- Columns - Current and Archives
- Looking Back by Jack Lebo - February 2012 >
- Murphy's Law - July 2013>
- Murphy's Law - May 2013
- Murphy's Law - April 2013
- Murphy's Law - March 2013
- Murphy's Law - February 2013
- Murphy's Law - January 2013
- Murphy's Law - December 2012
- Murphy's Law - November 2012
- Murphy's Law - October 2012
- Murphy's Law - September 2012
- Murphy's Law - August 2012
- Murphy's Law - July 2012
- Murphy's Law - June 2012
- Murphy's Law - May 2012
- Murphy's Law - April 2012
- Murphy's Law - March 2012
- Murphy's Law - February 2012
- Murphy's Law - January 2012
- Murphy's Law - December 2011
- Murphy's Law - November 2011
- Murphy's Law - October 2011
- Murphy's Law - September 2011
- Murphy's Law - August 2011
- Murphy's Law - July 2011
- Murphy's Law - June 2011
- Murphy's Law - May 2011
- Your Money Matters by Thomas Sottile - February 2013>
- Taking Care by Lisa Petsche - May 2013>
- Taking Care - April 2013
- Taking Care - March 2013
- Taking Care - February 2013
- Taking Care - January 2013
- Taking Care - December 2012
- Taking Care - November 2012
- Taking Care - October 2012
- Taking Care - September 2012
- Taking Care - August 2012
- Taking Care - July 2012
- Taking Care - June 2012
- Taking Care - May 2012
- Travel Articles
- There's Much To Like About Tybee Island, Georgia
- PA’s Little Town Of Bethlehem Has Giant History, Pleasant Surprises
- Savannah Style: History, Food, Architecture And Even Ghosts
- Vacationing Beats Back Winter
- Visiting The Inn At Pocono Manor
- Delights of Northern Ireland
- Tuscana Resort near Orlando
- Belfast To Commemorate Titanic
- Protect Your Home While Vacationing
- Nearby Hampton Roads, Virginia
- New 'Heritage' Travel Division Formed
- Lifestyle Articles
- PAE-300 ‘Personal Audio Enhancer’ Brings New Sounds And Clarity To Television
- Seniors Desire To Stay In Home Has Led To Innovative Housing
- ‘Pleasantly Plump’ May Not Pose Serious Health Problems After All
- Spring Hills Brings Home Care, Assisted Living to S. Jersey
- Sense Of Family Obligation Remains Strong
- Becoming Bilingual Thought To Delay Onset Of Cognitive Impairment
- Comprehensive Study Provides Foundation For ‘New American Diet’
- Is Alzheimer's A Myth?
- Living Alone, Without Loneliness
- Chocolate In Moderation
- Expert: Forgiveness, Gratitude Are Essential For Healthy Aging
- Expert: No Limit To Length Of Life
- Media-Based Pennsylvania Veterans Museum Is Historic Treasure
- Joint Task: Take Action To Combat Knee Pain
- Want Better Performance From Portfolio? Watch Congress
- Conscientiousness Key To Longevity
- Men, Women 'Retire' Differently
- Sleep Problems And Cognitive Issues
- Newsworthy
- Binge Drinking Is A National Problem — Even With Senior Citizens
- Study Warns Of High Cardiovascular Disease Risks Of Eating Yolks
- Study: 'Old' People Smell Better
- Depression, Anxiety Are Key Factors In Impact Of Parkinson’s Disease
- Study: Don’t Worry, Be Happy For Better Cardiovascular Health
- ‘Chore Connection’ Provides Unique Services, Volunteer Opportunities
- Study Reinforces Benefits Of Regular Colonoscopies
- Study: 'Senior Moments' Begin Earlier
- Three New Studies Suggest Aspirin May Prevent Some Cancers
- No Sure Bet: Seniors Must Recognize Potential Gambling Problems
- Coping With Grief
- New Recommendation Creates Debate Over Prostate Screening
- High Salt, Low Potassium Diet Linked To Increased Death Risk
- Medical Director At HCR ManorCare Receives APPLE Award
- RomneyCare Awful Lot Like Obamacare
- Grandkids Safer With Gram/Pop At Wheel
- AARP: Recession Hits Seniors Hard
- Antidepressants Can Increase Danger of Falling
- Poll: Low Marks For U.S. Healthcare
- More Good News For Coffee Drinkers
- Book Reviews
- We The People
- The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks
- The Love Of My Youth
- The American Way Of Eating
- ‘Rin Tin Tin’
- Pity The Billionaire
- Classic: Uncle Tom's Cabin
- A Stocking Full Of New Christmas Novels
- When China Rules The World
- The Submission - Amy Waldman
- My Soul's Been Psychedelicized
- Reckless Endangerment
- O'Nan's 'Emily Alone'
