Alderman Oaks

Contributed by Rusty Blix, Founder of Alderman OaksAging in Place or Transitioning to a Retirement Community Can Often be Complex, Confusing, and Intimidating!   We encourage you to schedule a visit to Alderman Oaks, as we would look forward to assisting you and your family in the decision making process.Is the community privately owned or part of a larger public corporation?Is the community a buy-in or annual rental?What is the level of stability with regards to leadership and staff turnover in the community?How would you describe the relative size of the community and level of intimacy?What is the ratio of employees to residents?What is the history or pattern of rate increases, once residents have moved in?Does the community consist entirely of Standard Assisting Living Licenses or are some apartments unlicensed to accommodate true independent residents?Does the community provide for transition from independent living to assistant living and what are the cost implications?What programs are in place in terms of professional service providers conducting on-site visits rather than the residents having to travel outside the facility?Does the community offer 24/7 transportation?What is the level of programming with regards to activities, socialization, and educational events?To what degree is the community involved with community outreach programs?What sort of programs or processes are in place to assure resident rights?What is the general financial position of the community as well as forecasts for the future?How accessible and convenient is the community to downtown arts, events, dining, medical services, shopping, and theatres?How does the community rate based on individual REVIEWS FROM THE WEB that can be seen on the internet?What services are in place to assist with the emotional and mental aspects of transition from ones current living circumstances to a senior retirement community?Are there services available to help plan and assist with the move to the new community?

For information on the author Alderman Oaks Retirement Center, Inc., CLICK HERE.Our thanks to Kevin Pillion and Shannon Feinroth of the Life Planning Law Firm for providing a checklist outlining the key legal documents related to effective life planning.1.HEALTH CARE POWER OF ATTORNEY (DESIGNATED HEALTH CARE SURROGATE)Who do YOU want to make your health care decisions if you were unable to do so?Legal document appointing another person as your Health Care Agent to make your medical decisions when you are unable to do so.2.LIVING WILL (ADVANCE HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE)What are YOUR wishes if you were terminally ill or on life support?Legal document that makes known your health care wishes regarding life-sustaining care such as food, hydration or ventilators.3.FINANCIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY (DURABLE GENERAL POWER OF ATTORNEY)Who do YOU want to pay your bills if you were unable to?Legal document appointing another person as your Agent to handle your business and financial affairs while you are still alive but unable to do so because you are incapacitated or are unavailable.4.LAST WILL & TESTAMENTWho do YOU want to inherit your assets?Legal document specifying who receives your assets and who will serve as your personal representative for administering your estate AFTER your death.5.LIVING TRUSTA Living Trust is a popular and flexible Estate Planning toolLegal arrangement in which you give financial control of property to a Trustee for the benefit of your beneficiaries.Benefits of a Living Trust include:Avoids Court proceedings, such as Probate, contested Wills, and GuardianshipsProvides for the care of an individual with Special NeedsProvides for the care of a minorInsures that your assets will be properly managed and maintained while you are alive in the event of your incapacity, as well as after your deathProvides for the care of loved ones who have mental or physical impairments, who struggle with addictions, or lack of financial responsibilityManages complex family situations, such as blended families and unmarried couplesMotivates heirs to make smart life decisions and reward them for doing soReduces Estate Taxes for married couplesProvides for the care of family pets after your deathCreates flexible Estate Plans to carry out YOUR personal wishes

For more information on the author Alderman Oaks Retirement Center Inc., CLICK HERE.Our thanks to Dr. Steven Reichbach and Lolita Reichbach of the Gulf Coast Ketamine Center for providing an update on Medical Marijuana.INTERESTING BACKGROUND AND INFORMATION ABOUT MEDICAL MARIJUANAA BRIEF HISTORY OF CANNABIS Has been used for over 4000 years Used by many cultures and religions for medicinal purposes In the US in 1940s called Reefer Madness and classified as Schedule 1 Schedule 1 meant no medicinal value and highly addictive Difficult to conduct studies and research First medicinal use 1976 for treatment of Glaucoma January 2016, Amendment 2 passed in Florida allowing for treatment of illnessesISSUES/OBSTACLES TO CANNABIS USE Federally, Cannabis is still considered Schedule 1 despite many attempts to change it to Schedule 2 Cannot travel outside of issuing State with it No reciprocity between States that allow for cannabis use Employment regulations still an issue regarding job site testing Pain practices who refuse to continue to treat patients using cannabis Not covered by any insurance Due to history, still taboo in public opinion Can be cost prohibitive to clients on fixed incomes Lack of information about benefits among the medical communityBENEFITS OF USING MEDICAL CANNABIS Can be very effective in treating a wide variety of conditions Natural alternative to many pharmaceutical medications Works with body's own endocannabinoid system Less overall side effects Many different routes of administration Can be used daytime and nighttime in different forms to treat conditions and maintain alertness Allows for possibility of decreasing use of more harmful or addictive medications Has shown high success in treating insomnia and chronic pain Average age of patients is about 60 years oldWHO QUALIFIES FOR MEDICAL CANNABIS?Conditions: Cancer, Crohn's Disease, Glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, MS, Epilepsy, PTSD, ALS, Parkinson's Disease, Chronic nonmalignant Pain arising from one of above conditions, Any terminal condition with greater than 1 year survival, Any condition of similar type or class of conditions aboveAdditional Conditions: When deemed by the Qualifying physician and documented by relevant supporting studies, many of the following conditions also can be treated: Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Arthritic Pain, Chronic Post Surgical Pain, IBS, OCD, Back Pain, Migraines, Fibromyalgia, Autism, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, Auto Immune Diseases, Neuropathy, Alzheimer's and many othersCARD APPLICATION Must be State resident or reside in State for more than 31 consecutive days Proof of Residency includes Drivers License, or Utility Bill (water, gas , electric within last 60 days) Passport sized photo if not state resident Fee ($75 plus $2.75 fee) payable to the State by credit card Must have qualifying physician do initial evaluation with verifiable medical records stating conditionWHAT COMES NEXT? Once a patient has been deemed qualified to obtain a Medical cannabis card, a recommendation is placed by the qualifying physician into the State database Once the application has been approved by the State, patients are directed to a dispensary to purchase their cannabis products There are 13 different dispensary companies throughout the State operating 34 dispensaries

