Boomers and Parents Dealing with Downsizing Kelowna

Your Are Invited Free Event Oct 9

2013-10-04T16:44:00.002-07:00

Are you one of the many baby boomer families dealing with an aging parent? This changing role from child to care giver is a difficult one for all involved.

Join us for our next free event to get practical answers to questions like -

What things can do you do help your parents have a safe independent life?
Why is a representation agreement is as important an will?
When is it a best to sell the family home for both parents and children?
What are the levels of care available and how do you access these services?
What financial issues are stopping you/your parents from enjoying their retirement?

Join us for our free event Boomers & Parents Facing the Future Together on Wednesday Oct 9 @ Missionwood Retirement Resort and get your questions answered.

Here from Legal Professional Aaron Dow from Farris, Vaughan Will and Murphy LLP, Area director Sharon Hughes-Geekie with Bayshore Home Health, Realitor Michael Loewen - Royal Lepage Kelowna and Financial Professional Mike Hassard with Primerica Kelowna.

Wine and Cheese - 5 - 5:20 pm

Presentations start 5:25 pm

Q&A 6:30 pm

No cost to attend

Location: Missionwood Retirement Resort

1075 Barnes Ave, Kelowna, BC V1W 5A8

Please RSVP Sharon - (250) 717-7528

There will be time lots of time for questions and answers so please come prepared.

Hope you can join us!

Age Discrimination effects the Elderly

2013-09-26T15:14:00.002-07:00

A 2012 report on aging has showed that the elderly are discriminated against in large numbers in Canada. The term for this form of discrimination is called "Ageism"

The study found three most common types ageism based on the responses of seniors were -

The feeling of becoming invisible to the world around them
The belief by others that they were incompetent
That their efforts and opinions are no longer valued

Check out this video from the Globe and Mail.

Video: Study reveals Canadian views on aging - The Globe and Mail
Jane Barratt of the International Federation of Aging discusses the common misconceptions about aging, and explains what needs to be done to stop ageism in Canada

Your are Invited - Tips and Tools for Navigating Life

2013-05-13T12:29:00.000-07:00

Are you like most of us Baby Boomers, dealing with the challenges of an aging parent(s)?

Come join us for a free informal and informative discussion on planning for our lives as we age – Boomers and Parents – Tips and Tools for Navigating Life as we age.

Topics we be discussing include - Investing, Insurance, Wills, Powers of Attorney, Downsizing/Selling Your Home, Options for Independence, Staying Healthy/ Enjoying Life and Communicating With Family.

5:00 PM — Wine and Cheese Social

5:20 PM — Seminar

6:30 PM — Questions & Connections

Location: Missionwood Retirement Resort - 1075 Barnes Ave.

Please RSVP by May 14th by calling 250‐717‐7528.

This is a free event and refreshments and Appetizers will be served. Seating is limited so make sure to RSVP.

I hope you can join us.

Join this event on facebook - https://www.facebook.com/events/659968507353131 (please rsvp as well)

Caring for Aging Parents

2012-04-17T13:36:00.001-07:00

The reality for many of us in North America ... we will be dealing with the care issues of a parent/family member for 10-15 years.

These issues did not exist a generation ago. Life expectancy was only the late 60's for men and early 70's for women. Today more people are living beyond 90-100 and care in one shape or another can last 20 to 25 years.

This can be both emotionally draining and can severely impact the financial resources for care givers and their families.

But there are some things that can be done to simplify this process and take some of the burden from family so the transition to care can run more smoothly.

(Make sure to watch the video below "The Curse of Long Life". Very informative conversation.)
Read more »

Ready to Make the Move

2011-11-22T10:25:00.000-08:00

As you look for a new place to live you have many things to consider.

If you are a senior alone, you may feel isolated in your current neighbourhood.

You may miss interaction with friends and neighbours and dislike eating alone. If you are considering a retirement community, be sure to visit several, as they all have their own “personalities”.
Read more »

Is Assisted Living Right for Me

2011-11-19T08:48:00.001-08:00

Assisted Living Residences provide accommodation and varying levels of care and supportive services in a home-like, residential setting.

Services typically include meals, social and recreational programs, 24-hour emergency response, laundry and housekeeping services, supervision or administration of medications and varying degrees of assistance with the activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and routines. Nursing services may or may not be provided. Costs to residents are market driven and, in some cases, may be subsidized by government programs.

Tips on Choosing Assisted Living

Finding an appropriate Assisted Living Residence can be a very time-consuming and rather daunting task. When making a decision to choose an Assisted Living Residence, you should keep the following in mind:

You, the person affected by the decision and key family members should be involved in the process.
Making important life choices can be emotionally stressful and may strain relationships.

