Have you created an estate plan for yourself? Estate planning doesnt have to be overwhelming, nerve-wracking or boring. Its simply a method to outline your intentions for your assets and possessions if you are not able to take care of yourself or pass away.  Why do you need an estate plan? It gives you control now over events in the future. It can involve everything from who receives your financial assets and who your possessions are given to. Distributing possessions is often one of the hardest and most emotional parts of a loved ones passing. Having a complete inventory and clear direction makes things go much smoother for the remaining family members.  Another word that you need to know as you step into estate planning is probate. This is the legal process that administers and divides your estate according to your plan or local laws. Probate is the step in the process when any outstanding debts are paid, and other disputes are settled. This is the time when paperwork with the courts or localities is done, and assets are distributed if necessary.  How does WayForth fit in? Having a home inventory is helpful when all involved parties need to understand the value of the estate or decide what to keep and what to pass on or donate. WayForth will create a complete, detailed inventory for large and small estates and can also help with downsizing, coordinating donations, and clear-out and prep for sale services to help with your estate.   For help with your next move, contact WayForth's moving professionals today. Call us at 817-697-4478 or go to our website to learn more! 

Selling your items is a big commitment, but you can get cash for your things. There are a lot of options out there, but this article will focus on three separate ways to get your possessions sold: Online sales Auction salesEstate sales Online SalesFrom Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist to Next Door and Ebay, there are a variety of ways you can sell everything from furniture to clothing. You have to do the work which includes posting your items with photos and a description, setting a price and dealing with questions from interested buyers. This takes some time and you should be cautious about who you are meeting if you agree to sell something to a stranger.  Auction SalesAuctions sales are an easy way for someone else to do the work for you. You can choose to have an auctioneer come to your home and hold a sale on your property if you have enough possessions. The advantage to using an auction house is that they have experience with what is popular and sells well. Plus, people follow certain auction houses which can bring an automatic audience for the sale.  Estate SalesEstate sales are a way to clear almost everything out of a home. Typically, estate sales are used when someone needs to move out quickly or after a death of the homeowner. Estate sale professionals can charge you several different ways such as one price for the entire sale or a portion of the proceeds. Make sure you understand all the terms upfront and look for someone who is bonded and insured since people will be on your property.  WayForth can help you or a family member with our comprehensive moving solutions including downsizing, space planning, packing and moving, and unpacking, and settling in your set-up in a new home, contact our moving professionals today at 817-697-4478 or go to our website to learn more! 

7 Early Signs That Assisted Living May Be Your Best ChoiceSeniors Are Living LongerIn the 1920s, the lifespan of the average American was just 58 years. But times were different. World War I had just ended in 1918. And by 1920, the world survived the Spanish flu pandemic, which killed 50 million people. The medical technology of that era seems barbaric by todays standards. And the leading causes of death were heart disease, pneumonia, and tuberculosis.By the 1950s, the average American lived to age 69.And todays average US lifespan is now 79 years. But that is just the average. Today there are more than 22 million Americans aged 75 or older. And there are almost 3 million aged 90 or older.Yes, we are living longer.However, our quality of living is not determined by our chronological age but by our physical, cognitive, and mental health. These factors determine our independence and the choices of where we live as we age.More than 90% of Americans want to age in place in the comfort of their home. That may be the best option for some. But for others, there might be safety issues like fall risks or worsening conditions like dementia or Alzheimers.If you are the caregiver for a senior loved one, how do you know when it is time to consider assisted living communities as the best option?Below are the most common 7 signs that assisted living may be your best choice.7 Early Signs Showing the Need for Assisted Living1. Declining HealthEven with state-of-the-art modern medicine, some health conditions will keep getting worse. Your senior loved one may have a chronic deteriorating health condition or the early stages of certain cognitive conditions. These are signs that they will eventually need more care than you can provide at home.According to the National Council on Aging, almost 80% of seniors over 65 suffer from two or more chronic and deteriorating conditions.And the leading causes of death among older adults in the U.S. are chronic diseases, like heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases, stroke, Alzheimers disease, and diabetes.These diseases limit a persons ability to perform daily activities and cause them to lose their independence. Often, the care needed for these seniors is better provided in an assisted living setting. Even if you are willing to try and give this type of care at home, it may be time to let the trained staff at an assisted living community provide the best care for your loved one.2. Safety ConcernsYour loved ones may have increasing difficulty moving around their home due to declining physical health. Climbing stairs may become impossible. Taking a shower unaided might be too dangerous. According to The National Council On Aging, every 11 seconds, a senior receives emergency room treatment for a fall. The CDC states that 1 in 5 falls lead to serious injuries and bone fractures, with over 300,000 seniors being hospitalized for hip fractures every year. And, falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries in the US.Decreasing cognitive ability adds to the safety concern for your senior loved one. Alzheimers and other types of dementia can cause confusion, loss of memory, and increasing difficulty functioning without supervision. It is one thing to forget where the TV remote is. It is another to forget to turn off the stove or running bathwater. Increasing safety concerns are a significant sign to consider the assisted living alternative.3. IsolationMany seniors live alone and become isolated as they age. Their family may live far away. Physical factors like hearing impairment, the inability to drive, no close-by neighbors, and no social network can result in the senior becoming detached and isolated.Social isolation is a significant risk factor for early mortality and a worsening factor for chronic diseases, cognitive decline, and dementia.Even though you may want to be there for your aging senior, many times, jobs, geography, and other obligations make it impossible for you and your family members to visit often and consistently.According to AARP, signs of isolation include withdrawal, poor nutrition, worsening living conditions, and poor hygiene. Assisted living communities offer robust programs to keep your senior loved one engaged in a community setting and enjoying the best possible lifestyle.4. Increasing Difficulty Managing Daily TasksIs it becoming harder and harder for your senior loved one to perform routine daily tasks?Do they cook healthy meals with fresh foods, or is their diet becoming more and more microwave TV dinners? Do they keep up with daily showering or bathing, brushing their teeth, and shampooing their hair? Are they in a good mood, neat, and well-groomed? Or do they struggle and look more and more disheveled?Healthcare professionals call these basic day-to-day self-care tasks Activities of Daily Living. Your senior loved ones ability or inability to perform these tasks is a measurement used by healthcare professionals for assessing the ability to remain independent.ADLsBasic ADLs are self-care activities routinely performed, such as:Having the basic mobility to get from one place to the other throughout the day, which includes walking and getting in and out of a chair or bedMaintaining personal hygiene, grooming, and oral careShowering and bathingToiletingDressing, which includes selecting and putting on appropriate clothingSelf-feedingPerforming these ADLs usually takes longer and is a little more difficult as people age. Some health issues like a fall or stroke can make these daily tasks even harder to perform.Research shows that about two-thirds of Americans over 65 need assistance with day-to-day activities such as eating, bathing, cooking, and moving around. And almost half of seniors aged 85 or older have Alzheimers or another type of dementia. These cognitive conditions result in the senior eventually becoming wholly dependent on others for medical care and daily needs.While these tasks become more difficult for your senior loved one at home, trained assisted living staff can help with any of these needs.5. Self-NeglectWhen seniors cannot keep up with their ADLs, they often experience self-neglect. If you ever notice your loved one with greasy hair, dirty or long fingernails, or possibly needing deodorant, these are all signs for concern.Unfortunately, poor hygiene often results in seniors being unable to perform ADLs, but unwilling to ask for help.Other signs of self-neglect often include:Weight lossInadequate food in the houseUnopened mailClutter in the houseUnwashed dishesFailure to take needed medicationsPets seeming neglectedSelf-neglect is a serious health concern and is a bright red flag that your senior needs help with their ADLs. Assisted living communities are designed to ensure that self-neglect does not happen. They provide seniors with all the assistance needed to live a dignified and fulfilling life.6. Trouble With Bills and FinancesAfter decades of taking care of their own bills and finances, you might notice your senior loved one now has trouble with these activities. Forgetfulness and memory issues are often the early signals of cognitive difficulties.Besides health issues, these cognitive issues make seniors the target of financial fraud and abuse.Financial scams targeting the elderly are widespread and growing. According to the FBIs Elder Fraud Report, in 2021, there were 