Downsizing in the Golden Years – Resources for New York City Seniors

In an effort to help educate New York seniors about the resources available to help them age comfortably and happily, I co-hosted a small seminar with two wonderful women who also work with seniors.

The panelists and topics covered:

Melissa Smith, a licensed real estate agent with Corcoran covered topics related to your property:

• Downsizing options

• How to keep existing property in the family/converting to rentals

• Factors to consider when finding your next home

Melissa Goikhman, an Estate Planning Expert and Attorney covered wills/trusts and asset management topics:

• Planning for asset management in the event of incapacity

• Planning for the smooth/painless transfer of assets

• Difference between wills and trusts

Katie Hustead, a senior move manager and co-owner of Paper Moon Moves covered downsizing and moving:

• How to get started with downsizing your possessions

• How to sell, donate, and discard things you will not be keeping

• Tips for a successful move

We hope you enjoy the video of our panel, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you feel our services can be useful to you or someone you love – www.papermoonmoves.com.

Seminar on Issues Around Aging, for You or a Loved One

Last week we were honored to be included on a panel gathered to help New Yorkers learn about services available for themselves or aging friends or family. Attendance was robust and our fellow panelists offered some terrific solutions for helping New Yorkers age comfortably – whether they choose to age at home or to move to a senior residence.

The video is a bit long because there was so much information to be shared.

Here are the featured panelists:

• Bill Herbst, Compass Real Estate.  Real estate broker and Founding Member of CompassPlus, a nationwide division of Compass to serve the special needs of older clients.  

• Katie Hustead, Paper Moon Moves. Senior move specialist, helping older adults with every aspect of the moving process.

• Diane Trunececk, CarePatrol.  A free service that helps find the right living solutions for seniors.

• Marni Blank, Begin With the End. End of life and legacy planning, death doula services, and after loss support. 

• Frank DiMaggio, LifeWorx. A provider of concierge-level in-home care.

• Barbara L. MacGrady, Esq., Davidson, Dawson & Clark. Trust and estates attorney.

• Michael Silverman, Silver Lining Insurance.  A provider of long-term care policies.

Organizing essential documents into one safe place

We all have an assortment of important paperwork and documentation that has to be kept. I’m not talking about the piles of mail that bombard us at home every day, or the files and files of taxes you have saved from decades ago. I’m talking about the essentials, like Passports, birth certificates, deeds and other paperwork related to your home, insurance policies, and extra cash. Even if most of your paperwork is digital at this point, chances are you’ve got some actual paperwork that needs to be stored somewhere safe.

Ideally, you would have all of this saved together in a place where you could access it easily if you need to quickly. Or, God forbid, if something were to happen to you, where your trusted friends and family could access it. 

For many people the best option is a simple fire-resistant file organizer. These are not expensive and are not hard to find. A search on Amazon for “fire-resistant file organizer” will show you many options. Some have locks on them, some have built-in organizing systems, like pre-made file labels. Most are about the size of a toaster oven.

You don’t have to get fancy about this. Just think about anything you would need if you had to evacuate your home in an emergency. You may want to keep your will in here, along with a copy of your living will, health care proxy, and other documents that would be needed by your estate or your family if you were to become incapacitated. You may also want to include some cash – maybe enough to help you out if you have trouble getting to an ATM.

One client has even gone so far as to write a note to the people she loves. Each one is in a sealed envelope with their name on it. Think of what a gift this will be to them after her death.

Here’s a full list of things you may want to keep:

• Passports

• A copy of your will, trusts, living will, health care proxy, and living will

• Birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage certificates

• The original copy of your social security card

• Deed to your home or Co-op shareholder certificate

• Notes and receipts for improvements you have made to your home

• Copies of the cover pages for insurance policies – homeowner’s insurance, auto insurance, health insurance, life insurance, etc.

• Paperwork related to your car(s)

• Cash

• A list of contacts you may need in a hurry one day, such as your: insurance brokers, mortgage broker, financial advisor, doctors, vets; on this list, you may also want to include a few details for each contact such as your policy and account numbers

• Keys you only need rarely but could need in a hurry, such as keys to safe deposit boxes, storage units, or to the homes of people close to you

By the way, in an earlier blog we covered the importance of having a Go Bag – in case you have to leave your home in a hurry. This is a different kind of preparation. Both are important!

What to expect when you’re 80 – Part II

In an earlier blog, I covered some basic services that we or seniors we love may need as we age. These included Trust & Estate Attorneys, Geriatric Care Managers, and Daily Money Managers. Now I’ll continue with more professions. You may have heard of some of these or they may all be new to you. I will continue this list in future blogs. Please comment with any fields you’d like me to address.