Assign one family member to assist with all the necessary decisions and arrangements. If you have no family living close enough to help, there are qualified people to help. Try to find a Senior Move Manager in your area.

Considerations in selecting an appropriate Assisted Living Residence include its location -

Proximity to community amenities such as hospitals and churches, the availability of transportation for shopping, outings and medical appointments.
The quality of food, safety and security issues, the cleanliness of the Residence, the breadth of social and recreational activities offered.
Assisted Living Residence's ability to meet your needs now and as needs change, are other important factors.

Assisted Living Residences can vary in terms of the programs, services and levels of care provided, so it is important to understand what services are included in the posted monthly or daily rental rates, and what services, if any, are available at an additional cost. Some residences also “move in incentives” which can help with the cost of hiring a moving company or move manager.

Also make sure you understand what happens if you or your loved one should decide to or need to move from the Assisted Living Residence. Once you've become familiar with the services and amenities offered in Assisted Living Residences, and identified the top candidates in your area, it's a good idea to make a list, actually two lists.

The first is a list of the things you must have in order to live comfortably and the second, a list of what you would like to have, since what we need is often quite different from what we want. This checklist will be useful in helping you narrow your choices.

Next, call ahead to schedule a tour of each Assisted Living Residence. Many will offer a tour and a meal, to show off their Residence. Try to observe "a day in the life" at the residence - perhaps attend some activities or stay for a meal.

Many Assisted Living Residences offer short-term trial stays ranging from a couple of nights to a few weeks, which is an excellent way to truly "test the waters". Here are some other suggestions to help you choose the Assisted Living Residence that can best suit your needs and preferences, or those of a loved one:

While touring an Assisted Living Residence, ask if you can wander around on your own to get a better feel for the Assisted Living Residence.

Ask residents about their experience at the Assisted Living Residence; their likes and dislikes - do residents appear to be happy and enjoying themselves?
After a scheduled visit, drop in at the Assisted Living Residence another day at a different time of day to see if there are any differences.
Ask for resident family references who you can contact for their opinions. When touring an Assisted Living Residence, keep in mind your lists - what you need and what you want.

Article Provided by Val Matheson

2 Places at Once

E-Mail:info@conciergekelowna.com
Phone: 250-309-5437 or 250-215-6456

Toll Free: 1-888-738-4099

Website: http://www.conciergekelowna.com

Care - Are You Ready

2011-10-11T12:17:00.000-07:00

Planning for care is never easy. I most cases these responsibilities happen for many out of necessity. A parent breaks their hip .... and then the choices have to be made.

For many baby boomers they are also dealing with their own issues like job loss, health concerns and their own retirement concerns. Add the responsibilities of an aging parents this can create pressures that many have not planned for.

When talking about care issues there are four main issues we all deal with (and make sure to check the video from CBS below for more ideas too)
Read more »

Living on a Cloud

2011-09-26T14:40:00.000-07:00

Many of us use Facebook, MSN and email everyday. Talking to family has drastically changed because of Google+ and Skype.

Now we can upload pictures, share videos and tell stories using great blogging sites like Blogger and Wordpress.

Of course this leads to a whole new issue ... what happens to all this information when we die? Will your family be able to see and talk to their virtual great great Grandma. Genieology has more technology than research.

Now due to the internet, rather than read about your family, you can interact with people's lives long after they are dead.

Check out this video from TED.
Read more »

October Event

2011-09-23T12:18:00.000-07:00

There has been substantial changes to Powers of Attorney and Representation Agreements as of September 1st in British Columbia. These changes effect Attorney's, care givers and the elderly.

Whether you are a care giver or parent needing care ... find out how these changes will impact your life.

Location: Sandalwood Retirement Resort 580 Yates Road

Date: Wednesday October 12th

Time: 7 - 8:30 pm

Cost: Free - Coffee, tea and snacks provided

RSVP: via Email, Facebook or by Phone below

Email: boomersandparents@gmail.com ("October 12th tickets" in the subject line)

Facebook: Facebook Events Page (Log into Facebook)

Phone: Contact Tanis Read at (250) 215 2121

You may want to review our estate planning worksheet before your attend here

We sold out last time so please make sure to RSVP as soon as possible. We look forward to seeing you there!

Care Giving Realities

2011-06-28T11:26:00.000-07:00

Taking care of family is something many baby boomers are starting to face. Working, dealing with grown children and spending time helping your parents has become more work than many had anticipated.

Some parents are fully independent and can live on their own, some need support but can still live their own home or live in a insisted living home, while other need around the clock card of a total care facility.

