2023 Golden Years February

THESE TOWNS OFFER THE BEST FOR YOUR REST RETIRINGINCT?

BY SUSAN SHULTZ

So you’re ready for retirement and need to decide where to nestle your nest egg. There are several factors to consider when choosing a new place to live. Unlike other

CT residents, the quality of the school district isn’t a factor for most retirees. This leaves your options much more varied.

SEE RETIREMENT ON PAGE 2

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WHAT ARE THE FACTORS TO CONSIDER?

INTERESTS

In retirement you will have more time to focus on hobbies and life passions. Connecticut offers a variety of options for those interested in the arts, golf, sports, boating, and more.

LOCATION

Another factor to consider is location, location, location. If you’re hoping to stay within commuting distance of New York, Fairfield County is your best option — but also costlier in terms of property value. Proximity to Massachusetts and Boston gives you the benefits of a big city while living in a smaller town.

BUDGET

Are you looking to save money or are your finances freed

up to spend more? One thing to consider is your future town’s mill rate. According to ct.gov, a mill is equal to $1 of tax for each $1,000 of assessment. To calculate the property tax, multiply theassessment of the property by the mill rateand divide by 1,000.

For example, a property with an assessed value of $50,000 located in a municipality with a mill rate of 20 mills would have a property tax bill of $1,000 per year. The lower the mill rate, the lower the property tax.

Another factor is the average real estate cost, or whether you choose to live in an all-inclusive retirement community.

HOUSING TYPE

With retirement on the horizon, you might want to simplify in terms of home maintenance. CT offers many options in terms of independent retirement communities that offer exquisite food and amenities like dog parks, golf courses, spas, and more.

WHERE ARE THE OPTIONS?

Located in stunning Litchfield County, SALISBURY boasts the lowest mill rate in Connecticut (11 mills). According to Realtor.com, the average home price in Salisbury in November was $1.2 million. Salisbury also offers retirement community options, such as Noble House, which offers independent and assisted living.

Salisbury has access to hiking, the Appalachian Trail, Lime Rock Park, a sport car racing facility, as well as bucolic scenery and a vibrant arts community. Litchfield County is also home to many of the most popular wineries on the CT Wine Trail.

If you’re a beach bum, MADISON is the place for you. The town is home to Hammonasett State Park, a popular CT public beach. The average home cost is less than $600,000, but if you prefer a retirement community, Madison offers several. Boat owner?

Nearby GUILFORD and CLINTON offer several marinas.

If you’re looking for a more serene retirement, Connecticut’s QUIET CORNER might be right for you. Nestled near the Massachusetts and Rhode Island borders, Putnam, Pomfret, Woodstock, Brooklyn, and Killingly/Danielson offer much to choose from in terms of eateries and the arts. The close proximity to Boston and Rhode Island beaches offers the best of all worlds, along with many retirement communities to choose from.

If golf is your game, the opposite of the Quiet Corner might be your aim. SHERMAN, located in CT’s northwest corner, offers the Club at River Oaks, a golf course community featuring an 18-hole, 70 par golf course, a club house, and other amenities not far from the Housatonic River. This location also offers proximity to the Berkshires in Massachusetts.

For those who seek city living, retiring in NEW HAVEN might be your best option. The city offers all you’d expect from a thriving city, including a vibrant arts scene, seafood restaurants along the

shore, and more. It also offers several independent and assisted living options. According to Zillow, the average home cost for New Haven is less than $300,000.

Finally, for those who want to retain a proximity to New York as well as a small-town vibe, RIDGEFIELD might be for you. The town was awarded CT’s first designated cultural district due to its vibrant arts community. Whether it’s visiting a museum, catching live theater, seeing one of the many acts that frequent the Ridgefield Playhouse, or just strolling along charming Main Street, you will never get bored in Ridgefield.

There are a variety of housing options available, including charming cottages along small lakes and independent and assisted living options. Ridgefield’s average home price is just over $800,000, according to Zillow. 

For more information on planning for retirement, visit AARP’s retirement guide at www.aarp.org/tools

CHOOSING

AN ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY IN CT

BY SUSAN SHULTZ

Deciding to enter assisted living is an important decision for all involved, and without the proper guidance, knowing how to choose assisted living in CT can be a complicated process. You’ll have to

consider many factors like location, pricing, lifestyle options, and perhaps most importantly, levels of care. If you’ve found yourself on the road to finding assisted living facilities, we’d like to help make your choice easier.

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BY SUSAN SHULTZ

Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia is a general term for a variety of symptoms often associated with aging. Dementia symptoms include a decline in memory, reasoning, or thinking skills. There are different types of dementia, which is not a normal or expected part of aging. According to the AA, Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60-80 percent of dementia cases.

When you or your loved one begins to experience symptoms of dementia, it is critical to determine the cause by turning to your medical professional.

