it might be a real phone call, it is still important to be cautious. Tell them you will call them back and hang up. Look up the customer service number for the company they are claiming to be from and give them a call to see if the request was legitimate.

Another type of impersonation scam that has become increasingly common is the “grandparent” scam. These phone calls can be especially scary as the scammer will call pretending to be the older adult’s child or grandchild. They may claim to be in trouble, in jail, or even kidnapped and will often demand you send them a gift card or money transfer. They may also demand that you keep this information private and request that you do not contact the authorities or your family about the situation. If you receive a phone call like this, it is only natural for you to feel scared and protective. However, it is extremely important to be careful and smart about how you respond. One way you can determine if it is actually your child or grandchild is by asking questions only, they would know the answer to. For example, if your child or grandchild does not have a brother named Ted, ask the caller if they have contacted their brother Ted. If they do not point out that they do not have a brother named Ted, you will know it is not your loved one. If you do fear that the phone call is real and your loved one is in danger, do not agree to send money and call the authorities immediately.

Scams can and do happen to anyone. They are designed to make us fall for them and can be incredibly sophisticated. Educating yourself and staying cautious are the best ways to protect yourself from scammers. Reputable organizations will never request gift cards as a method of payment, and you should never provide personal or financial phone via text or email.

Resources such as AARP, the National Council on Aging, and Ohio Department of Aging all provide great information and tools for protecting yourself against scams. If you feel you may have been the target of a scam, immediately report it to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

The Time for Seniors to Sell Their Home is Now

If you have been watching the housing market and wondering when the right time to sell your home is, the time could very well be now. According the Wall Street Journal, the real estate market is still strongly favoring sellers. Because of the high demand for homes and the low inventory available, the real estate market is experiencing a boom. Home showings often come with a long list of interested parties and buyers are often offering over the asking price to beat out their competition.

This has created the ideal environment for older adults to list their homes on the market and move into a more manageable living accommodation by downsizing into an active retirement community.

Selling Your Home

When starting the process of selling your home, it is important to consult a realtor. While realtors will typically collect a commission on each home sale, they also bring valuable knowledge and experience to the table that often greatly outweighs the cost. The right realtor can provide you with insight on minor improvements that can be made to your home to increase the value and attract more buyers. A realtor will also manage a variety of tedious tasks including scheduling and hosting tours, speaking with prospective buyers, fielding offers, and ensuring all appropriate paperwork is completed. Having an expert oversee the tasks you are not familiar with can alleviate much of the stress that comes with selling a home.

Homeowners should collaborate with their realtor to review the most recent comparable sales in their area to ensure they are setting a fair price that reflects the market’s current mortgage rates and inventory levels. “It is important to price a home correctly when it first lists as the longer a home stays on the market, the steeper the price cuts typically become” says Veronica Dagher from The Wall Street Journal.

“So far, all homes sold within 30 days in 2023 had an average discount of 7%”, says Lawrence Yun, the National Association of Relator’s chief economist. “Homes on the market over 120 days sold with 16% off list price”. With the right pricing, the equity made on the sale of your house can provide you with even more confidence as you move into your new home.

Deciding Where to Move

One of the most common roadblocks homeowners encounter when deciding to sell their home is having a new place to live lined up. Because the real estate market is currently a seller’s market, finding a new home that is not only available but also within your budget can be tricky.

Fortunately, retirement communities such as Maple Knoll Village provide peace of mind knowing that the price listed for your desired living accommodation is exactly what you will pay. The cost of living at a retirement community is generally allocated into one monthly fee that includes the cost of rent, utilities, maintenance, housekeeping, as well as added services and amenities allowing you to meet your financial goals without having to worry about added HOA fees and other surprise expenses.

Maple Knoll Village, offers a range of villa and apartment floorplans ranging in size from 590 to 4,000 square feet. This wide variety of living accommodations ensures there is something for everyone. The dedicated Marketing and Residential Services team ensure that you will be well prepared for your move to the community.

Moving Into Your New Home

The moving process can be tedious, emotional, and stressful for anyone, especially those who have lived in their home for decades. By starting early and having a well-organized plan, the moving process can become less stressful and even enjoyable.

Maple Knoll Village has numerous resources to make your moving process as seamless as possible including helpful articles on downsizing and partnerships with locally trusted senior moving companies such as Moving Matters.

“In the moving industry, there is no typical day on the job. What I provide my clients with is the assurance that my 16 years of experience in both working for and now owning a small moving business has prepared myself and my team for just about anything” says Brendon Akey, Owner of Moving Matters.