Home care or “in home care”

There may come a time when you find that your older relative or friend is having too much trouble managing their day to day life on their own and could use some support. Perhaps they are getting confused easily or are prone to falling. Maybe they can no longer do the shopping on their own or your concerned about them cooking when they’re alone. There are a lot of options for hiring someone to be home with them. Support can be 24/7, for example, or it could be for specific hours during the days. And the level of care provided can range from simple things like companionship, to more complicated things like meal preparation, transportation assistance, help around the house, etc.

The amount of support someone needs at home is usually assessed by how a person can handle the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). In brief, ADLs, are: moving around without support, bathing/grooming, feeding oneself, using the toilet alone, managing medications, etc.

A home aide is often found to be necessary on a temporary basis. For example, someone may come home from a hospital stay and need an aide to help them transition to living at home independently again, or they may need medication management after a fall or illness. 

Someone with mobility issues, dementia, or other chronic illnesses may need long term home care.  

Private home care

Some of our clients opt to find a private home care aide. This can work out well because you can vet the aide carefully and make sure you are comfortable having them home alone with your family member. You can sometimes find an aide who has helped a family friend for years. Often times these private aides become close friends and provide companionship and love.

There are risks to hiring a private aide. For one thing, you are relying on them to show up when expected. If they are ill or need to care for their own family unexpectedly, you may find yourself scrambling to find a last-minute replacement. There are also risks involved with insurance. We have heard some sad stories about private aides stealing from clients, or suing clients if they injure themselves on the job. For these reasons, some people find it worth considering hiring an agency instead of a private individual.

Home care from an agency

If you use an agency to find in home care, you will be hiring the agency, not the individual aide. The agency will select which aides will work with you in your home. You often have the option of requesting a new aide if you feel there isn’t a good fit with the one you are assigned, but you will be limited to working with someone registered with the agency you hired.

If anything goes wrong, or an aide falls ill or can’t make it to you one day, the agency will step in and find a solution for you. They can send a replacement aide on short notice. And you will have the comfort of knowing that the aides in your home are provided with workman’s compensation insurance in the event that anything happens to them while in your home.

Whether private of through an agency, the best way to find an aide is to ask for personal recommendations from others who have had experience with home care.

Senior placement agent

Often it becomes too difficult for a senior to remain at home and they may start to consider moving to a senior residence. We touched on the types of senior residences in an earlier blog. But the truth of the matter is that it can be really confusing to figure out what kind of residence makes the most sense and what your options are. For this reason, a relatively new profession has recently taken off: senior placement agencies. 

A Placement Agent will interview you and your family to understand the level of care you need and talk about the costs and other factors to consider as you select a place to live. Then they will provide a list of options that match your needs. They can arrange tours for you, arrange for you to have meals at the residences (it’s a good idea to get a sense of the food before moving in, When we ask our clients about their new residences, opinions regarding the food – both positive and negative – are usually the first response), and may even accompany you on the tours to help make sure your questions are all addressed.

There is generally no charge to the client who engages a placement agent. They are typically paid by the residence into which you ultimately move.

Healthcare services that can be provided in your home

A whole bunch of companies are developing ways to bring medical services to seniors in their homes. These can often be expensive if they aren’t covered by your insurance, but some clients find them to be quite useful. These days you can have physical therapists, doctors and nurses, audiologists, dentists, and more come right to you at home. In New York City there are even companies now providing the kinds of care you get in an emergency room, in your home, including EKGs, X-rays, IV fluids, and wound care.

Technology support at home

Technology can be frustrating for seniors, and asking for help of their family and friends can often be embarrassing. There are some non-profits and companies that offer technological support to seniors. Senior Planet is a non-profit based here in New York City that provides support and classes for seniors. They cover all kinds of topics such as how to download and use apps, how to use messaging tools, how to protect your information online, and much more. There are also private companies that will offer one-on-one tech support to seniors.

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

The AFA provides a ton of services to support caregivers of people living with dementia, including a hotline for caregivers, memory screening, virtual and in-person meetings and courses, caregiver support groups, the Dementia Apartment in New York City (featuring products and design that make life easier and more enjoyable for people living with dementia), and just a ton of good information about dementia.

Lighthouse Guild

The Lighthouse Guild provides services and support to people who are visually impaired. They have a technology center in New York City where you can try out the latest technology in this field, and they offer virtual support groups and technology demonstrations on their website. 

There are so many resources that we’ll continue this in future blogs. If you need help finding any of the above resources, don’t hesitate to reach out to us on our Contact Us page.

What to expect when you’re 80 – Part I

When I started Paper Moon Moves fourteen years ago, I was fortunate enough to find a few really great networking groups here in New York City that were filled with professionals who specialize in helping older New Yorkers. I remember going to meetings and soaking up all the information I could about all the services available.

And as we’ve continued to grow our senior moves business, we have been fortunate to meet many people who are doing excellent work helping seniors in New York City – helping them age in place, stay healthy, stay on top of their finances, and much more. It’s truly an honor to add to our contact list so many supportive and creative professionals.

