Hurricane Checklist
The Ultimate Hurricane Checklist
Click below for your copy:
The Role of a Senior Housing Advisor
The Role of a Senior Housing Advisor
Do you handle your legal affairs without consulting with your attorney? Do you file your own tax returns without consulting with your CPA? Do you handle your financial matters without speaking with your financial advisor? Seeking the advice of an expert is a wise decision. An expert has years of experience in the specific area you are considering and has much more knowledge and resources available to give you the best possible advice.
Selecting and moving to a senior community is a life-changing decision. It involves a financial commitment, lifestyle choice, downsizing adjustment and many emotions. The last thing you would want to do is move somewhere and not be happy or find out the senior community has some financial or operational issues. Yes, you can try it do it on your own, however wouldn’t it be better to seek the advice of someone who truly knows the ins and outs of all the places you are considering?
Be wary of senior housing internet search providers. These companies aggressively advertise on the internet. What you don’t know is that once you call them or fill out their online form, they basically “own you” and will sell your contact information to third parties. You will be bombarded with phone calls and emails. The worst part is that these internet search providers know very little about the senior communities they are recommending. They seldom visit these places and are not current on any issues the senior community could be experiencing. They provide you with a list of places that they have under their contract, which may or may not fit you needs. It is much better to work with a Senior Housing Advisor who is knowledgeable about the local market and all the senior living options.
We know what you don’t know!
As a trusted senior housing advisor, our role is to provide you with the possible advice. We are familiar with all the places in the area and keep current on pricing, availability, significant operational and staffing issues as well as future trends in the market place. We do our best to match your needs and preferences to the best options available. We know that some folks are ready to make the move, but want the peace of mind of knowing they have reached ahead for their future options.
Senior Housing Solutions is locally owned and operated and has over 30 years’ experience in the senior housing industry. Our personalized approach allows us to get to know you and help you every step of the way. Our proven 5 Step process provides you with a comprehensive and objective information to help you with your decision. Best of all, our services are 100% FREE! It’s what we do!
- Step 1: We meet with you to get to know you, most of the times, this is done in the comfort of your own home. We discuss your needs and preferences and provide you with a list of assisted living options best fits your needs.
- Step 2: We schedule visits with communities of your choice and join you during these community visits to help represent you. We ask questions on topics you may not know to ask and follow up with you to discuss pros/cons of each of your options.
- Step 3: We review pricing, level of service plans and residency agreements to make sure you fully understand the fine print at these communities. We review State of Florida Health Care survey reports and negotiate pricing, as appropriate.
- Step 4: We provide you with comprehensive and trusted resources to assist you with the move transition and provide you with recommendations of key professionals, as necessary. We also provide you with resources to assist you with your Veteran’s Benefits.
- Step 5: After you move in, we will follow up with you to make sure you are happy with your decision. We will discuss any issues with community staff for resolution and communicate with your family, as appropriate.
We are in your corner, every step of the way!
We hear reviews from many of our clients who tells us that could not have done it without our help. Personally, I am not sure how anyone can make this type of decision with our expert advice and why would you want to? Our services are free so why wouldn’t you utilize them? We look forward to speaking with you.
Locally owned and operated. What does this mean to you?
Locally Owned and Operated
Senior Housing Solutions is locally owned and operated. We have been proudly serving Lee and Collier counties since 2008. Being locally owned and operated, what does this mean to you?
Firsthand knowledge
One of the most important aspects of being locally owned and operated is our firsthand knowledge of all the senior living communities in the area. We make it our passion to get to know each community in the area so we can provide you with expert advice on which community best fits your needs, lifestyle and finances. We stay current on pricing, availability, operational and staffing issues as well as trends in the market place. Yes, you can try to do it on your own, however wouldn’t it better to make one phone call and find the right solution? Being a qualified resource to you is our core mission.
Quality reputation
Our reputation is everything to our business. Since 2008, we have established ourselves in the local community as a qualified and trusted resource. We are not a franchise and are not controlled by any outside influences. We build trust with our clients and from that relationship, we grow our business through referrals. We also partner with other quality businesses in the area and support them in their efforts. In fact, our online Eldercare Directory is a free resource for people looking for reputable businesses that we feel comfortable recommending to you.
