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As we imagine our ideal future in this exciting stage of life, our thoughts become dreams of minimizing stress and doing what brings us the most joy. With innumerable opportunities ahead of you, proper planning now can make those dreams a reality. So, why not start now?
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If you have begun to look at downsizing or are starting to consider the senior living options in Westchester County, a move may be in your not-too-distant future. And after many years in the same house, this can seem like a daunting task. Fortunately, the biggest hurdle is simply getting the process started.
On that note, making lists and tagging items is a good first step. Begin by sorting family treasures and deciding which furniture will work in a new, possibly smaller space. Categorize items to keep, pass along, sell, donate, or toss. Remain resolute in your commitment to get rid of what no longer serves you. A professional organizer, or an objective friend, can help you stay focused and make progress toward your goal of living simpler in retirement.
Evaluate your living arrangement
If you decide to stay in your current house for the foreseeable future, it’s a good idea to evaluate possible safety hazards should your mobility needs change. If you need extra help with your daily activities and don’t want to rely too heavily on family members, local agencies can assist with driving, shopping and preparing meals. For a higher level of personalized daily assistance, a certified home health aide from a reputable agency will help keep you healthy and give everyone priceless peace of mind.
Also worth considering is the cost of waiting to make a move. Does it make the most sense (financial or otherwise) for you to remain where you are? The folks at The Osborn put together this helpful guide to help determine if moving sooner is a better choice for your future.
Organize those papers
No matter where you choose to reside, an important step in getting your proverbial house in order is gathering all of your important documents in one place. This collection of documents could include:
Protect yourself offline and on
With all those important hard-copy documents safe and sound, it’s also a good time to consider your safety in the digital world. Older people are at risk for telephone or internet scams, and falling victim to a scam can really put a damper on your dream future. Here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
Perhaps above all: If something you hear or see makes you uneasy, listen to your instincts!
Build your team
You may already have a trusted financial advisor and lawyer, but in case you don’t, now is the time to find them. Personal referrals are a great way to identify providers who are experienced in helping seniors who have similar goals and sensibilities as you. It’s completely appropriate to schedule a preliminary meeting—even over coffee or lunch—to make sure the person is a good fit for you and your long-term goals.
Plan your gifts
The aforementioned legal and financial experts can help direct your wishes appropriately. For example, these professionals can make a big difference when it comes to bestowing financial gifts to family members and navigating ever-evolving tax regulations.
If you are philanthropically minded, there are many ways in which you can make tax-deductible gifts to charities of your choice. No matter how you direct your assets, be sure to speak with your financial advisor to get answers that are right for you.
Complete advance directives
In addition to how you direct your assets, advance medical directives are simple legal documents that allow you to define who will make healthcare decisions for you if you are unable to do so.
Part of this is your “living will,” which guides your family and healthcare team through what medical treatments you want (or don’t want). The other part is a “healthcare proxy”' that allows you to select a person you trust to make decisions about your medical care if you are temporarily (or permanently) unable to.
Whether financial, legal, medical or just where you choose to live, having a solid plan in place sets you and your loved ones up for a future filled with peace of mind. It’s never too early to start planning, and never too early to start making your dream future a reality.
If you have questions about the options for senior living in Westchester and Fairfield Counties, the friendly team at The Osborn in Rye, N.Y., can explain all the options and find which suits you best for both today and tomorrow. Simply click here or call 888-9-OSBORN to connect today!