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Lately there have been glimmers of hope being report by the National Association of Realtors and by the local Twin Cities media that our local housing market may have finally bottomed out. If this is true, and this real estate agent thinks it's likely (depending on our local job market) what does that mean for your move and for future senior housing options?

This article at Senior Housing News projects that seniors will likely try to stay in their homes for a couple of more years and try to make gains on equity that they believe they have lost over the last couple of years.

My two cents: I saw an article last week that projected it would take until 2020 for home equity to rise to the levels it was in the...

It can be an overwhelming, emotional, and physically draining exercise to help your parents move to senior housing. It may not feel like it when you first start out, but it can be done! 

I found this post on a blog where the author's blog contains all sorts of random thoughts about numerous things. On this day she writes about her parents living in a senior community. 

Do these thoughts sound familiar?

My folks stayed in their own home as long as they could and a little longer than they probably should have...

Only one sister remained nearby ..., close enough to stop in and visit mom and dad regularly...

It's comforting to know they have a nice living space to spend their latter days...

My mom is getting exercise like...

I've been invited to be a part of a panel discussion on ways Baby Boomers can plan ahead to live those retirement years to their fullest.  The title of the event is "Boomers and Beyond: Hot Topics to Prepare You for the Times Ahead. The panel consists of a financial planner, elder law attorney, funeral pre-planner, president of a home health care company, and your's truly.

You're all invited encouraged to attend. Of course, there's no charge for admission, but you do need to register by calling  952-292-5801

Where: Grace Church, 9301 Eden Prairie Road, Eden Prairie MN 55347
Access seminar through door #4 at Grace Church
www.atgrace.com
When: Tuesday, April 28
7 pm – 9 pm

I love being alone. Perhaps it's because I'm seldom in a room alone (I'm not counting my dog or parrot here), or just because I'm an only child. I look forward to time alone to read, reflect, write, or do whatever I feel like doing. I revel in it. I rejoice in it.

But, plunk me into a room full of people where I don't know anyone and it's excruciating. I feel downright lonely. Yes, I'm outgoing and truly like getting to know new people, but I do not like being lonely. Going out to eat alone is another lonely experience I avoid like the plague.

We don't often draw the distinction between being alone, and feeling lonely.

One of the topics I often talk about with families of elderly loved ones is support networks. If the adult...

I received a phone call yesterday morning from Amy*.  Amy was referred to me by A Place For Mom, a company that helps families find senior housing.  Amy holds a Power of Attorney for her elderly mother. Her mother has been living with her for 18 months, and Amy has been trying to get her mother’s house sold so she has the money to pay for health care services.  Amy has a full time job, small children, and is trying to take care of her mother, which has become another full time job.  Amy is stuck in the sandwich generation until she gets money, or benefits, to help with her mom’s care.  Amy just received a denial letter from Medical Assistance, denying benefits to her mother for an unusual reason.