The Allstate Blog » Empty Nester http://blog.allstate.com Expert tips and fun facts on protecting your car, home, motorcycle or RV from Allstate Auto Insurance Fri, 24 May 2013 16:36:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Writing Your Personal Bucket List http://blog.allstate.com/writing-your-personal-bucket-list/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=writing-your-personal-bucket-list http://blog.allstate.com/writing-your-personal-bucket-list/#comments Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:09:44 +0000 Bob http://community.allstate.com/community/allstate_blog/blog/2012/04/11/writing-your-personal-bucket-list Bucket

Whether it’s a weeklong family vacation or an evening out with my wife, I always try to make the most of every experience. That’s why I’ve already started working on my personal “bucket list.” Even though I have years left before I plan to retire, I want to be sure to do as much as I can while I am ‘young’ and healthy. Here are some things I considered while creating my list of lifetime must-dos:

Set yourself up for success

I’m using my bucket list as a chance to chase life’s experiences. I need to remind myself not to shy away from an experience because you never know what tomorrow might bring. And following through on those goals requires some planning. I enjoy travel, so one goal I made sure to include was visiting the sites of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. While I know this one might take a while (as opposed to, say, number 20 on my list: making calzones from scratch – which I have already done), it’s something I’ve always wanted to do and a goal I can chip away at over time. Right now, I’m busy compiling information about each destination, including nearby hotels, restaurants and annual weather patterns. I also started a “Seven Wonders” savings account, to which I contribute a set amount each month. I figure it will take me about two years to save enough funds, but I know it’ll be worth the work. You only get one life—and there’s no reason to keep yourself from really living it.

Incorporate multiple interests

For me, it was important to divide my bucket list into several different buckets—that way, I’d be sure to cover a variety of interests. In addition to extravagant trips and indulgent meals, I considered experiences that could make a difference in my community. There were a few volunteer projects I wanted to do but had little time for between business trips and driving the kids to practice, such as helping out in a local classroom. Plus, I’ve always wanted to build a house with Habitat for Humanity, so that was one of the first things I added. I plan to talk my daughters into joining me—it’ll be great to roll up our sleeves and get to work!

Stay committed

With so many goals on the list, it’s easy to see how planning to reach them could become overwhelming. I thought if I made others aware of my plans, I’d be less likely to talk myself out of accomplishing them. Of course, I’ve shared the list with my wife, but have also talked to co-workers and close friends about my plans. One friend told me to check out bucketlist.org which would allow me to post my personal bucket list for others to see, and also give me the chance to add anecdotes, photos and videos each time I complete an item on that list. I am considering creating an action plan, such as meeting one goal per month, in order to hold myself accountable. Whether your bucket list has five items or 50, taking the time to write it out can be an eye-opening experience in its own right. And, of course, if you do end up planning that trip to eat gelato on the Italian Rivera, my wife and I would gladly tag along.
]]> Bucket

Whether it’s a weeklong family vacation or an evening out with my wife, I always try to make the most of every experience. That’s why I’ve already started working on my personal “bucket list.” Even though I have years left before I plan to retire, I want to be sure to do as much as I can while I am ‘young’ and healthy. Here are some things I considered while creating my list of lifetime must-dos:

Set yourself up for success

I’m using my bucket list as a chance to chase life’s experiences. I need to remind myself not to shy away from an experience because you never know what tomorrow might bring. And following through on those goals requires some planning. I enjoy travel, so one goal I made sure to include was visiting the sites of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. While I know this one might take a while (as opposed to, say, number 20 on my list: making calzones from scratch – which I have already done), it’s something I’ve always wanted to do and a goal I can chip away at over time. Right now, I’m busy compiling information about each destination, including nearby hotels, restaurants and annual weather patterns. I also started a “Seven Wonders” savings account, to which I contribute a set amount each month. I figure it will take me about two years to save enough funds, but I know it’ll be worth the work. You only get one life—and there’s no reason to keep yourself from really living it.

Incorporate multiple interests

For me, it was important to divide my bucket list into several different buckets—that way, I’d be sure to cover a variety of interests. In addition to extravagant trips and indulgent meals, I considered experiences that could make a difference in my community. There were a few volunteer projects I wanted to do but had little time for between business trips and driving the kids to practice, such as helping out in a local classroom. Plus, I’ve always wanted to build a house with Habitat for Humanity, so that was one of the first things I added. I plan to talk my daughters into joining me—it’ll be great to roll up our sleeves and get to work!

