Planning Ahead to Age in Place

How to Create a Home InventoryA home inventory can expedite insurance claims process after theft, damage or loss.Imagine needing to list every possession in your home or apartment, along with each item's worth after your belongings have been stolen or destroyed in a tornado, wildfire or other natural disaster. That task may seem impossible, so it is best to make the list before you need it. Below we've answered your basic questions on why and how you should create a home inventory.Why do I need an inventory of my home or apartment?A home inventory is an excellent way to help make home insurance and renters insurance coverage decisions and expedite the insurance claims process after theft, damage or loss. This record of your insurable assets will not only help you in the settlement of a covered loss or claim but may also help verify tax-deductible property losses and determine the right amount of insurance coverage you need.How do I create a home inventory?The first step is to decide on what type of inventory would be easiest for you to create. A home inventory can be as simple as a list of all your possessions or a visual record for each item, but an effective home inventory should include both for added security. Today, there are even digital tools to help simplify the process of maintaining the list.A written inventory: A comprehensive home inventory list catalogs your belongings and should include the item description (make, model and serial number, if applicable), value and purchase date. You can create your own list using a spreadsheet or fill out a home inventory checklist that's ready to go.A digital inventory: If you have an iPhone or Android phone, there are apps that can be downloaded to your phone, some of which are free. These mobile home inventory apps allow you to record a photograph of the item along with the description, value and purchase date.A visual record: A visual record of your possessions shows proof of ownership. This can be accomplished with a video walk-through of your home or through a series of photographs.Once you decide on the type of home inventory you want to create, according to the Insurance Information Institute, there are some simple steps you can take to start the process. Don't forget to include the items in your basement, attic, garage and any detached structures, such as tool sheds. Also, pay special attention to your most valuable possessions, such as antiques, art, jewelry, collectibles and electronic equipment. If you have any questions about which items are covered by your policy, contact your insurance agent.Record possessions as you pack to move into a new place: When moving to a new apartment or home, take a couple of extra minutes to record the belongings in each room.Pick one area at a time to record: You can start with a hall closet or small kitchen cabinet. Then, after capturing your belongings in that room, move on to the next.Record each item as you redecorate: Whether you are redecorating your apartment or a room, note each purchase you make and save the receipts. It will give you a jump start on your home inventory.Record recent purchases: Get into the habit of recording new purchases. Then, as necessary, go back and record your older, undocumented possessions. Along with the record, be sure to store sales receipts and appraisals (including the appraiser's name and address) to help verify the value of each item.Record important information: Provide a general description, where you bought it, the make and model, and what you paid for the item. Include the serial number if the item has one.Record the number of each clothing type: List, for example, "five pairs of jeans, three pairs of sneakers" Make note of items that are especially valuable.Include stored items as well: Things kept in your basement, attic, garage and other detached structures may not be at the top of your mind; however, you should record those items as well. If you have items in a self-storage unit, make sure to include them as they are usually covered under your home insurance policy.Use technology to create your digital home inventory.Take pictures. Capture important individual items as well as entire rooms, closets or drawers. Label your photos with what's pictured, where you bought it, the make or model and the serial number.Take video. Walk through your house or apartment recording and describing the contents. For example, you might describe the contents of a kitchen cabinet: "Poppies on Blue by Lenox, service for 12 that includes a dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, cup and saucer, purchased in 2015."Use an app. There are many mobile app options that can help you create and store a room-by-room record of your belongings.How should I store my home inventory?Don't let your home inventory become part of a property loss. Whichever inventory method you choose, it's important to keep a copy in a fireproof safe, safety deposit box or digitally in the cloud. You can even email your inventory to your insurance agent. Sending the list has the added value of allowing your inventory to be examined by your agent to see if you need extra home or renters coverage or to add a Personal Articles Insurance policy. If you need information about homeowners, rental, and auto insurance, call a Five Star Rated Agent:  Laurel Flowers State Farm Insurance Agent at 251-675-4736.

