Tag: in home senior care

Today Show : Part 3 – Helping Parents Make Legal, Medical, and Financial Decisions

Recently, financial expert, Jean Chatzky, did a three part series on the Today Show called “Taking Care of Mom & Dad”.  Each of these segments specifically touched on real questions adult children have regarding what to expect as their parents age.

The video featured here is Part 3 – Helping Parents Make Legal, Medical, and Financial Decisions. 

Take a few minutes to watch this well done, informative short video.  Find Part 2 here, and Part 1 here.

 

Jan Jordan is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist serving the Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Longmont, Boulder and other Front Range areas of Colorado.  Click here to contact Jan and learn if reverse mortgage is right for you.

Today Show : Part 2 – Is A Reverse Mortgage Right For Your Aging Parents?

Recently, financial expert, Jean Chatzky, did a three part series on the Today Show called “Taking Care of Mom & Dad”.  Each of these segments specifically touched on real questions adult children have regarding what to expect as their parents age.

The video featured here is Part 2 – How to Handle the Cost of Aging Parents: Is a Reverse Mortgage Right For You?

Take a few minutes to watch this well done, informative short video.  Find Part 1 here, and Part 3 here

 

Jan Jordan is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist serving the Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Longmont, Boulder and other Front Range areas of Colorado.  Click here to contact Jan and learn if reverse mortgage is right for you.

Today Show : Part 1 – How To Help Your Aging Parents Find The Best Place To Live

Recently, financial expert, Jean Chatzky, did a three part series on the Today Show called “Taking Care of Mom & Dad”.  Each of these segments specifically touched on real questions adult children have regarding what to expect as their parents age.

The video featured here is Part 1 – How To Help Your Aging Parents Find The Best Place To Live.

Take a few minutes to watch this well done, informative short video.  Find Part 2 here, and Part 3 here.

 

Jan Jordan is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist serving the Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Longmont, Boulder and other Front Range areas of Colorado.  Click here to contact Jan and learn if reverse mortgage is right for you.

How Reverse Mortgage Helped a 100 year old Man Age at Home

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Awhile back I closed a reverse mortgage loan for a 100 year old gentleman.  This was my first time closing a loan for someone of his age.  He lives at home with 24 hour care at a cost of $10,000 a month.  When I was sitting at the closing table with the client and his lawyer, the lawyer mentioned that that he could move to an assisted living facility at half the cost ($5,000/month).

 

This gentleman’s quick sharp answer back to everyone? “NO…. I’m staying in my home.”

 

Deciding whether aging at home, moving in with family, or moving to an assisted living facility is right for you or your loved ones can be very complicated and emotional.  Since reverse mortgages can open up opportunity to turn home equity into liquid cash, without having to move or make a mortgage loan payment, seniors and their families are often using this opportunity to pay for care that would otherwise not be covered by basic Medicare, Medicaid or health insurance.

 

Studies have shown that the benefits of aging in place can be enormous for the right candidate.  Not only can a move be both emotionally and physically challenging on a senior, especially one with medical concerns, it’s known that the quality of life tends to increase when seniors maintain their independence and their community ties.

 

With reverse mortgages being available to homeowners 62 and over, I was honored to have been given the opportunity to help this 100 year old gentleman stay in his home – where he felt the happiest and most comfortable.

 

Jan Jordan Reverse Mortgage Info for Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and Front Range areas of Colorado.

Do You Need A Colorado Elder Law Attorney?

colorado reverse mortgage fort collins denver loveland greeley windsorElder law is a relatively unknown segment of law and is often overlooked when seeking legal solutions.  But for some seniors and their families an elder law attorney may be exactly what they need.  Elder law is very broad and includes things like estate planning, probate, guardianship, real estate, nursing home neglect and a dozen other areas of law that are nearly exclusive to the elderly. Typically one lawyer will not have expertise in every area, but will instead work with a network of attorneys who can supplement in specific areas when needed and vice versa.  Also, keep in mind just because an individual is elderly does not mean they need an elder law attorney.  Elder law is focused on legal problems specific to the elderly.  Concerns with other areas of law may best be handled by attorneys dedicated to those areas.

An elder law attorney should be educated and informed on reverse mortgage.  It is common for them to receive questions from clients, former clients, and their families about reverse mortgage when establishing estate plans or when they are considering a reverse mortgage for the first time.  Although reverse mortgages can be an excellent and safe tool for many homeowners, they are not for everyone and are most effective when used as part of a financial and estate plan.  It is highly encouraged to make sure any question receives an adequate answer when considering reverse mortgage – and often elder law attorneys are part of that equation.  This can also help with avoiding reverse mortgage scams.