Stay committed

With so many goals on the list, it’s easy to see how planning to reach them could become overwhelming. I thought if I made others aware of my plans, I’d be less likely to talk myself out of accomplishing them. Of course, I’ve shared the list with my wife, but have also talked to co-workers and close friends about my plans. One friend told me to check out bucketlist.org which would allow me to post my personal bucket list for others to see, and also give me the chance to add anecdotes, photos and videos each time I complete an item on that list. I am considering creating an action plan, such as meeting one goal per month, in order to hold myself accountable. Whether your bucket list has five items or 50, taking the time to write it out can be an eye-opening experience in its own right. And, of course, if you do end up planning that trip to eat gelato on the Italian Rivera, my wife and I would gladly tag along.
]]> http://blog.allstate.com/writing-your-personal-bucket-list/feed/ 1 Midlife Crisis or Living the Dream? http://blog.allstate.com/midlife-crisis-or-living-the-dream/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=midlife-crisis-or-living-the-dream http://blog.allstate.com/midlife-crisis-or-living-the-dream/#comments Thu, 22 Sep 2011 14:06:10 +0000 Lori http://community.allstate.com/community/allstate_blog/blog/2011/09/22/midlife-crisis-or-lifelong-dream Midlife Crisis

On a recent sunny day trip from the San Francisco Bay Area, I noticed many gray haired gentlemen flying through traffic in Porsches.  My middle-aged brain automatically registered “midlife crisis male.” My husband weighed in with a different perspective: “He’s driving the car of his dreams!” Though I hate to admit it, the numbers prove he's right.
Detroit is back! In a recent story in the Wall Street Journal, Senior Editor Jo White reported that America’s muscle car mania is back. For the first time since Jimmy Carter was president, automakers Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge are boasting retro models that combine in-your-face design and big horsepower.  Retro models on the market now include:
  • Dodge Challenger
  • Ford Mustang
  • Chevrolet Camaro
What’s truly unique is that these cool cars have huge engines and are clearly targeted to baby boomers who lusted after these cars in their teens and early twenties. We grew up and settled for models that accommodated our parenting lifestyles in our twenties and thirties: compacts during the oil crisis; we created the minivan era for our new babies; and graduated to sport utility vehicles. “Many Baby Boomers are experiencing another phase in their life, the nest is empty and because they have reached a heightened income level giving them both time and financial freedom, they chose vehicles that provide them with a luxurious, safe feel and youthful, sporty drive,” according to Jesse Toprak, vice president of trends and analysis at TrueCar.com.

What are the dreams of Boomers?

Jim Gorzelany, contributor to Forbes, identified the top 10 cars for the generation born between 1946 and 1964:
  1. Porsche Boxter – 84.2% sold to Boomer consumers
  2. BMW 6 Series Convertible – 79.8% sold to Boomers
  3. Mercedes-Benz SL – 70% sold to Boomers
  4. Land Rover LR2 – 67% to empty nesters
  5. Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder – updated alternative to retro muscle cars
  6. Audi A5/S5 Cabriolet – 66.1% sold to Boomers
  7. Volvo C70 – 65.3% sold to Boomers
  8. Chevrolet Aveo – 65.1% purchased by Boomers; hardly luxury, this frugal choice may reflect the financial issues older consumers are experiencing. This could be a second car choice or one for a student
  9. Mercedes-Benz M-Class Hybrid – 64% sold to Boomers
  10. Chevy Corvette – 63.8% sold to Boomers
While Boomer buyers certainly dominate the luxury car category. most middle-American Baby Boomers won’t be purchasing from the list above. So the muscle car options from Detroit provide new, affordable options.

Automakers rejoice!

American automakers have struggled to survive this economy, so Baby Boomers and our passion for either muscle cars or luxury vehicles is a shot in the arm. Ford’s Mustang Facebook Page has more than a million “likes.” Chevrolet marketing exec, John Fitzpatrick, has reported that Camaro drivers cluster in two age groups: 20-30 year olds and 45-plus. This craze, however, is threatened by a government push for fuel economy standards, from 56 mpg to 60 mpg by 2025. Performance car manufacturers will need to explore their choices, and boomers will need to make difficult decisions.

