Is your house ready for aging in place?

Posted on by Teresa Boardman

Orange and red maple leaves

Just some numbers on aging and housing to think about:

The 85 and older population is projected to increase from 6.7 million in 2020 to 14.4 million by 2040 [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]

92% of older adults prefer to age in their current home [Importance of Home Survey American Authors Group]

Only 10% of American homes are “aging ready”. [US Census Bureau 2023}

The house I live in has a main floor space that could be a bedroom but I use it as a home office. When my husband got sick last winter we turned part of the living room into a bedroom. Sometimes a little creativity can make things work. Eventually, I’ll move my office upstairs or down.

When my parents were in their mid 80’s we added grab bars in their bathroom. One of the biggest challenges was making more space so that a person with a walker could navigate through the house. Some of the furniture had to go as did the throw rugs.

Falling down is one of the greatest threats to seniors. Here is more information about avoiding falls.

 

Youtube has a treasure trove of useful information

Posted on by Teresa Boardman

I am not trying to pick on Facebook, but it seems like when something breaks, people go and ask their Facebook friends what they should do. I am referring to minor home repairs and home maintenance.

There is no shortage of bad advice when you ask a random group of inexperienced individuals how to do something that may require the help of a pro.

YouTube doesn’t have all the answers either but some videos can help with small repairs. At the very least they can help a homeowner understand the problem well enough to evaluate free advice on Facebook.

There was the time the central AC unit seemed to be leaking. It turned out to be a clogged hose. I did need help with it but at least I knew what was wrong and didn’t do something stupid like let the repair person sell me a new unit or a large repair job. He cleaned the line and it hasn’t leaked since.

I had some problems with my washer that turned out to be a clogged filter. it was a Youtube video from the manufacturer that showed me how to remove and clean the filter. I am sure my Facebook friends would have had tons of suggestions too but I doubt if any own the same model of washer.

If you want to learn how to bake a tastier potato or how to crochet a hat or how to plant a garden in a straw bale you may find better information on YouTube than anything your friends on social media can provide.

Check the source of the video and if possible find videos from a couple of different sources. You might be surprised by what you can learn.  Sometimes I learn by watching a video that I couldn’t possibly do the work myself.  Yet even if I end up hiring someone I have a better understanding of the project of I approach it from a DIY  point of view.

I have voted. Have you?

Posted on by Teresa Boardman
American flag
American Flag

Every year the American Psychological Association takes a look at the leading causes of stress in the U.S., and publishes an annual report. According to this years report politics are a major stressor. I can relate to this but try to stay focused on other things.

“Seven out of 10 adults say the future of the nation is a significant source of stress in their lives and the issue crosses party lines: 80% of Republicans rated it a top stressor, so did 79% of Democrats and 73% of Independents.”  – Read more about it on the NPR website.

I think it is wonderful that we have so much in common across party lines.

Go vote today. If you live in Minnesota visit the MN Secretary of State website. Find out if you are registered and find out where to vote today. If you have voted track your ballet.

Let’s pray for a peaceful election with high voter turnout.

Are you tired of surveys?

Posted on by Teresa Boardman

I refuse to respond to surveys from the plumbers, electricians, and repair people. I am upfront about it. I just bought some windows and told the salespeople I won’t be filling out a survey when the work is done. I have occasionally offered to fill out a customer survey for $130.00.

Medical clinics and urgent care also send surveys that I don’t respond to.

As the person receiving service, the customer survey doesn’t provide value.

Most surveys are too long or they ask the wrong questions or both.

I don’t ask my clients to fill out surveys either. I do ask for feedback when appropriate but not in a demanding or forceful way.

Real estate professionals who use surveys get five-star ratings. It is almost impossible to find a real estate agent with a four-star rating. All agents with ratings have five-star ratings.

Move to Minnesota

Posted on by Teresa Boardman
MN state capitol bldg
Minnesota State Capitol building

Soon it will be very cold here in Minnesota but there won’t be any earthquakes, hurricanes, and no flooding until spring.  There are very few 100-degree days and they always occur in the summer. There aren’t any forest fires during the winter.  Move to Minnesota or the weather.

Minnesota’s mean elevation is about 1200 feet above sea level.

In most cases, homeowners can insure their property.

The unemployment rate is 3.3%, slightly lower than the national 4.1%. The cost of living in the Twin Cities is 6% lower than the national average. [rent cafe].

According to AI, the cost of living in Minnesota is 4% lower than the national average. Housing is 15% lower than the national average, and utilities are 4% lower. 

Minnesota has income taxes and we can expect to pay more for utilities, especially in the winter.

We have cold weather and warm weather and weather that is just right.

Top Employers in Minnesota