We live here
We are residents of SWFL and are familiar with the wonderful lifestyle in our area. We dine at the same restaurants as you and play golf and tennis at similar clubs that you belong. We watch our amazing sunsets and walk on our beautiful sandy beaches. We attend the same cultural events as you and participate in local charities and religious events along with you. Our parents and our friends live in this area too. We understand why you enjoy this lifestyle and want to maintain it.
Personally, I have lived in this area since 1992 and Peggy has lived here since 1974. I am a native Floridian and a graduate of Florida State University. My dad was one of the first men to attend FSU (which was originally a college for women). I have a unique connection with our Florida history and a special appreciation for the Florida nature and ecosystem.
Community-minded
Dear to my heart is our desire to give back to the community. During Hurricane Irma, I personally volunteered with Operation BBQ Relief and served over 126,000 meals to people in need to people in our area and in Keys. We are active in our places of worship and donate either monetarily or with our time to many worthwhile causes in the local area. Being community-minded is who we are. It defines our character and provides a solid foundation with the people we serve.
Advocate for area seniors
As an advocate for local area seniors, I have served on the board of Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, Jewish Family Services, Napes Interagency Council and the Retirement Housing Council for the State of Florida.
We are proud to support the many seniors and their families in the area and look forward to building even stronger ties in the greater community in the future.
Weighing the advantages of a senior living community
The other day, I received a call from a daughter of a client. She was in tears and shared with me the issues she is dealing with overseeing her dad’s care. As she explained, she is now responsible to oversee her dad’s day to day care while her two brothers are helping financially. Tearfully, she said, “all I want to do is be my dad’s daughter again.” This situation resonated with me because I see so many people afraid of change who are in a state of denial about their future long-term care needs and are unaware of the impact their decisions have on their family. There are many advantages of living at a senior living community. These include:
Access to on-site services and amenities
Senior living communities are designed to help promote one’s independence and provide a care-free lifestyle for their residents. On-site services and amenities typically include dining, housekeeping, transportation, maintenance, security and social activities. Residents enjoy chef-prepared meals without the hassle of shopping, prepping, cooking and cleaning. Say goodbye to TV dinners and dining alone. Many senior communities have a wide spectrum of activities including fitness programs, card playing and lectures and seminars. Well stocked libraries and even happy hours are common. Your days will be as full as you want them. Yes, you can bring your own car, however transportation services to shopping, doctors’ appointments, area excursions and cultural events are available to make your life easier. Remember, you might be able to drive today, but in the future, it may be safer to let someone do it for you. If something stops working in your apartment like your air conditioner or your disposal, all you do is make one phone call and the issue is handled. You don’t even need to stick around for the obnoxious “window of time” waiting for someone to show up. You can go to your aqua aerobics class and when you return, the issue has been resolved. Life is good!
Access to on-site health care
As we age, we might require more assistance. This could be on short term rehab basis or longer term. Yes, you can bring in care in your home, however there is a limit to what can be provided and is expensive and difficult to manage. Imagine living at a senior community and being able to use the on-site physical therapy services or being able to see your doctor right on campus. Yes, the convenience factor is huge, however the ability to have access to these services will help you stay active and independent longer. On-site services may also include assistance with bathing, dressing and ambulation and even medication management. These services are available for you when you need them. Most senior living communities have 24 emergency response systems in case someone fell or not feeling well. Having on-site emergency response can literally save your life! Many senior living communities have visiting doctors including specialists who will see patients right at the community. No more boring waiting rooms for you! Knowing that you have access to these on-site services will help you stay active longer and provide you with the peace of mind that you know if something ever happens, that you have planned ahead.
Peace of mind
Knowing that you are not a burden to your spouse or your family can not be understated. The peace of mind of knowing you have planned ahead and that you are able to live carefree is priceless. Recognizing that something will probably change in your health and that is better to have a plan in place before it does is an important step. There are too many people who live in a state of denial and wait for a crisis to occur before making any plans. This is not a wise move. Researching the right place that fits your needs and lifestyle will take some time and the last thing you want to do is let someone else make this decision for you.
