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Deciding how big your home should be when you’re moving into senior living comes with different considerations than when you purchase other property. If you’re looking through floor plans for an independent living home and wondering how much space you really need, here are some helpful questions to make the decision easier.
At many senior living communities, one or two people can move into a residence of any size. For one person, a studio or a one-bedroom senior apartment will likely suit just fine. Two people can be comfortable in a one-bedroom, but many choose to look at two- or three-bedroom apartment or even a villa to give themselves some extra space.
Some older adults look forward to the prospect of reducing the number of their belongings when moving into senior living. They can sell, donate, or pass down items they’ve loved so the item can benefit someone else. Some new residents even buy all new furniture to suit their senior apartment or villa.However, the majority of seniors will downsize — or rightsize, if you prefer — many of their belongings, but still have pieces they love and want to keep. If there are larger pieces of furniture you want to move to a new residence, these pieces may help determine how big your house should be. Pro tip: You can use graph paper to draw the floor plans you’re considering. Then cut shapes to scale that represent the furniture you’d like to bring and move them around the floor plan to figure out where they could fit in your senior apartment or villa.
Ample storage can make you feel much more comfortable in your new residence. Consider the closet space in your current apartment. You likely won’t need nearly as many cleaning supplies as you’re used to because you’ll have regular housekeeping service. Additionally, you won’t need as many pots and pans because you’ll have daily meals prepared for you by a professional chef. With roomy closets and smart organization, you’ll likely be able to find room for each of your belongings, but some senior living residents choose to rent a small storage unit for items they don’t need very often, like seasonal decorations.
When considering how big your house should be, remember that the whole senior living campus will be yours to enjoy. Depending on your preferences, you may not be in your independent living home very often. You may be using the fitness center, reading in the library, working in the business center, or walking the landscaped grounds.
In the U.S., Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) fees are generally not fully tax-deductible. However, some portions of the fees might be, depending on how they are structured.Heres how it typically breaks down:1. Monthly Maintenance Fees:These fees usually cover services such as meals, housekeeping, maintenance, and security. These are typically not deductible as medical expenses.2. Medical or Health-Related Fees:If part of your CCRC fees goes toward medical care (for example, nursing care or rehabilitation services), that portion may be deductible as a medical expense. The IRS allows you to deduct medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI), but you need to keep detailed records to substantiate the medical portion of the fees.3. Entrance Fees:The upfront, lump-sum entrance fee or buy-in that you pay when you move into a CCRC is typically not deductible. However, if any part of the entrance fee is allocated for healthcare services, that part could potentially be deductible if it meets the criteria for medical expenses.4. Long-Term Care Insurance Premiums:If you are paying for long-term care insurance as part of your CCRC arrangement, those premiums may be deductible as a medical expense, depending on your age and the IRS guidelines for that year.To determine what part of the fees, if any, might be deductible, its a good idea to:Keep records of your payments and the breakdown of what they cover.Consult a tax professional who can guide you based on your specific situation and any changes to tax laws.Tax laws can vary, so its always best to get tailored advice.
Discover Secure and Affordable Independent Living with ONA SolutionsAt ONA Solutions, we believe that everyone deserves a safe, comfortable, and supportive home while maintaining their independence. Our Independent Living Facility (ILF) is designed for adults who can manage their daily routines but appreciate the security and convenience of a well-maintained community.Why Choose ONA Solutions?We provide an affordable, stress-free living environment where residents can focus on what truly mattersbuilding connections, pursuing their passions, and enjoying life. Our residents benefit from: All-Inclusive Utilities Electricity, water, and cable are covered in your monthly rent. Free Wi-Fi Access Stay connected with loved ones and online resources. A Supportive Community A welcoming and secure space designed for independent adults.At ONA Solutions, we take care of the essentials so you can enjoy worry-free living.Who We ServeOur housing is perfect for: Female adults receiving SSI or SSDI Private-pay residents Women supported by community-funded programsWe understand that everyones circumstances are unique, and our goal is to provide a secure, welcoming, and affordable home where our residents can thrive.A Commitment to Independent LivingOur mission is to empower adults to live independently with confidence. Whether you're transitioning to a new stage in life or looking for a stable, affordable home, ONA Solutions offers a place where you can feel safe, valued, and supported.Schedule a Tour Today!Experience our community firsthandschedule a tour and see what makes ONA Solutions the perfect place to call home.Partner With UsAre you a case manager, agency, or organization looking for reliable housing options for your clients? We welcome partnerships that align with our mission of providing secure and affordable independent living.Get in Touch (239) 688-4815 | 9 AM 3 PM (239) 785-3315 | 3 PM 5 PM info@onasolutionsllc.comAt ONA Solutions, were committed to helping individuals find a home where they can truly live with confidence and independence. Lets build a future of independent living together!