“Because clients who are looking to move typically have different amounts of cherished furniture and items, the timeframe for jobs varies. Some jobs can be completed in a couple of hours and are priced according to the hourly truck and fuel rate. Other larger jobs may require more resources including the full turn-key operation of packing, moving, unpacking, and hanging art on the walls. Most jobs can be completed in one day and are priced accordingly.

No one job is like the next and for that, I provide all clients with a free consultation. I have had the privilege of moving some incredible people, which is why I love what I do.”

If you are ready to start the moving process or just want to learn more about senior living, please visit us online at www.mapleknoll.org or give us a call at 513-782-2717.

What is Hospice Care? And why is it so important?

Hospice care provides physical, psychological, social and spiritual support for those who are in their last stages of a terminal illness. Typically, hospice care is suggested by a healthcare provider when a patient has six months or less to live. Many individuals who are experiencing terminal and chronic conditions such as cancer, heart disease, dementia and kidney failure use hospice as a way to prepare for the last stages of their journey. In addition, hospice care can help families cope with the forthcoming loss of a loved one through counseling and respite care. While hospice care is often focused on meeting the physical needs of a patient, many people are unaware of its robust offerings for both the individual receiving care and their family members.

What Does Hospice Care Provide?

Many hospice care providers take different approaches to services and types of support, however all hospice providers are required to offer certain services. According to the American Cancer Society, here are a few of the most common types of hospice services provided for patients:

Palliative care

Palliative care, or symptom management, is provided as a part of hospice and is designed to prevent or treat any symptoms related to an individual’s illness. Palliative care helps address any pain or discomfort in order to allow the patient to enjoy the last stage of life with their loved ones. The main goal of palliative care is to ensure the patient is comfortable and knows their options.

Home care

Most hospice care is given directly from an individual’s home. However, there may be some situations where hospice care needs to be given from a hospital or long-term care facility. A hospice team can arrange for care no matter where you are, and will be involved with your care plans and family members.

Spiritual care

In addition to managing pain and controlling symptoms, hospice care also provides an individual with spiritual or religious care, depending on their beliefs and preferences. Spiritual care can help an individual prepare to say goodbye to their loved ones to with planning a religious or spiritual ceremony and burial plans.

Family meetings

A hospice care team will meet regularly with family members and keep them informed about their loved one’s condition and help manage expectations. These meetings allow family members to discuss their feelings, ask questions and prepare for the death of their loved one. In addition, the hospice care team will share daily updates and make routine visits.

Coordination of care

The hospice care team is responsible for coordinating care for the individual and sharing information to those involved in providing medical care. This might include an inpatient facility, pharmacists, clergy and even funeral directors. Hospice care teams are also available anytime during the day or night if a question or problem were to arise.

Respite care

Caregiving can be extremely challenging for spouses and other family members. That’s why hospice services provide respite care. During respite care, an individual is cared for in the hospital or a nursing home so their caregivers can rest at home, attend to other responsibilities or simply take a break.

Bereavement care

After a loved one dies, the hospice care team will provide support to the family during the grieving process. Trained volunteers, clergy members or professional counselors will provide visits, phone calls, support groups or counseling sessions to members of the family. The hospice care team can also provide resources and other professional care when needed.

Who makes up a Hospice Care Team?

According to the Mayo Clinic, a hospice care team is made up of professionals ranging from healthcare providers to volunteers and home health aides. If you or your loved one is receiving hospice care, here’s who you can expect to be on your care team:

Doctors. Those who receive hospice care will be under the supervision of a primary care doctor, hospice doctor or medical director. Each patient will be able to choose their primary doctor who will oversee their care.
Nurses. Nurses will provide care in any setting, depending on where the individual is receiving hospice services. Nurses are also responsible for coordinating the hospice care team.
Home health aides. Home health aides provide additional support with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating and other routine tasks.
Spiritual counselors. Chaplains, priests, lay ministers and other spiritual counselors or advisers can help provide spiritual care and guidance to the individual receiving care and their family members.
Social workers. Social workers provide counseling, support, and referrals to other support systems and resources both for the patient and their families.
Pharmacists. Pharmacists provide medication management and offer suggestions on how to best relieve symptoms and manage pain.
Volunteers. Trained volunteers often provide a variety of services including respite care, transportation services and help with additional needs.
Other professionals. Speech, physical and occupational therapists can provide therapy when needed.
Bereavement counselors. Trained bereavement counselors offer support and guidance to family members after the death of their loved one.

