Written by Brian B

Paying For Senior Care: 5 Payment Options

Paying For Senior Care

Paying for quality senior care can be expensive, especially without a large amount of savings. Luckily, though, there are several alternative ways to pay for care beyond dipping into your personal accounts. Here are five of the best ways to pay for expenses associated with a retirement community.

Ways To Pay For Senior Care

  • Rent Your Home
  • Long-Term Care Insurance Policy
  • Veteran’s Benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Pooling Assets

Rent Your Home

The family home is a sacred place with a ton of memories stored inside. For many seniors, selling a home you’ve lived in for decades is very tough. Thankfully, an alternative option is becoming more and more popular for those who could use extra money to help pay for care. Renting your home is certainly an option in today’s marketplace. Renting a home and using the rental income to help pay for living expenses is a great option. It’s an idea that will help ease the financial burden but also keep the home in the family’s name. Leave the landlord duties to someone else, as you can always hire a service to manage the property.

Long-Term Care Insurance Policy

Consider yourself lucky if you or a loved one purchased a long-term care policy. These insurance policies do apply to assisted living communities. Based on mental or physical diagnosis, though, some policies may be specified for nursing home care only. Make sure you know everything about your long-term care insurance policy before purchase.

Veteran’s Benefits

Veteran’s benefits will cover residential care in a few different situations. You will be covered if you or your loved one has service-related disabilities or injuries. Aid and attendance benefits are also available to any disabled veteran who has an income below a certain amount. Going through the Veteran’s Administration to receive these benefits may be the toughest part about this option. This can be a very complicated and time-consuming process to collect the benefits you deserve.

Life Insurance

Most people, elderly or not, purchase life insurance with beneficiaries in mind. With that said, there are policies that can be applied toward “living benefits.” Some policies will not offer living benefits if the policy holder is not terminally ill, but some other policies will do such a thing. If your policy is one that does not offer living benefits, there is always an option to sell the policy to a third-party company. This company can then buy back the policy for up to 75% of its face value. Monthly premiums will be handled by the third party, yet the company will receive full value of the policy when the original policyholder passes away.

Pooling Assets

When a loved one enters independent, assisted or even a memory care living arrangement, the financial burden can sometimes be on the family. For large families, though, there are ways to split up expenses without sacrificing your own future. If some family members are busy each and every day caring for the senior citizen, then perhaps instead of time other family members could help with expenses. A family pooling together assets and resources to work as a team can help ease the burden on everyone during a difficult time.

Assisted Living Facilities in Arizona

Check out our independent living facilities in Arizona below:

Sedona Winds

Sedona Winds is an assisted living facility in Sedona, AZ. Sedona Winds offers activities at their facilities for its residents. We provide activities that allow residents to keep a healthy lifestyle by socializing with their peers and encouraging motion. Sedona Winds beautiful Assisted Living Community offers large studio & one-bedroom apartments with ample space for our resident’s belongings.

Address: 16623 N W Point Pkwy, Surprise, AZ 85374

Phone: (623) 975-0880

Desert Winds

Desert Winds is an assisted living community in Peoria, AZ. Our facility is a large sized assisted living community with 88 units. Communities this size usually offer one-bedroom apartments, multiple care levels, restaurant style dining, and a robust resident development program. Desert Winds wonderful Assisted Living Community offers large studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments with adequate space for our resident’s possessions.

Address: 20554 N 101st Ave, Peoria, AZ 85382

Phone: (623) 362-1200

Chaparral Winds

Chaparral Winds is a beautiful assisted living community near Sun City, AZ. Being able to socialize with other residents becomes an integral part of many peoples’ lives and Chaparral Winds Assisted Living offers common indoor space to support that need. If a resident requires assistance moving from a bed to a wheelchair or vice versa, this facility has staff who can help.

Address: 16623 N W Point Pkwy, Surprise, AZ 85374

Phone: (623) 975-0880

Ventana Winds

Ventana Winds is a unique assisted living located on the border of Sun City and Youngtown, AZ. Each roomy apartment comes with a walk-in closet, a patio or balcony, ample storage and a kitchenette with a full-size refrigerator. Our three-story assisted living facility is built between a lovely courtyard and a crystal-clear swimming pool. Life is destined to be lived at Ventana winds.

