Utah Senior Real Estate

Keeping Mom & Dad Safe at Home

2009-05-08T17:49:00Z

Generally, elderly parents want to remain living in their own home. However, remaining in the home becomes a concern when children see their parents slowing down, perhaps even having trouble with handling stairs and doing general daily activities. Yet, with parents’ mental and physical health currently not creating problems, there seems to be no imminent need to search out support services or other accommodations for aging parents.

This is now the time to evaluate the home to make it safe and secure for your loved ones -- now and in the near future -- in anticipation of aging disabilities that may occur. Help and support are available. The nation as a whole is more aware of elderly needs and services and products are becoming available at an outstanding pace..... read the entire article by going to the link below

Please go to the following URL for the entire article and previous articles: Either click on the link http://www.planforcare.org or copy and paste the following into your browser:

TALKING TO YOUR PARENTS ABOUT AGING ISSUES

2008-11-04T18:08:00Z

The majority of you reading this are reading it because you have elderly parents, and you've reached a point where you need advice on how tot talk to them about aging issues. You see them struggling with the day-to-day things like driving, housekeeping, shopping, cooking and sometimes even bathing. You are most likely thinking about how to talk about how to talk to them because you are worried about them, their health and/or wellbeing.

The Senior Resource Network has a wonderful article written by Lynne Coon, MS. She makes suggestions on how to talk to them and things to think about before starting the conversation. I have included the link to the full article at the bottom of this page. Here is a summary of some of the tips and tools she recommends for talking with your parents about your concerns.

HOW TO TALK WITH YOUR PARENTS:

Give some thought to the emotional response your concerns are going to bring up.

Step back from your emotions and identify your concerns.

Write down your concerns, and what is going through your head when you think of their situation and what you think needs to be done. For example: I am afraid you are going to start a fire because you can't see as well as you used to. I would never forgive myself if you got hurt. I worry about you falling and not being able to get up or get help.

Ask for their input!!!! Do they worry about falling? Have they thought about getting into a car accident? Older adults are usually aware of how aging is affecting their bodies though they may not talk about it. So, chances are, that they've given some thought to what might need to change.

Ask them how they recommend solving the problem.   It is extremely frustrating to them if they don't think they have a choice. It is their life we are talking about, they should have the power to choose their destiny. They will be more likely to be happier with the decisions if they feel they have some control.

More than anything, your parents are most likely afraid of losing their independence. Chances are, you are both on the same page where their independence is concerned.  Discussing your concerns earlier rather than later decreases the chances they'll harm themselves or come to harm. By recognizing that they may be afraid of losing their rights, their ability to choose and control their own lives, you will better understand why they may say or react the way they do. You will be better able to talk with them and relate to what they are going through and more likely be successful in talking with them.

Before you start know your desired outcome. Are you interested in talking to them about housing options? Do you want to have a home health care person visit them daily or weekly? Are you going to suggest a meals on wheels program for proper nutrition? Make sure you know what you want to come from the conversation. If it is to discuss housing options make sure you are well versed on the options, do your homework. Marketing Directors for independent living or assisted living centers are more than happy to answer your questions over the phone or give you an in-person tour of the property so you will know what you are talking about when you address the issues and options with your parents.

Above all else, remain patient! Again this is their independence we are talking about. The biggest fear of senior adults is the loss of independence. It takes time to get used to the idea that they are not able to fully care for themselves and/or that they need some help. Be patient, talk to them with love and concern, and know that it is a process.

Please join us next week when we address "Is it Safe For Them To Remain in The Home"

To see the whole article click on the following link: http://www.theseniorresourcenetwork.com/blog/2008/10/how-when-what-if-of-talking-to.html

HOUSING OPTIONS FOR UTAH SENIORS

2008-07-19T19:24:00Z

With so many housing options available today, it can be confusing and overwhelming. Before making a decision, it is important to understand the differences between the many senior housing options, including cost, level of care, etc. Armed with this knowledge you will be able to make the right choice for yourself or your loved ones.

We have summarized the different levels of services provided by different types of facilities. For instance, assistance with showering and dressing, administration of medications, transportation, and more. Please click on the following link to read the information or feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need a referral to a qualified provider in the Salt Lake City or surrounding areas.

HOUSING OPTIONS FOR UTAH SENIORS

for more information about our Senior Real Estate Specialist designation please visit our website at www.utahseniorspecialist.com.

Seniors Fears of Selling are Unnecessary

2008-07-18T15:08:00Z

Many seniors are interested in downsizing, or moving to a place that will provide more safety and assistance for their needs.  Most likely if the thought has occurred to them, it is time.

As we all know, the media has done an excellent job scaring people with regard to the real estate market and the values of existing homes.  Senior seller's have a lot to consider when making this life altering decision. Here are the myths and the truths about the market as it effects seniors:

Myth: I won't be able to sell my house unless I remodel it.

Truth: Every homes sells at the right price, this price is dictated by the buyers in the market place at the time of the sale.  Dollar for dollar you will not recoup the fix up costs, and the stress and inconvenience is not worth the slight advantage you might get when selling, and the mess and inconvenience can have a negative effect on the senior seller.    My advice to you would be to make sure the home is clean and free of smells, and then price it right. There are a lot of buyers right now who are looking to get into an affordable home, even if it means they will have to fix it up. There are also investors who will buy a home that needs a lot of updating. There is always a market for these homes.

Myth: I will lose money selling right now.

Truth: Many seniors own homes that are costing a great deal to heat, cool and maintain, this cost should be weighted against the cost of a newer, smaller home, and/or an independent or assisted living center.  For many seniors these costs are high because of the age of their home and the lack of updating. Add to that yard care, snow removal, groceries, etc. Moving to a newer home, and/or condo can save a lot of money. If they are considering moving to independent living or assisted living you can also add the price of food and transportation to the savings since most places provide these services to their residence.  The cost difference is not as high as you would think.

Myth: I will pay a lot of the proceeds in taxes.

Truth: If they have lived in the house 2 of the last 5 years they will not pay taxes on the first $250,000 if it is a single person or $500,000 if they are a couple. There is also the original purchase price that would be considered the "tax base" for the home, and that is subtracted out as well. If one of the spouses has recently died, there is a period of time where you can still use the couple exemption, I would recommend talking with a good accountant to see what the options for the proceeds are. In general people do not pay taxes on the proceeds and/or pay very little.

For answers to other questions please feel free to email us audrey@seniorspecialist.com, or log onto our website at www.utahseniorspecialist.com where you can order a free market analysis on what your home is worth in todays market.

What is a Senior Real Estate Specialist

2008-02-01T01:01:00Z

What is a Senior Real Estate Specialist?

Seniors Real Estate Specialists® are REALTORS® qualified to address the needs of home buyers age 50-plus. The SRES® Council awards the SRES® Designation to those members who have successfully completed its education program.

Why Should You Use One?

You seek out specialized medical advice when you have health issues, why not use a specialist when it comes to making life changing decisions about your living arrangements?

By earning the SRES® designation, your REALTOR® has demonstrated necessary knowledge and expertise to counsel clients age 50-plus through major financial and lifestyle transitions involved in relocating, refinancing, or selling the family home. Your REALTOR® has received special training, gets regular updates, and is prepared to offer the options and information needed in making life changing decisions.

You Senior Real Estate Specialist has a team of people to help you with your real estate needs, even if you don't want to sell a home. They have a whole network of people who can help make your life easier and more comfortable, whether you decide to move or age in place.

For more information on this and other senior specific issues log on to www.monsongroup.net. Or contact The Monson Group, Senior Real Estate Professionals at 801-867-7053.