The post How To Plan A Successful ‘Retirementmoon’ appeared first on Other CMS.

Personal Matters: There may be other personal matters you would like to put into place at this time. These can include securing a special place to visit with friends in the final months or particular requests regarding your funeral service. Again, now is the time to tackle these personal matters. Talk them over with family so that everyone knows your wishes.

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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

The post Tips for Tackling Those End-of-Life Decisions appeared first on Other CMS.

Happy Returns: Death and taxes are here to stay, right? Having tax-preparation skills and experience will enable you to find work completing clients’ returns each February through April. You can also take one of the tax prep courses needed to get hired on at the big-box tax firms.

Delivering the News: You probably haven’t thought of this one since you were a kid, but people still get paid to throw newspapers. The best part of the job is using your own car and getting done early so you have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy being retired.

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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

The post Tips to Make Money in Retirement appeared first on Other CMS.

Start with Where and How

Retirement communities and senior housing make a great deal of sense for seniors on a fixed income. They offer substantial government assistance, accommodation for progressive aging, and more resources for seeking out the senior lifestyle you want. 

It’s important to consider your level of independence when exploring your affordable housing options. How much help do you need with your daily tasks? That can determine the types of communities you seek out — and opens doors to government assistance available to those who need more support. If you’re disabled, then you’ll want to look for housing that offers appropriate accommodations for those with limited mobility, senior transportation and health care.

For active seniors, consider what you’d like access to in order to live a life you enjoy. If you want to live near the places you visit regularly, such as a place of worship or senior center, that can help narrow your search.

As with any search for housing, start by considering your lifestyle and finding your budget. If you struggle to find housing you can afford without assistance, you’ll know whether to seek out government assistance. There are a wealth of resources at your fingertips through the government.

Work with Housing and Urban Development

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development can help seniors find and pay for housing. HUD.gov/topics/rental_assistance, after55.com, or seniorhousing.net is where to get started. If you or a loved one struggle with the Internet, you can call HUD directly at (800) 955-2232, and they’ll assist you. Here are some of the options at your disposal:

• The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) provides a voucher good for a certain amount of rent, which you’ll give to your property manager each month.
• The HUD can help some private apartment owners offer subsidized housing with reduced rent to lower-income tenants. This works well for seniors on a budget seeking a more traditional property management experience.
• Public housing communities overseen by a city or public housing agency are available to the elderly and disabled. 
• The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit provides housing to low income families, and includes rent that doesn’t go over a fixed threshold.
• Finally, Section 202 is an initiative that helps seniors and the disabled. This is a great option for seniors who are mostly able to live on their own, but need some help with daily tasks.

Contact Harmony Communities for Help

If you’re a senior searching for affordable housing or are looking for a loved one, our communities may be right for you! Call us at (209) 932-8747 or email us at info@harmonycom.com. We’d love to help you discuss whether living with us may be right for you.

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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

The post Are You a Senior? Here’s How to Find Affordable Housing. appeared first on Other CMS.

When planning such projects, seniors or those approaching their retirement years should select home improvement projects that will increase their independence as they age. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of six home improvement projects that will improve the functionality of your space.

So, if you’re in your retirement years and warmer weather has you wanting to grab your toolbox, read these recommendations first!

1. Replace doorknobs with levers.

Traditional doorknobs can be hard to grasp and turn, particularly for people with arthritis or balance issues. Levers are easier to grip and allow you to use the weight of your hand to push or pull doors open. They’re affordable and stylish too.

2. Consider your reach zone.

Balance and mobility restrictions can make bending over and reaching up more difficult as we age, so keep this in mind when placing outlets, shelves, cabinets, and the like. Place electrical outlets higher off the floor (18 to 20 inches off the floor, as opposed to the typical 12 to 15 inches) and install cabinets and shelves within a 54-inch “reach zone” in order to make them more accessible.

Other ways to improve storage include:

• In lieu of storing frequently used items, use lazy susans to keep things organized and compact on countertops.
• Store heavy pots and pans on racks or dowels instead of stacking them.
• Install wall hooks at a level that is within your reach zone.
• Consider slide-out shelving for deeper cabinets.
• Install levers or push latches on drawers to make them easier to open.