It's a difficult decision to make, but sometimes it becomes clear that our older loved ones need more care than we can provide at home. If you're struggling with the decision of whether or not to place your parent or spouse in an assisted living facility, this blog post is for you. Here are some signs that it might be time to start considering assisted living.1. Are simple activities becoming difficult?Assisted living facilities are designed to help seniors with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. If your loved one is struggling with any of these activities, it might be time to consider assisted living.2. Does your loved one have difficulty with living independently?Another sign that assisted living might be the best option is if your elderly loved one is having difficulty paying bills, getting around to run simple errands, or attending appointments. If getting from point A to point B has become a challenge, assisted living can help. Most facilities offer transportation services for their residents and have services on-site for a variety of needs. 3. Has there been a decline in your loved ones hygiene or appearance?Has your loved one started to neglect their personal hygiene? Are they no longer keeping up with their usual grooming routine? This could be a sign that they need assistance with activities like bathing and dressing.4. Are you noticing changes in mood or behavior?Sometimes changes in mood or behavior can be a sign of declining health. Has your usually cheerful loved one become withdrawn or depressed? Do they have sudden outbursts of anger? These changes could be indicative of a larger health issue that might be best addressed in an assisted living facility.Making the Decision TogetherOnce you have decided that assisted living is the best option, its important to involve your loved one in the decision-making process as much as possible. Let your Senior Care Authority advisor assess their care needs, explain the options, and schedule tours of places that best fit the needs of your family. Include your loved ones in the process as much as possible so they feel that they are part of the decision to choose the next place they will call home.  If possible, try not to wait too long as adaptive skills can decrease with the progression of age or cognitive decline.Finding the best senior living setting for your loved one can be an overwhelming task, but you dont have to go through it alone. The experts at Senior Care Authority are here to help! We offer a variety of services designed to help seniors live their best life possible. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you and your family. 

This May, join the Seniors Helping Seniors team in recognizing Older Americans Month. To celebrate, we want to share expert advice and tips to help seniors age healthily and happily at home. This article suggests simple lifestyle adjustments that make home life better for seniors.Many older adults want to maintain independence in a familiar environment. Feeling comfortable and supported makes a huge difference. Thats why the Seniors Helping Seniors family made this guide. Our simple tips can help seniors, and their loved ones have a healthy and happy time at home as they grow older.Read on for our easy-to-follow tips on living your best life at home during Older Americans Month and beyond.What is Older Americans Month?Older Americans Month is celebrated every May to appreciate the wonderful contributions and achievements of older Americans. This heartfelt observance, led by the Administration for Community Living, invites us to reflect on the challenges faced by seniors and ways we can promote their healthy aging.The theme for this years celebration is Powered by Connection. It focuses on the vital role of meaningful relationships in ones well-being. The Seniors Helping Seniors mission revolves around this concept. Keeping in touch with loved ones can become difficult as we age due to changes in our routines, health, or living arrangements. But staying social is key to living a happy, fulfilling life! Thats where having an in-home senior caregiver comes in. They can make a big difference in your overall well-being and help connect you with the people you care about.Seniors Helping Seniors caregivers, who are seniors themselves, become close friends with their clients. This companionship brings so much joy and comfort to our seniors, and it leads to even better care. For seniors who want to remain at home in their golden years, our caregivers provide reliable support and a caring hand whenever theyre needed. With a compassionate caregiver, older adults can age in place with confidence.Benefits of Remaining at HomeWhen it comes to deciding where to live as you get older, there are a variety of options available. While nursing homes or assisted living facilities may suit some, others may prefer to stay in their homes or communities for as long as possible. This concept of aging in place empowers seniors to maintain a sense of independence and comfort in a familiar setting. Creating an environment that caters to physical, emotional, and social needs is essential to make this happen with in-home care resources to assist you along the way.Tips For Aging in PlacePrioritize Home Safety:Assess your living environment for any potential safety hazards and make the necessary changes, like adding grab bars, removing tripping hazards, and ensuring that you have proper lighting. Seniors Helping Seniors in-home caregivers are amazing helpers who can make your home safer. Lean on them so you can relax and enjoy your time at home without worrying about any safety concerns.Improve Accessibility: Adjust furniture placement or install ramps to make the home more accessible. Your Seniors Helping Seniors caregiver can provide mobility aids and support to help you or your loved one maneuver their home more efficiently.Simplify Your To-Do List: Call in for extra support if household chores are piling up. Our Seniors Helping Seniors caregivers can lend a hand with light cleaning, home maintenance, and repairs so you can have a cozy and safe living space.Get On-the-Go Assistance: An in-home senior caregiver can offer rides to appointments, run errands, or socialize. Your caregiver would happily arrange transportation services or accompany them on these outings.Stay Connected: Make sure to participate in social activities. A Seniors Helping Seniors caregiver can join you and accompany you to community events or help you connect with others virtually. Having a reliable friend can help combat loneliness and improve overall well-being.The Seniors Helping Seniors DifferenceSeniors Helping Seniors in-home senior care services can make a significant difference in the lives of older adults. By providing support that focuses on safety, accessibility, simplified tasks, on-the-go assistance, and social connections, seniors can truly thrive in their own homes. With the help of Seniors Helping Seniorss kind and compassionate caregivers, aging in place becomes not just manageable but enjoyable. As we celebrate Older Americans Month, lets prioritize the well-being and happiness of our seniors and ensure they age with comfort, independence, and a strong sense of community.