In the last issue this retirement community PA started a discussion on how adult children can help their parents have a safe and happy place to live. Sometimes this can happen at home, but then again, sometimes this is not safe or realistic. Below is Part II in this Sherwood Oaks series.
6. Get familiar with the language of senior living. If you would like to receive a free glossary with definitions of terms and concepts call us at 800 642-2217. Understanding the differences between retirement living, assisted living, personal care and skilled nursing care will make your Internet searches and site visits more productive.
7. Once you have your parents’ permission to work together on a plan, ask them what’s important to them. For example, how do they feel about living in a community that offers transportation, meals, health care or fitness programs? This retirement community PA includes all those amenities. The plan should include a discussion of finances. What resources do they have to support the plan? Do they have long-term care insurance? Offer to do the legwork to sort through the many living options that are available. Ask if they would agree to see the “best of the best” after you have completed your research. If you would like to receive a comparison checklist, again please give us a call 800 642-2217.
8. When you and your parents are discussing a plan, include the option of respite (a short-term stay), so that they can try it before making a commitment.
9. The book, “Mom, Dad…Can we Talk?” by Dick Edwards is a resource that may help to address unhelpful family dynamics.
10. We know that there are some parents who will never agree to a move. No matter how reasonably and respectfully you present options that permit them to maintain independence and control over their lives, they will decide to remain in their home. If this is the case with your parents you want to make their home as safe as possible. Our Occupational Therapists have developed a checklist to help you, titled “Staying at Home Alone, a Checklist for Home Safety.” Call this retirement community PA to receive your free copy today 800 642-2217.

Elaine DeBilt is the Relocation Director for Prudential Preferred Realty in Pittsburgh PA and she recently shared these thoughts.

Q. What’s happening in the Pittsburgh real estate market today?
Elaine: The Pittsburgh market as a whole is up about 5% appreciation from last year. With corporate companies coming into Pittsburgh we do not have enough houses for sale. Just to mention a few: Bayer, Gardner Denver, Chevron, Shell and numerous other mining companies. Rentals are in even more demand.

Q. What is the average number of days a home is on the market in the Pittsburgh region?

Elaine: Homes priced up to $150,000 are on the market for less than 30 days. Homes priced from $200,000 to $300,000 are on the market from 30 to 60 days, and homes $300,000+ sell on average between 120 and 160 days.

Interest rates are at an all-time low of 3.25%, giving the consumer more buying power.

Q. What are the most important considerations in selling a home?

Elaine: Location, price and condition. An agent can help stage the house to look like HGTV. Pricing is key, it off sets all the other objections.

Editor’s note: If you are considering retirement living options at this retirement community pa and would like some information about recently sold homes and comparables in your neigborhood, Elaine has offered to provide this. Please contact this retirement community pa, Sherwood Oaks, to receive this valuable information 800 642-2217. Check out our website at www.sherwood-oaks.com.