Ten Things Everyone Should do at Retirement
Complete Care Strategies
For more information about the author, click to view their website: Complete Care Strategies
May 07, 2026
Pennsylvania - Greater Pittsburgh Area
When asked for their best piece of advice, Aging Life
Care Professionals are quick to respond: “Be prepared,” “Make a plan for
aging,” “Don’t wait for a crisis to strike,” “Build a team of trusted friends,
family and professionals.” So when you head into retirement, be sure to take
the necessary steps to plan for the next phase of life. Thanks to our guest
Aging Life Care™ Month blogger for sharing this useful ten-step checklist to
help you prepare and plan for aging. To find a professional to help pull
together or manage your Aging Life Care plan, visit the Aging Life Care
Association’s “Find an Aging Life Care Expert” search at aginglifecare.org.
By Carolyn L. Rosenblatt, RN, Elder law attorney, AgingParents.com – National Aging Life Care™ Month Guest Blogger
Let’s face it: no one likes to think of oneself as “old”. We have an unfortunately negative culture about aging itself and this can cause a lot of problems. But some of these issues can be resolved by taking a few smart steps at age 65 or sooner. I see unnecessary heartache, grief and expense caused by forgetting to do these things or just never considering them. Here is a ten-step checklist to follow for every smart retiree. If you are an Aging Life Care Manager®, you can remind your clients and help them to carry out these basic essentials we all need. And be sure to do it for yourself too!
Step One
First, identify a trusted person or person
you want to use as the receiver of all your essential information and
documents. We’ll call this person the Information Keeper.
This may be an adult child, a longtime friend, or someone who can be counted on
as trustworthy. Ask the Information Keeper if they’d like to have this
assignment. Set a date with this person and sit down with them to
go over this checklist.
Step Two
Have a signed and notarized durable power of
attorney. Any competent estate planning attorney will include this in
the estate plan documents. But it is surprising how many families don’t have
one when they need it. If a generic form DPOA is all right it can be downloaded
free from the internet in your state. You do not have to have a lawyer do it,
but if you want a special form, you should have a lawyer do it for you.
Step Three
Having a signed advanced healthcare directive Competent
estate planning attorneys should also include this document in the estate plan,
but not all attorneys do so. The document can be obtained from the doctor’s
office or free from the internet. Don’t leave your family in the lurch
not knowing what you would want in the way of care or end of life wishes should
you be unable to communicate at any time in the future. Yes, you must think
about end of life to fill it out but it’s only fair to make your own choices
rather than push this off on anyone else.
Step Four
Make a list of all bank accounts, passwords, hard drive
backup location, investment records and financial planning. The
professionals to contact should be on the list. And you should
give permission in writing to each of them, such as
accountant, estate planning lawyer, and financial advisor to communicate with
your appointed trusted person.
Step Five
List every insurance policy you have and provide the
location of where it is stored. This includes life, disability,
health, property, earthquake, and anything else you own that will protect your
heirs. Millions of dollars of life insurance proceeds go uncollected each
year because the beneficiaries do not know that the policies exist or that they
are the beneficiaries.
Step Six
Make a copy of the mortgage statement, any other loans,
and debts, financial statements, and bank statements. These should be
updated quarterly as these change as loans are paid or made and amounts
available fluctuate. If you became suddenly incapacitated someone would need to
step in and handle your affairs and pay bills. No one can do this unless they
know some basic financial information.
Step Seven
Make a list of all physicians, care providers, and
medications you take and give the list to the Information Keeper along with
written permission for loved ones to speak with the doctors. What if
you got in an accident and got knocked out for a while? If anyone wanted to
know your medical status, and you have no Information Keeper, it could mean a
great deal of danger for you. This one is simple and won’t take much
time.
Step Eight
This might be the hardest one to do but do it anyway. No one
gets out of here alive. Create or have on hand information about your
wishes for burial or disposition of your remains. The Information
Keeper should have that too.
Step Nine
Update your will and/or trust with a local
attorney. Laws vary state to state and these need to be current in the
state where you live now in retirement. If you’ve never gotten around to doing this,
make a date and see a lawyer. It’s not that expensive. It can prevent a lot of
fighting and heartache after you’re gone.