But one thing always bothers me. It has not gotten easier for the seniors themselves, or their families, to meet these professionals. And there’s no easy way to even find out what kinds of services are available. There is, simply, no What to expect when you’re 80.

So, I’m going to use this space to start to introduce some of the helpful professional services that you or someone you love may need one day. This blog will cover a few key services and then I’ll cover more services in future blogs. If there are any particular professionals that you’d like to learn about, please note them in the comments section.

Trust & Estate Attorneys

Every adult should have certain documents in place. Having these documents will ensure your loved ones can avoid major bureaucratic headaches in the event they need to step in to handle your affairs. Additionally, these documents will help spell out your wishes and possibly prevent fights and stress among your loved ones.

1. A will: a will outlines how you want your assets to be distributed after your passing. Additionally, it enables you to designate guardians for minor children if necessary.

2. A trust: this allows you to transfer assets during your lifetime while maintaining control over them.

3. Advanced healthcare directive and healthcare proxy: these documents are for while you’re still alive. If you become incapacitated, these documents outline how you want to be cared for and, most importantly, who will be your proxy – the person who will have the power to make healthcare decisions for you if you no longer can.

4. Power of attorney: this is a legal document that designates someone to manage your financial affairs while you are alive if you become incapacitated.

A good Trust & Estate attorney will prepare all of the above for you. There is a cost involved, but these are costs that will make your life and your families’ life much easier one day. We have had many clients die without the above and I wouldn’t wish that kind of chaos and uncertainty on anyone. 

Geriatric Care Managers (GCMs)

Also known as aging life care consultants, GCMs can play a critical role when you or someone you love are facing ongoing health challenges and uncertainty about how to maintain independence when health situations are becoming more complex, or if simply managing daily life becomes overwhelming.

GCMs are typically social workers. They sometimes work for themselves but, more commonly now, they form teams of GCMs who can adapt flexibly to the level of care their clients’ need. We work with a number of good GCMs and I can attest to how helpful they can be. They can coordinate care for someone with multiple medical issues, they can help seniors or their families understand options for home healthcare or for senior residences. And much more. The Aging Lifecare Association website is full of useful information and also has a directory for finding care managers all over the country.

Daily Money Managers

Often one of the first signs that someone may have dementia or is having a hard time managing their own affairs is that bills go unpaid.

A daily money manager will work with you to streamline your bills. They will read each bill as it comes in and, if you give them the authority, pay it on your behalf. If they see something amiss, they will work to correct any errors. They will even go through complicated medical bills and insurance bills, helping you figure out what to pay and when. The American Association of Daily Money Managers website has information about the industry and a useful directory for finding a daily money manager in your area.

In future blogs, I’ll cover home healthcare agencies, placements agencies, medical fields that offer home visits, and more. Let me know if there are any areas in particular that you’d like to learn more about.

Understanding Senior Move Management

Understanding Senior Move Management: How Paper Moon Moves Can Help

Moving is often a challenging experience, but for seniors, it can be particularly overwhelming. Whether downsizing from a longtime family home, transitioning to a senior living community, or relocating closer to family, the process involves emotional and logistical complexities that can be difficult to navigate. This is where Paper Moon Moves comes in—a company dedicated to making these transitions smoother and more manageable.

What Are Senior Move Managers?

Senior move managers are professionals who specialize in assisting older adults and their families with the process of moving. Unlike traditional moving companies, senior move managers offer a comprehensive service that goes beyond just transporting belongings from one place to another. We understand that moving in later stages of life often involves much more than just packing boxes; it requires compassion, patience, and a deep understanding of the unique needs of seniors.

At Paper Moon Moves, we focus on easing the stress of moving by handling every detail with care. Our services include:

• Planning and Coordination: We work closely with you to create a customized moving plan that fits your specific needs. From deciding what to keep, donate, or discard, to scheduling movers and managing timelines, we take care of all the logistics.

• Sorting and Downsizing: Moving often involves downsizing, which can be an emotional and difficult process. We assist with sorting through belongings, helping you make decisions about what to take with you and what to leave behind. Our goal is to make this process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

• Packing and Unpacking: Our team ensures that your items are packed safely and efficiently. Upon arrival at your new home, we also unpack and organize your belongings, setting up your new space so it feels like home from the moment you walk in.

• Settling In: Beyond just unpacking, we help you settle into your new environment by arranging furniture, hanging pictures, and making sure everything is in its place. We aim to recreate the comfort and familiarity of your previous home in your new one.

• Emotional Support: We understand that moving can be an emotional experience, especially for those leaving a long-time home. Our team is trained to provide the support and understanding needed during these transitions, making the process less daunting.

When Might You Need a Senior Move Manager?