Address: 12322 N 113th Ave, Youngtown, AZ 85363

Phone: (623) 583-2460

Canyon Winds

Canyon Winds is an attractive assisted living community in Mesa, AZ. Residents revel in upscale living with first-class care in this gorgeous two-story, 60 unit community featuring Studio, One and Two Bedroom floorplans. Our residents are provided meals, transportation, laundry services and housekeeping. They have access to the full campus and will receive additional support and care as needed.

Address: 2851 N Boulder Canyon, Mesa, AZ 85207

Phone: (480) 948-0700

Best Retirement Gifts
Written by Brian B

8 Best Retirement Gifts

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed a lot of things in our world, but it shouldn’t alter the way you give gifts to those heading into retirement. Sure, social distancing still applies, yet retirees will still look forward to relaxing and spending time with loved ones. Here are 8 of the best retirement gift ideas for your co-worker, friend or boss.

Gift Ideas For Retirement

Here is a quick list of retirement gifts, perfect for a new transition in life:

  • Gold Pocket Watch
  • Acoustic Guitar
  • Exercise Bike
  • Set Of Golf Clubs
  • Champagne Bucket
  • Engraved Trophy
  • Personalized Coffee Mug
  • Memory Books

Gold Pocket Watch

The gold pocket watch remains the gold standard for retirement gifts. Of course, this sort of gift should go to someone extremely special. Perhaps it’s a boss who gave you the opportunity of a lifetime or a best friend who made the workday fly by. Gold pocket watches can be expensive, but the good news is there are so many options on the market today. You will be able to find a watch that fits your budget.

Acoustic Guitar

Retirement offers ample time to start up new hobbies or jump back into old ones that never came to fruition. An acoustic guitar can offer the best of both worlds for many busy executives looking to stay productive in retirement. Learning to play the guitar is a perfect hobby later on in life.

Exercise Bike

Health and wellness are key as one moves on in life. When someone retirees, they are often presented with bottles of booze, chocolate and plenty of other goodies. Make your gift stand out by balancing out all those sugars and sweets. An exercise bike can help keep your co-worker happy and healthy for the rewarding journey to come!

Set Of Golf Clubs

How about wrapping health, wellness and hobbies all into one package? Buying that special someone a brand new set of golf clubs will encourage them to hit the links consistently. Golfing on a regular basis will act as a workout, develop skills and invite social interaction at the same time. It’s no wonder why golf is often a retirees’ hobby of choice!

Champagne Bucket

Nothing says sit back and relax quite like a classy champagne bucket. Retirement offers plenty of time to enjoy a glass of wine or champagne as the day winds down. The best thing about most champagne buckets one can buy is the option to personalize the gift by writing a message that can be displayed on the outside of the bucket.

Engraved Trophy

Finishing out a rewarding professional career is quite an accomplishment. Make sure this achievement doesn’t go unnoticed! An engraved trophy featuring the dates one started a career or tenure at the company can offer a lighthearted and comical moment at the retirement party.

Personalized Coffee Mug

Yes, your boss or co-worker may have had a personalized coffee mug throughout their career, but this mug will take on a whole new meaning. Mark the beginning of a new journey with a personalized coffee mug for the recent retiree. Personalize the mug with a signature retirement saying or maybe one of his/her favorite catchphrases. Either way, this gift will be a hit!

Memory Books

Think of how many memories, professional and personal, the new retiree must have stored in the memory bank. Retirement offers the perfect time to reflect and be thankful all the gifts the past has brought. A memory book full of souvenirs or photos can be an outstanding gift for a boss, co-worker or friend moving on to the next chapter in life.

More Retirement Gift Ideas

Retirement Gifts

36 Best Retirement Gifts

The Best Gifts For Retirees 

Chaparral Winds Is An Independent Living Facility In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a beautiful independent living facility near Surprise, AZ. Being able to socialize with other residents becomes an integral part of many peoples’ lives and Chaparral Winds Independent Living Facility offers common indoor space to support that need. If a resident requires assistance moving from a bed to a wheelchair or vice versa, this facility has staff who can help.

Address: 16617 N West-Point Pkwy, Surprise, AZ 85374

Phone: (623) 544-4777

What To Do After Retirement | Hobbies For Seniors
Written by Brian B

What To Do After Retirement: Hobbies For Seniors

After you’ve worked nearly your entire adult life, retirement finally offers the opportunity to pursue many different activities, hobbies and challenges. Whether you are looking to travel, catch up with old friends or start a new professional venture, this is a list of ten suggestions for what to do after retirement.

