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The SeniorHomes.com Office Expanded!

Friday, November 16th, 2012 by Natalie Vache

The SeniorHomes.com office expanded! Our additional space is home to our dedicated Care Advisor team and multiple meetings rooms.

SeniorHomes.com Care Advisors

New Opportunities

The Care Advisor team has quickly embraced their new space and made it a home. The space that was designed just for their use will help their growing team continue to provide unparalleled service to seniors and their loved ones who are researching senior housing options.

We are also thrilled to have three additional meeting rooms. These spaces will bring the SeniorHomes.com team together for meetings, announcements, parties, and more!

To break in the new digs, the space has already hosted the SeniorHomes.com Halloween party and a baby shower.

More Space Means…

The SeniorHomes.com team is excited to take advantage of the additional space to brainstorm, discuss and connect – just adding to the perks that make SeniorHomes.com a great place to work!

Check out the SeniorHomes.com Facebook page for more pictures and updates!

 

 

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Joan’s Journey: Miracles Do Happen!

Friday, September 14th, 2012 by Jacqui Tom

Joan’s Journey takes a big leap forward with the sale of Joan’s Baltimore condo.

joan's journey part 8: miracles do happenIn late August, a lovely senior couple, referred by a neighbor, visited my condo and made a bid — in 45 minutes. The couple, apparently rapid decision-makers, had done their homework, knew the neighborhood and available condos for sale, and offered a contract. Nine months without a serious looker, then one buyer in 45 minutes! Yes, miracles do happen.

Three weeks have passed, documents have been delivered to the mortgage company and a deposit is on hold by my realtor. The dollar amount offered by the prospective buyer is considerably less than the amount owed on the condo. This is called a “Short Sale.” Marsha, a Joan’s Journeyer from Houston, responded to an early blog and informed us of this type of sale. Thank you, Marsha.

Moving On Up

The difficult task now is to wait for the mortgage company response and to downsize the items I’ve avoided losing. Each item needs a photo and descriptive tag for the second-hand furniture shop. One tag reads, “For sale: Two matching dark wood cocktail tables with black tops, CAT not included.”

To read the rest of Joan’s latest post and her experience with selling her condo, visit her blog post here.

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Joan’s Journey: Lightning Strikes, Journey Jolted!

Tuesday, August 14th, 2012 by Jacqui Tom

Joan’s Journey is temporarily interrupted by a severe lightning storm. Read her tips on surviving a natural disaster and how it has reaffirmed her decision to make the move to senior housing.

In this Post-911 Era, we can’t hide from natural and man-made disasters, but in some cases we can prepare. That’s what I have learned from my earthquake, hail, hurricane, flood and lightning experiences of 2011-2012.

Recently, more than 6 million folks on the Mid-Atlantic Coast were without power for several days to more than a week during one of the hottest weather events in history. While I “suffered” from the heat, others had more serious issues, perhaps needing power for medical devices or cool storage of medicine.

Disasters can and do happen. Here’s what I learned:

Immediate Action Plan

1. Be prepared. We never think disaster will happen to us, but it can and may. Keep flashlights, water, handheld can openers, water, food, extra medicine and supplies at easy reach. Keep your cell phone charged and within easy reach. Land-line phones do not function when power goes out.
2. Have an escape plan. I had a flashlight near my bed and an exit if I could reach the building front door. But what about my cat hiding under the bed? I now have a “buddy” plan with a neighbor living in my building. We will check with each other by cell phone in questionable situations like the storm.

Short-Term Action Plan

1. Continue to identify senior housing.
2. Inquire if the senior community has a disaster plan. If yes, what is it? Are the residents aware of the plan? Are there escape drills?
3. Determine the back-up plan should a natural disaster occur and evacuation become necessary. In Baltimore, some senior residences have auxiliary power systems. Other senior communities move residents to hotels. Who pays this expense? What if no hotels are available?

Long-Term Action Plan

1. Identify and move to a safe, secure senior housing community, where the concern for physical safety is shared by others who are on site to help.

Have you experienced a natural disaster? How did you handle it? What did you learn for it? Please share your experience with Joan’s Journey and seniorhomes.com.

This entry was written by Joan London. You can read more about her recent disaster survival experience in the latest installment of her blog, Joan’s Journey: Part 7.

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Midlife Crisis Queen

Wednesday, May 16th, 2012 by Elizabeth

Laura’s life mission is to champion the needs of those lost in midlife, helping them to change and grow into the BEST elders in American history.