Cool, but practical

The empty nest is tempting! Boomers no longer need vehicles that take children’s needs into account, so we purchase those dream vehicles. Sometimes we’re happy about the purchase, but often it comes with regret. Below are a few considerations for the perfect vehicle for the next stage of life:
  1. Your commute. Do you benefit from a green vehicle or a sporty two-seater?
  2. Transmission. Is a manual the best choice for your daily driving journey?
  3. Grandchildren. Are you a grandparent who needs a vehicle to accommodate a car seat?
  4. Is smaller better? Sports cars are cute, but if your lifestyle is about gardening, antiquing or home improvement, little cars will not do. Take a look at the new boomer vehicle–the crossover!
We have solved this in our household. I drive a hardtop convertible and my husband drives the crossover that brings home all of my treasures from sales and markets. I’m struggling with who gets the car seat for our new grandson!
Guest blogger Lori Bitter is the Chief Executive Officer of Eons, Inc., an online community for baby boomers and beyond.
]]> Midlife Crisis

On a recent sunny day trip from the San Francisco Bay Area, I noticed many gray haired gentlemen flying through traffic in Porsches.  My middle-aged brain automatically registered “midlife crisis male.” My husband weighed in with a different perspective: “He’s driving the car of his dreams!” Though I hate to admit it, the numbers prove he's right.
Detroit is back! In a recent story in the Wall Street Journal, Senior Editor Jo White reported that America’s muscle car mania is back. For the first time since Jimmy Carter was president, automakers Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge are boasting retro models that combine in-your-face design and big horsepower.  Retro models on the market now include:
  • Dodge Challenger
  • Ford Mustang
  • Chevrolet Camaro
What’s truly unique is that these cool cars have huge engines and are clearly targeted to baby boomers who lusted after these cars in their teens and early twenties. We grew up and settled for models that accommodated our parenting lifestyles in our twenties and thirties: compacts during the oil crisis; we created the minivan era for our new babies; and graduated to sport utility vehicles. “Many Baby Boomers are experiencing another phase in their life, the nest is empty and because they have reached a heightened income level giving them both time and financial freedom, they chose vehicles that provide them with a luxurious, safe feel and youthful, sporty drive,” according to Jesse Toprak, vice president of trends and analysis at TrueCar.com.

What are the dreams of Boomers?

Jim Gorzelany, contributor to Forbes, identified the top 10 cars for the generation born between 1946 and 1964:
  1. Porsche Boxter – 84.2% sold to Boomer consumers
  2. BMW 6 Series Convertible – 79.8% sold to Boomers
  3. Mercedes-Benz SL – 70% sold to Boomers
  4. Land Rover LR2 – 67% to empty nesters
  5. Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder – updated alternative to retro muscle cars
  6. Audi A5/S5 Cabriolet – 66.1% sold to Boomers
  7. Volvo C70 – 65.3% sold to Boomers
  8. Chevrolet Aveo – 65.1% purchased by Boomers; hardly luxury, this frugal choice may reflect the financial issues older consumers are experiencing. This could be a second car choice or one for a student
  9. Mercedes-Benz M-Class Hybrid – 64% sold to Boomers
  10. Chevy Corvette – 63.8% sold to Boomers
While Boomer buyers certainly dominate the luxury car category. most middle-American Baby Boomers won’t be purchasing from the list above. So the muscle car options from Detroit provide new, affordable options.

Automakers rejoice!

American automakers have struggled to survive this economy, so Baby Boomers and our passion for either muscle cars or luxury vehicles is a shot in the arm. Ford’s Mustang Facebook Page has more than a million “likes.” Chevrolet marketing exec, John Fitzpatrick, has reported that Camaro drivers cluster in two age groups: 20-30 year olds and 45-plus. This craze, however, is threatened by a government push for fuel economy standards, from 56 mpg to 60 mpg by 2025. Performance car manufacturers will need to explore their choices, and boomers will need to make difficult decisions.