3. Select flooring and countertop materials that contrast in color.

As we age, our eyes lose the ability to differentiate planes, which means that when a counter is the same color as the floor, it can be difficult to see. Avoid this problem by selecting flooring and countertop materials that contrast with one another, such as white or tan countertops with gray or dark brown flooring. In other words, avoid light on light or dark on dark.

4. Make bathrooms more accessible with these options:

• Walk-in tubs.
• Non-slip mats/flooring.
• Handrails or grab bars.
• Anti-scald valves.
• Curb-free showers.
• More space to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, caregivers, or some combination of these.

5. Fall-proof your stairs.

As we age, we tend to lose balance and stability and falls can be particularly dangerous for seniors. Therefore, stairs pose a particular hazard. Reduce the risk of falls by replacing one or two steps with a ramp whenever possible and/or adding a railing.

For longer staircases, improve lighting, add railings on both sides, and install anti-slip mats on stair edges. In addition, ensure that the flooring between rooms is smooth to prevent tripping.

6. Improve Lighting.

Our eyesight can diminish with age, so ensure that your space has adequate lighting. Window light and skylights are great options for bringing in natural light. Adding task lighting in the kitchen and other workspaces is also beneficial.

Making these functional improvements to your home can allow you to live independently for longer. Keep these recommendations in mind the next time you pick up a hammer. 

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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

The post Home Improvements for the Ages: Choosing the Right Household Projects for Aging in Place appeared first on Other CMS.

1. A space heater provides warmth in a small space, making them practical and economical. There are several types of space heaters available to meet your needs. It’s important to follow proper safety precautions, such as turning the heater off when you aren’t in the room.
2. Using an electric blanket at night can keep you warm in bed, allowing you to keep the thermostat down. For safety reasons, keep them spread out and not bunched when they are on, examine the blanket for signs of overheating, and utilize the automatic shut-off feature that comes standard on most electric blankets. Similarly, an electric heating pad can be placed on your shoulders to keep you warm before you hit the hay.
3. Our hands and feet are the farthest body parts from our hearts, which means blood has to travel farther to them to heat them. Keep your hands and feet warm by wearing gloves – or better yet, mittens – and warm socks to trap the heat. If you need to use your hands often, you might find that fingerless gloves keep your hands warm enough while enabling you to type, sew, or otherwise use your fingers.
4. Warm yourself from the inside out with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or a mug of soup. Hot beverages raise your body temperature, helping you to fight off the chill of winter.
5. While it may be a myth that 40 percent of our body’s heat is lost through our heads, a warm hat that covers your ears can serve to keep you warm the same way that warming your hands and feet with socks and mittens can. A cold head can cause blood vessels to constrict in other parts of your body, reducing blood flow and making you feel colder.
6. A warm bath is not only relaxing, but the water’s heat can get your blood moving to keep you warm long after you drain the tub.

Should you reside in one of our communities and require assistance with weatherizing your home, contact your community manager. He or she can provide you the names of contractors who can help you to weatherize your home. For more on this topic, check out this article.

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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

The post Six Practical Items to Keep You Warm During the Coldest Days of the Year appeared first on Other CMS.

As members of a community, we can help ensure our neighbors are safe and know they are cared for – especially our senior neighbors. Seniors are at higher risk for contracting coronavirus and having complications from the disease and therefore must be particularly careful when it comes to engaging with the outside world.

While it’s important to follow CDC guidelines with regards to proximity to others who live outside your household, there are plenty of ways to show your neighbors that you care while maintaining a safe distance. Here are just a few:

1. Check in with your neighbor regularly by phone or text.

Seniors and others who live alone can have an especially hard time with the isolation the Covid-19 pandemic has caused. Send them a quick text or make a quick call to check in on them and let them know someone cares.

2. Give your neighbor permission to share your contact information with their distant family members.

Offer to let your neighbor share your telephone number with their distant family members, so that you can be a point of contact should an emergency arise. With so many families unable to travel and see their loved ones, it can be reassuring to know there is someone close by who is looking out for the safety and wellbeing of the ones we love.