Step Ten
Call a family meeting to discuss the items on this checklist. Transparency is critical to avoid conflicts down the road. Do you care about how your loved ones would manage if you couldn’t communicate or if you died unexpectedly? If you love them, sit down and talk it all over. Everyone should know who the Information Keeper is and what that person has on hand.
Other Articles You May Like
Passions Grow, Passions Bloom:
Passions Grow, Passions Bloom: Cultivating Wellness at Willow Valley Communities Among the most popular passions at Willow Valley Communities is gardening. And, Residents here have a wide variety of ways to indulge. Three generous gardens are situated across our sprawling 210-acre campus for Residents to use in a multitude of configurations of their choosing. Willow Valley Communities hardworking Grounds Team tills each garden in the spring and plows them in the fall, making them ready for Residents to dig right in. Whether Residents are experienced pros or novices, gardening is a wonderful way for them to get outside, enjoy nature and each other, and learn new things. Some Residents have been gardening for decades, while others have only started gardening after moving to Willow Valley Communities. In keeping with our Life Lived Forward philosophy, some Willow Valley Communities Residents take their love of gardening to deeper levels. For example, several Residents from across the country have achieved the distinction of Master Gardener. Master Gardeners are certified in their home state, and the program can take six months to a year to complete and includes a minimum of 40 hours of classroom training, a score of 80 percent on the final exam, and 50 hours of volunteer service. In another example, Residents Annabelle Simpson and Susan Kelly worked with the Penn State Extension of the Pennsylvania State University to have one of their gardens certified as an official Pennsylvania Pollinator-Friendly Garden. The stunning garden is well-known for attracting huge numbers of bees, butterflies, insects, and birds, helping our ecosystem to thrive. Residents are also able to partner their gardening skills with their desire to volunteer and give back to the Lancaster community. With the areas rich, fertile soil, and the extra special care and attention the plants receive, Residents often have an abundance of vegetables and donate them regularly. Throughout the growing season, the Solanco Neighborhood Ministries food bank receives a variety of beans, lettuce, kale, peas, carrots, eggplant, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, spinach, and much more from Willow Valley Communities Resident gardens. Additionally, every fall, a harvest of hundreds of pounds of sweet potatoes and butternut squash goes to the Lancaster County Food Hub, a community resource for free, nutritious food and gently used clothing. Some Residents maintain gardening plots every year just for this purpose.Annabelle Simpson and Susan Kelly Gardening time is couple time for Residents Mike and Susan Ziegler. Sue is an avid gardener, and Mike loves being outdoors supporting her gardening passion at Willow Valley Communities. They both love being together in nature, and Sue is amazed by how magical gardening can be. Its just a miracle when the seeds come up, she says. Resident Pat Mortensen challenges herself every year by growing something completely different. Once she enjoyed a robust harvest of King Tut Purple Peas, a very rare garden pea said to have been taken out of the tomb of King Tut! Resident and Master Gardener Angela Booker-White is originally from Virginia but has lived all over the country. Her interest in gardening grew as she read and learned more about it. In her plot at Spring Run, Angela grows all sorts of fruits, vegetables, and flowers and always tries something new. She has the most success with seeds she purchases from the dollar store! Angela has also learned how gardening can help during challenging times. She is grateful to her garden, as well as to her fellow Willow Valley Communities gardeners, for helping her during the difficult time of her husbands unexpected passing. Gardeners, and she doesnt know exactly who, would come and help by doing extra work around her plot. Residents just came in and helped, Angela says. Weeding, cutting, trimming, harvesting whatever work needed to be done. Thats the way Residents are here at Willow Valley Communities: very supportive. Resident Keith Yoder, who coordinates the Spring Run Garden, is not at all surprised by the variety of gardeners at Willow Valley Communities or by the reasons they enjoy the activity so much. He agrees that gardening is definitely a hobby that enhances well-being. Though hes known this himself for years, he refers to an article put out by CNBC that states how gardening can add years to your life. And life to your years, Keith adds. Gardening gets you into nature. Its good exercise for your body and your mind plus, you get to eat what you grow!