Retirement Hobbies

Here are a few ideas for new retirees looking to fill their once-hectic schedules:

  • Volunteer
  • Get a part-time job
  • Travel
  • Spend quality time with loved ones
  • Write a blog
  • Read more
  • Play an instrument
  • Exercise
  • Move to a new place
  • Learn a new language

1. Volunteer

Volunteering tends to give all retirees satisfaction. You can socialize and give back, all while supporting your surrounding community. There are always many chances to volunteer through social groups or churches in most areas. VolunteerMatch is a great resource for those seeking volunteer opportunities.

2. Get A Part-Time Job

If you like the idea of volunteering but want to make some cash while putting in the hours, then consider getting a part-time job. Working a few hours per week can help achieve some socializing needs, and even may expand your business knowledge.

3. Travel

Retirement is the perfect time to get out and explore. Take an RV across the United States or fly overseas. Perhaps you may want to re-visit some of your favorite vacation spots. Whatever your traveling needs are, make sure to scratch that itch during this valuable time in your life.

4. Spend Quality Time With Loved Ones

This is the most important element of retirement. Days should no longer be dominated by work. Instead, fill your days with a plethora of family time. Reconnect with old friends or co-workers by visiting them monthly or weekly.

5. Write A Blog

We all know retirees have already garnered a lifetime of memories. Therefore, they will have a lot to say or pass on to the younger generation. Consider writing blogs online for others to read. This is another great way to stay in touch with people, while spreading knowledge and insight.

6. Read More

Of course, you can help develop those writing skills by reading more. Reading is a favorite hobby for retirees looking to unwind at night or maybe even find some motivation in the early mornings. Joining a book club could be a fun and worthwhile investment, as well.

7. Play An Instrument

Retirement is a great time to pick up things you were too busy for during your career. Maybe learning a new instrument was once pushed off because of limited time. Now is the perfect moment to make up for lost time and begin this new venture.

8. Exercise

Exercising is never a bad thing. But when it comes to retirees, it is essential. Long walks in the mornings or evenings can do wonders for the mind and body. Hiking, joking and riding a bicycle can also prove invaluable in one’s daily routine.

9. Move To A New Place

Most retirees have lived in one area or one home for a long time during their working days. Shaking things up is a common move for retirees looking to break longstanding routines. Invest in a winter home in a different area or move to a placed you’ve longed to call home.

10. Learn A New Language

It’s never too late to learn something new. Most of us haven’t studied a second language since high school, and chances are we don’t remember much at all. Freshen up by diving into a new language today. This is a great way to keep your mind active.

Chaparral Winds Is An Independent Living Facility In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a beautiful independent living facility near Surprise, AZ. Being able to socialize with other residents becomes an integral part of many peoples’ lives and Chaparral Winds Independent Living Facility offers common indoor space to support that need. If a resident requires assistance moving from a bed to a wheelchair or vice versa, this facility has staff who can help.

Address: 16617 N West-Point Pkwy, Surprise, AZ 85374

Phone: (623) 544-4777

Independent Living Vs Assisted Living
Written by Brian B

Independent Living Vs Assisted Living

Transitioning to a new life in senior housing can be a tough yet rewarding process. Some seniors may be torn about which community to join; assisted living or independent living? This post will guide you through the differences between both senior communities.

Independent Living Facility

Many factors can deter seniors in good health from choosing to live in an assisted living facility. One reason may be of the financial burden this housing can put on an individual. Or perhaps you are looking for more of a community with plenty of social interaction. For these reasons, independent living may be the best option possible. Independent living communities generally offer a lot of activities, perfect for social interaction with the same age group.

Independent living gives seniors the freedom they desire. No more housekeeping or meal planning. Instead, they are left to enjoy their day and load their schedule with activities. In addition, most independent living facilities offer a variety of floor plans, which range from large space to small. No matter the floor plan chosen, a common area will be included in the community. There you will find the community dining area as well as other amenities. Some units may be equipped with their own dining areas for those seeking a little peace and quiet in the evening.

Assisted Living Facility

The biggest benefit of assisted living is the amount of care provided compared to the independent communities. Assisted living facilities are much more attentive since most residents will require more aid. Daily services, such as bathing, laundry, dressing, housekeeping and medical care is offered. Most assisted living facilities will have staff on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Just like independent facilities, assisted living communities provide a whole agenda of group activities for seniors looking for social interaction.

Overall costs can end up as the final factor for those deciding which community to join. Typical costs like rent and utilities are the primary costs of living in an independent facility. The financial responsibilities for an assisted living resident can be much different. Varying meal plans and around the clock medical staff will represent the biggest charges in this community. Typically, due to the services, assisted living communities will cost more than independent facilities.