Steeped in Style: How To Host a High Tea Party Cucumber sandwiches, fresh scones from the oven, and dainty pastries served on fine china. High tea is where elegance meets indulgence, and its also a fantastic reason to gather with friends for some engaging conversation, tasty treats, and spot of laughter. Sure, The Ritz London and The Plaza Hotel offer world-famous tea experiences, but who says you have to travel to enjoy one? Good tea, great company, and a touch of sophistication can happen anywhere. If you're curious about how to host a tea party, need inspiration for tea party ideas, or are looking for games to play at a tea party for adults, youve come to the right place. This blog spills the tea on everything you need to plan the ultimate high tea gathering. Whether youre after tea party ideas for adults or want an excuse to dress up and enjoy some delicacies, weve got you covered. Get ready to stir up a party your guests wont forget with this step-by-step guide on hosting a senior tea. Step 1: Set the Scene With Elegant Decor A proper high tea is all about ambiance. The table should be beautifully set to evoke sophistication and charm. Heres what you need to create the perfect setting: Fine china and teapots. Bring out the delicate cups, saucers, and teapots to add a classic touch. If you dont have china, elegant mugs work just fine. Fresh flowers and lace. A simple bouquet of roses, hydrangeas, or peonies in a teapot or vase adds instant elegance. Lace tablecloths or cloth napkins elevate the look. Candlelight and soft music. Battery-operated tea lights or candles and soft classical music create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Name cards and place settings. Personalized place cards make guests feel special if youre hosting a larger tea party. Inspo idea: Make DIY floral centerpieces or decorate teacups as a pre-event craft activity. Step 2: Select Your Teas No adult tea party is complete without various teas to suit different tastes. Offer a mix of classic and herbal selections. Classic black teas Earl Grey, English breakfast, and Darjeelingprovide rich, traditional flavors. Herbal teas like ginger tea, chamomile, and peppermint offer lighter, soothing options. Japanese, Chinese and other notable greens teas range from sweet and grassy to smoky and floral. For a unique twist, offer flavored and dessert teas like jasmine green tea, vanilla chai, spiced apple, or raspberry hibiscus. Inspo idea: Set up a tea-tasting station where guests can sample a variety of flavors. Step 3: Serve Tasty Tea-Time Treats A traditional tea party isnt just about the drinks but the delicious bites accompanying them. Savory finger sandwiches like cucumber and cream cheese, smoked salmon, and egg salad are tea-time classics. Warm, flaky scones with jam, clotted cream, butter, lemon curd, or honey are must-haves for any adult tea party. Mini pastries and desserts like macarons, petit fours, fruit tarts, and chocolate truffles make a sweet ending to the afternoon. Inspo idea: Incorporate baking scones or decorating cookies into your senior tea party. Step 4: Add Fun With High Tea Games Tea parties are about more than just whats in your cuptheyre about meaningful moments and shared experiences. Here are five high tea games to keep the conversation and laughter flowing. Tea trivia. Prepare fun facts about tea history, famous tea traditions, or royal tea parties and challenge guests to a friendly competition. Guess the Tea challenge. Have guests smell different tea blends and guess the flavor. Hat parade and a best-dressed contest. Encourage guests to wear fancy hats or vintage outfits, then vote for the best look. Tea leaf reading. Learn the art of tea leaf reading and have fun interpreting different symbols. Classic and period film bingo. Give each guest a card filled with classic phrases, moments, or characters from a movie or show such as Downton Abbey, Pride and Prejudice, or Bridgerton. Winner prize inspo: Fancy tea tins, lace gloves, or a tea strainer shaped like a teapot. Step 5: Toast to Friendship & Connection Now that weve covered how to host a tea party for adults, its time to raise your teacup. A senior tea is an experience that brings people together, so take a moment to celebrate friendship, laughter, and new traditions. Teatime at The Glenview At The Glenview at Pelican Bay, we love bringing residents together for entertaining and engaging experiences that spark creativity and camaraderie. From interactive social events to themed gatherings and hands-on workshops, theres always something exciting happening. Contact The Glenview at Pelican Bay today to reserve your spot at one of our upcoming high tea events. Whether you enjoy history, games, storytelling, or simply great conversation, youll find plenty of ways to connect and create lasting memories. If youre looking for tea party ideas for adults or planning an elegant afternoon with friends, a high tea at The Glenview offers the perfect setting. The Glenview at Pelican Bay is a nationally ranked retirement community in Florida combining quality care, unmatched luxury, and financial advantages in a welcoming beach environment. To learn more, call us at 239-977-9744 or complete our Contact Us form.