- Baseball In The Garden Of Eden
- Leisure / Entertainment
- Music - Donald Fagen's 'Eminent Hipster,' Jimi Hendrix Release
- Music - Two CD-Set Features Elvis In Hawaii; Eric Burdon Has New Release
- Music - Billy Joel's 'Love Songs' Set For Release
- Music - Paul Anka Shows Off His Versatility With Compilation CD Of ‘Duets’
- Music - Elvis, Otis Redding Fans Treated To Compilation Sets
- Music - Even At Age 80, Willie Nelson Flaunts Staying Power With Duets Album
- Music - New 63-CD Set Spans Much Of Johnny Cash's Career
- Music - Preservation Jazz Hall Band Celebrates Anniversary
- Music - New Releases Spotlight Garfunkel, Los Lobos
- Music - Television Pioneer Ernie Kovacs Featured In Two New DVD Releases
- Music - Simon’s ‘Graceland’ Album Celebrated With Anniversary Release
- Music - New Releases of Hathaway, Heart Music
- Music - Willie Nelson Still Producing New Music
- Music - New Release of Elvis' Work
- Music - 'The Sound Of Philadelphia'
- Music - Dave Brubeck, Hank Williams Reissues
- Music - Janis Joplin Showcased On 2 New CD Releases
- Music - Paul Simon, Jimi Hendrix Reissues
- Legal Articles
- Adult Children May Be Left To Pay Nursing Home Costs Of Indigent Parents
- Make A Resolution That Provides Long-Term Security
- Dialogue Helps Control And Direct Legal, Financial & Medical Matters
- Life Changes Can Require Revisions, Updates To Estate Plan
- Wills Create Solid Foundation For Effective Estate Planning
- Keep Or Shred? Know What To Do With Personal, Financial Records
- Recent Court Ruling Makes It ‘Open Season’ On Adult Children In PA
- Assuring For Care Of Your Pet
- Reader Resources
- Links To Government and Social Services
- Senior Discounts / bradsdeals.com
- For Advertisers / 2013
- To Subscribe
- Contact Us
- Submitting Letters To The Editor
Taking Care by Lisa Petsche
Long List Of Reasons May Favor
Move To A Retirement Residence
Lisa Petsche
As people age, there’s a good chance that at some point their home will no longer suit their lifestyle or their needs. In some cases, a retirement home may be the best choice.
Retirement residences are private pay, wellness-oriented facilities that enable active seniors to maintain or improve their independence, health and overall quality of life.
Reasons for Moving
The following are common reasons for choosing a retirement home.
• Freedom — To reduce responsibilities associated with home ownership - particularly property maintenance and keeping track of a multitude of bills - to allow more time for preferred activities.
• Independence — To offload as many responsibilities of daily living as possible, in order to continue to live independently in spite of decreased physical abilities. People in this situation may wish to eliminate not only property maintenance tasks but also housecleaning, laundering, grocery shopping and meal preparation.
• Accessibility — To increase the accessibility of their living space - specifically, to make it easier and safer to enter and exit, access all areas and use rooms for their intended purpose.
• Finances — To reduce the expenses associated with home ownership, particularly if they live in an older home that is not energy efficient or requires extensive repairs. Another reason for moving is that the cost of home adaptations to improve safety and accessibility is beyond their means or is not a wise investment from a real estate market perspective.
• Peace of mind — To ensure help is available if they run into difficulty. This can provide them, as well as their family, with reassurance.
• Socialization — To increase social contact. Opportunities to make new friends are everywhere, from the dining room and lounge areas to activity rooms and outdoor spaces.
• Recreation — To engage in new and previously enjoyed activities that are stimulating and pleasurable and provide satisfaction or entertainment.
• Security — To reduce the risk of victimization. For example, those who are anxious about answering the door, leaving their home unattended or coming home to an empty house may experience increased peace of mind living in a residence with a security desk and locked mailboxes.