Pampering for Self-care & Wellness
The Willow Valley Communities Day Spa is a destination for wellness and renewal. Its a critical component of the comprehensive Mind, Body, Spirit approach to wellness of Willow Valley Communities. The Day Spa offers many ways to soothe, calm, invigorate, or rejuvenate. A full range of professional services, all performed by our attentive and inviting staff, allows Residents to create their own regimen for personal well-being and beauty. These services include manicures and pedicures, skin care, facials, revitalizing peels, waxing, tanning, microdermabrasion, and body treatments with a wide range of different massage modalities, wraps, and scrubs. The Relaxation Room, with its beautiful waterfall and Himalayan Salt Wall, is a main feature of The Day Spa. It provides a peaceful and well-appointed environment in which to relax and offers a perfect and welcome respite between services. Himalayan salt rich in negative ions and essential nutrients and minerals offers numerous health benefits for our bodies, such as stress reduction, energy increases, and mood boosts at a biochemical level. Day Spa Manager Diamando Wallace says, Self-care is essential. Although manicures and pedicures are a well-deserved treat, they offer so much more to Residents sense of well-being. You can see the boost in a clients self-confidence as they walk out feeling refreshed. Massages are one of the most popular services requested by Residents, and The Day Spa offers a wide menu of options, including hot stone and aromatherapy. Emily Ransing, Willow Valley Communities Day Spa Massage Therapist, says, Massage is meant to enhance your well-being physically and mentally. I frequently remind my clients that this is their time to focus on themselves to feel healthier. I do all I can to send each client home feeling better than when they arrived. A Willow Valley Communities Resident was asked about her massage as she was leaving The Day Spa one afternoon. She said, After a massage with Emily, your body is so relaxed that you can focus on the things that you often overlook the air is sweeter, the birds are more melodious, the day is brighter. You are better equipped to face the next days, whatever they may bring. As she walked out of the Cultural Center to her car, she added with a smile, Its also a way to take the tension out of your body although theres not much tension at Willow Valley Communities!
Downsizing or Selling Your Home in Retirement: Tax Implications to Kno
Downsizing or Selling Your Home in Retirement: Tax Implications to KnowSelling the family home is one of the biggest financial decisions many people make in retirement whether you're downsizing something smaller, moving closer to family, or relocating somewhere warmer. Before you list the house, it's worth understanding how the sale could affect your taxes.The Good News: Most Home Sellers Owe Little or No TaxUnder federal tax law, homeowners can exclude a significant amount of profit from capital gains tax when they sell a primary residence: Up to $250,000 in gain excluded for single filers Up to $500,000 in gain excluded for married couples filing jointly These limits have stayed the same since 1997 they aren't adjusted for inflation but for most sellers, especially those who haven't owned an especially high-value home for decades, they're enough to eliminate the tax bill entirely.Do You Qualify for the Full Exclusion?To claim the exclusion, you generally need to pass two tests: Ownership test: You owned the home for at least 2 years during the 5-year period before the sale. Use test: You lived in the home as your primary residence for at least 2 years during that same 5-year period. For married couples claiming the full $500,000 exclusion, both spouses need to meet the use test, though only one spouse needs to meet the ownership test. If only one spouse meets the use test, the exclusion drops to $250,000.If you don't fully meet the two-year requirements but had to sell due to a job change, health issue, divorce, or similar unforeseen circumstance, you may still qualify for a partial exclusion.How Your Gain Is Actually CalculatedThis is where record-keeping pays off. Your taxable gain isn't your sale price it's your sale price minus your cost basis, which includes: What you originally paid for the home The cost of qualifying capital improvements over the years (a new roof, an addition, major renovations not routine repairs or maintenance) Selling costs, such as agent commissions Every dollar documented improvement raises your basis and lowers your taxable gain. If you've owned your home for decades, digging up old receipts and records for major projects can make a meaningful difference sometimes the difference between owing tax and owing nothing at all.What Happens If Your Gain Exceeds the ExclusionIf your profit is larger than your exclusion amount, the excess is taxed as a long-term capital gain (assuming you owned the home more than a year), generally at 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on your overall taxable income. For higher-income sellers, an additional 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax may also apply above certain income thresholds. This is more common than it used to be for retirees who've owned a home for many years in an area where property values have risen substantially.A Few Other Situations Worth Knowing Home office deductions: If you claimed depreciation on a home office in past years, that