Stay at Home or Move to a Senior Community?

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Alderman Oaks Retirement Center, Inc.

Posted on

Nov 22, 2021

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By Rusty Blix, Founder and President of Alderman Oaks Retirement Center in Downtown Sarasota.
Seniors eventually find they need help to continue enjoying life. Most seniors who are finding it a struggle to live independently, choose to stay at home to carry on by themselves or receive family help, and/or obtain paid assistance. Very often family members become stressed or the expense for adequate assistance becomes exorbitant.
I am frequently asked when should I consider moving to a senior community or just downsize? Of course, ones health or that of a spouse must be considered. For relatively healthy friends, I suggest that no downsize ought to be considered after age 80 as having to make a second move under much greater stress is not wise. This age could be less if one or the other of a couple is already struggling.
Though it is not the focus of this article, there are many options to choose from when considering a new residence such as senior rental apartments, independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehab, skilled nursing, or Life Care Communities that include multiple options. Then there is the financial decision whether to choose a place which requires a buy-in instead of rental. Good expert advice is highly recommended!
We often hear Im not ready yet. Ask yourself these questions: Are you ready to enjoy activities, meals, exercise, socializing, engaging with other seniors who are following safe practices? Are you ready to give up the responsibilities of everyday living and maintenance of your current home? Are you ready for complimentary transportation? Are you ready for the availability of doctors, nurses, therapists, and other visiting professionals without leaving our premises? Are you ready to develop close relationships with new friends? Are you ready to be more independent not having to rely on other people shopping and providing for you? Are you ready to give loved ones confidence that they can go on with their lives knowing you are in good hands and well cared for?
There is a natural tendency to cling to the familiar and to be afraid of change. But after this housing decision is made, we often hear I just wish I moved sooner. Investigate the possibilities of change and be sure to prepare and ask all your questions when talking to professionals.

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What If Your Senior Client Owns a Luxury Home?