• Community Access — To improve access to shopping and other businesses, medical resources, places of worship and other amenities. For those who don’t drive, or who anticipate being unable to drive in the near future, easy walking distance to frequently accessed amenities and perhaps also public transit may be a priority. In any case, some retirement homes offer a shuttle service to medical appointments, shopping and community events.
• Health — To ensure ongoing healthcare needs are met, beginning with the basics: nutritiously balanced meals and opportunities to stay physically active and mentally stimulated. Other needs may include medication management, a special diet and assistance with personal care. Many retirement homes offer assisted living packages for residents who need help with the latter.
• Lifestyle — To enjoy an all-inclusive lifestyle. Seniors who have the financial means and wish to enjoy life to the fullest may seek a setting that simulates a resort atmosphere. Amenities may include elegant spaces, fine dining, a cocktail lounge or pub, fitness center, swimming pool, library, beauty salon, spa, cafe, Internet lounge, convenience store, greenhouse, putting green and more.
Retirement homes vary considerably in terms of price, size, amenities and services, which can make it difficult to choose from among them. If you are in the market for one, carefully consider your financial situation and preferred lifestyle to determine which places to focus on.
It’s important to go beyond location, curb appeal and advertisements and take personal tours. Plan to visit several places, take a notebook and bring along a friend for a second opinion.
*
Lisa M. Petsche is a social worker who has professional and personal experience with elder care. She is also a freelance writer specializing in boomer and senior issues.
Retirement residences are private pay, wellness-oriented facilities that enable active seniors to maintain or improve their independence, health and overall quality of life.
Reasons for Moving
The following are common reasons for choosing a retirement home.
• Freedom — To reduce responsibilities associated with home ownership - particularly property maintenance and keeping track of a multitude of bills - to allow more time for preferred activities.
• Independence — To offload as many responsibilities of daily living as possible, in order to continue to live independently in spite of decreased physical abilities. People in this situation may wish to eliminate not only property maintenance tasks but also housecleaning, laundering, grocery shopping and meal preparation.
• Accessibility — To increase the accessibility of their living space - specifically, to make it easier and safer to enter and exit, access all areas and use rooms for their intended purpose.
• Finances — To reduce the expenses associated with home ownership, particularly if they live in an older home that is not energy efficient or requires extensive repairs. Another reason for moving is that the cost of home adaptations to improve safety and accessibility is beyond their means or is not a wise investment from a real estate market perspective.
• Peace of mind — To ensure help is available if they run into difficulty. This can provide them, as well as their family, with reassurance.
• Socialization — To increase social contact. Opportunities to make new friends are everywhere, from the dining room and lounge areas to activity rooms and outdoor spaces.
• Recreation — To engage in new and previously enjoyed activities that are stimulating and pleasurable and provide satisfaction or entertainment.
• Security — To reduce the risk of victimization. For example, those who are anxious about answering the door, leaving their home unattended or coming home to an empty house may experience increased peace of mind living in a residence with a security desk and locked mailboxes.
• Community Access — To improve access to shopping and other businesses, medical resources, places of worship and other amenities. For those who don’t drive, or who anticipate being unable to drive in the near future, easy walking distance to frequently accessed amenities and perhaps also public transit may be a priority. In any case, some retirement homes offer a shuttle service to medical appointments, shopping and community events.
• Health — To ensure ongoing healthcare needs are met, beginning with the basics: nutritiously balanced meals and opportunities to stay physically active and mentally stimulated. Other needs may include medication management, a special diet and assistance with personal care. Many retirement homes offer assisted living packages for residents who need help with the latter.
• Lifestyle — To enjoy an all-inclusive lifestyle. Seniors who have the financial means and wish to enjoy life to the fullest may seek a setting that simulates a resort atmosphere. Amenities may include elegant spaces, fine dining, a cocktail lounge or pub, fitness center, swimming pool, library, beauty salon, spa, cafe, Internet lounge, convenience store, greenhouse, putting green and more.
Retirement homes vary considerably in terms of price, size, amenities and services, which can make it difficult to choose from among them. If you are in the market for one, carefully consider your financial situation and preferred lifestyle to determine which places to focus on.
It’s important to go beyond location, curb appeal and advertisements and take personal tours. Plan to visit several places, take a notebook and bring along a friend for a second opinion.
*
Lisa M. Petsche is a social worker who has professional and personal experience with elder care. She is also a freelance writer specializing in boomer and senior issues.