BLOG & RESOURCES
3 Ways to (Almost) Instantly Improve Your Mood
If distance makes a good hug hard to come by, try these other natural ways to boost your spirits!
My Quest to Downsize Without Throwing Anything Away
On our way to becoming empty-nesters this fall, my wife and I had accumulated a mountain of material goods. I mean, so. Much. Crap. We faced down closets full of kid stuff (toys, bikes, sports, instruments, costumes, books), superfluous house junk (furniture, rugs, bedclothes, garage crud), and, of course, all our own crap: the amassed clothing, equipment, and stacked attic relics of our time on earth so far.
I’m not a hoarder; I’m really not. I’ve just been a little busy for the past 20 years.
Should Your Elderly Parent Continue Living at Home?
Rebecca and her husband live 500 miles away from her 82-year-old mother, who suffers from arthritis and is exhibiting the early signs of Alzheimer's disease. Rebecca worries about her mother’s safety, but every time she shares her concerns, the answer is always the same: “Everything is fine. Stop worrying about me.”
50 Clever Home Upgrades That Will Instantly Add Resale Value
Renovating your house is more than just an expensive process—it's a time-consuming one, as well. And not all home upgrades you sink your hard-earned money into are winners. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry's (NARI) 2022 Remodeling Impact Report, some of the biggest remodeling projects—adding a new bathroom and upgrading a kitchen, for example—were estimated to yield the lowest return on investment in a resale, while lighter-lift upgrades like refinishing hardwood floors had the highest percentage cost recovered.
The Best Smart Home Devices to Help Aging in Place
As people get older, many may need a support system, including family, caregivers, and a residence that has been outfitted to accommodate the common frailties of age, such as reduced vision, decreased mobility, and increased risk of falls. Smart-home devices—including small sensors, discreet cameras, smoke alarms, and voice-activated speakers—can make everyday life safer, more convenient, and more social for older adults.
Renting vs. Buying in Senior Living Communities
There are many different types of housing options available to seniors, and the differences between them can be considerable. Key differentiating factors often include how fees are assessed, whether an occupant owns their residence and the levels of care that are offered on the premises. Explore the three most common senior living models below to see which one best fits an aging loved one’s needs and budget.