Many try to go it alone and this can have drastic consequences on both their parents and the caregiver. Check out this series from the PBS show Life Part 2

Life (Part 2) Caregiving - Can caring for an ailing loved one kill you? "Yes," say health professionals. When Baby Boomers care for aging parents, frequently the last person they're thinking about is themselves. This can be deadly.

Check out the video and website for more information >>

This article provided by Mike Hassard. For ideas on financial concerns surrounding aging, downsizing go to my personal blog http://mikehassard.blogspot.com.

10 Financial Questions

2011-06-25T11:56:00.000-07:00

Nothing can be more distressing to a child than to find out their elderly parent(s) are not longer able to make their own financial decisions or longer have the means to support themselves.

The subject of money is important one ... and like most things the sooner then better. But how can you approach the subject and what are the right questions to ask?

To help check the FREE worksheet 10 Financial Questions You Need to Ask Your Parents Now on the Boomers and Parents Worksheet page here>> Please feel free to download and use!

This article provided by Mike Hassard. For ideas on financial concerns including downsizing go to my personal blog http://mikehassard.blogspot.com.

Boomers and Parents Event June 22

2011-06-20T14:40:00.000-07:00

Come and learn some practical strategies from five different perspectives and join in a conversation at the next "Boomers and Parents Facing the Future Together" speakers series.

This event is FREE but seating is limited check here for more details>>

(If you are unable to attend one of the events listed below make sure to sign up with your email and we will keep you posted of up coming events!)

Time Waits for No Man or Woman!

2011-06-15T08:25:00.000-07:00

There is a common thread running through the estate belonging to an elderly parent or loved one. Living through the Dirty Thirties – the Great Depression – has taught them to hold on to everything.

This means then their attic, basement, or even barn, is usually full of “stuff”! Most of which should have been disposed of many years ago.

Sadly, even is there was value to some of these items when there were originally stored, by the time you start to sort through it, the mice and mildew have likely been there first! You may find rotted books, magazines, old papers including utility bills from decades ago, and clothing, but the only place for them now is the trash.

Financial Generation Gap

2011-06-13T12:13:00.000-07:00

Next to religion and politics the subject of money is avoided by families like some deadly disease, and like an illness the longer you leave it worse it gets.

After more than 16 years in the financial industry I have seen the effects on care giving families, and their parents when finances are avoided.

So why is the subject of money so hard to discuss? From what I have seen, it is some thing I like to call the "financial generation gap".
Read more »

Questions Answered

2011-06-02T13:06:00.000-07:00

Are you ready to manage your families financial concerns, handle responsibility of moving your parents, have a plan for the selling the family home and prepared for the legal issues surrounding your families estate?

Get your questions answered at our next Boomer's And Parent's Seminar scheduled for the evening of Wednesday June 22 at Sandalwood Retirement Resort. The event is free but we have limited seating.

Check our events page for more information here >>.

Facing the Future Together

2011-05-16T12:37:00.000-07:00

There are many challenges that face the Boomer Generation when it comes to tending to a beloved parent(s).

There is constant worry and guilt – are you spending enough time with them, how can you fit in the time for doctors’ appointments, phone calls, helping with little chores……dealing with other family members. So often we lose ourselves in the chaos of helping others. This is normal, and you are not alone!
Read more »

Boomer Sandwich

2011-05-14T08:32:00.000-07:00

The baby boomers have lived an active life, but now they are sandwiched by young adult children moving back home and the added responsibility of taking care of aging parents.

Boomers are coming to terms with the their own mortality too. Many are used to a running marathons, skiing in dangerous terrain or biking long distances, but their bodies can't seem to keep up.

Check out this video from CNN - Boomers Sex drugs and rocky road
Read more »

Boomers and Parents Rescheduled May 17th

2011-05-07T13:34:00.000-07:00

By request we have moved our seminar to the following week to May 17th.

Are you like most of us Baby Boomers dealing with the challenge of an aging parent(s)? Are you prepared?

Join us for our next Boomers and Parents seminar ... more information on our upcoming events page >>

Time to Downsize

2011-04-26T16:03:00.000-07:00

The retirement reality is hitting baby boomers much harder than expected. For many the family home (or should I say the equity in your home) has become the hope of retirees, and downsizing is the buzz word in the financial community.

The idea is a good one. Sell your large 2,000 - 3,000 square foot home to buy a less expensive smaller home, town home or condominium and invest the difference to create income at retirement.

Add to this many baby boomers are dealing with downsizing their parents, downsizing is an issue that many families will be dealing with for next 10 to 15 years. So the question if downsizing is such an easy solution ... why is it so hard to do?