July 2025 Newsletter for CRTS™

Welcome to the July edition of the newsletter for CRTS™ certificants!

Veterans Gain Easier Access to Local Health Providers Outside the VA

Veterans enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system will now find it easier to get care from non-VA providers, following a change announced by the agency this week. The change, VA said in a statement, is part of its ongoing effort to prioritize customer service and make care more convenient for veterans.

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Surprising Signs You're Not Moving Enough

You're Constipated - When you move more, your colon moves more, and it's easier to poop on schedule. Healthy muscle tone in your abs and diaphragm is also key to moving waste through your digestive tract. Consistent exercise can help you stay regular, especially as you age.

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Medicaid and Its Role for Older Adults: 51 State Fact Sheets

The Medicaid program plays an integral role in the health and long-term care of older adults, including helping them age at home and in their communities. The program directly supports hospitals, health care workers, nursing homes, other health care and long-term care (LTC) providers, and their local communities across the country.

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May 2025 Newsletter for CRTS™

Welcome to the May edition of the newsletter for CRTS™ certificants!

7 Financial Planning Tips for Seniors

Retirement marks an important life transition—and a big financial milestone. As a result, seniors have unique financial planning needs. The goal is to maximize your savings so you can live well today and leave a legacy that's aligned with your values. In that spirit, here are seven helpful financial planning tips for seniors.

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Downsizing a Home: A Checklist for Caregivers

Moving is a high-stress life event, the experts tell us, and they’re right. Whether it’s cross-town or cross-country, whether to a small apartment or a large suburban home, tackling the organizing, packing, discarding, cleaning, paperwork and the myriad other tasks is a major challenge.

When you’re older and moving from the family home to a new smaller residence, possibly in a new community or your adult child’s home, sorting through decades of family history and possessions can feel overwhelming—even paralyzing.

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6 Tips to Protect Your Credit Score While Living Abroad

Countries typically have their own credit scoring systems, so your U.S. credit scores won't help you while you're abroad—but protecting your credit is still important. If you plan to live in the U.S. again, having solid credit scores will make for a much smoother return. You'll have an easier time renting or buying a home, setting up utilities, qualifying for loans and credit lines, and possibly even landing a job.

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March 2025 Newsletter for CRTS™

Welcome to the March edition of the newsletter for CRTS™ certificants!

Independent Living for Couples

Have you ever wondered, "What is independent living for seniors?" In independent living residences, seniors can live in rented or owned condos or apartments in communal facilities, which provide optional assistance with housekeeping duties, meal preparation, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

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Medicaid for Seniors Guide

Medicaid is a joint federal-state program that provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible low-income Americans. Each state administers Medicaid, so the type and levels of coverage vary depending on where you live. Drawing Social Security might affect your eligibility for Medicaid waivers.

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Medicare vs. Medicaid: What’s the Difference?

Medicare is health insurance for people age 65 and older and younger people with certain disabilities. Medicaid is health insurance primarily for people with limited income. The rules for eligibility, costs and coverage vary between the programs. They’re both government programs, and they can overlap.

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February 2025 Newsletter for CRTS™

Welcome to the February edition of the newsletter for CRTS™ certificants!

The Great Debate: Rental or Entry Fee Retirement Community?

With the rise of rental retirement communities in recent years, sometimes referred to as independent living communities or “independent plus,” I hear more comments from people who say they are looking for communities without a “buy-in.” When comparing rental retirement communities to entry fee life plan communities (aka, continuing care retirement communities or “CCRCs”), there are a number of aspects to consider.

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Downsizing for Seniors: Navigating the Emotional and Practical Challenges of Moving to Assisted Living

Downsizing, especially for seniors, is not just about moving from one place to another—it’s about transitioning from one chapter of life to the next. This process can be an emotional rollercoaster, particularly when it involves leaving behind a home filled with decades of memories, and in many cases, a spouse who has passed away. As difficult as this journey may seem, it can also be an opportunity for growth, renewal, and a simpler, more manageable way of living.

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Five of the Biggest Scams to Watch for in 2025

“Hi Dr. Richard,” the text to Amy Nofziger began. “I was playing with my puppy today and noticed a lump under his nipple.” The stranger requested an exam and included a photo of her puppy’s belly.