Cool, but practical

The empty nest is tempting! Boomers no longer need vehicles that take children’s needs into account, so we purchase those dream vehicles. Sometimes we’re happy about the purchase, but often it comes with regret. Below are a few considerations for the perfect vehicle for the next stage of life:
  1. Your commute. Do you benefit from a green vehicle or a sporty two-seater?
  2. Transmission. Is a manual the best choice for your daily driving journey?
  3. Grandchildren. Are you a grandparent who needs a vehicle to accommodate a car seat?
  4. Is smaller better? Sports cars are cute, but if your lifestyle is about gardening, antiquing or home improvement, little cars will not do. Take a look at the new boomer vehicle–the crossover!
We have solved this in our household. I drive a hardtop convertible and my husband drives the crossover that brings home all of my treasures from sales and markets. I’m struggling with who gets the car seat for our new grandson!
Guest blogger Lori Bitter is the Chief Executive Officer of Eons, Inc., an online community for baby boomers and beyond.
]]> http://blog.allstate.com/midlife-crisis-or-living-the-dream/feed/ 1 3 Key Questions to Help You Make the Most of Your Retirement http://blog.allstate.com/3-key-questions-to-help-you-make-the-most-of-your-retirement/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=3-key-questions-to-help-you-make-the-most-of-your-retirement http://blog.allstate.com/3-key-questions-to-help-you-make-the-most-of-your-retirement/#comments Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:18:28 +0000 Brendan http://community.allstate.com/community/allstate_blog/blog/2011/08/31/how-moving-can-help-you-make-the-most-of-your-retirement Empty Nester

When their years in the workforce are over and their kids have finally flown the coop, retirees must decide what to do with all that extra space. Some opt for home gyms and office spaces, but a growing number are choosing a more drastic change—moving into a new place to suit their new life. Whether it’s a cozy condo close to home or a bungalow on the beach, finding the right home—in the right place—can be a challenge. A few key questions can help you decide where to spend your retired life after kids and how to make those “empty nester” years anything but empty.

Is relocating right for me?

A change of scenery can open doors for many retirees, as time once spent raising children can be used to explore a new community. Urban areas, in particular, are popular with retired adults, as they offer a wealth of cultural events, museums, restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques often within walking distance of their new home. Cities that combine sun and fun are often at the top of the list. A recent Forbes article reports that Las Vegas, Austin, Atlanta and Orlando are the most popular spots for relocating retirees. However, if a cross-country move seems risky, there are plenty of housing options closer to home.

What type of home do I need?

Before you begin the search for your new home, it’s important to determine what type of lifestyle you want. Consider the pros and cons of these options before making your move Condominium: Condos are a great option for downsizing your space, as they provide an escape from yard work and major maintenance. They can also offer a range of options when it comes to floor plans and amenities like swimming pools and workout facilities—and usually at a lower purchase price than single-family homes. Townhome: Like condos, townhomes are located within a larger complex; however, most townhomes are closer to a single-family home in style, with at least two stories and individual roofs. You’ll also enjoy ownership of the land your unit’s built on, as well as any garages or small yards that come with it. Townhomes are popular with retirees because they can offer more space than condos while still limiting property maintenance and lawn-care needs. One-story house: For those who don’t feel at home in a complex, a small single-family home be just the ticket. If so, you’re not alone—buyers over 50 make up the nation’s fastest-growing category within the housing market, the National Association of Home Builders reports. Open floor plans, modern kitchens, large master bedrooms and easy-to-maintain outdoor spaces are key items on these buyers’ priority lists.

What will I do with all my stuff?

Start early: Growing families accumulate mountains of personal belongings over time, from sentimental knick-knacks to worthless old junk. Getting a head start on purging areas like your basement and attic—where most non-essential items gather—can decrease the amount of work you have to do later on. Stay organized: When preparing for the big move, hiring a professional organizer may help things run more smoothly. Organizers can stage different areas for packing, coordinate with movers and create a checklist you can use to pack efficiently. Stick to the essentials: When moving into a smaller place, less is more. Leaving a family home can be an emotional experience and one that may bring out your inner pack rat. Create a few memory boxes for each of your children to fill with favorite keepsakes and throw away or donate items that don’t make the cut. Whether you move across the street, around town or over state lines, your transition to retirement is a chance to rediscover yourself. Once you’ve unpacked your new place, make room for some fun!
]]> Empty Nester

When their years in the workforce are over and their kids have finally flown the coop, retirees must decide what to do with all that extra space. Some opt for home gyms and office spaces, but a growing number are choosing a more drastic change—moving into a new place to suit their new life. Whether it’s a cozy condo close to home or a bungalow on the beach, finding the right home—in the right place—can be a challenge. A few key questions can help you decide where to spend your retired life after kids and how to make those “empty nester” years anything but empty.

