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.

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.

As an increasing number of older adults are continuing to work past age 55, many employers are also recognizing the value of hiring experienced workers, as well as the traits like loyalty, reliability, and trustworthiness that are common in older generations.

Here are just some of the employment opportunities that are available for those in adults over the age of 55:

1. Administrative Assistant/Virtual Assistant

Assistants answer phones, book appointments, respond to customer questions, and more. Virtual assistants work remotely, which means the job can be done anywhere with a strong Internet signal.

2. Artist

Put your drawing, painting, sewing, soap- or jewelry-making, or other crafting skills to work and make products to sell at craft fairs, farmers markets, or online through a site like Etsy.

3. Consultant

Perhaps you no longer wish to work full time, but you’d like to continue working in your field of choice on a part-time basis. If so, you can share your experience and knowledge with others as a consultant. Companies may seek out consultants in their field to help with specific projects or during times of transition.

4. Courier

Couriers deliver food, packages, and other goods to those who order them through services like GrubHub and Amazon Flex. Medical courier jobs are also becoming increasingly common.

5. Home Health/Personal Care Aide

Personal care aides help people with basic needs by running errands, tending to housework, and more. Home health aides provide basic medical care such as administering medications, changing bandages, and similar tasks.

6. Retail Sales

Retail positions offer many perks, including flexible hours, a store discount, and even health benefits in some larger retail stores.

7. Tax Preparer

You don’t have to be an accountant to earn money helping others prepare their taxes; you simply need to pass a competency exam and obtain a Preparer Tax Identification Number from the IRS.

8. Teacher

Community colleges and senior centers often hire instructors for professional development or general interest classes and you don’t need to be a scholar or professor to share your knowledge with those eager to learn.

9. Tour Guide

Share your knowledge of popular vacation spots and the history of the site by becoming a tour guide. 

10. Uber/Lyft Driver

On-demand drivers can set their own hours, making this one of the most flexible post-retirement jobs available.

Many post-retirement jobs offer more than just a paycheck – they also offer a chance to make a career from a favorite hobby or pastime, the opportunity to help others, and a means for keeping your mind and body active. Take the time to consider your post-retirement job carefully, and you may even find that it doesn’t feel like work!

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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 Ten Ideal Post-Retirement Jobs for Seniors appeared first on Other CMS.

1. Admire world-renowned artist Andy Goldsworthy’s art pieces in the Presidio: Wood Line, Spire, Tree Fall, and Earth Wall. The four pieces can be visited together during a three-mile hiking loop, or separately. Guided hikes are scheduled regularly.

• Master culinary skills by enlisting in a themed cooking class through Chef Joe’s Culinary Salon.

• The Berkeley Kite Festival in Cesar Chavez Park is an annual event that includes music, candy drops for the kids, traditional kite making from Japanese experts, and more. This free event is held each July and has been wowing people of all ages since 1986.

• Peruse the shelves at the landmark City Lights Bookstore, founded in 1953 and still owned by Beat Generation poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti.

• The Filoli Historic House and Garden in Woodside offers art exhibits, garden tours, a nature preserve, dining, shopping, and more. The 54,256 square foot home was constructed in 1917 and sits on 16 acres. Visit in person or take a virtual tour.

• Visitors of Point Bonita Lighthouse in the Marin Headlands can enjoy views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, and the San Francisco Bay. Built in 1855, Point Bonita is still active today and is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard.

• The Hamon Observation Tower at the de Young art museum offers another opportunity to view these sites, with 360-degree panoramic views of downtown San Francisco, Golden Gate Park, the San Francisco Bay and the Marin headlands.

• Dine on oysters in the half shell at the iconic Swan Oyster Depot. Visitors say it’s worth the wait (and there’s always a wait) to sit at one of the 19 counter stools at this oyster bar, which has been a beacon of San Francisco since 1912.

• Visit any of the Bay Area’s Farmer’s Markets, many of which accept senior nutrition coupons.

1. Take a scenic coast drive from San Francisco to Bodega Bay. Enjoy breath-taking views during the hour-plus drive up Coast Highway 1, then explore the fishing village of Bodega Bay, visit the beach at Doran Regional Park, watch the seals play by the bluffs at Bodega Head, and so much more.

As many sites in the Bay Area remain closed or are operating at limited capacity in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, be sure to call ahead before visiting. And you can always take advantage of virtual learning opportunities, including virtual lectures, virtual origami classes, and virtual relaxation classes through Bay Area Older Adults. 

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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 Top Ten Must-Do Activities for Seniors in the Bay Area appeared first on Other CMS.

1. Get outside.

Being in touch with nature works wonders for your mood! Take walks – being careful to maintain at least 6 feet of separation between you and others – and take in a healthy dose of sunshine and fresh air.

• Start a new hobby.

Gardening lets you get outside and in touch with nature – literally! It may be possible to have the supplies you need delivered right to your home, including soil, plants, and seeds. This article contains some suggestions for starting a garden in a small space.

If digging in the dirt isn’t your thing, try a creative venture such as painting, drawing, coloring, or writing poetry.  Listening to music is another great mood-lifter.

• Connect virtually or the “old-fashioned way.”

Catching up with friends and family over a video chat is the next best thing to in-person interaction, and Facetime and Zoom aren’t the only ways to connect virtually. Netflix parties allow you to watch movies with friends from afar. Apps like Words with Friends and Scrabble let you exercise your mind while engaging in a fun activity with someone outside your home or anywhere in the world.

