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This page provides additional resources and links to information and specific articles or reports that may be useful to individuals who are 55+ or their family members. The information provided on this page is not intended to provide legal, financial or tax recommendations or guidance nor is it intended to support any particular group, firm or company.
As a professional real estate organization, the Geni Manning Group is continually striving to bring the most current and useful information to our clients and their families that includes "best practices", recommendations and suggestions to make the lifestyle transition into retirement and senior living as smooth and easy as possible.
Planning for Housing in Retirement
It should be obvious that there is far more to retirement housing than location, location, location! One of the many wonderful aspects of being a retiree is the freedom and opportunity to explore the wide range of senior living options available.
Whether your decision is to remain in your current home, right size or move into a retirement community, the cost of each option costs must be carefully explored. As a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) I have the knowledge and experience to add to my near 40 years as a Realtor. I can help you decide which of the many choices is best for you and your retirement budget.
Your Vision for Retirement Housing
Before choosing where to retire it’s important that you and your spouse have a clear vision for retirement. Another crucial conversation is with your financial advisor. Make sure you have a realistic view of your retirement goals and what you can afford.
Rightsizing versus Keeping your Current Home
Many seniors realize they have more square footage than they need and often the cost of keeping the home can be more than available funds. Rightsizing into a smaller home saves on monthly utilities, maintenance and repair costs. It can also free up available funds to pay for assisted living or nursing home costs.
A home with a smaller footprint certainly simplifies your life and frees up time to enjoy hobbies or travel. However, the emotional ties to a family home can be
strong, making the decision to move difficult.
Five Rightsizing Questions To Ask:
1. How much equity do you have in your home?
2. Can you afford to stay in your current home for a decade of longer?
3. Will your current home be able to meet your medical or physical needs without renovations?
4. Are you still able to do home and yard maintenance?
5. Do you feel lonely or isolated?
Retirement Living Options
1. Living with Family - multi-generational living has been on the rise and many families are preferring their senior family members to live with them rather than be alone or in assisted living.
2. Aging in Place - comfortably and safely aging in place is ensuring extra care (such as home health care) is available and necessary home modifications are made.
3. Independent Living Retirement Community - these communities are designed for active retirees. A wide-variety of independent living and retirement housing, typically include these options:
- Condominiums
- Senior apartments
- Independent living units
- Co-op housing
- Townhouses
- Cottages
- Freestanding single-family home
4. Continuing Care Retirement Community (CRCC) - a life plan community offering an independent, amenity-rich lifestyle with access to onsite care should medical needs progress. Continuum of care offers stability and allows residents to stay in one community for a long-term.
5. Assisted Living Retirement Community - these facilities provide housing for largely independent residents that typically don't require 24-hour medical attention. Common services include meals, laundry, housekeeping and local transportation.
6. Nursing Homes - residential care facilities that provide 24-hour care for older adults who need high levels of assistance, nonmedical and everyday living tasks. Costs for nursing homes range from nearly $300 per day to nearly $100,000 per year and more.
Helpful Tips for Choosing a Senior Living Community
12 Retirement Community Questions to Consider
You’ve worked hard. Now it’s time to enjoy your retirement! There are quite a few factors to consider before choosing your new place to call home. Here are 12 important questions to get you started on your journey.
1. What is your expectation for daily life as a retiree?
2. What are your preferences for geographical location and climate?
3. What is the cost of living in the communities you’re considering?
4. How will you pay for living in a retirement community?
5. What are the contract terms, entrance fees, and monthly association fees?
6. What is your plan for current and future health care needs?
7. Does the community offer recreational and leisure activities of interest, such as exercise classes, gardening, golf, or crafting?
8. What amenities does it offer?
9. Are there restrictions such as no pets, limited visitors, or no smoking?
10. Is the location a gated community?
11. What is the crime rate?
12. Are you eligible for municipal tax benefits?
Retirement Locations Designed to Meet Your Lifestyle Needs
Finding a community where you truly feel at home is a key factor to long-term happiness. There is a multitude of retirement lifestyle communities to choose from, including these types:
- Veterans senior living communities
- LGBTQ+ retirement communities
- Religious-based senior care
- Singles retirement communities
- Luxury senior living communities
- RV retirement parks
- Beachfront senior living communities
- University retirement communities
- Equestrian retirement communities
- Retirement properties
..
ONLINE RESOURCES
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
The following are links to documents providing information on the policies and procedures concerning Housing for Older Persons Act of 1995.
"Questions and Answers Concerning the Final Rule Implementing the Housing for Older Persons Act of 1995 (HOPA)," and
Final Rule making or the HOPA "24 CFR Part 100, Implementation of the Housing for Older Persons Act of 1995."
