Health Checks for the Tech Savvy

Moving can be a significant challenge at any stage of life, but it poses unique obstacles and emotional hurdles for seniors. Adapting to a new environment, downsizing belongings, and managing the physical demands of moving often make the process stressful. Recognizing these challenges, Grand Living at Wellen Park and Master Movers have joined forces to offer specialized moving services that address the specific needs of seniors, ensuring a smooth and compassionate transition. This partnership not only simplifies the logistics of moving but also provides emotional support, helping seniors embrace this new chapter of their lives with confidence and ease.Embracing a New ChapterThe journey into a new home is often seen as a fresh start, but for many seniors, its a move filled with mixed emotions. Whether transitioning into a smaller home or moving into a senior living community, the change can be daunting. Master Movers specializes in senior relocation, providing services that go beyond mere moving tasks.Key services include:Comprehensive move managementEmotional and physical supportPersonalized planning based on individual needsThese services ensure that every senior feels understood, respected, and cared for throughout the moving process. With expert teams that are trained in the nuances of senior moving, both organizations demonstrate a deep commitment to making this significant life transition as smooth and stress-free as possible.Understanding the Unique Needs of Senior MovesSeniors face several distinct challenges when moving that go beyond the physical act of transporting items from one place to another. For many, this transition means parting with belongings that have decades of memories attached, which can be emotionally taxing. Additionally, the physical demands of packing and organizing a move can be difficult for those with limited mobility or health issues.Key challenges faced by seniors during relocation include:Emotional Stress: Leaving a long-term home filled with memories.Physical Strain: Packing, lifting, and sorting can be physically demanding.Decision Fatigue: Making numerous decisions about what to keep, donate, or discard.Adaptation Anxiety: Worry about adjusting to a new living environment.Understanding these challenges, Grand Living and Master Movers tailor their services to meet the emotional and physical needs of seniors. Their approach ensures that seniors are not overwhelmed by the process, providing support that respects their dignity and independence while making the transition smoother. With compassionate staff trained specifically in senior relocation, every step from planning to unpacking is handled with utmost care, ensuring seniors feel valued and heard throughout their moving journey.Tailored Moving Solutions for SeniorsMaster Movers has crafted a series of specialized senior moving services designed specifically to alleviate the common pains and challenges associated with senior relocations. Recognizing that each senior has unique needs and preferences, their approach is highly personalized, encompassing a full range of tailored solutions to ensure a stress-free move.Explore the core services offered:Custom Moving Plans: Every move begins with a detailed consultation to understand the specific requirements and preferences of the senior. This includes assessing the amount of belongings, special care items, and preferred timelines.Packing and Unpacking Services: Specially trained crews handle all aspects of packing and unpacking, paying close attention to the care and organization of items to ensure that everything arrives in the same condition it left. This service extends to setting up the new home according to the senior's preferences, providing a sense of familiarity and comfort right away.Storage Solutions: Understanding that downsizing can be a part of many seniors' moving processes, secure storage options are provided for items that are not immediately needed but hold sentimental or practical value.By offering these thoughtful services, Grand Living and Master Movers aim to mitigate the stress often associated with moving for seniors, turning what can be a challenging experience into an exciting new beginning that respects their past and looks forward to their future.The Grand Living Partnership with Master MoversThe strategic partnership between Grand Living and Master Movers is more than just a collaboration; it's a synergy that brings together expertise in senior living with excellence in moving services. This alliance is designed to provide a seamless and enriched moving experience for seniors, ensuring that every aspect of their relocation is handled with professionalism and empathy.Key Benefits of This Partnership:Integrated Services: By combining resources, both organizations provide a comprehensive service package that covers all facets of moving and living adjustments for seniors. This integration ensures that there is no gap between moving out of an old home and settling into a new environment.Expertise in Senior Needs: Both organizations bring a deep understanding of the challenges and needs specific to seniors, allowing them to pre-emptively address potential issues and tailor their services accordingly.Consistency in Service Quality: Clients receive the same high standard of service throughout all phases of their transition, from initial consultations and planning through to post-move adjustments and settling in.This partnership not only enhances the moving services offered but also reinforces the commitment to creating a compassionate and supportive environment that caters specifically to the lifestyle transitions of seniors. Ensuring that senior clients receive the utmost care and respect as they embark on this new chapter of their lives.Personalized Planning and SupportA successful