A large majority of older adults want to remain in their own homes as they age. According to AARP research, nearly 90 percent of seniors prefer to “age in place.” While that goal is understandable, it can bring challenges for both seniors and their families. Caregivers often face increasing mental, physical, and financial strain when … Read more

In a world that often prizes size — from cars to houses to possessions — bigger is commonly equated with success. But when it comes to senior living, bigger isn’t always better. Smaller independent living residences can offer many advantages: lower cost, less maintenance, and access to a wide range of community services and amenities … Read more

As older adults explore senior living choices, it helps to understand a key federal law that affects many 55+ communities: the Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA) of 1995. This statute protects age-restricted retirement communities designed for older adults while establishing standards that promote fairness and clarity about eligibility and operation. If you’re thinking about … Read more

In this blog series, we examine the differences between activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), and what happens when they become difficult for a person. Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) are the more complex daily tasks that support independent living in the community — activities such as managing … Read more

Our nation has endured a painful nine months as COVID-19 infected millions and claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. So it was an emotional moment when we watched the first Americans receive the long-awaited COVID-19 vaccine. As I wrote recently, it is welcome that healthcare workers and residents of long-term care (LTC) facilities are prioritized … Read more

As Baby Boomers enter retirement, long-term care (LTC) insurance has become an increasingly important topic. One of the biggest concerns when considering LTC coverage is cost, and that cost can be significant. For individuals aged 50 to 54, annual premiums for an individual LTC policy typically range from about $1,400 to $12,000, depending on the … Read more

While writing last week’s post on seniors and happiness, I remembered a conversation with a 68-year-old retiree who splits his time between a Florida senior living community and six months working as a part-time starter at a New England golf course. He retired from teaching nearly a decade ago and laughed that he’s “the happiest … Read more

We receive many questions from myLifeSite users about the financial stability of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), also called life plan communities, and how residents can be confident these communities will honor their contractual commitments. Recently, a user shared the upsetting story of a CCRC that went bankrupt, causing many long-term residents to lose a … Read more

When I speak with residents of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), also known as life plan communities, I frequently hear how pleased they are with their decision to move. Residents often praise wellness programs, a strong sense of community, helpful amenities that simplify daily life, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing a … Read more

For older adults considering a move to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), also called a life plan community, the variety of contract options can be confusing. Many CCRCs offer several contract types, each with different financial structures and implications for long‑term care costs. One notable development is a variation of the traditional Lifecare (Type … Read more