3. Offer to pick up grocery staples.

Many seniors fear going out in public, as it increases their risk of exposure. When you know you’ll be venturing out, offer to pick up a few grocery items for them. You can leave it on their doorstep for “contactless delivery.”

4. Ask them what they need.

Your neighbor may be unaccustomed to asking for help. Don’t wait for them to ask; instead, ask them what they need. Whether it’s an errand at the post office or returning books to the library, something small may not take much time out of your day but mean a lot to your neighbor in need.

5. Help them navigate the internet.

Virtual doctor visits, online shopping, and ordering prescription refills online are a convenience many of us take for granted. For seniors who are unaccustomed to purchasing items online, the thought of providing personal information over the internet can be scary. Offer to walk them through such tasks via FaceTime, Zoom, or over the phone.

Many in our country are suffering silently as the pandemic keeps us homebound and isolated. Make sure your neighbor knows that he or she has not been forgotten with these simple ways to show you care.

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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

The post Ways to Help Your Neighbors During These Challenging Times appeared first on Other CMS.

Even before the coronavirus pandemic, “elder fraud” scams were all too commonplace. Over two million Americans, many of them seniors, were victims of fraud in 2018 according to the FBI. Losses were estimated to exceed more the $700 million. Criminals often target seniors because they tend to be more trusting, polite, and financially secure. Seniors are also less likely to report the fraud to authorities because of shame or embarrassment at being victimized. So, what can you do to protect yourself? Here are some tips to help you identify and avoid fraud, regardless of your stage of life.

The first and most important step you can take to avoid being a victim of fraud is to know is what a common scam looks like. Here are a few examples of scams along with some tips to avoid being duped:

1. Phone Scams: Phone scams can take many forms. Some of the most common are the IRS imposter scam, Medicare phone scam, Robocall scam, and Grandparent Scams. Each of these scams looks to exploit common vulnerabilities. It’s important to remember government services will not contact you over the phone unless they have first sent bills via the postal services. They will also never ask for immediate payment or any kind of banking information. Grandparent scams work by imitating the voices of your grandchildren asking you to wire money often to help them in an emergency. They will usually ask you not to contact their parents. Always check and verify the facts before wiring money. Also, make sure to ask the person on the phone a question that only your grandchild could answer.
2. Charity Scams: In the wake of disasters, it’s common for fraudsters to attempt to solicit donations under the guise of real charities or ones they’ve invented. The best way to protect yourself from these scams is to make sure you are donating through official channels or verify the person collecting the money is indeed registered with the organization they’re soliciting for. Also, check with the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance to make sure you are donating to a real charity.
3. Sweepstakes Scams: These scams begin either with an email, letter, or phone call stating you’ve won a huge cash prize. The catch is you need to pay a small fee or provide your banking information to access your winnings. This is one of the most popular scams around with a common variant being the Jamaican scam reporting that you’ve won the Jamaican lottery and only need to pay a few hundred dollars in taxes and fees to collect your winnings. Always remember you can’t win a contest you didn’t enter. Never give out your banking information in response to a contest promotion.
4. Sweetheart Scams: Every year, many Americans fall victim to romance scams. This usually happens when a con artist establishes a relationship with someone via an online dating website, takes the conversation off the site to avoid privacy protections, and then asks for money either to come to see the person or in response to some emergency. Be wary of those who claim to be in love with you but ask for money to come see you. If the person constantly pleads for cash and says you’re the only one they can turn to, it’s usually a sign their intentions are not pure. Investigate the best you can before sharing any personal information with someone you’ve only met online.

These are just some of the scams to look out for. Fraudsters are constantly evolving so it is important to remember several things:

• Never give out banking information over the phone.
• Don’t send personal information to sources you are not sure you can trust.
• Work to verify all claims and information before responding to a solicitation.

It is important to report any scam you come across or fall victim to the authorities. You can report to the FBI’s IC3, the Federal Trade Commission, or local and state authorities. This will help law enforcement spot trends, warn the public, and develop new strategies to stop fraudsters.

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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

The post Recognizing and Avoiding Scams at any Age appeared first on Other CMS.

This blog offers five things to consider when downsizing your home.