For professionals serving seniors, a home can sometimes be the biggest piece of the transition puzzle.But what happens when that home isn't an ordinary property?What if your client owns a $1 million, $2 million or multimillion-dollar luxury or waterfront home?A senior may be downsizing, transitioning to independent or assisted living, moving closer to family, settling an estate, or simply deciding that maintaining a large property no longer makes sense.For senior living professionals, elder law attorneys, estate planners, financial advisors, care managers, move managers and other professionals helping with that transition, there is an important option worth knowing about:The homeowner may be able to sell a luxury property privately and directly, without first putting it on the public market.Why Can Selling a Senior's Luxury Home Be Different?Luxury and waterfront properties can present challenges that aren't always present in a typical home sale.The property may be a waterfront estate on Casey Key, a residence on Bird Key, a condominium overlooking Sarasota Bay, or a distinctive home on Siesta Key or Longboat Key.The owner may have lived there for decades.The home may contain valuable possessions, artwork and deeply personal belongings. It may need updating. Adult children may live hundreds of miles away. And the family may already be coordinating a significant life transition.For some homeowners, maximum exposure to the real estate market is the priority. In that situation, publicly marketing the property may make sense.But other seniors have very different priorities:Privacy. Simplicity. Certainty. Flexibility.They may not want strangers repeatedly touring their home.They may not want photographs of their home's interior and possessions published online.They may not want to renovate, stage or prepare the property for the luxury market.And they may not want their move dependent upon months of marketing, inspections and a buyer obtaining financing.For those homeowners, a private direct sale may be another option worth considering.Can a Senior Sell a Luxury Home Without Publicly Listing It?Yes.A luxury homeowner can explore a direct sale without first broadly marketing the property.Private Luxury Home Sales considers select luxury, waterfront and distinctive properties throughout Sarasota and Florida's Gulf Coast for direct purchase. 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When Private Luxury Home Sales evaluates a property for potential direct purchase, broad public marketing isn't necessary merely to consider the home. For a senior who values discretion, that difference can matter.Does the Luxury Home Need to Be Renovated First?Not necessarily.One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding high-value real estate is that every luxury property must be extensively updated before it can be sold.A longtime owner may have an exceptional property in an exceptional location while the kitchen, bathrooms, flooring or other features are dated.Preparing that property for the retail luxury market could potentially involve substantial renovations, contractors, staging and months of work.A direct buyer evaluates the property differently.Private Luxury Home Sales considers properties as-is, including residences requiring updates or significant renovation. That can be particularly relevant when an older homeowner or the homeowner's family doesn't want to oversee a major renovation before selling.Which Senior Clients Might Benefit From Knowing About This Option?You don't need to determine whether a private sale is right for your client.You simply need to recognize situations where having another option could be valuable.Consider the homeowner who is:Downsizing from a large luxury residence. Transitioning into independent or assisted living. Moving closer to adult children. Managing a home after the death of a spouse. Selling an inherited luxury or waterfront property. Handling a property through an estate or trust. Living out of state while responsible for a parent's Florida property. Facing substantial deferred maintenance or renovation. Concerned about privacy and public exposure. Looking for greater certainty about the timing of the sale. Those are situations where understanding both the public-market and private-sale alternatives can help a family make a more informed decision.What's the Most Important Question to Ask Your Client?There is one question professionals can ask that may reveal a great deal:What matters most to you when the home is sold?Listen carefully to the answer.Is it achieving maximum exposure to the marketplace?Maintaining privacy?Avoiding repairs?Controlling the closing date?Avoiding repeated showings?Reducing uncertainty?Making the transition as simple as possible?There isn't one correct answer.The homeowner's priorities should help determine which selling strategy deserves consideration.Private Sale vs. Traditional Luxury ListingA private direct sale and a traditional luxury listing serve different objectives.Traditional public marketing provides broader exposure to potential buyers and may create greater price discovery and competition.A private direct sale can emphasize privacy, simplicity, convenience, an as-is transaction and greater certainty about the process.Neither approach should automatically be assumed to be right for every senior homeowner.The value to your client comes from understanding that there is more than one option.One More Resource for Your Professional ToolboxProfessionals serving seniors don't need to become real estate experts.But they are frequently the first people to recognize a problem.A senior living advisor may hear:Mom is ready to move, but we don't know what to do with the house.An elder law attorney may be helping a family deal with an estate containing a multimillion-dollar residence.A move manager may discover that preparing a 4,000-square-foot waterfront home for the market is becoming overwhelming.A financial advisor may have a client whose largest single asset is a luxury property.Knowing that a confidential direct-sale option exists gives you another resource to share with the family.Private Luxury Home Sales specializes in select luxury, waterfront and distinctive properties throughout Sarasota and Florida's Gulf Coast. 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When to Consider Knee Replacement Surgery

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While a total knee replacement restores the entire joint with an artificial implant, some patients may qualify for a partial knee replacement, which replaces only the damaged portion of the knee and preserves more of the natural joint.What to Expect Before Knee Replacement SurgeryOnce you and your surgeon have worked together to decide the right treatment plan for you, youll likely need to make an appointment with your primary care doctor to assess your general health and clear you for surgery. You may also need an evaluation and clearance from your dentist.Once this step is completed, youll be able to schedule your knee replacement surgery appointment. You may also need a CT scan of your knee so your surgeon can more precisely customize your replacement to most naturally fit your knee anatomy and movement.In preparation, make sure you have someone who can take you to your surgery appointment and be there as your caregiver after the procedure. 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Local Services By This Author