WHAT IS ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE?

Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disease that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior and worsens with time. While the majority of people with the disease are 65 and up, there are instances of younger diagnoses. Early-onset Alzheimer’s affects people under the age of 65. On average, an

Alzheimer’s patient can live four to eight years after diagnosis, but some can live for another 20 years.

While there is no cure for the disease, Aduhelm has demonstrated that removing amyloid from the brain is likely to reduce cognitive and functional decline in early Alzheimer’s cases. There are also other treatments than can temporarily slow worsening symptoms and improve one’s quality of life.

Those suffering with Alzheimer’s can exhibit signs of confusion and eventually exhibit signs of delusion about their internal clock. They can often become suspicious and paranoid and have difficulty discerning between what is and isn’t reality. They can also confuse family members or forget them, lose interest in personal hygiene, and call for deceased family members. All of these symptoms take a toll on the patient as well as their loved ones.

Alzheimer’s caregivers face unique emotional, physical, and mental challenges. For those struggling with the disease, the AA offers resources for caregiver support and access to the latest research, tips, and ability to donate to help find a cure.

Other Types of Dementia VASCULAR DEMENTIA

Per the Mayo Clinic, vascular dementia is a general term describing problems with reasoning, memory, and thought processes caused by impaired blood flow to the brain. This can be caused by a stroke blocking an artery. Strokes do not always cause dementia — it depends on where they occur.

Causes of stroke include obesity, heart disease, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and age, among others. Making changes to create a healthy lifestyle can prevent the likelihood of a stroke.

PARKINSON’S DISEASE

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by nerves, per the Mayo Clinic. Parkinson’s disease dementia is a decline in thinking and reasoning skills that develops in some people living with Parkinson’s at least a year after diagnosis, per the AA. Changes in the brain caused by Parkinson’s can impact a person’s mental functions, including memory. There are several more causes of dementia including some rare illnesses. Early detection is key once symptoms are experienced or observed.

LEWY BODY DEMENTIA

Lewy body dementia is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. Lewy bodies, defined by the Mayo Clinic as protein deposits, develop in nerve cells in brain regions that control thinking, memory, and motor control. The symptoms are often similar to Parkinson’s disease. 

Visit www.alz.org for more information. Visit www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesconditions/dementia for information on the types of dementia, causes, and treatments.

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STEP

1

Understand the 5 Types of Assisted Living

ASSISTED LIVING

Traditional assisted living can span from those who need minor assistance, such as medication reminders and occasional physical help, to those who need medical and physical assistance with day-to-day activities of daily living (ADLs). There are three levels of care in a traditional assisted living facility, covered in detail below.

RESPITE CARE

Short-term care offers loved ones and unpaid caregivers a break or “respite” from providing daily care. This type of assisted living can be arranged on an as-needed basis or a set daily schedule. Respite care can take place in a healthcare facility, at home, or in an adult daycare setting.

HOSPICE

It may surprise you to know that hospice centers are a type of assisted living facility in CT and elsewhere. Hospice care is for those who are experiencing life-limiting illnesses. It focuses on keeping the patient mentally and physically comfortable for the remainder of

STEP

2

Understand Your Loved One’s Care Needs

BASIC CARE

Basic care includes seniors who need minimal assistance with activities of daily living or ADLs — personal care activities like dressing, eating, and grooming. They can bathe and care for themselvesand are physically autonomous.

Before choosing a facility, you must first understand the types of assisted living in CT that are available to you. Because every resident’s journey to an assisted living facility differs, so are the types of facilities and care options available. Depending on your needs, here are five types of assisted living to meet them.

their lives and provides the additional benefit of family support as they face an inevitable loss. After you decide which type of assisted living services will best meet your loved one’s needs, it’s time to dive deeper into other factors to consider.

MEMORY CARE

Memory care offers specific help for seniors who are suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease. Some centers are dedicated to memory care as a standalone specialty while many traditional assisted living facilities in CT offer memory care wings. No matter the facility type, it’s common to see increased security to prevent residents from wandering off and around-the-clock hands-on staffto keep your loved ones safe 24/7.

NURSING HOME

A nursing home is a type of assisted living facility for those who can no longer care for themselves and need long-term care, typically provided by skilled nursing staff and therapists. While a traditional assisted facility has a home-like setting, nursing homes are more clinical. Like memory care, residents receive 24/7 care and monitoring.

AdobeStock

Assisted living in CT offers a wide range of services for residents. These facilities can offer 24/7 response times for residents’ medical needs along with access to an on-site nurse. In general, assisted living in CT comes with three levels of care to provide residents with the appropriate amount of support for their needs.

INTERMEDIATE CARE

The intermediate level of care offers the appropriate degree of support to those who need assistance with some ADLs butnot all. This can include reminders to take medications, mobility assistance, grooming, and more.