Like so many of us, Nofziger, director of AARP’s Fraud Network, gets loads of fake wrong number texts — a tactic scammers use to engage you — but the sophistication and imagination of this one surprised her.

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January 2025 Newsletter for CRTS™

Welcome to the January edition of the newsletter for CRTS™ certificants!

Declutter Your Parent’s Home While They Can Join In

My mom is a bit of a hoarder. She's the type of person who saves her tax paperwork from the past 50 years. I often joke with her, "You need to declutter your basement now because it gives me anxiety just thinking about cleaning it when you die." Instead of waiting for my mom cleaning out on her own, Amy Pickard, an expert on advanced planning and owner of a business called Good to Go in Los Angeles, suggests that I declutter with her now.

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How to (gently) talk to aging parents about downsizing and decluttering

After my 91-year-old grandfather died, it took my mom three years to sort through the mountain of paperwork and memorabilia that he’d amassed over seven decades with my grandmother. As I begrudgingly think of my own mother’s mortality — especially after unexpectedly losing my dad two years ago — I worry about landing in the same kind of mess, all while trying to process the grief.

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25 Jobs That Will Be In Demand in 2025

Some of the big news events of 2024 are affecting the jobs that will be most in demand in 2025. For example, in 2024, hurricanes Beryl, Helene and Milton slammed the Southeastern states, leaving billions of dollars of damages in their wake. As a result, insurance agencies are hiring more salespeople and actuaries to help those businesses keep up with customer needs. 

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December 2024 Newsletter for CRTS™

Welcome to the December edition of the newsletter for CRTS™ certificants!

7 Genius Ways to Maximize Space in a Small Apartment

Living in a small apartment can sometimes feel like a game of Tetris — every piece of furniture must fit just right. Whether you’re a city dweller making the most of your studio or someone in a cozy one-bedroom, maximizing the space in a small rental is key to creating a functional, stylish, and comfortable home. But don’t worry, it’s easier (and more fun) than it seems.

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Warning: As Holiday Spending Surges, So Will Fraud

With scammers looking to take advantage of consumers from all angles, new AARP survey research reveals that people need to be vigilant this holiday season as they buy gifts, book their travel arrangements, and donate to charities. According to a recent national survey of nearly 1,900 U.S. adults, more than three-quarters (82 percent) have encountered some kind of fraudulent activity.

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Home Safety Tips for Older Adults

With loved ones living longer and needing more care, many families struggle with the best way to help an aging relative. More than three-quarters of U.S. adults age 50 and older want to stay in their current homes for as long as possible, but 1 in 10 adults over 65 reported having difficulty living in or using their home, including climbing the stairs, according to an October 2023 U.S. Census Bureau report.

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November 2024 Newsletter for CRTS™

Welcome to the November edition of the newsletter for CRTS™ certificants!

How to sell your house fast

Selling your home might seem like a big task — especially if you’re looking to do it quickly. Whether you need to relocate due to a job change, downsizing, retirement or you’re looking to liquidate your asset as soon as possible, there are a few things to consider in order to sell your house fast. Let’s explore some tips and tricks that might hopefully have your home flying off the market.

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Home staging: A seller's guide

Home staging is the creative and transformative art of preparing your residence for open houses to entice potential homebuyers. By strategically arranging furniture and decor, home staging aims to highlight a property’s most appealing features and create an atmosphere of warmth. Staging homes can help increase the desirability of your property and potentially secure a faster sale at a higher price point.

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Mother-in-law suites, explained

Despite what the name suggests, a mother-in-law suite isn’t a designated space for a spouse’s mom. “Mother-in-law suite" is another way to describe an attached or detached living space that’s on the same lot as the primary residence. While the name reflects the purpose of providing housing to family, they’re not limited to just that. Though mother-in-law suites may be helpful if you’re seeking to provide housing for loved ones, they may also serve as a source of rental income.

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October 2024 Newsletter for CRTS™

Welcome to the October edition of the newsletter for CRTS™ certificants!

Home Inspection Checklist to Prepare for an Easy Sale

Your home might be under contract, but the work is far from over. One of the most stress-inducing aspects of selling your home is a visit from the home inspector. A home inspection has become a standard part of the home buying process, so don’t be surprised when prospective buyers put your home under significant scrutiny.