If you prefer a more traditional way of connecting, perhaps set a goal of calling and/or writing at least one person per day. This is a great time to check in and reconnect with friends you haven’t seen in awhile, some of whom may be feeling lonely too.

• Exercise self-care.

Uncertain times like these may cause stress that is unhealthy for your body and mind. Participating in an online support group, practicing yoga or stretching, and keeping a gratitude journal are a few ways you can combat that stress. Emphasizing self-care increases mindfulness and positivity and stave off loneliness and depression.

• Brighten up your space.

Now can be an ideal time to freshen your home with a new splash of paint, but there are plenty of other ways to brighten your space if you’re unable to take on a paint project yourself. Add mirrors to your walls to make them feel brighter and larger. Remove clutter and donate items you no longer need or want.

You can even “redesign” the living spaces in your home by choosing a focal point in each room. A focal point is the first things your eyes rest on when you enter a room. Arrange furniture around the focal point to give the room natural flow or, again, use mirrors to center on the focal point and add dimension to the space.

Humans are wired for connection so times like these are especially difficult for those who live alone. Coronavirus has forced all of us to do a lot of things differently than we did in the past, and the ways we connect with others is one of those things. Adjusting to a “new normal” requires a different way of thinking, but with patience and the courage to try something new, we’ll come out better and stronger on the other side.

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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 Staying Social While Social Distancing: Tips for Seniors appeared first on Other CMS.

When moving to a fixed income, there are some steps you can take to make sure you’re on the right financial path and can continue to live the type of life you want.

Figuring out what Matters 

Figuring out what matters most to you will help you budget for the life you want to live. Without a realistic budget based on your unique life, it can be easy to fall into financial trouble. Make sure you’re living within your means and not overspending. Cutting back and downsizing can be a new adventure and help set you on the path to a stable and healthy financial future.

Helpfully Strategies, both for Today and Tomorrow 

Now is as good as any to figure out a few strategies for your financial future, both for today and the coming years. Here are some fun tips to keep you on the plan for your future: 

1. Use Systematic Withdrawals: Once you’re retired, make sure you aren’t reaching into your retirement funds at will. Instead, make sure you’ll always get a “paycheck” even when you aren’t working anymore! Do this by setting up a direct deposit from your investment accounts into your checking accounts every month. Setting up your own paycheck will help you from overspending in your retirement. It’ll also let you finally set your own pay! 
2. Consider Housing Alternatives: With the kids gone, now is a great time to downsize. You can trade-in your high maintenance home and yard and move into a smaller condo or even a tiny home [link to HC blog post or other page on the site] that you can better manage. Not only will you save time on maintenance chores, but you’ll also be saving money. 
3. Use Bargains and Discounts: After all those years of waiting, it’s finally time to cash in your senior discount. Many restaurants, theaters, and other establishments offer discounts for seniors or those over 55. If a discount isn’t advertised, ask an employee to see if they still offer one. 
4. Make it Fun: Make financial planning fun for the whole family. Turn saving into a game and keep a running point total based on how much money you’ve saved. Encourage members of the family to join in. Turning budgeting into a game could be a great way to teach grandchildren good fiscal habits. 
5. Allow Choices: Don’t budget everything to an exact cent. Many of us tend to rebel against such close restrictions. Instead set aside a pool of flex money you can allow yourself to spend on whatever you choose in a given timeframe. If something comes up, like a flat tire, you can use your flex money to cover the cost and wait till the next spending period to get those new shoes you had your eye on. 

For more help with planning for your financial future, consider the budgeting tips outlined here.

Whatever your retirement dreams look like, you can take control and make it a reality by practicing good financial steps. With your financial life in order, you can rest easy knowing your golden years will be some of the best years yet.

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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 Well on a Budget appeared first on Other CMS.

Affordability

Affordable housing options can be hard to come by, especially given the rising cost of rent on the West Coast. According to a recent census, in California, the average monthly gross residential rent was over $1,500 a month in 2017. 

In addition, the state’s population – particularly the aging population – is expected to grow exponentially. According to one source, California is expected to be one of the fastest growing states in the nation: In 2016, it comprised 12 percent of the nation’s population and is projected to increase by 30 percent by 2060. The same source notes that the number of those aged over 60 is projected to grow more than three times as fast as the overall population. The population of those aged over 85 will increase at an even faster rate, with an overall increase of nearly 490 percent by 2060.

The State’s climbing rents and the increasingnumber of seniors createa dangerous combination when it comes to affordable housing options. For many seniors, using a fixed income to pay steep rents leaves little to cover other essentials like groceries and medications. And the rising number of needy seniors combined with the scarcity of affordable housing options means many sit for years on the waiting lists for affordable housing communities. 

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers a variety of resourcesto help seniors locate and afford housing. These resources include counseling agencies, legal assistance, and links to affordable senior housing communities. 

However, seniors need more than just affordability. Senior housing must also be:

• Safe and accessible for those who have physical challenges; 
• In close proximity to medical care; and
• Near public transportation.

In addition, many baby boomers have a desire to lessen their carbon footprint, so the ability to provide housing options that are sustainable is a plus. 

Here at Harmony Communities, it is our goal to provide everyone with safe, sustainable, affordable, attractive, and convenient housing. For the growing population of seniors in our state – and particularly for the senior residents that make up 50% of the tenants in our communities – we have and will continue to take special care to ensure that we meet those needs. 

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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 individuals 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 The Unique Housing Needs of Seniors in California appeared first on Other CMS.