HIGH LEVEL OF CARE

The highest level of care is ideal for residents who require substantial physical assistance with multiple ADLs. These residents need extensive care from a multi-caregiver team.

24/7 RESPONSE TIME, ON-SITE NURSES,

THERIGHT AMOUNT OFSUPPORT

STEP 3

Match Resident Interest to Lifestyle Offerings

SOCIAL EVENTS

Does your loved one enjoy socializing over a glass of wine? Many local facilities offer a bar or lounge area for residents to gather. Some, like Sturges Ridge in Fairfield, offer their discriminating seniors personal wine lockers to store their collections.

FOOD QUALITY

Food services is one of the most improved-upon aspects of assisted living. Talented chefs offer delicious meals that can cater to a variety of health needs and please even the pickiest taste buds.

Seniors can continue to indulge in their interests and hobbies throughout this next phase of their lives. Whether it be food, games, or socializing, assisted living facilities have a ton to offer.

PET POLICY

A pet policy is also critical to consider. Many seniors or prospective assisted living residents want to make sure their fourlegged best friend comes along, so choosing a pet-friendly assisted living community can be paramount to your decision.

RECREATION

Whether it’s Bridge or knitting, or even ballroom dancing, most assisted living facilities offer an assortment of engaging activities that appeal to your loved one’s favorite hobby.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

If your loved one loves the outdoors, you’ll want to choose an assisted living with outdoor amenities, like manicured gardens, courtyards, and scenic walking trails.

OFFSITE OUTINGS

Many assisted living locations offer off-site outings so residents can remain connected to the community at large. >>

ALSO KEEPIN MIND

STEP 4

Choose a Facility That’s Close to Home

Some senior residents take this down-sizing opportunity to move closer to their children and grandchildren. Other elders may have a strong presence and connections in their current community — in this case, they may want to remain close to their own homes.

STEP 5

Confirm the Visitation Policy

Regardless of where you choose, clarify the visitation policy. Visitation rules for assisted living facilities can vary by location. Some require strict COVID policy adherence, and others limit hours.

STEP 6

Make Sure it’s Affordable

Assisted living in Connecticut is as much a financial decision as it is a lifestyle one, and affording assisted living can be a challenge for many. Whether or not you have an unlimited budget, there are many suitable options out there for you, here are many options to fund the costs of assisted living:

■ Medicaid

■ Long-Term Care Insurance

■ VA Benefits

■ Life Insurance

■ Investment Funds or Income

■ Savings

STEP 7

Schedule a Tour of Your Top-Choice Facilities

If you’re intending to make this all-important choice, nothing is more critical than scheduling tours of the facilities on your list. Online descriptions and community photos are great for inspiring your decision, but they aren’t a substitute for visiting these senior living communities in person. Many assisted living facilities invite families to tour their facilities and join them for a meal, and we encourage you to take them up on it. Just be sure to come armed with questions to ask and a checklist of items to observe.

THINGS TO OBSERVE

■ Meal Quality

■ Resident Interactions

■ Lifestyle

■ Cleanliness

■ Staff friendliness

■ Floor Plans

We encourage you to schedule tours of the facilities on your shortlist and ask all your pre-determined questions and any others that come to mind during your visit. 

To find assisted living communities in Connecticut for you or your loved one, visit www.aplaceformom.com/independentliving/connecticut

For options at all income and cost levels, visit www.uwc.211ct.org/ residential-options-for-older-adults

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BY PAMELA MAHLER

If you’ve decided to move into an active adult community, you’ve likely been researching 55+ communities in CT. For local retirees, there are many benefits to remaining close by while enjoying the perks of living in a retirement community — unless you’re the type who finds joy in salting icy sidewalks! From grounds maintenance to lavish amenities, 55+ retirement communities in CT have much to offer.

WHAT IS AN ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITY?

55+ communities in CT — otherwise known as active adult communities — are age-restricted neighborhoods designed to cater to the wants and needs of retirees. These are not assisted living facilities or communities that offer any type of healthcare; rather, they’re geared towards the interests and benefits of those looking to enjoy their newly work-free days. They offer benefits like downsized homes, grounds maintenance, and many include a social aspect. Depending on the specific community you choose, there may be a central clubhouse for events, a golf course, a pool, a fitness center, or other perks that pique your interest.

WHO CAN LIVE IN A 55+ COMMUNITY?

Many people assume you must be 55 or older to reside in a 55+ community, but in many cases, that’s not the whole truth. For couples or other family configurations that don’t fit the 55+ threshold, many communities have an 80/20 rule.

The 80/20 Rule

The 80/20 rule in a 55+ community simply states that 80% of its residents must be 55 or older. To make this easier to wrap your head around, read through these examples of why someone under the age of 55 might live in an active adult community:

■ They are the younger of two spouses, one of whom is over the age of 55;

■ They’ve lost a spouse or partner who was over 55 after already living in the community together;

■ They are the live-in child or grandchild of someone aged 55 or older.