Federal Websites
This listing presents federal Web sites that offer valuable information on a range of critical eldercare issues.
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Administration for Community Living
This site contains a wide array of information on programs for older adults and persons with disabilities.
Website: www.acl.gov/
Phone: 202-619-0724
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USA.gov
The official U.S. gateway to all government information.
Website: www.usa.gov/
Phone: 1-800-FED-INFO
Alzheimers.gov
This website provides current, comprehensive, unbiased source of information about Alzheimer’s Disease. The site is operated as a service of the National Institute on Aging.
.
Website (English): www.alzheimers.gov/
Website (Spanish): www.alzheimers.gov/es
Phone: 1-800-438-4380
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Cancer Information Service
The Cancer Information Service (CIS), a program of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), provides the latest and most accurate cancer information to patients, their families, the public, and health professionals.
Website: www.cancer.gov/contact/contact-center
Phone: 1-800-4-CANCER
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CFPB - Managing someone else's money
To help financial caregivers, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau released easy-to-understand guides.
Website: www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/managing-someone-elses-money/
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Elder Justice
Find helpful resources to prevent and respond to elder abuse.
Website: www.elderjustice.gov
,
FDA: Tips for Seniors
FDA has numerous publications with information for older people on medication use and safety.
Website: www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-information-consumers/tips-seniors
Phone: 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332)
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GovBenefits.gov
This site is the official government benefits website. It is a free, confidential tool that helps individuals find government benefits they may be eligible to receive.
Website: www.benefits.gov/
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Guide to Elder Abuse and Home Safety
This trauma-informed guide for seniors, family members and caregivers highlights safety tips, how to create a secure home, and choosing the right caregivers.
https://todayshomeowner.com/safety/guides/guide-to-elder-abuse-and-home-safety/
Guide to Long Term Care for Veterans
The Guide provides information about long term care options - home and community based, and residential care.
Website: va.gov/GERIATRICS/Guide/LongTermCare/index.asp
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Health & Human Services, Texas
The Texas Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC) manages programs that help families with food, health care, safety, and disaster services including the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Children's Medicaid, and Supplemental Nutritional Assistance (SNAP) programs.
Website: hhs.Texas.gov
Phone: 1- 877-543-7669
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Healthfinder
Healthfinder provides links to selected online publications, clearinghouses, databases, websites and support and self-help groups, as well as government agencies and nonprofit organizations for seniors and others.
Website: healthfinder.gov/
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HUD
This site provides information related to housing options for seniors including information on HUD housing programs.
Website: portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/topics/information_for_senior_citizens
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LIHEAP
This site contains general information on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Website: www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/programs/liheap
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Medicare.gov
The Official U.S. Government Site for People with Medicare.
Website: www.medicare.gov/
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National Center for Elder Abuse
This site provides resources on elder abuse prevention, including information on reporting a suspected case of elder abuse.
Website: ncea.acl.gov/
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National Council on Aging (NCOA)
This site provides practical tips and resource recommendations from geriatric health experts and advocates, such as:
- PACE programs, which use Medicare and Medicaid to help
older adults get nursing home-level care
older adults get nursing home-level care
- Benefits such as the Aid and Attendance pension that
help veterans offset the costs of long-term care
help veterans offset the costs of long-term care
- NCOA’s BenefitsCheckUp tool which helps older adults
identify their potential eligibility for benefits and programs
identify their potential eligibility for benefits and programs
Website: Resources
and Support for Older Adults Living Alone: A Comprehensive Guide
National Institute on Aging
This site provides aging-related health information easily assessable for adults 60 and over.
Website: www.nia.nih.gov/health
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Nursing Home Compare
The primary purpose of this tool is to provide detailed information about the past performance of every Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing home in the country
Website: www.medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare/search.html?
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Nutrition.gov
A federal resource that provides easy access to all online federal government information on nutrition.
Website: www.nutrition.gov
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The Senior Corps
Senior Corps is a network of programs that tap the experience, skills, and talents of older citizens to meet community challenges through its three programs: Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions, and RSVP (the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program).
Website: www.nationalservice.gov/programs/senior-corps
Phone: 1-800-424-8867
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Social Security Administration
The Social Security Administration toll-free number operates from 7AM to 7PM, Monday to Friday. Recorded information and services are available 24 hours a day. The website contains a wealth of information and resources including on-line databases and publications.
Website: www.ssa.gov
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
This site provides information on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, including eligibility and application information.
Website: www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap
Phone: 703-305-2286
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Travel.State.Gov
The State Department offers travel tips and provides special tips for older Americans traveling abroad.
Website: travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/older-traveler.html
Emergency Phone: 1-888-407-4747
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Veterans Administration
Information on VA benefits and services.
Website: www.va.gov/
Phone: 1-800-827-1000
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