portion is generally "recaptured" and taxed differently when you sell, separate from the main exclusion. Selling a second home or rental property: The primary residence exclusion generally doesn't apply to vacation homes or rental properties. Different rules, including possible depreciation recapture, come into play. Inherited homes: If you're selling a home you inherited, the property typically receives a stepped-up basis to its fair market value at the time of the original owner's death which can significantly reduce or eliminate taxable gain compared to using the original purchase price. Using the exclusion more than once: The exclusion isn't a one-time benefit. You can generally use it again for a future home sale, as long as you meet the ownership and use tests again and haven't claimed it on another sale within the prior two years. Why Planning Ahead MattersThe tax side of selling a home is often simpler than people expect, especially with the exclusion in play but assumptions can be costly in either direction. Some retirees overestimate their tax exposure and hesitate to sell when they'd actually owe little or nothing. Others underestimate it, especially with a long-held, appreciated home, and are surprised by a gain above the exclusion. Reviewing your specific numbers before you list the home, rather than after the sale closes, gives you room to plan.Thinking about downsizing or selling a home in retirement? Contact Zunic Advisory Services to walk through what the sale could mean for your taxes.
Local Services By This Author
Complete Care Strategies
Care Management 630 Freedom Business Center Drive, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, 19406Since 2000, Complete Care Strategies (formerly Elder Connections) has been providing its unique blend of in-home care, geriatric care management, special needs care management, and patient advocacy to families throughout Greater Philadelphia, including Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Montgomery, and York Counties, the Main Line, South Jersey and Northern Delaware. We have the knowledge and hands-on experience to show you a practical, affordable and compassionate solution to the quality-of-life issues you may be facing with an elderly, disabled or chronically ill family member or client.
Complete Care Strategies
Non-Medical 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15219In-Home Care Services for Seniors in Pittsburgh | Complete Care StrategiesTheres something deeply important about being able to stay at homeyour own space, your routines, your sense of independence. But as care needs begin to change, families often find themselves asking the same question: How do we make this work safely? Thats where Complete Care Strategies steps in. Offering in-home senior care services designed to support aging in place, their team provides thoughtful, personalized care that helps older adults remain in the comfort of home while still receiving the support they need. Whether its a few hours of assistance each day or more comprehensive care, their approach is built around the individualnot a one-size-fits-all plan. And honestly, thats what makes the difference.A More Personalized Approach to Home CareHome care isnt just about helping with tasksits about understanding the person behind those needs. Complete Care Strategies begins by developing a customized home care plan that reflects each individuals health, preferences, and daily routines. Their team of care managers and nurses works closely with families to design a plan that feels realistic and supportive, not overwhelming. From there, carefully selected caregivers step in to provide consistent, compassionate supporthelping seniors maintain both independence and quality of life. Its not rushed. Its not generic. Its built to evolve as needs change.Everyday Support That Makes Life EasierSometimes its the small, everyday things that become the hardest to manage. Complete Care Strategies provides non-medical home care services that help with the day-to-day activities many seniors need support with. That might look like assistance with dressing in the morning, preparing meals, or simply having someone there for companionship throughout the day. Caregivers can help with personal care like bathing, grooming, and mobility support, as well as meal preparation, grocery shopping, and light housekeeping. They also assist with laundry, transportation to appointments or errands, medication reminders, and general oversight. These arent just taskstheyre the pieces of daily life that allow someone to feel comfortable and maintain dignity in their own home.Flexible Care That Fits Real LifeOne of the things families appreciate most is flexibility. Care needs dont follow a strict schedule, and Complete Care Strategies understands that. Their caregivers can provide support anywhere from a few hours a day to full-time or even live-in care, depending on whats needed. Whether its short-term recovery support, ongoing assistance, or respite care for family caregivers, their services adjust to fit the situation. Because sometimes what you need today looks very different from what youll need a few months from nowand thats okay.Support for More Complex ConditionsAs health needs evolve, care often becomes more specialized. Complete Care Strategies provides support for individuals living with conditions such as dementia, Parkinsons disease, diabetes, and other chronic health concerns. Caregivers are guided