There are several situations where hiring a senior move manager like Paper Moon Moves can be incredibly beneficial:

1. Downsizing: If you’re moving from a larger home to a smaller one, whether it's an apartment, condo, or senior living community, downsizing can be a challenging task. We help you determine what’s essential, manage the sale or donation of items, and ensure that the transition is smooth.

2. Health-Related Moves: When health issues necessitate a move to a more supportive living environment, time is often of the essence. We can expedite the process, handling all the details so you or your loved one can focus on adjusting to the new setting.

3. Long-Distance Relocation: Moving closer to family or to a new city can be a daunting task, especially when it involves long distances. We coordinate everything from afar, ensuring that your belongings arrive safely and that your new home is ready for you.

4. Estate Transitions: In cases where a loved one has passed away or is moving to assisted living, we assist with the estate, helping to organize, distribute, and manage the belongings left behind. This can be an emotionally taxing process, and our team is here to offer both practical help and emotional support.

5. Aging in Place: Sometimes a home becomes too cluttered to navigate safely. Or you need to free up space for a caretaker to stay there comfortably. Or maybe you just want a bit more breathing room. We can help you downsize and organize your home. There's no move but your home may feel brand new when we're finished. 

Why Choose Paper Moon Moves?

At Paper Moon Moves, we understand that every move is unique. Our personalized approach ensures that your specific needs are met, and our compassionate team is dedicated to making your move as stress-free as possible. We take pride in handling the details, so you don’t have to, allowing you to focus on the excitement of starting a new chapter in your life.

Whether you’re planning a move in the near future or just considering your options, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in making your next move a smooth and positive experience.

Organizing Life's Daily Demands Interviews Paper Moon Moves

We were honored to be interviewed by Peter Gordon, a certified daily money manager and owner of New York Financial Organizers. In this interview, we discuss the main reasons people call a senior move manager as well as what happens to your belongings if something were to happen to you. How difficult would it be if your executor or family members suddenly had to come in and figure out what to do with all of your stuff? I talk about my sister and how I want to avoid leaving her a big confusing situation to manage if my husband and I pre-decease her.

We have partnered with Peter over the years when clients have found that staying on top of paperwork has become too challenging for them. He and his business partner patiently help their clients re-gain control over their bills.

We talked about how we both help elderly clients prepare for the future:

We talked about the reasons people call a senior move manager, and how to think about what would happen to all of your stuff in an emergency.

”Since 2009, Paper Moon Moves has been sorting, selling, donating, and managing our clients’ cherished belongings, and ensuring that they have just what they need for the next stage of their lives. If you’re faced with the challenge of downsizing and moving a senior you love or handling an estate, Paper Moon Moves is here to help.”

Senior Living Options: the basics

Types of senior living communities

The world of senior living can be confusing. There’s a lot of jargon, and a lot to figure out when you are assessing options for yourself or someone you love who may no longer be safe or comfortable living in their home.

 This is a simplified list, but hopefully it will help clarify the basic options for senior housing:

 Independent Living (IL): These are designed for active seniors who want to maintain their independence while having access to amenities and social activities. IL communities typically offer apartments or townhomes, and usually have dining options available, and services such as laundry and cleaning. Here you can choose to socialize or maintain your independence.

Assisted Living (AL): AL communities are for seniors who need help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, getting in or out of bed, using the toilet, eating, or medication management. These communities typically offer private apartments with different levels of care depending on the needs of each resident. Meals are typically included, as is housekeeping and laundry service.

 Memory Care: Memory care communities are designed for seniors with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. These communities offer specialized care and support for seniors with memory loss, including secure environments and specialized programming to promote memory function. Memory care communities typically offer private or semi-private rooms with 24-hour care and supervision.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs): CCRCs are generally large campuses that offer a range of care options, from independent living to skilled nursing care. Once someone moves in, they can transition seamlessly into different levels of care as their needs change. CCRCs typically require an upfront entrance fee and a monthly fee for ongoing care and services.

55+ Communities: These are age-restricted communities that cater to active adults aged 55 and older. These communities offer a variety of amenities and activities, such as golf courses, swimming pools, and fitness centers. 55+ communities can be either rental or owned, and may or may not have health care services available.

Skilled Nursing Facilities: Skilled nursing facilities provide 24-hour medical care and supervision for seniors with complex medical needs. These facilities typically offer both short-term and long-term care options, and may offer rehabilitation services, such as physical therapy.

When considering a senior living community, it's important to consider your current and future needs, your budget, and your lifestyle preferences. There are resources available to help you make the right choice. A good geriatric care manager (GCM), also called an Aging Life Care Professional (ALCA) will assess your needs and help you start to understand which type of senior living is right for you, and what your local options are. Many GCMs can be found on a directory on the Aging Life Care Association website, www.aginglifecare.org.