Frequently Asked Questions

Adult children often come face-to-face with determining when and how they can begin assisting their elderly parents with a move. It is never too early to begin the psychological process. While the actual move may be months or even years away, the emotional preparation begins much earlier.

In many cases we will need to explore these questions with all parties before any action should be taken. A well thought-out plan and goals will ease the transition process. Through careful planning and consulting with family, friends, lawyers, financial advisers and realtors, positive steps can be taken. In a crisis or when sellers are not motivated, wrong decisions can often be made about pricing the home, timing, necessary preparation, and the logistics of the sale.

For seniors and their families, the decision-making may not be a smooth or easy process. In order to understand the full process, it is helpful to get a Realtor’s Property Assessment (RPA). This comprehensive step-by-step plan can help the family with their decision-making at the beginning stages of the move.

As a Realtor working with Senior Transitions, I commonly run into situations in which seniors are passively agreeing to leaving their current homes without really meaning to. Often the senior thinks they are doing all the right things, yet psychologically they put up their own roadblocks. These elder sellers go through all of the preliminary steps:  They explore their alternate living options, begin decluttering, consult their attorney, and many even go so far as to meet with real estate agents, select one, and put the house on the market.

The question is:  Are they really ready to make the move, or are they just playing Real Estate? The rules of playing Real Estate may not be readily apparent, but once the home is listed in the MLS and the showing process begins, they quickly become evident. Here are a few signs that the senior seller is actually less than a ready, willing and able participant:

• Is the property priced realistically to sell?
• When given feedback that the market is not responding favorably to the price, does the owner resist a price adjustment?
• Does the seller set up an arbitrary price below which they will not sell?
• Is the house difficult to show? Are the imposed days and time frames too restrictive for showing agents to schedule?

If the showing guidelines are too restrictive and the property can only be shown in good weather, then we have an uncooperative seller. When the seller insists on being present at all showings even though a licensed Realtor accompanies all prospective buyers, this may be a sign of unwillingness on the part of the owner to give up control. These are but a few of the signals that pseudo-sellers send out when they aren’t comfortable with the decision to make the move. Not only must seniors and their families acknowledge this phenomena, but the Listing Agent must also be savvy. It is not fair to the seller to persist for too long in this unsuccessful marketing attempt. It’s also not fair to the buyers, their agents, or even the Listing Agent.

Sometimes in Senior Transitions a direct, but compassionate, conversation with the sellers may be required to re-establish expectations.  A key factor in Senior Transitions may involve a heart-to-heart with all parties involved in the actual listing. Sellers and members of their support systems must agree not to proceed until fantasy Real Estate becomes Real Estate.

This is an excellent question that is asked quite often by concerned families. There is no set response to this inquiry; it really depends on each individual situation and there are many considerations to take into account.

Long term, what are the plans for the house? If family members are considering using the property for personal use, it may be advantageous to rent it short-term until these decisions are reached. Senior parents may also need a little psychological room to give up “their home” in stages and renting out the property can be a temporary solution.

Another extremely important factor will be an economic one. If the next move requires a significant financial contribution, the house may need to be sold immediately to free up the funds for current use. In this situation, it is necessary to determine the real estate value of the property. The marketability of the house and a review of market conditions should be explored. Even on a preliminary basis, a Realtor should be consulted to assist with obtaining accurate information. Renting a property involves many factors. The profitability of the rental income will depend on the existing mortgage costs, real estate taxes, maintenance fees, and operating costs. There may also be estate and tax considerations that should be addressed with an accountant or financial adviser.

The realities of being a landlord also need to be examined. Determine if there is a family member locally who is willing to accept the responsibility for managing the property. Property management can be very time consuming and is an ongoing job. Ask a real estate agent to provide you with a standard lease so you can review what will be required of the owner and the tenant. Determining the correct amount for the rental is also key.

A final word of advice:  The worst decision regarding selling versus renting is to do nothing. Please do not keep the property empty while family decisions are made. Obviously, there may be a period when repairs or fix-ups to the house may be required before it can be sold or rented. Long-term, a vacant house or condo can be problematic and only delays the decision-making process. Determinations about what to do with the property need to be made simultaneously with decisions about the entire senior transition process.

As a Realtor specializing in transitioning older home owners, this really depends on what each seller is comfortable with. In most situations, the house or unit will need to be prepared for the market. Some sellers embrace this process while many others are not comfortable or capable of handling the decluttering and staging aspects. Often, the required changes are overwhelming and would be best handled after the current owner has vacated.

A house on the market must be able to be shown with ease. When possible, showing hours should make the property readily accessible to potential buyers. Often, elder home owners have difficulty with morning showings and may require 24 hour notice. It is not advisable to have a seller present when the house is being shown. Input from the owner is not appropriate when a licensed agent is bringing in a potential buyer. It may also be upsetting for Mom to watch someone go through her home and she can unintentionally be a negative influence. The reality is that an older seller may not be physically or cognitively able to leave the property each time it is shown. An experienced real estate agent will work around these showing circumstances. However, I have found that it is critical during a showing that a potential buyer be able to imagine themselves in the property. When Mom is hovering, it may be more difficult to close the deal.

The entire transition team working with Mom should help her decide what is best for her. She will usually let you know what makes her feel comfortable. If it is economically feasible to move Mom or to make other arrangements for her while her house is on the market, this may be the best alternative. Of course, there is always an exception:  I had a very dear senior seller who not only wanted to be at every showing, she actually served pineapple juice and cookies to the prospective buyers. I’m happy to say that we did get her home sold for a good price and her transition went smoothly.