Laura worked as a research librarian for 25 years before leaving academe to become a writer, author, and psychotherapist in 2005.   She is well qualified for this role, with three graduate degrees including one in counseling, and a specialty in midlife psychology.

Laura suffered her own personal recession back in 2004, when she lost her marriage, her job, and almost her home.  Since then she has turned her passion for transformation into a business, where she helps others survive and thrive when confronted with the normal psychological changes brought on by midlife.

Through her blogs, books, personal counseling, and professional speaking, Laura inspires others to confront and then embrace the inevitable changes brought on by midlife, re-framing personal challenges into a myriad of new and exciting opportunity.

Feel free to contact Laura for therapy, interviews, advertising opportunities, and speaking engagements at: MidlifeCrisisQueen@gmail.com

Words from “The Queen”:

When I think back to where I was in 2001, embarking on the worst of my midlife changes, I am amazed and pleased at how it all turned out!   First I lost my marriage in 2001, then my job in 2004, and almost my home, before I woke up to the changes I needed to make NOW!   There were so many times I felt completely lost, hopeless, and alone in this journey, but I did not give up.   Eyes on the prize, even when it seems like an impossible dream!

A midlife crisis is a wakeup call to change the things that haven’t been working in our lives for years, but just seemed too hard to do anything about.   Things like difficult emotions, spouses, and careers.  It’s a normal, natural awakening, as we suddenly discover we only have so much time left.     If we’re going to change, now is the time!

MIDLIFE MAGIC BY LAURA LEE

This book will help you think about positive midlife change. By revealing her own up-close and personal journey, Laura Lee shows you how to navigate new waters with increased self-respect and confidence, and come out the other end of your own transformation, loving yourself like never before! Laura Lee Carter is an expert on midlife psychology and change.

THIS IS YOUR CHANCE AT “DO-OVERS” BEFORE IT’S ALL OVER!!!

Soon after I began writing professionally, I launched this blog.  I knew it was time for me to step up and offer support and encouragement to those who might be feeling lost in midlife hell.

My goal is simple, to bolster those whose courage has faltered, and show them there is still time to follow through on your craziest aspirations and ideals.  There is still time to change your life!

I believe we all have boundless potential to change at any age, and discover a life we can only imagine now. Regardless of where your interests are – you could be interested in anything from learning botany to teaching yourself the interwebs. It really doesn’t matter. The what isn’t important. The fact is that midlife is the perfect time to begin to manifest your own unique vision of whatever it is you want to be, those very same visions you’ve been secretly nurturing for years.

I turned my midlife crisis into a business where I help others survive and thrive when they are confronted with their own challenges. I now offer instructive, inspirational books, specialized psychotherapy, and inspiring free talks about the challenges of midlife transition.

Please allow me to help you make the most of this challenging time in your life!

Other blogs by Laura

How to Believe in Love Again offers lots of great tips to help you believe that love is out there waiting for YOU again!

How to Believe in Yourself as a Writer offers encouragement as you start out.  Laura Lee became a writer at age 50.  Don’t miss her blog coaching to help YOU do the same!

The Midlife Queen Blows OFF STEAM! represents the QUEEN’s alter-ego.  A cynical, funny view of how crazy midlife can be.   Tell us how you REALLY FEEL!

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Company Spotlight: NanaHood

Friday, May 4th, 2012 by mackenzie

Who is Nanahood?

Nanahood is written by grandmother, mother, and author Teresa Bell Kindred.  She uses Nanahood to reach out to mothers, grandmothers, and often those that have been affected by Breast Cancer.  Breast Cancer has touched Teresa in a very poignant way, which is  evident by her decision to Blog Pink.  An effort to literally use pink throughout her blog, and to continually highlight the efforts to cure Breast Cancer.   Nanahood is a fun, compassionate blog that genuinely aims to touch on the concerns of today’s woman.

Teresa is the author of several books including The Knot at the End of Your Rope; Ten Ways to Hold on When You are Stressed Out and Mom: PhD-A Simple 6 Step course on Leadership for Moms. She was a major contributor to Humor for a Teacher’s Heart and Cup of Comfort Devotional: Daily Reminders of God’s Love and Grace. She also authored four Precious Moments books that were illustrated by Sam Butcher.

She has a M.A. in Secondary Education and has taught 7th graders, high school students and college classes and considers herself a child advocate and proponent of education reform for public schools. It is her personal opinion that public school teachers are overworked, underpaid and under-appreciated.