1. Security

Safety should always be a top priority. Unfortunately, seniors can become the target of break-ins and robberies. Look for a home in a safe location. Gated communities are a deterrent for unwanted visitors. Other ways to make your property more secure include deadbolts, alarms, and keeping the outside of your property well lit.

2. Location

Look for proximity to the things that you enjoy – whether family or recreation – as well as conveniences such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and doctors’ offices. Seniors who no longer drive may wish to look for proximity to a bus stop so that they never have to miss a yoga or tai chi class due to lack of transportation.

3. One-Story Living

As we age, our mobility can sometimes decrease. Even those who can easily tackle a flight or two of stairs in their 60s will likely agree that doing so is less enjoyable with a heavy vacuum in tow. Having a first-floor bedroom is not only easier, it’s safer, particularly if you should need to escape your home quickly in the unlikely event of a fire or break-in.

4. Maintenance Free

Some communities – particularly those designated for seniors – offer lawn upkeep and even indoor maintenance services like changing light bulbs or air filters. Even in private dwellings, you can often find paid help to provide services such as these for a relatively low cost. 

5. Neighbors

While some seniors prefer to be surrounded by people their age, others opt for a diverse group of neighbors, allowing them the joy of watching children play and grow. Many senior communities offer the benefit of planned activities and field trips, but some may find the sound of a child’s laugh more enjoyable and entertaining than any trip to the nearest tourist attraction. When downsizing, consider what matters most to you and look for a community that suits your needs.

Less square footage means less space to clean and maintain, allowing seniors to fill their retirement years with hobbies and all the activities they enjoy. By looking for a residence that meets the above criteria, you can be sure that you are choosing a home that will bring you joy for many years to come.

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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

The post Five Downsizing Considerations for Seniors appeared first on Other CMS.

1. Find a part-time job.

If you aren’t ready to leave the workforce completely, a part-time option may be right for you. After years of working in a particular industry, retirees can bring a great deal of expertise to companies in their field as consultants. For more great employment options for seniors, check out our blog article on this topic.

2. Get fit.

The benefits of staying active in your senior years are many. Not only does physical fitness prevent disease and help overall immune function, but regular physical activity also boosts memory and improves cognitive function. Look for low impact activities like swimming or tai chi or join a walking group. Increased activity during the day has also been shown to help seniors sleep better at night.

3. Learn something new.

Are you interested in learning to speak a new language or cook a different cuisine? From enrolling in a class (whether online, through a community college, or at a senior center) to reading books and listening to podcasts on topics that interest you, there is no limit to the number of learning resources available!

4. Join (or start) a club.

Clubs are a great way to meet other people who share your interests, and there is no end to the types of clubs available. Whether your interest is books, gardening, quilting, wine, or photography, you’re sure to find other seniors who enjoy the same. Check with your local senior center to see what clubs are available in your area, or think about starting your own.

5. Tackle a DIY project around the house.

Now that you’ll be spending more time in your humble abode, consider starting some projects around the house. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a space. A vegetable garden gives you a chance to spend some time in nature and you can share the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor with neighbors and friends!

6. Travel the world.

Ask most people what’s on their bucket lists and travel is often top of mind. Whether your goal is to visit every baseball stadium in the United States or see the seven wonders of the world, now – when every day is a vacation day – can be the time to pack your bags and board the plane (or train, automobile, boat, or bus)!

7. Try out a new hobby (or even turn one into a new career).

Whether you enjoy sewing or photography, jewelry-making, or cake-baking, chances are you can find someone who would benefit from your talents! Rent a booth at a craft fair or set up at a farmers market. Get permission to hang posters on the bulletin board at a senior center or community center to advertise your services.

8. Volunteer.

Volunteering not only helps your community, but it also gives you a great sense of purpose as well! Churches, food banks, libraries, museums, and many other charitable organizations are always in need of volunteers. Identify some charitable organizations you’re interested in and check their websites or call them for more information on how to become a volunteer.

No matter how you choose to spend your retirement years, finding time for friends, family and the things you enjoy will help make these some of the best years of your life!

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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

The post Living Your Best Life During Retirement appeared first on Other CMS.