Aged Sage Communique May 2023
Home is Where the Heart Is
- In the report, “2022 Homebuyer Insights”, 76% of baby boomers plan to retire in their current home. For many, it’s their choice to stay as long as health and safety make it possible.
Planning ahead to stay put is the key.
- Make safety and accessibility a priority.
- Is one-floor living possible with a renovation?
- Get help. Check out home health services for help with personal care. Hire services for lawn care, house cleaning, etc.
- Take care of legal decisions.
- Enlist trusted family to help with insurance, bill paying, prescriptions, health decisions, etc.
- Learn about transportation options near you or nurture a list of people who can help you out.
- Keep up with friends and family. Do what it takes to enjoy fulfilling relationships.
- Stay fit - walking helps with balance & muscle tone.
- Contact the Office of Aging to see what services are available. Lebanon County (717) 273-9262 Dauphin County (717) 780-6130.
- Veterans - contact VA Health Care Benefits (877-222-8387) to see about in-home services.
There’s more that could be said, but the key is planning. For more information about aging in place, give me a call at 717.644.3812.
Lazy Lady Bird Watching
the 3 easiest ways to do it!
- Many folks already know the joy of watching birds feast at feeders. The squirrel acrobatics are just an added sideshow of entertainment. Don’t own a feeder? Put some food in a dish on a stump and enjoy the feeding frenzy.
- Use binoculars. It’s not geeky...it’s great! The detail, the drama, the up-close view of yellow eyes staring back at you wondering, “What is that pleasingly-plump lady looking at? You want a piece of me?”
- Download the Merlin Bird ID app. It’s great for identifying the most common birds. The ‘sound ID’ option is addicting and educational as you discover which bird is truely the one being obnoxiously loud.
Expert birders say the best time for watching is early morning when our avian friends are actively looking for food. Our bird friends would appreciate dining at a feeder. Share in the pleasure and take your breakfast and binoculars outside. Birds watch you eat...you watch birds eat...fun for all!
Bird Joke
What do you call 2 black birds stuck together? [see answer below]
BOOM BOOM BOOMERS! Entrepreneurial Boomers
Story 3 of 6
Meet Ann - accountant turned restaurant owner. We were friends in college. She was quiet and reserved and I was an introvert, so we gravitated together. After college, we lost touch. My mother kept me posted via her newspaper habit: “Ann’s in the Chamber of Commerce,” or “Ann’s running for school board,” or “Ann’s getting married!” Then her name popped up in the alumni magazine announcing that she had opened an Italian restaurant. My curiousity was piqued and I talked some friends into a roadtrip in exchange for a free lunch (that wasn’t a hard sell).
Before we even finished with the salads and breadsticks, Ann approached and said, “Do I know you?” (A question perhaps prompted by my disconcerting stare everytime she walked in the room.) Turns out she divorced, remarried an Italian man, retired from accounting and the two of them opened the restaurant. We congratulated her on the new venture. She explained, “I wasn’t ready to retire. I just wanted to do something different and this is exciting to me. I’m not behind a desk, meet new people all the time and I’ve always liked to cook. It was a learning curve, but this place is small enough for us to handle.”
Retirement afforded Ann an opportunity to try something she didn’t have the time or finances to do earlier in her life. It was an exciting departure from a long accounting career. In her own words, “I feel like I lived one life and now I’m starting another. Everything I’ve learned working with businesses over the years, I can apply here. And I’m doing it my way!”
Entrepreneurial Boomers are inspiring, successful and passionate. They aren’t afraid of hard work, using and/or sharing their talents with others. They’ve reached a point where they want to operate on their own terms. With life experience under their belt, they feel free to be creative, inventive and brave.
*Baby boomers are those born between 1944 and 1964. According to the “Seniors Real Estate Specialist® Council”, there are 6 major types. While no one falls entirely into one of these categories, the similarities are interesting to explore.
What Is Life Care Planning?
By Steven Miller, Esq.
The future is uncertain for all of us, but for individuals living with chronic or worsening health problems, it can feel even more so. Especially when you know that healthcare will be a constant part of your life going forward. Standard planning methods like Estate Planning and Elder Law solutions do not come with built-in accommodations to help your specific needs.
This is where Life Care Planning enters the picture. This is a unique process where care advocacy, social work, legal protection, and financial planning all get rolled up into one package. Life Care Planning sets an up front plan for how to cover every aspect of your life and healthcare in the future, including the financial means of paying for it. Healthcare professionals and a specialized attorney work together with you to create a Life Care Plan, a legally-binding document that covers every aspect of your healthcare and medical wishes in the future.