Teresa lives in Kentucky with her husband of almost thirty years, Bill (aka Poppa) her twin sons who she can always tell apart (if she has her glasses on) and their seven dogs. She loves being a nana and anxiously awaits the day when she has at least as many grandchildren as she has dogs.

Aging Gracefully

This is a portion of a recent post on NanaHood.  To read the complete post go here.

Have you ever heard the expression “aging gracefully?” I’m not sure where I heard it and I’m not sure how to do it either.

First of all, I am not-nor have I ever been graceful. By the time I was in 8th grade I was six feet tall and had feet so big they were exceptionally easy to trip over.

Then there’s the aging part. Why is it that we humans can’t wait to grow up and then spend so much time on clothes and products to make us look younger?  Have you ever been to the department store and checked out the womens makeup section? You could easily spend a small (or large) fortune on creams that supposedly get rid of wrinkles.

While I haven’t got the aging gracefully thing figured out yet I do know how NOT to age gracefully. Have you ever ween older women wearing clothes that even their daughters shouldn’t wear? If it is too skimpy for a young person what makes them think it looks good on them? I challenge you to go to the mall (or the water park if you are really brave) and just sit and people watch. It won’t take you long to find someone who is NOT aging gracefully.

I do know at least one person who aged gracefully, my grandmother.

To read more posts from Nanahood, check out her blog here.

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Company Spotlight: Sage Minder

Thursday, April 19th, 2012 by Angela Stringfellow

SageMinder.com was voted as the winner of the 2012 “Best Websites and Newsletters – Best of the Web” Contest.  The judges believed that SageMinder.Com had “great depth” and provided a “wide variety of information and resources” for caregivers and seniors in an easy-to-navigate website. Sage Minder logo

The company offers its web-based, patented phone check-in and medication reminder system for seniors, called the “SageMinder System.”  This home monitoring system was developed in response to the owner’s relative falling and not being found for many hours.  The SageMinder System is easy to use, affordable, and easily accessed online through SageMinder.com.

The owner, Lori Lori PaternoPaterno, envisioned that this phone reminder service should be included as part of a larger suite of complete web resources for family caregivers.  So, SageMinder.com was developed to offer tools, information, and a caring community forum to empower family caregivers with everything they need for their demanding role.  The website is updated regularly with new and useful tips and health resources – and users can sign up for a free account allowing access to a monthly newsletter and caregiver tools.

The articles and information pages range from topics like medication management and caregiver stress -to specific issues related to nutrition or how to avoid conflicts with family over money.  SageMinder.com also contains a wide variety of tips and tools for caregivers, including health information forms, contact forms, an online calendar with free automated text reminders, and worksheets to assist caregivers in a wide variety of tasks.

Later this year, the website will also feature a new online tool called “TrackIt” to help caregivers track their own health habits and a private social networking tool – The Family Care Center – to keep in touch with a care team and family members during a health crisis.

SageMinder.com was created, and has the mission, to empower family caregivers with the tools and information needed to take care of the people they love.

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2012 Best of The Web Awards: Winner’s Announced Today!

Thursday, March 15th, 2012 by mackenzie

The 2012 Best of the Web Awards have concluded. Winners were selected by a panel of 19 judges hailing from all corners of the industry. This year’s panel includes Patrick Roden, CEO of AginingInPlace.com, Deeena Neste, founder of Mature Market Sales Source and Jaclyn Allmon, manager of Internet Marketing for ALFA, among others.

Out of 450 initial nominations, we have narrowed it down to one Winner in each category. We are excited to announce the Category Winners and runner ups.  Click on the links below to see the winners in each category.

Winners in Consumer Resources

Winners in Industry Recognition and Resources

It was a tough job for the judges this year.  Each was given a list of nominees that had made it to the final round by getting votes from their fans and followers.   The Judges then evaluated each finalist on a specific rubric to get a final rating.

Rating rubrics have been defined on a category level to ensure the most objective and relevant feedback, but include criteria such as:

  • Quality of content
  • Credibility and accuracy
  • Navigation and design
  • Usability
  • Frequency of posts
  • Other category-specific qualifiers

People’s Choice Winners Announced!

We are proud to also announce the People’s Choice Winners. The nominees with the most cumulative Google+1s and Facebook likes in each category have been deemed the People’s Choice winner by popular vote.