Many communities have age restrictions for children of residents, and while family members of all ages are welcome to visit at any time, most 55+ communities in CT do not allow anyone under 18 to reside within the age-restricted neighborhood.

ARE THERE RULES IN 55+ COMMUNITIES IN CT?

In addition to the 80/20 rule mentioned above, active adult communities commonly have bylaws from the homeowners association (HOA) or a board of directors. Certain amenities may have time constraints — a pool or park might be open from dawn until dusk — while other rules have to do with maintaining the curb appeal of the community.

If you’re comfortable with the rules and regulations of an active adult community and are ready to begin the search for your new home, follow the steps below. You can take these steps and adhere to the considerations we’ve outlined to ensure you select the best 55+ community in CT for you. >>

NEIGHBORHOODS THAT CATER TO THE WANTS AND NEEDS OF RETIREES.

CHOOSING A CT 55+ COMMUNITY

Determine Your Budget

“The 80% rule” is a standard retirement planning guideline that suggests retirees will need 80% of their pre-retirement income to maintain their lifestyle; for active adults, lifestyle is the name of the game. To get to this number, you’ll have to consider different pieces of your financial picture: your assets and retirement “income,” as well as your everyday and impending expenses.

ASSETS & INCOME

Retirement is hopefully the cherry on top of a fulfilled, satisfying career, but with the end of the 9-to-5 workday also comes the end of your bi-weekly paychecks. Before choosing an active adult community, you’ll need to assess your resources. Not only will you want to clear the benchmark of having 80% of your pre-retirement income, but according to many online sites and experts, you’ll only want to spend about 25% of that income on your housing expenses. With direct deposits from your employer coming to a halt, here are some common ways retirees bring home the bacon & plan for their new home purchase:

■ 401K, IRA, or Other Retirement Accounts

■ Pensions

■ VA Benefits

■ Profits from Liquefying Large Assets (Homes, Cars, etc.)

■ Social Security

■ Steady, Recurring Payments — Think Rental Properties or Similar Investments

COST OF LIVING EXPENSES

Retirement comes with most of the expenses every other life stage requires, but your cost of living will vary based on how you plan to live your day-to-day life — visiting all seven continents will be more expensive than a simple life at home.

In retirement, you also have to consider that higher healthcare costs come with aging. The Fidelity Investments Health Care Cost Estimate report states that a 65-year-old couple retiring in 2022 can expect to spend $315,000 post-tax dollars on medical

care over the remainder of their lives. That equates to $157,500 for an individual.

Knowing how your assets and income compare to your cost of living and projected healthcare expenses is essential. Still, we recommend working with a licensed accountant or financial planner for qualified guidance and financial planning before you choose a 55+ community in CT.

Consider Your Desired Location

Retirement is a time to live where you’re happiest and most comfortable. There are many factors to consider, however, and the level of importance each holds is unique to every individual. For this step, put costs and money aside — this is an assessment of your preferences. When choosing between 55+ communities in CT, consider the following:

■ The surrounding area: Is it metropolitan, suburban, or rural?

■ Proximity to healthcare services

■ How close you want to be to your family

■ Is it near points of interest — for example, would you prefer to be closer to New York City, or are you more apt to visit the Berkshires?

Once you have an idea of the location you’d prefer, you can move forward on your path to choosing your active adult community.

Your Ideal Lifestyle

In an ideal world, rank what’s most important to you about your retirement lifestyle. Think about whether you’re willing to budge on some conditions, what your definite must-haves are, and factor in the following variables, too:

■ Home size: Homes in active adult communities range from under 500 to over 2,500 square feet.

■ Home type: Condos, townhouses, or single-family dwellings are all available in 55+ communities in CT.

■ Social aspects: Are you a fluttering social butterfly, or are you happiest spending quiet time at the lakeside?

■ Amenities: Pools, fitness centers, golf courses, etc. — what do you need to be happy, and what can you do without?

SEE COMMUNITY ON PAGE 10

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TIPS FOR SELECTING THE PERFECT 55+ COMMUNITY FOR YOU

Time it Right

If you plan on taking out a loan or mortgage for any part of your move, wait out periods with higher interest rates if you can. If you’d rather move sooner than later, consider refinancing when rates drop.

Making the move to an active adult community is an exciting life event, but one that should be taken with thoughtfulness and preparation. We hope this article offers you some sage guidance for how to go about choosing a 55+ retirement

community, and we wish you many years of health, wealth, and happiness in this next phase of life! 

To find adult living communities in Connecticut for you or your loved one, visit www.aplaceformom.com/ independent-living/connecticut

For options at all income and cost levels, visit www.uwc.211ct.org/residentialoptions-for-older-adults