Miller Law Firm PC specializes in elder law, estate planning, trust estate planning and other legal services. Our focus is to help our clients protect their loved ones and their own legacies by planning for the future in a number of different ways.For more information or a consultation, contact: Steve Miller at (855) 936-3886 • millerlaw-pc.com
Spotlight On: Woods & Irons
Hours: M -W 6am - midnight / Th-Sun 6am - 2am
515 Rear W Chocolate Ave, Hershey (next to Stumpy’s)Book online at woodsandirons.golf or by calling 717-298-1066
This family owned and operated business is a premier golf simulator facility offering three private rooms equipped with the “world’s most advanced simulator system” and the highest quality custom hitting surface. Each bay has unique features. The Family Fairway offers a 17’ wide screen and multi-sport package to entertain all. The Alley Pro is ideal for lessons, with side and rear cameras to record your swing and gain instruction from our golf pro. The Dog Leg Lounge is ideal for a 4-some or to host a party with seating for up to 24 people. All rooms have high quality accommodations and include sinks, tvs, wireless speakers, plenty of counter space and comfortable seating. Book online at woodsandirons.golf, or call for a tee time or to book a special event. Leagues are year-round and can be created with as few as 8 golfers.
Make Woods & Irons a part of your golfing routine and spend more time in the Fairway!
Where Can Mom Go?
a real story...the conclusion.
In a previous issue, Janet was looking for a place to move her mother who is currently in a self-pay facility and can not stay once her funds run out...which they are. Janet was frustrated. She had been proactive in an attempt to avoid this very scenario. In early 2021, she had submitted her mother’s application to every Medicaid-funded facility in a 20-mile radius. When following up to check on availability, she heard the same thing every time, “no beds available at this time” and “she’s still on the wait list.” Now she was desperate and started calling every Medicaid-funded facility in a 75-mile radius, with the same dismal results.
In a last ditch effort, on April 3rd, Janet started from the top of her 19-page list and started calling everyone again. Knowing defeat wasn’t an option, she made call after call. By the grace of God, one Medicaid-funded facility had just, that very morning, opened up more beds and Janet was the first person who called that day.
While extremely grateful that she found a place for her mom, it’s very apparent to Janet that “the system is broken.”
- I pity the fool!
- I kill me!
- Gag me with a spoon!
- Watchu Talkin’ ‘Bout, Willis?
- Say Hello to my little friend!
[See answers below]
Rosie Brings Flower Power!
The Palmyra Greenhouse has several upcoming Flower Truck Events. Stop by and pick out some fresh flowers and, in some cases, you’ll be supporting a good cause! For a list of all events, visit www.palmyra-greenhouse.com.
May 26th 5-8pm • Rising Sun, Campbelltown May 29th 10am • Palmyra Memorial Day Parade June 3rd 11am-3pm • Davis Dog Farm Fundraiser, Grantville June 4th 2am-5pm • Cubbies Ice Cream, Hummelstown June 10th 9am-3pm • Main St, Annville June 11th 10am-1pm • Desserts Etc, Hershey June 17th 12-3pm • The Edit, Linglestown June 23rd 5-8pm • Rising Sun, Campbelltown
Deep Thoughts
Plants are thin because they eat light.
I’m so old I like the supermarket’s playlist.
What’s NOT Hot!
These once-popular design choices are losing appeal due to high maintenance or low functionality.High Pile Carpet - Soft, shaggy carpet styles make a statement, but they are difficult to keep clean and aren’t practical. Gray Cabinets - This popular style is cooling off as more homeowners shift to warmer hues to make their spaces more welcoming. Standard Subway Tiles - White, horizontal subway tiles are still popular, but many now prefer 4x10” or 4x16” tiles that run vertically to draw eyes up and give an age-old design a fresh look.Open Shelves - Struggle with clutter? Opt for traditional closed cabinets to keep stuff concealed.
Downsizing Easy
The free guide that answers important concerns about downsizing!
• “Can I afford to move?” • “Where should I go? • “What do I do with all my valuable stuff?” • Advice & services for smooth moves • 3 different plans to suit your timeframe
Answers
Bird Joke: Velcrows
Mr T: #1 Mr T #2 Alf #3 Moon Unit Zappa's Valley Girl
#4 Arnold from Diff'rnt Strokes #5 Tony in Scarface
For comments or to subscribe to The Aged Sage Communique, please contact Margie Yohn, Editor at 717-644-3812 or margie@margieyohn.com
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