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A Complete Beginners Guide to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Building an ADU? Accessory dwelling units are a great solution for affordable housing. Whether you’re looking to generate passive income, create more space for multigenerational living, or to simply increase property value, here’s what you need to know about ADUs.

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Should You Be Downsizing for Retirement?

Getting ready to retire? Whether you’re thinking about moving to a smaller home or relocating to a retirement community, there are a lot of factors to consider before you finalize your retirement living options. Calculate what you can afford, take stock of what you want in retirement, and think about the role that housing plays in your transition to retirement.

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September 2024 Newsletter for CRTS™

Welcome to the September edition of the newsletter for CRTS™ certificants!

20 Cosmetic Upgrades to Sell Your Home in Record Time

From cozy window benches to stately fireside bookshelves, custom built-ins lend your home a stand-out quality that will leave a lasting impression on prospective buyers. Popular locales for built-in shelves or bookcases are living rooms, offices and dining rooms, while built-in window seats add ample charm to kids’ bedrooms, playrooms or breakfast nooks.

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How to Organize Your Move

Moving is one of the most daunting tasks you'll ever have to do, but you can make it easier with these expert tips and solutions.

A binder specifically designated for your move will save you time, energy and possibly money. Create your binder at least two months before your move, and organize it into the following categories:

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How to Stage a House to Sell

If the word “staging” conjures up the idea that you’re putting on a show for prospective buyers, you’re on the right track. In a well-staged home, you’re putting the home in the spotlight and inviting buyers to imagine themselves taking a starring role. To do that, you need to step behind the scenes and give buyers room to imagine themselves taking the lead as homeowner.

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August 2024 Newsletter for CRTS™

Welcome to the August edition of the newsletter for CRTS™ certificants!

What Is a Trust? Definition, Account Types and Benefits

A trust, sometimes called a trust fund or trust account, is a legal arrangement to ensure a person’s assets go to specific beneficiaries. The trust creator puts assets in the trust account and authorizes a trustee to administer those assets for the trust creator or beneficiaries.

Some trusts can reduce estate taxes.

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Living Trust: Definition, How Living Trusts Work

A revocable living trust, also called a living trust, revocable trust or inter vivos trust, is a legal document in which you let a trustee manage designated assets for you and your beneficiaries during your lifetime. The trust is changeable and can provide more control than a will.

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What Is Probate? How It Works With or Without a Will

Probate is the legal process for distributing the assets and property of someone who died. If the deceased (called the “decedent” in legal settings) left a will, the probate court will validate the document and appoint an executor to distribute the decedent’s property to beneficiaries and pay the estate’s debts or taxes.

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June 2024 Newsletter for CRTS™

Welcome to the June edition of the newsletter for CRTS™ certificants!

How to Cultivate a Happier Retirement

Researchers have identified several factors besides money that contribute to a happier retirement, including good health, strong relationships and a sense of purpose.

But setbacks are inevitable, in life and in retirement. Not everyone enjoys good health — and no one enjoys it forever. Loved ones die or move away.

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How to Have a Retirement Worth Saving For

Most advice about retirement planning focuses on how to save enough money to replace your paycheck.

But work provides us with a lot more than income. Many of us get a sense of meaning, accomplishment and even identity from what we do. Work also provides social connections and a structure for our days.

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What You Need to Know About Working in Retirement

Many people plan to work at least part-time in retirement because they want the income, enjoy what they do, hope to keep active or need a sense of purpose — or some combination of those reasons. But working in retirement can come with some unexpected costs and hazards. Here are commonly asked questions that can help you plan for what’s ahead.

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May 2024 Newsletter for CRTS™

Welcome to the May edition of the newsletter for CRTS™ certificants!

Should You Rent in Retirement?

Some people rent in retirement because they don’t have much choice; they can’t afford to own homes. But financial planners say renting can make more sense than owning in some circumstances, even for retirees who can afford the costs of homeownership.

Renting offers flexibility as well as freedom from all the chores and expenses of maintaining a home.

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Who Should Consider a Roth Conversion Now?

If you’ve saved a lot for retirement, or your parents have, you could be affected by recent changes in the rules about retirement distributions.

The recently enacted Secure Act eliminated the “stretch IRA,” a strategy used by affluent investors to pass tax-advantaged money to their heirs.

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What Is Medicare, and What Does It Cover?