Is relocating right for me?

A change of scenery can open doors for many retirees, as time once spent raising children can be used to explore a new community. Urban areas, in particular, are popular with retired adults, as they offer a wealth of cultural events, museums, restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques often within walking distance of their new home. Cities that combine sun and fun are often at the top of the list. A recent Forbes article reports that Las Vegas, Austin, Atlanta and Orlando are the most popular spots for relocating retirees. However, if a cross-country move seems risky, there are plenty of housing options closer to home.

What type of home do I need?

Before you begin the search for your new home, it’s important to determine what type of lifestyle you want. Consider the pros and cons of these options before making your move Condominium: Condos are a great option for downsizing your space, as they provide an escape from yard work and major maintenance. They can also offer a range of options when it comes to floor plans and amenities like swimming pools and workout facilities—and usually at a lower purchase price than single-family homes. Townhome: Like condos, townhomes are located within a larger complex; however, most townhomes are closer to a single-family home in style, with at least two stories and individual roofs. You’ll also enjoy ownership of the land your unit’s built on, as well as any garages or small yards that come with it. Townhomes are popular with retirees because they can offer more space than condos while still limiting property maintenance and lawn-care needs. One-story house: For those who don’t feel at home in a complex, a small single-family home be just the ticket. If so, you’re not alone—buyers over 50 make up the nation’s fastest-growing category within the housing market, the National Association of Home Builders reports. Open floor plans, modern kitchens, large master bedrooms and easy-to-maintain outdoor spaces are key items on these buyers’ priority lists.

What will I do with all my stuff?

Start early: Growing families accumulate mountains of personal belongings over time, from sentimental knick-knacks to worthless old junk. Getting a head start on purging areas like your basement and attic—where most non-essential items gather—can decrease the amount of work you have to do later on. Stay organized: When preparing for the big move, hiring a professional organizer may help things run more smoothly. Organizers can stage different areas for packing, coordinate with movers and create a checklist you can use to pack efficiently. Stick to the essentials: When moving into a smaller place, less is more. Leaving a family home can be an emotional experience and one that may bring out your inner pack rat. Create a few memory boxes for each of your children to fill with favorite keepsakes and throw away or donate items that don’t make the cut. Whether you move across the street, around town or over state lines, your transition to retirement is a chance to rediscover yourself. Once you’ve unpacked your new place, make room for some fun!
]]> http://blog.allstate.com/3-key-questions-to-help-you-make-the-most-of-your-retirement/feed/ 0 5 Tips to Finding the Right Senior Living Community http://blog.allstate.com/5-tips-to-finding-the-right-senior-living-community/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=5-tips-to-finding-the-right-senior-living-community http://blog.allstate.com/5-tips-to-finding-the-right-senior-living-community/#comments Wed, 06 Jul 2011 16:31:08 +0000 George http://community.allstate.com/community/allstate_blog/blog/2011/07/06/5-tips-to-finding-the-right-senior-living-community 900253a061968e3e0cf8fde40772ff64

Soon-to-be seniors searching for retirement homes may have trouble knowing where to start. Though many communities promote the fun side of senior living—game nights, shopping trips and, in some cases, on-site spas—there are serious considerations to make when choosing where to spend your retirement years, or when helping a parent decide where to spend theirs. With so much to think about, planning for senior living early can be beneficial in the long run. According to the National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information, about 70 percent of adults over 65 require some form of long-term care services. Seeing as people’s need for care increases with age, it’s important to start thinking about retirement living even a few years before retirement. Use these tips to help you find a senior living community that suits your (or your parents’) future needs:

1. Choose Your Standard of Care

Visiting a variety of retirement homes can help you picture your ideal community—and which ones you’d like to avoid. When touring a facility, take note of the interactions around you and look for signs of elder abuse: Are on-staff nurses or visiting practitioners available when you need them? Is the facility clean, well maintained and lined with handrails? Do caregivers interact well with residents? It’s also important to consider the level of assistance the community provides. While independent living is important in the early stages of retirement, you may find yourself seeking additional help as the years pass. Continuing care retirement communities, which combine independent living, assisted living and nursing home facilities, can make this transition a bit easier. These communities allow residents to prepare for their future and receive proper treatment for health issues later on—without having to change homes a number of times. Assessing your health prior to choosing a facility can help you avoid expensive health fees not included in basic retirement care

2. Seek Third-Party Information

Even if your facility tour is pleasant, it’s important to take a deeper look. If time allows, sit down with a resident and discuss his or her experience. Have a meal in the cafeteria. Ask questions about the facility and get a feel for daily life there. Aside from first-hand impressions, consult resources like the Better Business Bureau® and Eldercare Locator, which offer great planning and searching tips, and link to records of complaints or legal actions made against specific facilities. Medicare also offers an online system, complete with details on quality ratings, health inspections and comparisons of different nursing homes in your area.