By Rusty Blix, FounderAlderman Oaks Retirement Center, CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!When the Covid-19 Virus first hit, housing sales stagnated. It appeared that there was a real chance that the housing market would freeze as it did in the great recession of 2008-2010. Now, at least for a short time, the housing market nationally (and in Sarasota) has opened up and become a sellers market (a shortage of homes on the market while the demand is high).Having been a home builder and developer for 30 years before founding and then operating Alderman Oaks Retirement Center (23 years ago), I have watched housing markets closely for more than 50 years. The housing market is known for being very cyclical, energetic highs and then very depressed lows. During the great recession, the market was very depressed for longer than I have ever seen. When the Covid-19 hit earlier this year, the market slowed very quickly, but surprisingly has surged back to life. Right now, the market is very strong, but there is a great deal of uncertainty in the larger economy due to both the Covid-19 Virus and the November third elections.If I were looking to sell a house soon, I would do it right now while the market is hot! Since housing is very cyclical and there has been a very long positive time frame for markets, I believe it is prudent to think that we may be near the top of the market and for sure, not near the bottom. Right now abnormally low interest rates seem to be, at least temporarily, supporting housing prices, but these rates are unsustainable in the long run.Remember timing is everything and trying to catch the top of markets very often ends in disaster. Often people are forced to sell when it is only possible to sell with major discounting. A friend of mine, very experienced in real estate, just listed a second home in another market area and it sold in one day. This friend was very happy and knows not to be greedy.During the great recession, I saw first-hand how devastating a situation can be when a senior who really should'nt be in a house by themselves has no choice because they require the funds from the sale of their home to support their next stage of life. I very regularly observed the situation when seniors had to sell their home, but no longer could get what they needed from the sale of their home. Often, the equity that they thought they had, totally disappeared because of the falling prices in the real estate market.This blog combines thoughts about the economy, the housing market, and the specialized senior housing market for a very important reason. Essentially all economic advisors tell their older clients to take as little risk as they can. It is almost reckless to gamble with what is often a seniors largest asset at a time close to when they might need to rely on that asset. The days of thinking that house values only go up should have been forever dispelled with the great recession.

For more information on Alderman Oaks Retirement Center, CLICK HERE!By Rusty Blix, FounderAlderman Oaks Retirement CenterToday, as I am writing, the stock market is down over 3%, about 900 points In my last blog I wrote about the accepted model that financial advisors always preach, less and less risk as investors get older. I understand that there are those fortunate people who have plenty of money so that risks to a large extent will have minimum affect on their quality of life. Most of us are not that blessed.Most financial advisors are more focused on stock and bond portfolios, and not on the biggest financial asset for most people, their home equity! Most of us remember how home prices fell dramatically in the 2008-? Recession. Some are acutely aware that supposedly safe equity vanished in some cases.Last week I had the privilege to be in a Sertoma (a national service organization) meeting by zoom. Our speaker talked about the current status of the housing market in Sarasota. Everything was looking rosy. prices were up, inventories were down, the time it takes on the average to sell was way down. Just what sellers wish for.This speaker did however speak of a V movement in housing, starting when the Covid Virus first hit. The market almost stopped for a short time. When the initial fear of the Virus dissipated, the up part of the V took place. This all happened in so short of a space that only professionals were aware of it.My technology skills failed me when I was not able to register a question. The question was going to be what went through your minds during the down part of the V? Having been involved in real estate most of my life, I think I knew what the speaker would have thought during that scary time. How far and how long is this going to keep going down?. Most old-time real estate people remember, as most seniors do, how in 2008, housing dropped dramatically for a relatively long time period.All this is to ask, as I wrote about in my last blog, can you really afford to gamble with funds either in the stock market or with your house when the time that you will really need your money is fast approaching? Please don't take the position I am going to ride the good times as long as I can. Successful investors all talk about the truth that it is more important to know when to get out than when to get in. Most investors tend to be a little greedy and as a result, in the end, are not successful. Investments while they are good, tend to go up over a long period of time. But when markets go down, even some of the best investments drop like a rock!That speaker on real estate would have answered my question by saying, I was scared to death, the memory of the 2008 recession is still very fresh in my minds.The stock market today seems to be worried about a much longer Virus experience than originally hoped for and a potentially long, major recession that could result from more shutdowns. One never knows for sure what is going to happen in the future, but home prices falling is certainly part of that recession thought process. Please don't fall into the trap that many do fall into. If you are thinking that you might be looking into senior housing soon, take heed that you are not one of those who hang onto risk in investing too long.