not just by task lists, but by an understanding of how these conditions affect daily life. They also help follow through with therapy plans and care recommendations, creating more consistency between clinical care and what happens at home. This kind of continuity can help reduce stressfor both the individual receiving care and the family supporting them.Thoughtful Caregiver Selection and OversightInviting someone into your home to care for a loved one is a big decision. Its personal. Complete Care Strategies takes that seriously. Caregivers go through a detailed screening process, including background checks, reference verification, and ongoing training. Beyond that, there is ongoing nursing supervision to ensure care remains appropriate and aligned with the clients needs. So its not just about placing a caregiverits about making sure that care continues to feel right over time.Helping Prevent Hospital ReadmissionsTransitions from hospital to home can be one of the most vulnerable times for seniors. Complete Care Strategies offers support during this period, helping families navigate what can feel like a sudden shift from structured care back to independence. Their approach includes guidance, monitoring, and follow-up during the critical weeks after discharge. This added layer of support can help reduce the risk of complications and provide reassurance during what is often an uncertain time.More Than CareA Team That Helps You Navigate It AllWhat really sets Complete Care Strategies apart is that their home care services dont exist in isolation. They bring together caregivers, nurses, and care managers to create a more connected experience. Families arent left trying to figure everything out on their ownthey have guidance, resources, and support along the way. Their team helps coordinate care between providers, adjust care plans as needs change, offer insight into next steps or additional resources, and provide ongoing communication and support. Its a more complete approach to senior home care in Pittsburgh, and one that tends to ease a lot of the uncertainty families feel.Supporting Independence at HomeComplete Care Strategies provides in-home care services for seniors and adults with disabilities, helping individuals remain safely at home while receiving the support they need to live well. For many families, that balancebetween independence and supportis exactly what theyve been searching for. Because staying at home isnt just about location. Its about comfort, familiarity, and maintaining a sense of control over daily life.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is non-medical home care?Non-medical home care focuses on assisting with daily activities like personal care, meals, and companionship rather than clinical or medical treatments.How do I know how much care is needed?Complete Care Strategies works with families to assess needs and create a personalized care plan that can adjust over time.Can care be short-term or temporary?Yes, services can range from a few hours of support to temporary or long-term care, depending on the situation.Are caregivers supervised?Yes, caregivers are supported and overseen by nurses and care managers to ensure quality and consistency in care.
Complete Care Strategies
Care Management 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15219Families in Pittsburgh who are navigating complex healthcare decisions for aging parents often turn to professional care managers for experienced guidance. Geriatric care management services help coordinate medical care, advocate for seniors, and assist families in making informed decisions about aging in place, long-term care planning, and navigating the healthcare system. Complete Care Strategies provides comprehensive care management and patient advocacy services designed to help older adults and their families throughout Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania confidently manage the challenges that often accompany aging.Complete Care Strategies is a professional care management and patient advocacy organization that works with seniors, caregivers, and families across the Pittsburgh region. Their experienced team helps coordinate healthcare services, guide families through difficult decisions, and ensure older adults receive the support they need to maintain the highest possible quality of life. For many families searching for help for aging parents in Pittsburgh, working with a professional care manager provides clarity, organization, and peace of mind during times that can otherwise feel overwhelming.Care management services are especially valuable when seniors face complex medical conditions, hospitalizations, or transitions between care settings. Complete Care Strategies works closely with families, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate care and ensure that every aspect of a seniors well-being is considered. By helping families understand available options and resources, care managers can simplify complicated healthcare decisions and reduce stress for caregivers.Families throughout Pittsburgh frequently search for solutions when they notice changes in a loved ones ability to safely manage daily life. Concerns about medication management, memory loss, mobility issues, or repeated hospital visits often signal that additional guidance may be helpful. Professional care managers help evaluate these situations, recommend appropriate services, and create a structured plan to support the seniors