Alderman Oaks

Assisted Living 727 Hudson Avenue, Sarasota, Florida, 34236

Alderman Oaks Retirement ResidenceCall (941) 955-9099 | Find our Location | Contact UsHome | Rental Packages | Services | Activities | Events | Programs | Location | Site Map | ContactVIDEO TOUR & TESTIMONIALSEnjoy this 4-minute presentation covering our beautiful campus, special events, and testimonials.A Variety of Rental PackagesAlderman Oaks offers annual, relocation, respite, seasonal, and trial stays to cater to the diverse needs of our residents.Serving Very Independent, Independent with Support, and Assisted LifestylesWe provide flexible living options to suit your lifestyle, whether you are very independent, require some support, or need assisted living services.Downtown IndependenceA unique alternative for active seniors wishing to rent a condo, hotel room, private home, or reside in a 55+ community in downtown Sarasota.Transition & Respite StaysEnjoy a short-term stay in a furnished apartment with all the amenities and support of our assisted living services. Ideal for those needing temporary accommodation.What Makes Us Unique?Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, Alderman Oaks is a privately-owned retirement residence with a family-like environment. We offer the very best in independent and assisted lifestyles.Winter Seasonal StaysA unique alternative to apartment, hotel, private home, and condo seasonal rentals, providing a warm and welcoming environment for winter visitors.Area AttractionsLocated in a quiet residential neighborhood, Alderman Oaks is within walking distance or a short drive to fine dining, arts, beaches, entertainment, theatres, and shopping in downtown Sarasota.EventsWe consistently reach out to the community and engage our residents through special events and educational programs, fostering a vibrant and active community.LocationAlderman Oaks is situated in a tranquil residential area, offering easy access to the cultural and social amenities of downtown Sarasota.Visitor PoliciesClick here for visitor policies to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents and guests.Join Our Email NewsletterStay on top of exciting news and activities at Alderman Oaks by signing up for our newsletter today.Why Choose Alderman Oaks?Convenient downtown locationPrivately owned with a home and family-like environmentActive lifestylesTrained, friendly, and happy teamCommitted group of outside healthcare professionals who come to serveCommunity outreach through special events and communicationsExperience the Alderman Oaks difference where independence, community, and quality care come together. Visit our website or contact us to learn more and schedule a tour.Contact InformationAlderman Oaks Retirement Residence727 Hudson Avenue, Sarasota, FL, 34236Phone: (941) 955-9099Website: www.aldermanoaks.com

Alderman Oaks

Independent Living 727 Hudson Avenue, Sarasota, Florida, 34236

Alderman Oaks Retirement ResidenceCall (941) 955-9099 | Find our Location | Contact UsHome | Rental Packages | Services | Activities | Events | Programs | Location | Site Map | ContactVIDEO TOUR & TESTIMONIALSEnjoy this 4-minute presentation covering our beautiful campus, special events, and testimonials.A Variety of Rental PackagesAlderman Oaks offers annual, relocation, respite, seasonal, and trial stays to cater to the diverse needs of our residents.Serving Very Independent, Independent with Support, and Assisted LifestylesWe provide flexible living options to suit your lifestyle, whether you are very independent, require some support, or need assisted living services.Downtown IndependenceA unique alternative for active seniors wishing to rent a condo, hotel room, private home, or reside in a 55+ community in downtown Sarasota.Transition & Respite StaysEnjoy a short-term stay in a furnished apartment with all the amenities and support of our assisted living services. Ideal for those needing temporary accommodation.What Makes Us Unique?Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, Alderman Oaks is a privately-owned retirement residence with a family-like environment. We offer the very best in independent and assisted lifestyles.Winter Seasonal StaysA unique alternative to apartment, hotel, private home, and condo seasonal rentals, providing a warm and welcoming environment for winter visitors.Area AttractionsLocated in a quiet residential neighborhood, Alderman Oaks is within walking distance or a short drive to fine dining, arts, beaches, entertainment, theatres, and shopping in downtown Sarasota.EventsWe consistently reach out to the community and engage our residents through special events and educational programs, fostering a vibrant and active community.LocationAlderman Oaks is situated in a tranquil residential area, offering easy access to the cultural and social amenities of downtown Sarasota.Visitor PoliciesClick here for visitor policies to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents and guests.Join Our Email NewsletterStay on top of exciting news and activities at Alderman Oaks by signing up for our newsletter today.Why Choose Alderman Oaks?Convenient downtown locationPrivately owned with a home and family-like environmentActive lifestylesTrained, friendly, and happy teamCommitted group of outside healthcare professionals who come to serveCommunity outreach through special events and communicationsExperience the Alderman Oaks difference where independence, community, and quality care come together. Visit our website or contact us to learn more and schedule a tour.Contact InformationAlderman Oaks Retirement Residence727 Hudson Avenue, Sarasota, FL, 34236Phone: (941) 955-9099Website: www.aldermanoaks.com