Senior living refers to a wide range of housing and healthcare options for older adults and includes independent living, assisted living, and memory care. While the term is mostly synonymous with retirement living, not all senior living residents are completely or even partially retired. Independent living residents seek a maintenance-free lifestyle with the advantages of community amenities. Assisted living residents receive the support they need with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and medication management for a secure, dignified, worry-free lifestyle. Memory care is provided in a secure neighborhood designed to accommodate the unique requirements of those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

A continuing care retirement community offers multiple options along the continuum of senior living housing and healthcare spectrum. Some communities offer independent living, assisted living, and memory care all on one campus. If care needs change, residents can transition within the community to the proper care setting. In-home care is often provided by third-party care services. Residents who require short-term rehabilitation or long-term skilled nursing care following hospitalization can receive the care and attention they need until they have recovered.

Selecting a senior living community for yourself or a loved one involves asking the right questions. Important questions to ask include:

• Does the community have a continuum of care to accommodate changing care requirements without needing to move?
• Does the community offer monthly rental apartments or does it require a buy-in?
• Are the common areas inviting, welcoming places to gather?
• What kinds of activities and outings are offered to encourage socialization and healthy living?
• How’s the food? Is the menu varied? Are menu selections both nutritious and appetizing?

Finally, be sure to tour the community and confirm the answers you’ve been given.

Assisted Living is a supportive senior living option promoting independence and personal dignity in a safe, home-like environment. Help with the tasks of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, evening care and medication monitoring is personally tailored to each individual’s personal needs and preferences.

In Assisted Living, a resident makes their home in a private apartment with the convenience of maintenance, housekeeping and laundry services. The resident also has full access to the community’s full array of amenities featuring an active lifestyle that includes ample access to entertainment, recreation, dining and transportation.

Assisted Living is a wonderful option for seniors who no longer wish to live alone or may need some help, but who don’t need or want institutionalized care in a nursing home. It is best suited for seniors who do not require complex medical care, but may require additional support with personal care and daily activities, or experience memory issues that make it unsafe to live alone at home.

Assisted Living promotes independence and emphasizes wellness in a warm, dignified, community setting. Residents live in their own private apartment that they can furnish and decorate as they choose. Residents choose what they want to eat at meals in restaurant style dining rooms, and they have the freedom to decide which activities they want to participate in or how they want to spend their day.

Nursing homes take care of people who are sick and need round-the-clock nursing care. Often, their institutionalized settings are not conducive to encouraging independence. Health care experts estimate up to 30% of elders residing in nursing homes do not need round-the-clock care. Assisted Living offers these elders a place to call home which offers more cheerful surroundings, privacy, space and dignity than is typically found in a nursing home, and at a lower cost.

Assisted Living Costs
The cost of Assisted Living, which varies from community to community, is based on the type and size of the rental apartment, as well as the level of care needs and the service options chosen by the resident. In the Spokane region, Assisted Living monthly rates typically fall within the range of $7,000 to $9,000 per month. Alzheimer’s and dementia care is more expensive, with a typical range of $8,000 to $9,500 per month.

Nursing Home Costs
In comparison, Nursing Homes in Spokane average $11,000 to $14,000 per month. If you need 24-hour nursing care to handle a variety of complex medical issues, this is the option you need.

Home Health Care Costs
Many people also assess the cost of Home Health Care (HHC) when deciding which option to choose – staying at home with services or moving to an Assisted Living community. HHC is usually based on an hourly rate. In Spokane, this rate ranges from $26 to $30 an hour, depending on the geographic area and the type of home health care services being contracted for. It’s important to compare apples to apples. You should look at the 24-hour staff/support that Assisted Living provides to the same level of HHC services: “Live-in” caregivers who sleep at night charging 12 hours per day (in Spokane on average $9,000/month) and 24-hour awake staff coverage with 2-3 shifts of different caregivers (on average $17,000/month).

Just 6 hours a day of HHC can cost over $6,000 per month. Compare that to Assisted Living monthly fees of $7,000 to $9,000 per month which ALSO includes all housing costs (property tax, utilities, maintenance, housekeeping), groceries and meal preparation, transportation, security with 24-hour awake staff, and personal care services. Assisted Living is believed to offer so much more than what the senior gets living at home alone with services – an active social setting that eliminates isolation, a variety of enriching, educational and fun programs, comprehensive wellness services to help maintain independence, and all the privacy the senior would want in their own apartment home.

Having said that, if the senior needs just a little assistance with personal care and medications and they don’t mind living at home alone, a limited amount of HHC to supplement family support may be a good financial option.

Seniors who are frail but not sick and who need some help with daily activities such as housecleaning, meals, dressing, and medication reminders and monitoring, are appropriate for Assisted Living. Geriatric experts estimate that nearly 1/3 of people age 85 and older need some assistance with these types of daily living activities.

Seniors who want peace of mind, who don’t want to rely on family for assistance or care, are appropriate for Assisted Living as well. Additionally, many seniors simply want to live independently without the worries of home maintenance, shopping and cooking on a daily basis or just do not wish to live alone any longer.

Most Assisted Living residents lived within 3-5 miles of the community prior to moving in, or have family who live close by. The average age of an Assisted Living resident is 84. Approximately 80% are women and 20% men, although that differs from community to community. Approximately 90% are widowed or single, although more and more married couples are choosing to live in Assisted Living. They are independent and active, participating in the community’s social, educational and wellness programs. Many of them take advantage of the community’s personal care assistance and benefit from medication reminders and monitoring (the average resident takes at least two medications daily). Those residents who don’t need personal care assistance enjoy Assisted Living’s other services, such as housecleaning, laundry, meals, and a dynamic social, cultural and wellness activities program.