Here are a few questions to ask when seeking out a an elder law attorney:

  • How long has the attorney been practicing?
  • What percentage of the attorney’s practice is devoted to elder law?
  • Does his or her practice emphasize a particular area of elder law? (for instance, guardianship or other specific work)
  • How much elder law training has the attorney had, and from what organizations?
  • Is the attorney a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys?
  • Will the attorney be able to work within your time limitations?

In addition to a legal network, an elder law attorney should be familiar with the “elder network”, a network of public and private community resources to assist seniors in various capacities.  This should include a reputable reverse mortgage lender.

Jan Jordan Reverse Mortgage Info for Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and Front Range areas of Colorado.

Are You Prepared to Take Care of Your Parents?

Reverse Mortgage Colorado Fort Collins LovelandThe cost of eldercare is staggering.  And so is the toll it takes on an adult child.  Are you prepared for either?  Or both?

 

A recent MetLife study estimated that the total cost incurred by the caregiver alone (not including the costs directly related to care) is an average of $324,044.  The financially impact can be similar to having children, but without the planning.  So, how can one prepare for this?  Here are a few suggestions:
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1.) Talk with other siblings and relatives.  Have any of them considered this?  Do they have plans or ideas they haven’t shared?  Utilizing networks early on can help alleviate worry down the road.

 

2.) Talk with mom and dad.  Not always the easiest or most comfortable conversation to have, but a very important one nonetheless.  Find out what they want these upcoming years to look like, and what kind of long term care insurance, pensions, and home equity they may have.  Do they have a retirement planner that as factored any of this?

 

3.) Look into long term care options and weigh out the costs along with the pros and cons.  Although your parents are your parents, and you love them dearly, you may not be the best option as a caregiver among the many options available today.

 

4.) Consider a reverse mortgage.  The once frowned upon reverse mortgage program is now being utilized to brighten long term retirement scenarios.  This FHA insured loan not only eliminates mortgage payments but allows the borrower to access the equity in their home via monthly installments, a line of credit, or sometimes even a lump sum.  This is a great option for those wishing to age at home, as the loan does not come due until the last borrower passes away or leaves the home permanently.

 

Jan Jordan Reverse Mortgage Info for Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and Front Range areas of Colorado.

 

Reflecting on the Holidays and Elderly Family

reverse mortgage colorado fort collins loveland berthoud greeley windsorWith Christmas now behind us, many families are reflecting on the holiday.  Adult children enjoyed spending time with their aging parents or relatives, grand children and great-grand children were squeezed and showered with adoration.  For some spending time with family is an encouraging sign of many happy years to come…but for others, it can be a time that raises concern about health or finances, and questions about how aging  parents will continue to cope.  Will this person need additional care?  Do they need a more adequate home closer to family or suitable for aging in place?  How does long term retirement look?

 

Concerns such as this are very common around the holidays.  To better guide you in the right direction and ultimately direct the family in the right direction, here are some questions to ask yourself:
• Are they able to get around by him or herself? Are there stairs in the home?

 

• Is this person able to take medications without assistance? Is there a health concern that would require more regular supervision, such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s?
• Is your parent able to manage mortgage payments, home-owners insurance payments, and property taxes. Is the home outdated and in need of frequent repairs – such as a furnace, roofing, electricity?

 

• Where is this home located? Is it in close proximity to relatives, hospitals, etc? Or is it secluded and away from town?

 

• Is this person lonely? Has he or she suffered the loss of a spouse? Does he or she have a solid social group or close friends?
Based on your answers to these questions, aging at home may be an option for years to come – and reverse mortgage can be a solution to many problems even for married couples. Reverse mortgages allow homeowners age 62 and older to access equity in their home, without acquiring a loan or mortgage payment, and the funds can be accessed via a line of credit, monthly installments, a lump sum, and even as a new home purchase. The homeowner will always retain the title and remains in the home. All reverse mortgages are government insured with an FHA backed loan and no repayment is due until the last borrower passes away or permanently leaves the home. At that time there are several options that include keeping the home in the family. If selling the current residence and moving into a new home is a more reasonable route, Reverse Mortgage for Purchase may be an option.

 

Jan Jordan Reverse Mortgage Info for Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and Front Range areas of Colorado.