move for seniors involves much more than transporting items; it requires careful planning and emotional support tailored to their specific needs. Grand Living and Master Movers specialize in creating a personalized moving experience that considers every detail from the senior's perspective.Personalized planning includes:Individual Consultations: Each senior receives a private consultation to discuss their specific needs, preferences, and concerns. This session helps to tailor the moving plan to suit their unique situation, ensuring that all aspects of the move are covered.Dedicated Move Managers: Seniors are assigned a dedicated move manager who serves as their point of contact throughout the moving process. This personalized approach ensures continuity and builds a trusting relationship, which can significantly reduce stress.Customized Moving Schedules: Understanding that seniors might need more time to adapt to changes, moving schedules are designed to be flexible. This allows for a gradual move, with time to adjust mentally and emotionally at every step.Specialized Packing and HandlingWhen moving seniors, attention to detail in packing and handling is crucial, not only for the safety of their possessions but also for their emotional wellbeing. Many seniors have cherished belongings that carry significant sentimental value, and the assurance that these items are handled with care is paramount. Grand Living and Master Movers provide specialized packing services tailored to meet these needs.Key aspects of their specialized packing and handling include:Expert Packing Techniques: Trained professionals use proven techniques and materials to pack items securely, ensuring they are protected during transit. Fragile items like glassware, antiques, and electronics receive extra attention and cushioning.Inventory Management: A detailed inventory is taken before the move, with items carefully logged and labeled. This meticulous approach helps prevent loss and confusion, providing peace of mind to seniors who can be assured that all their belongings are accounted for.Handling with Care: Moving crews are specially trained in the physical handling of items, using equipment and techniques that minimize the risk of damage. The teams are also trained in ergonomics to safely handle heavy and awkward items without injury.Unpacking and Setup: On arrival at the new home, the team not only unpacks items but also helps arrange them as per the seniors preferences. This service extends to reconnecting electronics, hanging pictures, and setting up the living space to be comfortable and familiar from day one.Providing Comfort and AssuranceDuring the moving process, one of the principal goals for Grand Living and Master Movers is to provide ongoing comfort and assurance to seniors, ensuring they feel secure and supported every step of the way. This is critical, as the familiarity of their old home is left behind and they transition into a new environment.Lessons Learned and Best PracticesOver the years, Grand Living and Master Movers have continually refined their services for seniors, drawing from each experience to enhance their approach. The accumulated insights not only improve service delivery but also offer valuable lessons and best practices that can benefit seniors and their families preparing for a move.Early Planning is Crucial: Starting the moving process early allows ample time for sorting belongings, making necessary arrangements, and addressing emotional adjustments. It reduces last-minute stress and ensures a more organized move.Communication is Key: Maintaining open and frequent communication with seniors and their families helps manage expectations and supports emotional needs. It fosters a smoother transition by building trust and alleviating concerns.Customization Enhances Comfort: Tailoring the moving experience to each seniors preferences and requirements ensures they feel respected and valued. Personal touches make the new environment feel like home faster.Post-Move Support is Essential: The moving experience doesnt end on moving day. Post-move check-ins and support are crucial in helping seniors settle into their new surroundings and resolving any issues that may arise.A Seamless Transition to Grand LivingAt the core of the services provided by Grand Living and Master Movers is the commitment to ensuring a seamless transition for all seniors. This goal is achieved by meticulously planning every detail of the move and continuously supporting the seniors throughout the process. The transition isnt just about relocating belongings; its about moving lives with dignity, respect, and utmost care.Ready to Begin?If you or a loved one are considering a move to a senior living community, or simply need to downsize and relocate, remember that you're not alone in this journey. Grand Living and Master Movers are here to ensure that the transition is as smooth and stress-free as possible.We invite you to take the next steps:Contact Master Movers: Reach out to us for an initial consultation where we can discuss your specific needs and begin tailoring a moving plan that fits perfectly with your requirements.Visit Grand Living: Schedule a visit to see firsthand the facilities and services offered. Experience the environment where you or your loved one could be enjoying a new, vibrant chapter of life.Plan Your Move: Let us assist you in planning a move that considers every detail, from logistical to emotional aspects, ensuring a comfortable and reassuring transition.By choosing Grand Living and Master Movers, you are not just choosing a moving service and senior living center, but partners who will walk with you every step of the way, making sure that each phase of the move is handled with care and professionalism. Dont hesitate to make this important move the best experience possible.