Benefits of Hospice Care

Watching a loved one go through their final stages of life is hard for everyone involved. Hospice care provides comprehensive care that supports both the individual and their family members through this difficult time. While hospice can be provided in a hospital or long-term care facility, it can also be provided in the comfort of one’s own home, which allows patients to feel more comfortable and relaxed. Hospice also provides a comprehensive care plan, which takes the burden off of family members and allows them to spend quality time with their loved one without worry for the future. In addition, hospice care can be personalized to fit the needs of the individual and support their wishes for the future.

Long Distance Caregiving

For adult children with aging parents that need assistance, knowing how to provide support doesn’t always come naturally. Adult children who act as caregivers for their parents are often raising families of their own and many are still part of the workforce. To make matters even more difficult, a number of them live long-distance. In fact, of the 34 million Americans who care for older family members, nearly 15% are long-distance caregivers. Long-distance caregivers refer to individuals living more than hour away from those they are providing care for, typically their parents or other relatives. In addition to the same pressures and challenges that face local caregivers, long-distance caregivers have the added challenges of needing to coordinate care, hire help and take uncompensated time off of work and pay for travel expenses. While caregiving from afar can seem nearly impossible, long-distance caregivers successfully take on a number of different roles.

What Can Long-Distance Caregivers Really Do?

According to the National Institute on Aging, long-distance caregivers can support their aging parents or other family members in a number of different ways. Here are a few of the most common roles long-distance caregivers play within their family unit:

Managing finances and paying bills
Hire in-home care such as home health, professional caregivers or nursing aides
Locate and coordinate with assisted living or nursing facilities
Provide emotional support for the primary caregiver and offer respire care when needed
Navigate health insurance claims and benefits
Consolidate paperwork, medical information and organize important documents in the event of an emergency
Evaluate the house to make sure it’s safe for a loved one

Tips for Providing Care from Afar

One of the biggest challenges for long-distance caregivers is staying informed and confident that their loved one is in the best possible care. According to AARP, here are some important tips to consider if you are providing care for a loved one but live long-distance.

Establish Access

If you are the primary caregiver or a sole child of an aging parent, it’s crucial to establish good information channels to stay up-to-date on your loved one’s wellbeing. In addition, it can be helpful to have legal and financial authority in order to make sound decisions on behalf of your loved one. Discussing financial matters can be uncomfortable, but it’s important to understand your parent’s financial situation in order to plan for the future. Come up with a plan for how they will pay for health care along with other everyday expenses. This includes looking into their long-term care insurance policies and major payments such as housing and any active loans.

While creating channels of access, long-distance caregivers should also request access to any important information such as medical records, banking and insurance information, since you may become responsible for paying the bills in the future. It’s important to have this conversation with your loved ones as early as possible in order for them to clearly state their wishes. This may also be an appropriate time to ask your loved ones to designate a durable power of attorney for both health care and financial decisions. This will allow a designated person to make decisions on their behalf when they are no longer able to make decisions for themselves.

Long-distance caregivers should also create an emergency plan for their loved ones. This includes assigning a local and trusted individual to have access to your loved one’s home whether that is through a garage code or an extra set of keys. For individuals living at retirement communities including assisted living facilities and nursing homes, most facilities have 24-hour security staff who can perform wellness checks when needed.

Stay Updated

It is essential for long-distance caregivers to find ways to communicate regularly with their loved ones and their care teams. Utilizing different technologies like FaceTime, WhatsApp, and Skype will allow you to see your loved one and give you peace of mind or alert you to any changes in their physical health. At Maple Knoll Village, the Family App allows family members to stay in contact with staff members and sends alerts and notifications to important announcements and policy changes.

Plan Your Visits

In-person visits allow you to assess your loved one’s wellbeing and can provide insight that might otherwise be hard to gather when living remote. Experts suggest trying to stretch any in-person visit to allow time for doctor’s appointments and any other in-person visits. This might also be a good time to meet current and potential service providers including housekeepers, facility staff members, social workers or physicians. When visiting, make sure to assess your loved one’s home or living quarters to check for signs of abuse or cognitive decline. If you see old food in the refrigerator, unpaid bills or signs of financial misconduct, it could be a sign that your loved one needs more support or different care providers.