Medicare is the federal government health insurance program for people age 65 and older and younger people living with certain illnesses or disabilities. Its coverage plays an important role in containing medical costs as you age. But Medicare benefits don’t pay for everything.

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April 2024 Newsletter for CRTS™

Welcome to the April edition of the newsletter for CRTS™ certificants!

What is Hoarding Disorder?

People with hoarding disorder have persistent difficulty getting rid of or parting with possessions due to a perceived need to save the items. Attempts to part with possessions create considerable distress and lead to decisions to save them. The resulting clutter disrupts the ability to use living spaces (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

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What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disorder in which people have recurring, unwanted thoughts, ideas or sensations (obsessions). To get rid of the thoughts, they feel driven to do something repetitively (compulsions). The repetitive behaviors, such as hand washing/cleaning, checking on things, and mental acts like (counting) or other activities, can significantly interfere with a person’s daily activities and social interactions.

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A Caregiver’s Guide to Conservatorship: What It Is and How to Get One

Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson has been placed under a conservatorship following a May 9 ruling in Los Angeles. Superior Court Judge Gus T. May found “from clear and convincing evidence that a conservatorship of the person is necessary,” and noted that the musician “consents and does not object.” Original filings said that Wilson suffered from a “major neurocognitive disorder (such as dementia).”

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March 2024 Newsletter for CRTS™

Welcome to the March edition of the newsletter for CRTS™ certificants!

Medication Safety: 3 Tips for Decluttering Your Medication List

Medication lists are like coffee tables. First, you just place the TV remote on it. Then, maybe next week you place that book you were catching up on. Then the week after, it’s one more thing. Before you know it, your coffee table is cluttered with things.

Like coffee tables, it’s easy for your medication regimen to slowly become cluttered over the years.

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Hoarding Disorder

Hoarding disorder is an ongoing difficulty throwing away or parting with possessions because you believe that you need to save them. You may experience distress at the thought of getting rid of the items. You gradually keep or gather a huge number of items, regardless of their actual value.

Hoarding often creates extremely cramped living conditions with only narrow pathways winding through stacks of clutter.

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Hoarding Diagnosis and Tests

People with hoarding disorder rarely seek help on their own. Concerned friends or family members often reach out to a professional to help a loved one with the condition.

Contact a healthcare provider or mental health professional if hoarding makes a living situation unhealthy or unsafe for you or someone you know.

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February 2024 Newsletter for CRTS™

Welcome to the February edition of the newsletter for CRTS™ certificants!

What Caregivers Can Do When Banks Reject a Power of Attorney

A durable power of attorney (DPOA) is one of the most important tools in a caregiver’s toolbox. A DPOA is a legal document that nominates a person (called an “agent”) to help you with your finances if you become sick and can’t handle your own affairs. The majority of caregivers handle some financial coordination for a friend or loved one — like paying bills from their care recipient’s accounts, managing investments or handling insurance claims.

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Don’t Let Family Caregiving Ruin Your Financial Future

As a financial adviser who specializes in assisting caregivers and the son of a man who battled lung cancer, Elliott Appel is well-versed in trying to balance a loved one’s needs, work and home-life demands, and the desire to maintain your own financial stability.

“It’s challenging,” he says. “You have a bunch of competing priorities, and usually, there's just not enough money to go around for everything.”

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Powers of Attorney: Crucial Documents for Caregiving

What comes to mind when you hear the words “power of attorney"?

An important legal document? A license to steal? The key to successful caregiving? All of the above?

If you thought “all of the above,” you're on the right track. The power of attorney is a powerful legal document.

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January 2024 Newsletter for CRTS™

Welcome to the January edition of the newsletter for CRTS™ certificants!

Comparing seniors who relocate long-distance shows where you live affects your longevity

Would you like to live longer? It turns out that where you live, not just how you live, can make a big difference.

That’s the finding of an innovative study co-authored by an MIT economist, which examines senior citizens across the U.S. and concludes that some locations enhance longevity more than others, potentially for multiple reasons.

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Moving for Retirement: Where and How to Relocate

Relocating for retirement may be appealing for a host of reasons. Maybe you're looking to lower your costs of living, or perhaps you want to embrace the newfound freedom you have when you're no longer tied to a job. In this article, we'll discuss the steps to take before you relocate for retirement, the pros and cons, and some factors to consider before you make the big move.

