ElderAuthority.com

Relocate While You Are Able, Part 2

Rehab the New One Before Move-in
Moving into any new house will incur some costs.  Our “new”1973 condo is in good shape but the paint, carpet and tile probably have not been changed since it was built.  Flooring and painting need to be replaced before we move in the furniture and all our junk.  Ca-ching! 
I have been a creative real estate investor for 24 years.  In most cases I just moved in and rehabbed the rooms one by one as I found the money.  This the first… More

Relocate While You Are Able, Part 1

Retirement Dream(ahead)
If you are not living where you want to retire, think about moving there sooner rather than later. Don’t wait until you are old and doddery before  moving to that idealized retirement place.  Moving in middle age or beyond just isn’t the same experience as getting your first apartment, buying a first home, or upgrading to “more house” when your fortunes allow you to do so.
Two weeks ago we closed on the purchase of a home in… More

Old Dogs Teach Us New Tricks

I have finally found the retirement home for me.  I wonder if they will accept my application.
There is much we can learn from the gentleness of this sanctuary for old dogs.  All of the following are the things I want when I am very, very old:

Make me comfortable.
Provide healthy, age-appropriate nutrition.
Let me wander as I please within a safe environment.
Touch and pet me often.
Allow opportunities for new friendships.
Give me fresh air.
Treat my old age as yet another stage… More

SUPPORTIVE HOUSING AND THE BRIDGE

SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FOR HOMELESS
As a followup to my tour of The Bridge last week, I contacted Jay Dunn, President and CEO, to learn how The Bridge transitions the homeless in Dallas into supportive housing.
Supportive Housing is affordable housing that is subsidized.  It is not institutional housing. Supportive housing provides a safe place to live with a full continuum of supportive services to help a resident manage his/her day-to-day living situation.
AN ENVIABLE RECORD… More

WHAT IS SUPPORTIVE HOUSING?

Supportive Housing for the homeless has lessons to teach us as we work on better ways to house seniors without assets or family, especially those with depression or dementia.  Supportive Housing creates a safe place to live with a full continuum of supportive services to help a resident manage his/her day-to-day living situation.
This video focuses on supportive housing in San Diego, but it covers the basics of supportive housing in any location.… More

THE BRIDGE: HOPE FOR THE HOMELESS

 
WHEN I FIND A GOOD IDEA, I STEAL IT
This week I met with Judy Noble, Director of Community Development, at The Bridge here in Dallas, TX.  I made an appointment because I have heard about the The Bridge’s success in getting the homeless off the street and into supportive housing.
I wanted to know if the model for The Bridge could be helpful in figuring out how we are going to provide affordable housing for all the seniors who will need it as the aging population continues… More

ASSISTED LIVING IN HOUSTON TX (Special Perks)

Sometimes I get a bit loopy from writing so much about serious topics as aging, death and dying, elder abuse, affordable housing, senior jobs, and all the challenges that face me and my fellow greying Baby Boomers.
If this seems a bit off topic, forgive me.  Sometimes I need a giggle.

Kudos to “Baylor” and “Tupelo” in the elephant assisted living facilities at the Houston Zoo.
 … More

COHOUSING AND THE INTENTIONAL COMMUNITY

COHOUSING IS COLLABORATIVE
Cohousing is an option with wonderful possibilities for those of us who wish to maintain our personal privacy and independence while enjoying the benefits of a close knit community.  For me and my fellow 78 million baby boomers, it meets the needs of an aging demographic that rejects traditional senior housing.  It is a type of collaborative housing designed and operated by the residents, who are consciously committed to living in a community… More

SENIOR HOUSING OPTIONS: AGING IN PLACE & INDEPENDENT

According to an AARP survey, 89 % of people 50 and older prefer to remain at home as they age. Almost everyone prefers to live as independently as possible.  Here are some of the best options for senior housing that allow for high to moderate independence:
AGING IN PLACE
Description: Live in own home, making modifications to house as needed.
Cost: Similar to average cost of living for area plus home modification plus ; in-home help (minimum wage – $20/hr) plus home health… More

HEALTH CARE FOR SENIOR CITIZENS: LAUGHTER STILL BEST

Retirement living is what you make it. Here is yet another example of how great art can transform lives.  I laughed ’til I cried.… More