Supporting Your Family from Afar

Caregiving is a difficult responsibility and doing it from afar doesn’t make it an easier. A lot of families find peace of mind when their loved ones have a safe place to call home, such as Maple Knoll Village. Our staff is mindful that long-distance family members are doing their best to provide support in the ways they are able. Remember to be kind to yourself!

Downsizing Guide for Seniors

It’s common for seniors in their sixties to consider downsizing to a smaller home or moving to a senior living community. In fact, 51% of retirees over the age of 50 move into smaller homes. However, this decision can be a difficult one. Many older adults are faced with leaving their family home and the memories that come with it. While this can be challenging, choosing to downsize can make life easier and safer for many aging adults and their families. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to successful downsizing. While some adults may choose to live on their own, others may find comfort in residing in a Continuing Care Retirement Community that offers all levels of care such as independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. In addition to deciding where to move, older adults must also decide if the timing is right.

Is it Time to Downsize?

Older adults choose to downsize for a number of different reasons. For some, aging is expensive, and downsizing provides a viable option to cut costs and reduce monthly expenses by lowering or eliminating mortgage payments, home insurance and property taxes. For others, things like stairs, multiple levels, a large yard and long walkways can become dangerous and limit one’s ability to age in place. No matter the reason for downsizing, choosing where and when to move are complicated decisions. If you or your loved ones are contemplating downsizing, there are some basic questions that can help you decide if it’s the right time to downsize:

Do you have unused rooms in your home?
Can you afford to stay in your current home for 10 or 20 years down the road?
Is your yard easy to maintain? Can you safely complete household tasks?
Do you feel isolated?
Do you have too much stuff to manage?

At some point, you may realize that your home isn’t the safest or most economical place to age. If you have a lot of wasted space or have difficulty maintaining your family home, it could be the right time to downsize.

Where to Downsize?

There are two very common options when it comes to choosing where to downsize. Many older adults are faced with deciding between moving to a residential community or aging in place. Generally speaking, residential communities include independent living, assisted living, or nursing homes. In addition, Continuing Care Retirement Communities, such as Maple Knoll Village, offer all three types of care. In a residential community, residents are not responsible for yard work, maintenance, and do not have to make mortgage payments. Traditionally, those living in a residential community pay a monthly fee that includes utilities, housekeeping and even some meals. Most communities offer onsite medical care, memory care, and offer social activities on and off-campus.

The second option, aging in place, can be an attractive option for those wanting to live independently for as long as possible. In addition, older adults often choose to age in place when they are in excellent health or if the facilities in their area have poor reputations or are too expensive. For those aging in place with minimal needs, a smaller home with less chores may be an attractive option. However, it’s important to consider how many years they are likely to still be independent. For those with complex medical needs, aging in place can be more difficult and require hiring outside help to provide care or relying on the support of friends and family members.

Tips for Stress-Free Downsizing

Once you decide where to go, you’ll have to start the physical act of downsizing your belongings. While it may feel overwhelming, there are many ways to make downsizing feel like a manageable task. If you or a loved one has a potential downsize in the future, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Start preparing early. Downsizing always takes longer than you might think. Giving yourself plenty of time to sort and pack your items will make transitioning into a new space much easier. In addition, moving companies often need advanced notice, especially if you are moving out of state.
Prioritize communication. It’s not uncommon for adult children to notice their parents having difficulty maintaining their home. If this happens, adult children may need to approach the topic of downsizing with their parents. Adult children may consider offering to help clean out the garage or sort through items in storage. As the topic continues, it’s important for children to reassure their parents that they have a say in the matter.
Set realistic goals. Downsizing can feel like an enormous task. The key to successful downsizing is to set small and attainable goals. You may consider starting with one room or one closet at a time. Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary items like boxes, tape and markers.
Sort your items. Experts agree that sorting your items into separate categories for taking with you, gifting, selling, donating and throwing away can help you stay organized and efficient.
Keep the memories! One of the hardest parts of downsizing is having to part with precious memories and keepsakes. However, it’s possible for many items to be compressed. For example, photo albums and home movies can be stored onto DVDs or hard drives for easy storage. If you have a collection of items, consider keeping your favorites and donating the rest.

Making the Move to Maple Knoll Village

Our residents agree that one of the most difficult parts of transition into a retirement community is choosing how to downsize. However, the amenities, peace of mind, and sense of safety that comes with living at Maple Knoll Village is well worth the move. To speak learn more about life at Maple Knoll Village or to schedule a tour, please contact us at 513-782-2717.

513.782.2717