Reverse Mortgage Funds In-Home Senior Care

reverse mortgage colorado fort collins loveland greeleyReverse mortgage has long been used to help seniors convert home equity into cash, and the funds can be used for anything the borrowers sees fit.  The reason homeowners are looking to tap into these funds varies widely, but they’re commonly used to pay for extraordinary out of pocket medical expenses, including in-home senior care.

 

A common question is whether the amount of money received will be enough to cover the medical needs.  Often it is – whether it is covering actual medical costs, live-in care, or drop-in care.  The amount of money available to the borrower depends on the borrower’s age, the appraised value of the home, any outstanding mortgage balance, and current interest rates.

 

To best determine how much money will be needed for in-home care is to do some research.  Find out what options are available from your local home care services.  Talk to more than one.  Get referrals from those you know and trust.  Ask for an estimate of cost.  Work with a reputable reverse mortgage specialist to ensure no one is being misled.  They will be able to help break down the numbers long term to determine what is right for you.

 

Jan Jordan is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist serving the Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Longmont, Boulder and other Front Range areas of Colorado, as well as the Cheyenne and Laramie communities of Wyoming.  Contact Jan and learn if reverse mortgage is right for you.

Nursing Homes, In-Home Care & Reverse Mortgage

reverse mortgage colorado fort collins loveland greeleyTo most, elderly and nursing homes go hand in hand. But did you know when speaking with elderly people, one of their biggest fears is being placed into a nursing home? And who can blame them? When considering the psyche of an older senior, nursing homes or convalescent homes mean “end of life”. Yet with advanced medicine and more active lifestyles, seniors are living far beyond their expectations.

 

Often, adult children don’t know what to do as the needs of the parents increase, the home is no longer suited for their parent, and they do not have the funds or the time for in home care. This is where reverse mortgage becomes a very important option.

 

Reverse mortgage is a great method to finance in-home care to avoid nursing homes, pay for medical care, or even fund home modifications. For seniors who are looking to situate long term and prepare to live their senior years in their own home, a move to a new residence closer to family or more suited for senior life may be in order. The Reverse Mortgage for Purchase is a perfect option for these situations. Reverse Mortgage for Purchase allows the purchase of a new residence using a reverse mortgage while still employing the perks of a traditional reverse mortgage – living mortgage payment free. In addition, reverse mortgages do not affect social security, pensions, or Medicare – and the money is tax free.

 

Both Reverse Mortgage for Purchase and traditional Reverse Mortgages are available to seniors 62 and over, with no income or credit requirements. The borrower will live mortgage payment free, retain the title to the home, and will never be forced to leave. Just as with a home owned free and clear, the homeowner will still be responsible for property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA fees, utilities, and general upkeep. Even married couples can both be on a reverse mortgage and the loan doesn’t come due until the last borrower permanently leaves the home.

 

Jan Jordan is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist serving the Fort Collins, Loveland, Longmont, Greeley, and Front Range areas of Colorado as well as Cheyenne and Laramie, Wyoming. Click here to contact Jan and learn if reverse mortgage is right for you.

A Great Solution for Seniors : Reverse Mortgage

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To most, elderly and nursing homes go hand in hand.  But did you know when speaking with elderly people, one of their biggest fears is being placed into a nursing home?  And who can blame them?  According to National Center on Elder abuse, one study interviewing 2,000 nursing home residents reported that 44% said they had been abused and 95% said they had been neglected or seen another resident neglected.  When considering the psyche of an older senior, nursing homes or convalescent homes mean “end of life”.   Often times adult children don’t know a better solution as the needs of the parents increase, the home is no longer suited for their parent, and they do not have the funds or the time for in home care.   This is where reverse mortgage becomes a very important option.

 

Reverse mortgage is a great method to finance in-home care to avoid nursing homes, or pay for medical care, and fund home modifications.  For seniors who are looking to situate long term and prepare to live their senior years in their own home, a move to a new residence closer to family or more suited for senior life may be in order.  The reverse mortgage for purchase is perfect option for these situations.  Reverse mortgage for purchase allows the purchase of a new residence using a reverse mortgage while still employing the perks of a traditional reverse mortgage – living mortgage payment free.  In addition, reverse mortgages do not affect social security, pensions, or medicare.

 

Both reverse mortgage for purchase and traditional reverse mortgage are available to seniors 62 and over, with no income or credit requirements.

 

Jan Jordan is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist serving the Fort Collins, Loveland, Longmont, Greeley, and Front Range areas of Colorado as well as Cheyenne and Laramie, Wyoming. Click here to contact Jan and learn if reverse mortgage is right for you.