92,371 elder fraud victims, resulting in $1.7 billion in losses. This was a 74% increase from 2020.If you believe your senior loved one was scammed, contact the Department of Justices Elder Justice Initiative.7. House Upkeep IssuesWhen a senior has difficulty with their day-to-day activities, it is almost impossible for them to stay current with house upkeep and maintenance.Signs of upkeep issues include:Unkempt lawnsUnrepaired torn screensClutter throughout the houseUnswept floors and unvacuumed rugsMold and peeling paintBurned-out light bulbsAssisted living communities relieve seniors from the burden of home maintenance. Seniors can concentrate on living their best life in a safe, gorgeous, well-designed unit and leave all the maintenance hassles and worries to someone else.Your Next Best StepChoosing whether to age at home or move to an assisted living community is a big decision and can seem overwhelming.While most seniors want to age in place at home, sometimes an assisted living community is a better choice for health, well-being, and living the best life possible.Florida Senior Consulting helps seniors decide their next best steps.We have certified staff, licensed nurse advocates, and decades of experience in the field. We are a Florida-based company with expert knowledge of the Florida senior market. While senior options can seem confusing, this is all we do.Senior living should be on your terms, and the choice should always be yours.Let us help. Call us, and we will answer all your questions and help you decide what is best for you or your senior loved one.For peace of mind, call us at (941) 661-6196 or visit us at floridaseniorconsulting.com.

What is Independent Living and Is It Right For Me?December 7, 2022For many seniors, independent living sounds like a dream. A hassle-free, social community with engaging activities, housekeeping, home maintenance services, and meal preparation all in one place? What could be better? But if you are an active, physically independent older adult, this dream could be your reality.What is an independent living community?An independent living community refers to a variety of residential options that offer a convenient lifestyle for active, social adults while allowing for independence. These communities are usually intended for adults ages 55 and older. Often these adults are retired or have plans to retire in the near future.Independent living communities offer a range of amenities and services, such as housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation, and home maintenance. They also usually include fitness classes, travel opportunities, educational and cultural events, and plenty of other offerings. Independent living community residences can consist of apartments, townhomes, or single-family houses. Different levels of amenities, services, and benefits are available in independent living communities of varying price ranges. There are over 600 independent living communities in the state of Florida.If you are physically independent but want to live near other people of the same age with similar interests, an independent living community may be your best choice.Types of independent living communitiesThere are 2 main types of independent living communities: retirement communities and continuing care senior housing communities (CCSHCs).Retirement CommunitiesRetirement communities are intended for adults ages 55 and older who want to live independently while enjoying certain amenities. Retirement communities frequently have a swimming pool, golf course, clubhouse, tennis courts, bocce ball courts, and billiards, among other amenities. Retirement communities also usually offer a variety of opportunities for socializing, such as parties, cultural events, entertainment, and fitness classes. Some retirement communities offer options to lease or buy a residence. Usually, rent includes basic utilities and the use of all amenities. For those who choose to buy a residence, there are extra fees involved for maintenance and upkeep services.Continuing Care Senior Housing Communities (CCSHC)Also known as senior housing communities, CCSHCs offer higher levels of care along with independent living. Specifically, these communities usually also offer in-home care, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing care.A benefit of CCSHCs is that they offer on-demand medical care if needed. They also allow seniors to transition from lower to higher care levels as needed while remaining in the same familiar community.What are the benefits of independent living communities?There are countless advantages of moving into an independent living community. As people age, they do not want to worry about making meals, keeping up with home maintenance, and traveling far distances to see friends and family. Fortunately, independent living communities make these tasks easy. They remove the burden from seniors and allow them to live their best lives with minimal stress.Independent living communities eliminate the stress of homeownershipIt is no secret that plenty of work is involved in owning and maintaining a home. Keeping up with bills, cleaning, handling repairs, buying groceries, running errands, preparing meals, and mowing the lawn are all necessary tasks with homeownership.To some, these responsibilities may seem easy. However, as many people age, they often start to consider these duties