safety and independence.One of the primary services offered by Complete Care Strategies is Aging Life Care management. This specialized field focuses on helping older adults and their families navigate the physical, emotional, and logistical challenges that often accompany aging. Through a comprehensive assessment process, care managers evaluate medical needs, cognitive health, home safety, daily living challenges, and available family support systems. Based on this assessment, a personalized care plan is developed to address both immediate concerns and long-term goals.In addition to geriatric care management, Complete Care Strategies provides patient advocacy services that help families navigate the healthcare system. Medical care can quickly become complicated when multiple physicians, treatment plans, and care providers are involved. Patient advocates help coordinate communication between healthcare providers, assist families in understanding treatment options, and ensure that the seniors needs and preferences remain central to every decision. This level of professional guidance can be invaluable when families are managing complex diagnoses, chronic conditions, or recovery following hospitalization.For families who live outside of the Pittsburgh area but are caring for aging parents locally, having a professional care manager provides reassurance that someone is actively overseeing their loved ones care. Long-distance caregiving can present unique challenges, especially when adult children cannot be present for medical appointments or care coordination. A care manager acts as a trusted local partner who monitors well-being, communicates with healthcare providers, and keeps families informed about important changes or concerns.Complete Care Strategies also helps families navigate transitions in care. Moving from hospital to home, transitioning to a rehabilitation facility, or evaluating senior living communities can all be difficult decisions. Care managers help guide families through these transitions by evaluating options, coordinating services, and helping seniors adjust to new environments when changes in care are necessary.For seniors who wish to remain at home, care managers often help coordinate aging-in-place support services. This may include connecting families with trusted home care providers, arranging transportation services, identifying caregiver support resources, or recommending home safety improvements. Many families researching senior care resources in Pittsburgh discover that care management provides the structure needed to successfully manage care while preserving independence.Care management services can also be beneficial for seniors who are aging independently without nearby family support. Known as solo aging, this growing group of older adults may not have immediate family members available to help navigate healthcare decisions or future planning. Care managers assist these individuals by providing professional oversight, helping coordinate services, and ensuring that trusted advocates are available when healthcare decisions arise.Another important component of the Complete Care Strategies approach is proactive planning. Rather than waiting for a crisis to occur, care managers help families identify potential risks early. Concerns such as fall hazards in the home, medication mismanagement, or subtle cognitive changes can often be addressed before they lead to serious complications. Early intervention allows seniors to remain independent longer while reducing the likelihood of hospitalizations or emergency situations.Families exploring care management services often also research additional senior care resources such as home care providers, elder law attorneys, senior housing communities, and caregiver support programs. Care managers help families navigate these options while connecting them to trusted professionals who specialize in supporting older adults.Throughout Pittsburgh and the surrounding region, Complete Care Strategies works with seniors and families who are seeking guidance, advocacy, and coordination across all aspects of care. Their multidisciplinary team brings clinical expertise, compassion, and deep knowledge of local senior care resources to every family they serve.Service Area: Complete Care Strategies supports seniors and families throughout Pittsburgh and surrounding communities including Allegheny County, Cranberry Township, Wexford, Sewickley, Fox Chapel, Mt. Lebanon, and the greater Western Pennsylvania region.Families often begin researching professional care management when they feel uncertain about the next steps in supporting an aging loved one. Signs that additional guidance may be helpful can include difficulty managing medications, memory concerns, increased fall risk, repeated hospitalizations, or caregiver burnout. Professional care managers help families evaluate these challenges, identify appropriate solutions, and coordinate the services needed to maintain safety and quality of life.For seniors and caregivers searching for geriatric care managers in Pittsburgh, patient advocacy for seniors, or help navigating senior care decisions in Western Pennsylvania, Complete Care Strategies provides experienced guidance and compassionate support. By helping families organize care, coordinate services, and advocate for the well-being of their loved ones, they offer a trusted resource for navigating the complexities of aging with confidence and peace of mind.