Resources for Caregivers I HIGHLY Recommend

When I’m in someone’s home working on accessibility remodeling or equipment to make living in the home easier, I’m often working with a family caregiver. Family caregivers are the front line providers of in home care across the United States. These are family members or good friends who are giving of themselves and their own lives to help protect the quality of life for someone they love.

They truly are every day Heros. If you aren’t a caregiver yourself, don’t stop reading. Think about the people you know. I bet that you know someone who takes care of a spouse, a parent, a child with a disability in addition to their job, their volunteer time, their other responsibilities. They may or may not have confided in you, but you know one. Listen, and you may be able to help someone someday.

Whatever motivates a family caregiver, as a group of people they are often at tremendous risk for both physical and psychological ailments themselves. Informal caregiving can quickly become a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week, unrelenting responsibility. A person can find themselves assuming responsibilities and duties that they have no formal preparation for and never imagined themselves under-taking.

They can get so busy, so wrapped up in what they need to do for someone else that they don’t take time to care for themselves or to find ways to reach out to others for assistance and reinforcement. In this circumstance it is so easy to feel alone and to fall into the habit of assuming that no one cares about what you are going through, and that you have to do and think of everything yourself.

My message to caregivers is that you aren't alone. You aren’t the only one giving for what ever wonderful reason. There are people you can share your story with. There are resources to help you figure out what to do, to make the job of caregiving easier, and to give you a little break – a respite. What you have to do is take a little bit of time for yourself to get the information and develop the will to get help.

If you are in the Greater Omaha area, I would suggest you start with The Respite Resource Center 402.996.8443. There is also a great family resource health fair in Lincoln put on by Partners in Aging 1.800.828.0072. Also in the Omaha area there are six week courses that you go to once a week 402.522.7934. Or call me for more information at 402.291.9514.

How to Use A Reverse Mortgage For Remodeling & Accessibility - Or Purchase A New Home!

When I ask people why they are making the choice to stay in a home that doesn’t work for them or isn’t safe for them, I’m often told that they aren’t sure they have the financial ability to buy something that works better.

Money is important. That’s why I want to discuss not only one, but two things that can help many homeowners over 62 afford to buy a home that will be easier and safer to life in.

Jody Smythe, who is one of the most knowledgeable people about Reverse Mortgages in our area, can explain how the process works in an easy to understand way. Many people know by now, that a Reverse Mortgage can be used to pay for life changing accessibility remodeling and equipment in their current homes. It can also be used to help with the purchase of a new home that may be easier to modify, closer to children’s homes, or just plain better than what they have right now.

Jody can explain how to use a Reverse Mortgage to move “up” without spending more per month on household related expenses. I know that Jody will visit with my clients, answer their questions, and treat them with the same respect that I would. So I’m comfortable urging you to visit her web site and give her a call for more information. www.jodysmythe.com

Home Buyer Tax Credit 2009/2010

The other potential financial boon that my older clients may not realize is available to them is the extended Home Buyer Tax Credit 2009/2010. This expands the credit for up to $6,500 to people who currently own a home if they purchase another home – the contract must be signed by April 30, 2010.

The amount of the credit is determined by the price of the home (800,000 and less) and the buyer’s income. Single buyers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000 may receive the maximum tax credit. People who want to take advantage of the tax credit need to get busy soon in order to have a contract in place by the end of April.

So let me ask you. Why are you, why are your parents, why are your older friends living in homes that aren’t safe and aren’t comfortable? Talk to me, 402.291.9514 or BevVan@HomeAccessSolutions.com about getting into a home that will help you remain as independent and happy as you can be for the rest of your life!