For more information on the author, Alderman Oaks, CLICK HERE!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.

For more information on Alderman Oaks, Click Here.We hear through media that an effective vaccination needs to be available before everyone will be safe and the virus emergency is behind us. It would be great if an effective vaccine were developed, but experts say that there is no guarantee that one will ever be available. Viruses like the common flu virus tend to keep mutating genetically, so that a modified flu vaccine (with a certain amount of guess work) is provided each year. Typically flu vaccines are only effective for 50 to 60% percent of the viruses which seem to come each winter season. A vaccine has never been developed for the HIV virus! There are many questions which remain to be answered!All of us, including senior citizens, need to get back to life somewhat like we have been used to living. As an owner of Alderman Oaks Retirement Center I interact with many senior citizens and can say without hesitation that they are more frustrated than most of us as they have been locked down very much tighter for almost three months as this is being written. No visitors! No outings! No gathering together! No communal dining! No group activities! No family visitations!How can we move forward now without a vaccination? It is my opinion that the most likely solution will be that described by some as the herd solution. In effect this means that most individuals in a society as a whole must obtain immunity for the virus through being positive at some time or having enough contact with the virus to develop immunity without experiencing the symptoms of Coronavirus. There is also a reasonable possibility that the coronavirus will gradually become less potent as a result of the constant process of mutation.The lowering of the curve that we have heard so much about really only extends the process of the herd solution in a way that our medical community can keep up with providing the appropriate care as the virus continues to spread. The demographic which would experience the most danger with this process is, according to statistics, the older demographic.As this herd immunity progresses through the community the likelihood of new cases and carriers will eventually decline dramatically. Only at that point will the danger to seniors be significantly diminished. Until that time, it is important that seniors and their families be very diligent in protecting themselves. While the broader society seems to be ignoring many of the suggested precautions, seniors need to stay very vigilant.My thought process brings two other questions to mind. How will we know when it is safe for seniors and how will we keep them safe (relatively) until that time?As for us knowing when it will be safe for seniors to resume their normal activities, I think the testing for active COVID-19 will need to show that the percentage of people in the general population that are actually positive and potential disease spreaders is near zero. This doesn't mean that everybody would have had the virus, but it does probably mean that a significant number of our population has. At this point, the odds of a senior who has not ever been exposed to the COVID-19 being exposed would be close to zero as well. There is also potential that a dependable anti-body test will be developed, but up to now all the candidates for anti-body testing have proven unreliable. Also, this herd approach relies on the unproven theory that people cannot be re-infected after having the virus the first time.There are other possible ways to reach the place where seniors could feel comfortable out in the general community (again other than for the herd solution). Medications like hydroxychloroquine might prove to prevent infection. Prophylactics (meds to treat a disease) might be perfected so that the danger of dying or long-lasting negative effects may become minimal. Any of these developments or a very effective, proven vaccine could make the herd solution totally unnecessary.I believe that seniors will always need to remain vigil, using the best proven procedures like washing hands, distancing from anyone with virus-related symptoms, and having a mask available in case any situation makes them uncomfortable. New outbreaks could also occur requiring a certain amount of isolation again, but our senior demographic cannot wait much longer for developments in medical science.In closing, we recently received exciting news that state-mandated COVID-19 testing for Staff and Residents (optional) of Alderman Oaks by the Florida Department of Health on May 31, 2020 revealed no positive COVID-19 cases.Bio of Darwin Rusty BlixRusty is the founder of Alderman Oaks Retirement Center, Inc., an Independent/Assisted Living Facility in Sarasota, Fl. Alderman Oaks opened in 1997 and Rusty still is very active daily.Prior to designing and developing Alderman Oaks twenty-three years ago, Rusty was a general contractor for 30 years, licensed to build any structure in the State of Florida. Before that Rusty worked in an economic evaluation department for Dow Chemical Co. He earned a bachelors degree and masters degree in Chemical Engineering at Cornell University. He has been married 49 years and has two children, one who is a Doctor of Nursing Practice, working in an infectious disease group.By Rusty Blix, FounderAlderman Oaks Retirement Residence