   As we enter the annual season of giving, you might be thinking of charities you wish to support. But you also might be wondering how to gain some tax benefits from your gifts.            It used to be pretty straightforward: You wrote a check to a charity and then deducted the amount of the gift, within limits, from your taxes. But a few years ago, as part of tax law changes, the standard deduction was raised significantly, so fewer people were able to itemize deductions. Consequently, there was less financial incentive to make charitable gifts.            Of course, this didn't entirely stop people from making them. And it's still possible to gain some tax advantages, too.            Here are a few tax-smart charitable giving strategies:             Bunch your charitable gifts into one year. If you combine a few years' worth of charitable gifts in a single year, you could surpass the standard deduction amount and then itemize deductions for that year. In the years following, you could revert to taking the standard deduction.             Make qualified charitable distributions. Once you turn 73 (or 75 if you were born in 1960 or later), you must start taking withdrawals from your traditional or inherited IRA.  These withdrawals technically called required minimum distributions, or RMDs are taxable at your personal income tax rate, so, if the amounts are large enough, they could push you into a higher tax bracket or cause you to pay larger Medicare premiums.            But if you donate these RMDs directly to a qualified charity, you can avoid the taxes.  And because these donations, known as qualified charitable distributions (QCDs), will reduce the balance on your IRA, you may have lower RMDs in the future.            Of course, if you need some or all your RMDs to help sustain yourself in retirement, the use of QCDs may not be of interest to you. Keep in mind, though, that you can start making QCDs at 70, even before you must start taking RMDs. QCDs up to $105,000 can be taken in 2024.               Consider a donor-advised fund. If youre interested in a long-term charitable giving arrangement, you might want to consider establishing a donor-advised fund. You can put many types of assets into this fund, and then direct it to make grants periodically to the charities youve chosen. You get an immediate tax deduction for your contribution, and, if you donate appreciated assets, such as stocks, you'll avoid the capital gains taxes you would have incurred if you simply sold the stocks and then gave the money to the charities. One note of caution, though your contributions to a donor-advised fund are irrevocable, and once the assets are in the fund, you cant use them for anything except charitable giving.            These strategies QCDs and donor-advised funds in particular can be complex and involve several issues of which you should be aware. So, you should consult your tax advisor before taking action. But if any of these techniques are appropriate for your situation, give them some thought because helping a charitable group and getting tax benefits for doing so is a win for everyone.Chad Choate III, AAMS828 3rd Avenue WestBradenton, FL 34205941-462-2445chad.chaote@edwardjones.com This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

By Phara Lafortune-Morame, LCSW, MCAP, EMDR cert., QS.There are many reasons that significant moments are often celebrated with a drink. But during the holidays, otherwise-celebratory toasts can be triggers for people who struggle with substance use disorder, including seniors.Some families and cultures have holiday traditions that lean heavily on alcohol consumption. Family recipes for festive cocktails and toasts before dinners reinforce the idea that consumption is part of connecting with loved ones and embracing the holiday spirit.The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States notes that a quarter of the $49-billion-a-year distilled spirits industrys profits come from the month between Thanksgiving and the New Year. Another study notes that the average American drinks 27% more during the holiday season compared to the rest of the year.As a result, the stress and anxiety associated with the holiday season can result in increased consumption or return to drug and alcohol use for those currently in recovery, particularly for older residents, who tend to suffer from depression more during the holidays. Many studies note that nearly half of individuals recovering will return to use during the holiday season.The prevalence of substances in celebrations often mixes badly with the elevated depression and stress the holidays can bring. Expectations for creating and experiencing holiday joy are at the center of potential substance use triggers. When mixed with emotional turmoil, financial stress, loneliness, grief, nostalgia, and dysfunctional and complex family relationships, this can create a desire to seek temporary escape from overwhelming feelings through substances. For those aged 65 and older, alcohol misuse is the most frequently reported substance of use.The use of alcohol in older adults negatively impacts brain structure and function and can lead to declines in cognitive function and memory, particularly for adults over the age of 65. In addition, the bodys ability to break down alcohol decreases with age, resulting in increased risk for accidents and falls, fractures and car accidents.  For anyone in recovery from substance use disorder, or concerned about increased consumption through the holidays, it is important to plan.Here are strategies for staying sober:      Be aware of people, places or situations that can trigger consumption, and do what you can to minimize these exposures.      Keep (and bring, if necessary) a nonalcoholic drink in your hand to resist temptation and discourage others from offering an alcoholic drink.      Set realistic expectations. Stress is common for nearly everyone during the holidays, and spontaneous, imperfect moments are often the most memorable and special moments.      Take care of yourself. Proper nutrition, exercise and meditation do wonders for your well-being. If you feel well physically, you will be stronger emotionally.      Set boundaries, and let people know where you need support in resisting temptations.      Have a plan on how to navigate, and more importantly exit social gatherings (For example, do not be dependent on someone else for transportation, so you can leave if needed).      Be aware that returning to use a substance after a period of abstinence can happen AFTER the holidays, where we can justify returning to use by feeling entitled to drink or use drugs for having made it through the holidays. Sometimes, we manage better during a crisis than afterward..      Seek professional help and support.Sometimes, substance misuse is difficult to recognize in older adults, and few treatment programs are designed to meet their needs.  However, the Primary Care Addiction Treatment (PCAT) program for adults at Healthcare Network follows a supportive, compassionate and nonjudgmental approach to encourage healing and lessen negative effects. The program treats every patient with respect and dignity, using empathetic language to reduce stigma and foster a supportive environment.Healthcare Network also offers medication for addiction treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder, alcohol use disorder, and other substances within a primary care setting. Comprehensive care includes medication treatment along with behavioral therapy and counseling services to provide a whole-care approach to treating substance use disorders and support recovery.In addition, our primary care programs for the whole family include integrated mental and behavioral health care to address some of the mental health challenges that are sometimes at the root of substance use disorders.Help is available through the holidays and beyond. Supportive treatment can be the gift of a lifetime for you and your loved ones. About the Author By Phara Lafortune-Morame is associate clinical director of behavioral health at Healthcare Network. To learn more about substance use and behavioral and mental health support available Healthcare Network, visit healthcareswfl.org or call 239.658.3000.