Winners in Consumer Resources

Winners in Industry Recognition and Resources

If you have any questions about the winners or want to know more please contact us at bestoftheweb@seniorhomes.com.

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2012 Best of the Web : Congratulations Finalists!

Tuesday, March 6th, 2012 by mackenzie

The 2012 Best of The Web Finalists have been chosen!  The nominees with the most votes were given the opportunity to join the finalist round where they will be judged by our expert panel of Judges.

During the finalist phase, 19 judges hailing from all corners of the industry will be evaluating websites using a set of standardized rating criteria.  Among the judges are Deena Neste,  Founder of Mature Market Sales Source; Kaye Swain, Writer for SandwichINK; and Shannon Martin, Director of communications for Aging Wisely. Please check out our judging page to see the complete list.

Rating rubrics have been defined on a category level to ensure the most objective and relevant feedback, but includes criteria such as:

  • Quality of content
  • Credibility and accuracy
  • Navigation and design
  • Usability
  • Frequency of posts
  • Other category-specific qualifiers

Each category will result in a winner based on the average of judge ratings and one winner will be chosen based on total popular vote.  Winners are set to be announced on March 15, 2012.

The Finalists

To view the finalists in each category, please go to the category listed below.

Consumer Resources

Industry Recognition and Resources

If you have any questions or concerns please contact us at bestoftheweb@seniorhomes.com.

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2012 Best of The Web Awards : Let the Judging Begin!

Friday, March 2nd, 2012 by mackenzie

Everyone at Seniorhomes.com would like to thank all the nominees and their fans for voting during the 2012 Best of the Web Contest.  The contest has been widely successful with 450 nominees and over 6,400 votes counted thus far.   Your input has helped us create a great guide for seniors, families and members of the industry to find great resources.

Social Media Rockstars – Individuals Still Need Your Votes

Starting March 3rd, the Social Media Rockstars – Individuals will be the only category still accepting votes.  That category is purely people’s choice so they will be exempt from the judging period.   The finalists will be able to receive votes until the end of the judging period, Monday, March 12th.

Finalists Will Be Announced March 5th, Winners March 15th

On Monday, March 5th we will announce the finalists in each category.  Our esteemed panel of judges will then work on rating each finalist based on their categories qualifications.   To read more about  how they judge each nominee go to our Best of the Web Hompage and scroll to the bottom. Interested to see whose judging?  Check out our judging panel here. The final rankings will be announced Thursday, March 15th.

If you have any questions about the Best of The Web please contact us at bestoftheweb@seniorhomes.com.

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Joan’s Journey: Discovering Seattle & San Francisco

Monday, January 16th, 2012 by mackenzie

This week Joan London blogs about her latest visit to the west coast in her search for senior housing.  She made stops in Seattle and San Francisco, where she spent 11 days visiting assisted living facilities in the surrounding suburbs.   The trip also served as a great time for her to visit with her children and grandchildren who live in these locations.

Working with Seniorhomes.com Care Advisors

When she began her search, the number and variety of assisted living facilities overwhelmed her.   So, Joan relied on Seniorhomes.com care advisors to help her with her trip. With their help, she was able to pick out communities in each location that fit her desired budget, level of care, meal plan, amenities, and social activities.  In addition,  the care advisors helped her make appointments to tour the communities during her trip.  With over 38,000 assisted living facilities in the U.S., Joan was glad to have the Seniorhomes.com care advisors to help her narrow down her search.

What did she did learn about her search and herself?

In her latest blog post, Joan covers what she learned about her search and herself through this latest trip. Here are her top three thoughts.

1. Geography, Climate and Ambiance of Location
The climates of greater Seattle and the city of San Francisco apparently do not agree with my chronic arthritis. The cities south of San Francisco have warmer, dryer climates and are quite attractive. However, with my limited mobility for walking up and down hilly terrain, and the traffic congestion, unfortunately these locations are not a perfect fit.

2. Demographics of Residents
Relocating to a facility filled with strangers is a major life change. Communities vary in the age, health, physical and social demographics of residents. At 67, I drive and function independently. I am seeking senior living compatible with my interests for daily living. It is too soon in my journey to make a decision on this point.

3. Staff and Facility Ambience
I toured each facility and spoke with staff and residents. Everyone was extremely friendly and each community was attractive and clean. Because the layout and amenities of the Bellettini apartment models in Bellevue resemble my condominium, I felt most at home at this style of community.

To read more about Joan and her latest journey check out her blog post here.

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