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Inspired by 'blue zones': 7 daily habits to live a longer, healthier life

People typically take stock and resolve to make healthy changes around the new year. Blue zones, the longest-lived communities on earth, offer lessons on habits that promote health and longevity.

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December 2023 Newsletter for CRTS™

Welcome to the December edition of the newsletter for CRTS™ certificants!

How to Get Paid By the state for Taking Care of Someone

Caring for an older adult is expensive.

There are out-of-pocket costs for medical supplies, prescription drug co-pays, home modifications, home care help, and more.

In addition, many people have had to leave their jobs or cut back on hours in order to care for their older adult.

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Home Health Care vs Home Care: What is the Difference?

The words “home health care” and “home care” sound so similar, most people assume they’re the same thing.

But they’re not the same and there are some important differences.

We explain what home health care is, what in-home care is, how they can be used together, and show the similarities and differences in a quick comparison chart.

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How Seniors Can Get Help for Prescription Drugs

When older adults aren’t able to afford their prescriptions, they can’t follow the doctor’s instructions and take necessary medication.

To get help paying for prescription drugs, Social Security has a program called Extra Help With Medicare Prescription Drug Costs.

It pays for costs related to a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.

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November 2023 Newsletter for CRTS™

Welcome to the November edition of the newsletter for CRTS™ certificants!

7 Senior Housing Options: Which One Works Best?

When it’s time to make a change in your older adult’s living situation, choosing from the available senior housing options might feel overwhelming. Options range from aging in place at home to full-time care in a nursing home.

Looking at the basics helps you narrow the list to a couple of options to investigate further. That way, you won’t have an overwhelming number of places to consider.

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How Senior Living Advisors Help Find Assisted Living

When your older adult needs to move out of their home, finding available senior housing options can feel overwhelming.

You might not know where to start to find assisted living that fits your older adult’s care needs, location, budget, and lifestyle preferences.

And finding a great place that will take excellent care of your older adult can be a time-consuming process.

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How to Pay for Assisted Living: 6 Options

When seniors can no longer live independently, home care isn’t possible, or if there are safety issues, it may be time to consider moving to assisted living.

Changing their living situation would get your older adult the care they need and make their living space safer.

But the big question is: how does one pay for assisted living? After all, monthly fees can range from $1,500 to more than $10,000.

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October 2023 Newsletter for CRTS™

Welcome to the October edition of the newsletter for CRTS™ certificants!

How to Get Paid by the State for Taking Care of Someone

Caring for an older adult is expensive.

There are out-of-pocket costs for medical supplies, prescription drug co-pays, home modifications, home care help, and more.

In addition, many people have had to leave their jobs or cut back on hours in order to care for their older adult.

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The Ultimate Guide for Senior Veterans Benefits

Veterans benefits can be a source of confusion and frustration for military families. This typically occurs because senior veterans don’t know their rights or don’t understand the bureaucratic barriers to apply for veterans benefits.

In particular, senior veterans may be surprised to learn that they may qualify for a range of healthcare services and financial assistance.

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How Seniors Get Help Paying for Prescription Drugs

When older adults aren’t able to afford their prescriptions, they can’t follow the doctor’s instructions and take necessary medication. To get help paying for prescription drugs, Social Security has a program called Extra Help With Medicare Prescription Drug Costs.

It pays for costs related to a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.

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September 2023 Newsletter for CRTS™

Welcome to the September edition of the newsletter for CRTS™ certificants!

Find Financial Help for Seniors Federal State and Private Benefits

Senior care is expensive. Fortunately, there are thousands of federal, state, and private benefits programs that provide financial help for seniors.

They cover over a dozen categories including medication, health care, income assistance, food, housing, and transportation.

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13 Ways to Create a Dementia Friendly Environment at Home

Everyday life can be challenging for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia. But simple adaptations can make home life easier and more pleasant.

As their dementia progresses, your older adult will have more trouble remembering, thinking, processing, and reasoning.

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7 Sources of Home Repair Assistance for Seniors

Home repairs and modifications help seniors live in their homes for as long as possible.

Making your older adult’s home safer and more accessible reduces fall risk, prevents accidents, and increases independence. In addition, home updates can reduce energy usage, which lowers utility bills.

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