Chaparral Winds Is An Independent Living Facility In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a beautiful independent living facility near Surprise, AZ. Being able to socialize with other residents becomes an integral part of many peoples’ lives and Chaparral Winds Independent Living Facility offers common indoor space to support that need. If a resident requires assistance moving from a bed to a wheelchair or vice versa, this facility has staff who can help.

Address: 16617 N West-Point Pkwy, Surprise, AZ 85374

Phone: (623) 544-4777

Activities For Seniors During Covid
Written by Brian B

Activities For Seniors During Covid

Isolation during a pandemic is obviously a difficult situation, especially for today’s seniors. It is hard to make the best of a long period of time without much contact or human interaction, but we’re all in this together. So how can the elderly pass the time during these tough moments? Here is a look at five of the best activities for seniors during Covid.

Zoom Calls

Remarkably, some positives have been birthed during the tumultuous pandemic. One of those positives is the rise in popularity of video (or zoom) conference calls. Thanks to Zoom, you’ll never have to spend a moment unsure of what your family and friends are up to. These video conference calls can be performed one-on-one or even in group settings. Video calls are a great and easy way to stay connected during an extended quarantine period.

Crosswords And Puzzles

Most board games can’t be completed with just a single player. But, that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of fun activities to do, individually. Puzzles are ideal for seniors needing the mental stimulation and concentration these require. Another benefit of puzzles is they can be as easy or difficult as you desire. Tackling a larger, 1,000-word puzzle may be best during the pandemic, as these could last for days or even weeks. Crosswords are a good daily exercise for seniors. Keep your mind sharp with either of these enjoyable activities.

Meditation

These unsettling times may push many individuals to get in touch with their spiritual side. Find some peace by putting on some meditation music and reading spiritual poems or other literature. Going through old photographs can be a healthy way to find peace and relive some positive memories throughout your life. Several terrific guided meditation apps are currently available.

Seasonal Activities

Keeping up with seasonal activities and/or traditions can be perfect for today’s seniors. Halloween has just passed. Did you carve or decorate a pumpkin? Perhaps even a fun costume design could help pass the time. Since the spooky holiday is over, that means Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Maybe the time is right to break out the arts and crafts. Coloring a Thanksgiving-themed photograph or outline could be the perfect way to set the mood for upcoming celebrations.

Get Organized

With limited time outside or in public, there’s no better chance to get organized inside your home, apartment or assisted/independent living facility. Cleaning up and getting organized always results in a happier and more peaceful state of mind. Sort through your trash, get rid of old clothes no longer in rotation or organize your closet(s). Cleaning is one way to make sure you stay productive during this ongoing pandemic.

Get an update on the distribution of the COVID-19 Vaccine right here.

Chaparral Winds Is An Independent Living Facility In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a beautiful independent living facility near Surprise, AZ. Being able to socialize with other residents becomes an integral part of many peoples’ lives and Chaparral Winds Independent Living Facility offers common indoor space to support that need. If a resident requires assistance moving from a bed to a wheelchair or vice versa, this facility has staff who can help.

Address: 16617 N West-Point Pkwy, Surprise, AZ 85374

Phone: (623) 544-4777

Best Physical Games For Seniors
Written by Brian B

Best Physical Games For Seniors

Independent and assisted living facilities across the country offer a wide variety of activities for senior citizens. Exercise, stimulation of the mind and socializing can all be attained with these three activities, listed below. Here’s a look at the best physical games for seniors.

Shuffleboard

Shuffleboard actually began as a pub activity in England during the 15th century. Centuries later, it remains one of the most popular games around the world. The rules have generally remained the same in shuffleboard. Outdoor and indoor versions may vary a little, but the objective remains the same. One player is victorious when reaching a score of 15. If you wish to play the sport for a longer period of time, a high score of 21 can claim victory. Each player in shuffleboard will take alternating turns, sliding four weights across the board. Whoever ends up with their weights representing the higher score wins. Feel free to knock off opponents’ weights with your own, as this is certainly part of the game. You can also surround your own weights to protect your valuable score.

Health Benefits

The biggest benefit of this activity is the constant stimulation of the mind. Relieving stress is an added bonus, along with the obvious workout of several muscle groups during gameplay.