Financial security
It is amazing when you compare what you are paying in your own home versus what is included in a senior living community, you will see what a value the senior living community provides. Your food and household expenses will dramatically be lowered. Knowing you have a predictable monthly fee will help you develop a better financial plan. There are different financial arrangements for senior living communities including rental, buy-in (CCRC) or equity ownership. If you elect to stay at home and bring in care, your financial situation could change drastically because of the expense of home health care. There are other financial assistance programs available if you move to an assisted living facility include Aid and Attendance through the Veteran’s Administration. Unfortunately, Medicare does not pay for assisted living and there are only a few assisted living facilities that will accept Medicaid. Usually, someone needs to be living in assisted living before being able to tap into Medicaid. Again, planning ahead is the key.
Friendships and Fun
Senior living communities provide the opportunity for life-long friendships and never being lonely again. There have been numerous studies done that prove people live longer and healthier when they are around other people. Socialization at senior communities is what makes people always say, “I wish I would have done it sooner.” Knowing that you can participate in as much of or as little of activities provides you with opportunities to meet people and have fun. And, there is a lot of fun being had at these senior living communities. Mostly because, the worry burden is off of your shoulders. Many people also continue their interests outside the community include participating in church activities, volunteering and entertaining with friends. Most importantly, your family now can be your family again and not be 24/7 caregivers.
For more information, go to www.seniorhousingsolutions.net
Top 5 Assisted Living Researching Tips
Assisted Living Researching Tips
Researching an Assisted Living Facility is a difficult and complicated process. The decision to move involves many factors including financial, lifestyle and health care needs and preferences. In addition, the emotional factor can never be understated. Learn more about the top 5 Assisted Living Researching tips.
1). Start the process early.
Finding the right place will take time and it is always better to make a decision when you are not in a crisis mode. Most people would rather not move than go through the ordeal of moving, so it is important to understand that this is process may take some time.
It is also important to recognize that many people have preconceived thoughts about what an assisted living facility is like and feel if they are not living at home, they will be as losing their independence. Amazingly, people actually gain more independence since they are burden with household responsibilities and have access to social activities, dining, transportation and on-site health care services.
2). Utilize the services of an expert.
Attempting to do this alone is not a wise idea. Utilizing the services of a professional who is familiar with all the options in the area and can help streamline the process will not only make the process easier, it will reduce your stress and help you make a better, well-informed decision. Be careful of online internet search providers, which will come up high on your Google searches. These companies advertise free advice, however they rarely know anything about the places they are recommending. Once you fill out their online, be ready to be immediately bombarded with phone calls. In addition, all of your contact information is now their property and they will sell it to third party vendors, like medical alert companies, hearing aid businesses and even cremation companies. More phone calls!
There is a better way. Utilizing a senior housing advisor in your local area, such as Senior Housing Solutions will provide personal, concierge-level referral services for you. We are familiar with all the options in the area and stay current on availability, pricing, staff turnover and health care surveys. Our services are provided at NO COST to our clients and your information is always maintained with the highest level of confidentiality. We are knowledgeable, compassionate and resourceful when you need it the most. Our proven process helps you every step of the way. For more information, go to: www.seniorhousingsolutions.net
3). Know about the different types of assisted living licenses.
Many people do not know that there are different types of assisted living licenses which impacts what and what not an assisted living facility can provide to you. The last thing you want to do is move twice, so it is important to know everything up-front. Licenses vary from state to state. In Florida, there are Standard, Extended Congregate Care (ECC) and Limited Nursing Services (LNS) assisted living licenses. A good resource is the Agency for Health Care Administration for the State of Florida http://ahca.myflorida.com/
4). Understand the terms of the contract.
Reviewing the contract terms is an important step in the overall process of researching an assisted living facility. What services are included and what are extra? Knowing about the additional fees, including charges for levels of care, will help you make a well-informed decision. You might want to consider utilizing your attorney to review the contract so you are familiar with all the terms and conditions.
5). Be realistic about your expectations.
Moving to an assisted living facility will be an adjustment. Your ‘new normal’ will take some time to get used to. Understanding this on the front end will help you. If you are a couple, it is always better to move together so you can make friends and get settled together. If you are single you will have an opportunity to meet many new people and it won’t take long for you to find your niche. Keep in mind that nothing is ever perfect. Be patient and understanding to the staff and you’ll see that most issues can be resolved, however if problems continue, it might be necessary to speak up. If you feel you’ve made the wrong decision, it is better to seek an alternative living arrangement rather than sticking with something that is isn’t the right fit.
For more information, go to: www.seniorhousingsolutions.net