stressful and inconvenient. Independent living communities take away the responsibilities of homeownership, allowing older adults to live a maintenance-free lifestyle while otherwise remaining independent.Independent living communities offer numerous amenities and activitiesMost independent living communities offer plenty of opportunities to stay busy, social, and fit. Communities will often have a fitness center, tennis court, golf course, swimming pool, and workout classes for residents. Many independent living communities have a dining hall with freshly-prepared meals, so cooking is not necessary. They also usually have laundry and cleaning services along with transportation.Independent living communities provide plenty of opportunities for socializationThere are many opportunities to socialize within independent living communities, including events, parties, shows, movies, games, and more. Activities such as these prevent isolation in older adults. Isolation can be highly detrimental to seniors mental, emotional, and physical health.Instead, these opportunities promote wellness, reduce stress, and contribute to overall happiness for older adults. Many independent living communities have assisted living on the premises for easier transitionsAs previously discussed, some communities - including CCSHCs - also offer higher levels of care along with independent living. This additional care can include assisted living, in-home care, memory care, and skilled nursing care.Because of this setup, seniors can transition from lower to higher levels of care as needed while remaining in the same community. They can still enjoy the same amenities, activities, and services as before, just with additional care. This arrangement eliminates the possibility of difficult transitions and allows residents to remain in their familiar surroundings with their established social connections.Independent living communities give peace of mind about safety and securityOne final benefit of independent living communities is the safety and security measures in place. Safety is one of the main priorities of independent living communities. Residences in independent living communities are designed with safety in mind. Most independent living residences are single-floor with fewer steps, wide doorways and hallways, and ample lighting. Many communities also offer intercom and emergency call systems for quick access to help if needed.In addition, most communities have a gated entry point or require visitors to sign in at the front desk to prevent trespassers. There are also usually 24/7 security cameras on the premises to discourage crime. Many communities even have their own security personnel who patrol the area and secure the entrances around the clock.These safety and security measures give seniors and their families peace of mind about their well-being and protection. What is the difference between independent living and assisted living?Independent living communities are best suited for older adults of ages 55 or older who are primarily independent and in relatively healthy condition. They are intended for people looking to socialize with others, stay active, attend events, and take advantage of the amenities offered.Some seniors like the idea of independent living but need a higher level of care. According to Forbes Health, a common way to determine the level of care someone needs is by measuring activities of daily living (ADLs). ADLs include everyday tasks such as moving around, dressing, eating, grooming, and using the bathroom. Adults who require more help with ADLs are less eligible for independent living communities. Instead, they would be better served in assisted living communities or skilled nursing facilities to receive higher levels of care. Assisted living communities usually offer almost the same amenities as independent living communities, such as housekeeping, meal preparation, maintenance services, transportation, events and activities. However, assisted living also provides seniors more support with health and ADLs with trained nursing staff.How much does independent living cost?The average cost of independent living communities in the U.S. is between $2,000-$5,000 per month. In Florida, the average cost of independent living is about $2,500. However, this price can vary greatly depending on location, services, and amenities. Often included in this fee is housekeeping, home maintenance, utilities, a calendar of events, wellness programs, transportation, and sometimes a dining plan.Most people pay for independent living using private funds. Still, other financial means can be used, including a bridge loan, senior line-of-credit, life settlements, Veteran benefits, or a deferred annuity with a long-term care rider.Next stepsIf you dream of the maintenance-free, independent living lifestyle but are not sure where to start, Florida Senior Consulting can help. There are over 600 independent living communities in Florida, and it can be overwhelming to explore all these options on your own.Our senior advisors are experts in the field and will help you find the best independent living options based on your budget, interests, and preferences. We provide these consulting and placement services at no cost to you.Call us at (941) 661-6196 or visit floridaseniorconsulting.com to get started on making your dream of independent living a reality.