Freedom Village of Bradenton offers independent living with a wealth of amenities and services designed to enhance your lifestyle. Here's what you can expect as a resident:Freedom from homeownership responsibilities: As an independent living resident, you'll enjoy the freedom of leaving behind the burdens of homeownership. Spend your days as you please, knowing that maintenance and other household tasks are taken care of for you.Vibrant, active lifestyle: Recognized as a 2024 Best Independent Living community by U.S. News & World Report, Freedom Village of Bradenton offers a vibrant, active lifestyle. Explore new interests, connect with neighbors, and enjoy a full social life with a wide range of amenities and activities.Life Plan Community with Life Care contract: As a Life Plan Community, Freedom Village of Bradenton provides convenient access to higher levels of quality on-campus care if needed. With the Life Care contract, you'll enjoy financial predictability and access to a continuum of care, ensuring peace of mind for the future.Resort-like amenities: Residents have access to resort-like amenities and services, including fitness facilities, recreational activities, social events, and more. Nurture connections, explore new learning experiences, and stay active and engaged within the community.Maintenance-free residences: Choose from villa homes or one-, two-, and three-bedroom senior apartments, each with its own private balcony or lanai. Enjoy maintenance-free living and the freedom to personalize your space with your favorite flooring and paint colors.Pet-friendly community: Freedom Village of Bradenton welcomes pets, allowing residents to enjoy the companionship of their furry friends.Experience the freedom, convenience, and enrichment of independent living at Freedom Village of Bradenton, where you can live life to the fullest and feel confident about the future.
Heartfelt CONNECTIONS is a nationally recognized program designed to provide personalized, activity-focused memory care for individuals impacted by Alzheimer's or other dementias. Here's what your loved one can expect and the benefits they can experience:What your loved one can expect:Personalized memory care: Industry-leading care tailored to the unique needs and abilities of each resident, including specialized Alzheimer's care.Assistance with daily living: Help with tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication management to promote comfort and well-being.Dementia-specific programming: Engaging activities such as arts and crafts therapy designed to stimulate cognitive function and enhance quality of life.Access to community amenities: Enjoyment of amenities such as the salon and barbershop, fitness center, and pool to promote socialization and overall well-being.Small-group activities: Participation in enjoyable group activities within a supportive and intimate environment.Community outings: Regular outings to enhance enrichment and provide opportunities for engagement and socialization.Benefits for your loved one:Promotes dignity and accomplishment: Encourages a sense of pride and achievement in daily activities, fostering dignity and self-worth.Supports engaged eating: Specialized diets and mealtime support to promote enjoyment and nutritional intake.Improves overall well-being: Supports improved self-esteem, reduces fear, anxiety, and frustration, and promotes overall health and well-being.Benefits for you:Peace of mind: Knowing your loved one is receiving the highest quality of care and support.Enhanced relationship: Allows you to focus on cherishing the relationship with your loved one, returning to the loving connection you once shared.Quality time together: Provides opportunities to make the most of your time together, engaging in meaningful activities and interactions.Support for the family: Offers access to resources, counseling, and other services to support you and your family throughout the caregiving journey.Heartfelt CONNECTIONS aims to enrich the lives of individuals with dementia while providing support and peace of mind to their families, fostering a positive and nurturing environment where each resident can thrive.
Located just six miles from the beautiful Gulf Coast beaches in West Bradenton, Florida, Freedom Village of Bradenton is a premier Continuing Care Retirement Community. We offer spacious and upscale living accommodations, along with a comprehensive range of health care services designed to meet the diverse needs of our residents.Rehabilitation: Short-term rehabilitation services to help you recover and get back to your life as quickly as possible.Rehabilitation Services At Freedom Village of Bradenton, we understand the importance of excellent rehabilitation services following an illness or injury. Our team of expert clinicians collaborates with each resident to design an individualized plan tailored to their specific challenges, abilities, and goals. Our rehabilitation services include:Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapies: Comprehensive therapy services to aid in recovery.Orthopedic Rehabilitation: Specialized care for those recovering from orthopedic surgeries or injuries.CVA/Stroke Rehabilitation: Focused rehabilitation for stroke survivors to regain function and independence.Fall Prevention Program: Programs designed to improve balance and prevent falls.Pulmonary Program: Care for residents with chronic lung conditions.Cardiac Heart Failure Program: Support for those with heart failure to improve cardiac health.Balance and Vestibular Therapy: Treatments to address balance issues and vestibular disorders.Schedule a VisitTo learn more about our services or to schedule a personalized visit, please call us at 941-799-6855. We look forward to sharing our beautiful campus with you and discussing how we can meet your needs in our welcoming community.