So How ARE Mom and Dad?
Monday, 15 November 2010 18:18
HEADLINE:    So How ARE Mom and Dad?
Thanksgiving --- it’s a time to count our blessings, gather together and enjoy the company of friends and family.  And it’s the start of the whispering season  - where adult children ask: “So how do YOU think Mom and Dad are REALLY doing these days?”
This question frequently leads to diverse opinions whether Mom and Dad need assistance or more complicated, whether they want assistance.  If you live miles away, regular telephone conversations may not reveal what is far more noticeable when you visit them at their home.  Here are a just a few key signs that Mom and Dad may need assistance:
• Household bills are unopened or piling up;  Managing the checkbook has become problematic;
• Doctor’s appointments or social engagements are missed;
• Mediciations are confused;
• Personal Hygiene has declined;
• Navigating the house has become difficult;
It is crucial that family members keep an eye out for their older loved ones. Assisting may mean finding the resources to help Mom and Dad maintain their independence for as long as they choose.   Resources may include meal delivery, adult companionship, installing an emergency response system, and home safety modifications.   The objective is to accomplish successful “Aging in Place”.
According to AARP, more than 89% of those 50 and older want to remain in their current homes as they age.  To make this a reality, the home may need to be tweaked to ensure that it is functional, safe and comfortable.
What kind of changes?  Adequate lighting (Did you know that the average 70 year old requires 3 times the amount of light as the average 20 year old?); Removal of trip hazards – that old throw rug can be a real menace; Installation of assist-bars in the shower or even in the hallway.  To name just a few.
For many seniors, remaining in the family home is the best option for successful aging.   The space is familiar and the home holds many comforting memories.  Cashing out and moving to a retirement property may not always be viable, especially in today’s market where property values have declined.  But Mom and Dad’s home may be the very resource that allows them to remain there for as long as they choose.
Using the home to qualify,  Mom and Dad may be eligible for a Reverse Mortgage, which allows access to a portion of the equity that has built up over the years.   Repayment of the principal and interest is deferred for as long as they live in the home.  They retain full ownership and never share appreciation with the lender.  And unlike a traditional mortgage, qualification is NOT based upon income, credit or net worth.
Loan proceeds can be used for any reason at all – paying off any current mortgages, or remodeling to make the home safe and secure AND improving its value when sold in the future.
If you would like more information about 1) signs that Mom and Dad may need assistance or 2) Ideas for Aging in Place or 3) information how a Reverse Mortgage can make it possible to remain in the home, please contact me for an information packet at 650.591.4430.  I specialize in turning “gobbledygook” into “AHA – now THAT makes sense!”
Judy Schwartz
www. ReverseMortgagesOnly.com
NOTE PHOTO ALSO ATTACHED IN THE EMAIL.
The photo should be attributed as follows:
Phote courtesy of Patsy Zakian-Greenough, Certified Interior Designing,  Aging in Place specialist.

Thanksgiving --- it’s a time to count our blessings, gather together and enjoy the company of friends and family.  And it’s the start of the whispering season  - where adult children ask: “So how do YOU think Mom and Dad are REALLY doing these days?”

This question frequently leads to diverse opinions whether Mom and Dad need assistance or more complicated, whether they want assistance.  If you live miles away, regular telephone conversations may not reveal what is far more noticeable when you visit them at their home.  Here are a just a few key signs that Mom and Dad may need assistance:

  • Household bills are unopened or piling up;  Managing the checkbook has become problematic;
  • Doctor’s appointments or social engagements are missed;
  • Mediciations are confused;
  • Personal Hygiene has declined;
  • Navigating the house has become difficult;

It is crucial that family members keep an eye out for their older loved ones. Assisting may mean finding the resources to help Mom and Dad maintain their independence for as long as they choose.   Resources may include meal delivery, adult companionship, installing an emergency response system, and home safety modifications.   The objective is to accomplish successful “Aging in Place”.

According to AARP, more than 89% of those 50 and older want to remain in their current homes as they age.  To make this a reality, the home may need to be tweaked to ensure that it is functional, safe and comfortable.

What kind of changes?  Adequate lighting (Did you know that the average 70 year old requires 3 times the amount of light as the average 20 year old?); Removal of trip hazards – that old throw rug can be a real menace; Installation of assist-bars in the shower or even in the hallway.  To name just a few.

For many seniors, remaining in the family home is the best option for successful aging.   The space is familiar and the home holds many comforting memories.  Cashing out and moving to a retirement property may not always be viable, especially in today’s market where property values have declined.  But Mom and Dad’s home may be the very resource that allows them to remain there for as long as they choose.

Using the home to qualify,  Mom and Dad may be eligible for a Reverse Mortgage, which allows access to a portion of the equity that has built up over the years.   Repayment of the principal and interest is deferred for as long as they live in the home.  They retain full ownership and never share appreciation with the lender.  And unlike a traditional mortgage, qualification is NOT based upon income, credit or net worth.

Loan proceeds can be used for any reason at all – paying off any current mortgages, or remodeling to make the home safe and secure AND improving its value when sold in the future.

If you would like more information about 1) signs that Mom and Dad may need assistance or 2) Ideas for Aging in Place or 3) information how a Reverse Mortgage can make it possible to remain in the home, please contact me for an information packet at 650.591.4430.  I specialize in turning “gobbledygook” into “AHA – now THAT makes sense!”

Judy Schwartz
www. ReverseMortgagesOnly.com