Bocce Ball

Bocce Ball’s history goes well beyond that of Shuffleboard. Dating back to 5200 B.C., we can see the beginnings of this game. English scientist, Sir Francis Petrial, discovered a painting of children playing Bocce Ball in an ancient Egyptian tomb. And even though a Bocce Olympiad was held in Athens back in 1896, it would take nearly another century for the sport to catch on in the United States. Nowadays, Bocce Ball is a highly popular activity, especially for seniors. Eight balls and a pallino can be split up among 2, 4, 6 or 8 players on a court. One player tosses the pallino, followed by another ball. This player is now “inside” as the closest to the pallino on the court. All players now try to get their own balls closer to the pallino. The closest ball to the pallino gets that player awarded one point at the end of the round. 13 points is the number to achieve for an overall victory.

Health Benefits

Bocce Ball gets credited with improving the flexibility of participating seniors. Just like shuffleboard, Bocce Ball can help reduce stress and keep the mind engaged.

Line Dancing

Health experts recommend at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise for all ages, especially senior citizens. Line dancing with a group of your peers is perhaps the best way to hit this goal. This activity is terrific for the heart, and keeps you healthy and in shape, overall. If you aren’t an experienced dancer, have no fear! Line dancing is perfect for beginners with little to no rhythm at this stage.

Health Benefits

Stamina, balance and posture should all see improvements when line dancing. The benefits keep getting better as avid line dancing has been shown to lower the risk of diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis and high blood pressure.

Chaparral Winds Is An Independent Living Facility In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a beautiful independent living facility near Surprise, AZ. Being able to socialize with other residents becomes an integral part of many peoples’ lives and Chaparral Winds Independent Living Facility offers common indoor space to support that need. If a resident requires assistance moving from a bed to a wheelchair or vice versa, this facility has staff who can help.

Address: 16617 N West-Point Pkwy, Surprise, AZ 85374

Phone: (623) 544-4777

Assisted Living Near Me
Written by Brian B

Assisted Living Facility Near Me

If you search “assisted living facility near me” in the Phoenix, Arizona area, the results will be endless. Pricing, medical care, activities and dining plans may begin to blend together after looking through all the facilities. But, there are a few assisted living facilities that stand out above the rest. Here are four of the top assisted living choices in the area.

Assisted Living In Mesa

Canyon Winds is a Senior Living Services Community located in Mesa, Arizona. This facility offers plenty of choices for senior citizens of varying needs. One can find more than just assisted living at Canyon Winds, as they also offer independent and memory care services. This resort-style facility is breathtaking, with spacious floor plans and dining areas. A full activity program and fitness center await future residents. Looking to bring a small cat or dog to your new home? Not a problem at all, as every SLS Community is pet friendly!

Visit Canyon Winds website here.

Assisted Living In Surprise

If you’ve lived in Surprise your entire life and want to stay close to friends and family, then Chaparral Winds is the assisted living facility for you! As Chaparral Winds’ website states, this is a community designed for the active seniors, while still providing a relaxed vibe throughout the facility. A pool and hot tub combined with a beautiful dining area make this one of the premier communities in all of Arizona. Great shopping, golf courses, restaurants and medical facilities are all located within a few miles.

Visit Chaparral Winds website here.

Assisted Living In Peoria

Offering assisted, independent and memory care services, Desert Winds is another top-notch community in the valley. Desert Winds offers three types of floor plans for assisted living residents. Whether a two-bedroom, two-bath or one-bedroom, one-bath is what you desire, Desert Winds has a plan for you. Studio apartments are available as well. All of these floor plans can be toured virtually on Desert Winds’ official website. All apartments come fully equipped with individual heat and AC units, a refrigerator, microwave, window treatments and more.

Visit Desert Winds website here.

Assisted Living In Youngtown

There isn’t a more appropriately named setting for this lively community than Youngtown! Monthly rent at Ventana Winds includes three well balanced meals plus snacks, 24-hour staff, and a daily tidying of your apartment. The offerings don’t end there! Personal laundry is done weekly, transportation is provided for appointments or shopping, a 24/7 emergency call system is in place, as well as a full slate of exciting activities. Check out all of Ventana Winds’ offerings today!

Visit Ventana Winds website here.

Chaparral Winds Is An Independent Living Facility In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a beautiful independent living facility near Surprise, AZ. Being able to socialize with other residents becomes an integral part of many peoples’ lives and Chaparral Winds Independent Living Facility offers common indoor space to support that need. If a resident requires assistance moving from a bed to a wheelchair or vice versa, this facility has staff who can help.

Address: 16617 N West-Point Pkwy, Surprise, AZ 85374

Phone: (623) 544-4777

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