3. Consider Safety Essential

Feeling secure is just as important in a retirement home as in any other residence. Make sure to ask whether facilities offer 24-hour security personnel and surveillance of surrounding areas. Check for locks on windows and doors and see if safety deposit boxes for valuables are located on-site.

4. Make Sure Your Money’s Secure

Moving into a retirement home is a major financial investment. According to the latest Assisted Living Facility Profile, published by the National Center for Assisted Living, the average cost of a private unit is $3,022 per month, which adds up to $36,264 per year. See what measures are in place to protect your finances while in residence—and ask what would happen should your funds run dry.

5. Take a Second Look

Don’t forget to double-check documents that need to be signed before moving in. A number of elder care attorneys offer services to help new residents navigate legal documents. Not all contracts are the same, so it’s important to understand the basic costs, along with what residents are expected to pay for additional services and health care.
]]> 900253a061968e3e0cf8fde40772ff64

Soon-to-be seniors searching for retirement homes may have trouble knowing where to start. Though many communities promote the fun side of senior living—game nights, shopping trips and, in some cases, on-site spas—there are serious considerations to make when choosing where to spend your retirement years, or when helping a parent decide where to spend theirs. With so much to think about, planning for senior living early can be beneficial in the long run. According to the National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information, about 70 percent of adults over 65 require some form of long-term care services. Seeing as people’s need for care increases with age, it’s important to start thinking about retirement living even a few years before retirement. Use these tips to help you find a senior living community that suits your (or your parents’) future needs:

1. Choose Your Standard of Care

Visiting a variety of retirement homes can help you picture your ideal community—and which ones you’d like to avoid. When touring a facility, take note of the interactions around you and look for signs of elder abuse: Are on-staff nurses or visiting practitioners available when you need them? Is the facility clean, well maintained and lined with handrails? Do caregivers interact well with residents? It’s also important to consider the level of assistance the community provides. While independent living is important in the early stages of retirement, you may find yourself seeking additional help as the years pass. Continuing care retirement communities, which combine independent living, assisted living and nursing home facilities, can make this transition a bit easier. These communities allow residents to prepare for their future and receive proper treatment for health issues later on—without having to change homes a number of times. Assessing your health prior to choosing a facility can help you avoid expensive health fees not included in basic retirement care

2. Seek Third-Party Information

Even if your facility tour is pleasant, it’s important to take a deeper look. If time allows, sit down with a resident and discuss his or her experience. Have a meal in the cafeteria. Ask questions about the facility and get a feel for daily life there. Aside from first-hand impressions, consult resources like the Better Business Bureau® and Eldercare Locator, which offer great planning and searching tips, and link to records of complaints or legal actions made against specific facilities. Medicare also offers an online system, complete with details on quality ratings, health inspections and comparisons of different nursing homes in your area.

3. Consider Safety Essential

Feeling secure is just as important in a retirement home as in any other residence. Make sure to ask whether facilities offer 24-hour security personnel and surveillance of surrounding areas. Check for locks on windows and doors and see if safety deposit boxes for valuables are located on-site.

4. Make Sure Your Money’s Secure

Moving into a retirement home is a major financial investment. According to the latest Assisted Living Facility Profile, published by the National Center for Assisted Living, the average cost of a private unit is $3,022 per month, which adds up to $36,264 per year. See what measures are in place to protect your finances while in residence—and ask what would happen should your funds run dry.

5. Take a Second Look

Don’t forget to double-check documents that need to be signed before moving in. A number of elder care attorneys offer services to help new residents navigate legal documents. Not all contracts are the same, so it’s important to understand the basic costs, along with what residents are expected to pay for additional services and health care.
]]> http://blog.allstate.com/5-tips-to-finding-the-right-senior-living-community/feed/ 1