< Previous180 |www.stlouistimes.com CATEGORIES / # OF UNITS OR BEDS / COSTS OTHER EXPENDITURES Independent Independent Living Living RCF / Skilled Daily / Apt’s/Condo’s CCRC’s ALF Nursing Monthly Security Meals # of Units/Beds # of Units/Beds # of Units/Beds # of Units/Beds Entry Fees Utilities Deposit Included Cost or Range Cost or Range Cost or Range Cost or Range Fees Required Included Required Per DayFACILITIESPayments Accepted: 1) Private Pay 2) Medicare 3) Medicaid 4) Private Insurance 5) Sliding ScaleSENIORS’ RESOURCE GUIDEPublishing With Purpose Since 1994Housing Facilities1 Alzheimer’s / Dementia Care Available2 Medicare or Medicaid Approved3 Rehabilitation Services Available4 Medication Assistance Available5 24-Hour Staff6 Transportation Available7 Housekeeping Provided8 Pets Allowed9 Planned Activities10 Exercise Facility / Walking Path11 Beauty / Barber Shop12 Cable TV Available (may require monthly fees)MISSOURI LISTINGSHOUSING FACILITIES - Independent / Assisted Living / Skilled NursingThe Quarters at Des Peres 147 Y N Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 13230 Manchester Rd. $260 - 1-Mo. 3 + Des Peres, MO 63131 (314) 821-2886 $320/day in adv. snacks In Business Since: 2010 priv. pay Payments Accepted: 1,2,4 Description: The Quarters at Des Peres is West County’s elegant option in skilled nursing care. We offer private suites and semi-private rooms for long term care & respite stays. For short term rehabilitation, enjoy the privacy of your own room, as well as results-driven rehabilitative therapy. The Rockwood 29 N Y Y Y Y N N N N Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y 330 W. Lockwood Ave. Call Call All 1-Mo. Call Webster Groves, MO 63119 (314) 963-0029 for for incl. cbl. rent In Business Since: 2006 rates rates except ph. Payments Accepted: 1 & internet Description: Locally-owned, The Rockwood Senior Living Community located in Historic Old Webster pairs the elegance and warmth of an historic home with customized services seniors look for in a community. From chef-prepared meals, housekeeping and transportation services to an enriching and meaningful activities program, residents of the Rockwood live a worry-free lifestyle.The Sarah Community 105 98 106 Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 12284 DePaul Drive Elec., 3 Bridgeton, MO 63044 (314) 209-7000 phone, In Business Since: 2001 cable Payments Accepted: Call Call Call Description: The Sarah Community is a non-profit faith-based retirement community in Bridgeton offering retirement living, assisted living, and skilled nursing, each with a focus on wellness of body, mind, and spirit. Our caring mission is fulfilled every day by our dedicated staff who create a warm and positive atmosphere for each resident. Celebrate life with faith and friends.The Terrace Apartments Call Call Call Call N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y N Y Y 313 Augustine Road $2,500/Mo. Call Call Call Call Call Eureka, MO 63025 (636) 938-6770 average In Business Since: 1986 Payments Accepted: 1,2,3,4,5 1,2,3,4,5 1,2,3,4,5 Description: The residential care apartments at Marymount combine all the comforts, privacy and security of home. Apartments provide a spacious living environment with beautiful views of the wooden campus. The Terrace consists of 46 residential care apartments each with its own private bath and kitchenette. A month to month leasing fee includes all utilities including phone, basic TV and social service assistance is provided.The Village at Mackenzie Place Call N Y N Y N N N N N N Y N Y Y Y N Y (Lutheran Senior Services) Call Call Call 8520 Mackenzie Road St. Louis, MO 63125 (314) 884-7900 In Business Since: 2012 Payments Accepted: 1,5 Description: Market rate; income-based HUD 202 housing. | 1812017 - SENIORS’ RESOURCE GUIDESenior Resource Guide 2016Independent Living, Assisted Living, Transitional Memory Care, Memory CareSpectrumRetirementMissouri.comTurns out there’s not a key to life.There are 88 of them.This feels like home.®While a lot of things change over the years, some things don’t. And getting older doesn’t mean you have to stop doing what you love. So we encourage our residents to keep on doing their thing while we take care of the rest. Chuck, 81CRESTWOOD | CREVE COEUR | ST. LOUISWASHINGTON | AFFTON | ELLISVILLE182 |www.stlouistimes.com CATEGORIES / # OF UNITS OR BEDS / COSTS OTHER EXPENDITURES Independent Independent Living Living RCF / Skilled Daily / Apt’s/Condo’s CCRC’s ALF Nursing Monthly Security Meals # of Units/Beds # of Units/Beds # of Units/Beds # of Units/Beds Entry Fees Utilities Deposit Included Cost or Range Cost or Range Cost or Range Cost or Range Fees Required Included Required Per DayFACILITIESPayments Accepted: 1) Private Pay 2) Medicare 3) Medicaid 4) Private Insurance 5) Sliding ScaleSENIORS’ RESOURCE GUIDEPublishing With Purpose Since 1994Housing Facilities1 Alzheimer’s / Dementia Care Available2 Medicare or Medicaid Approved3 Rehabilitation Services Available4 Medication Assistance Available5 24-Hour Staff6 Transportation Available7 Housekeeping Provided8 Pets Allowed9 Planned Activities10 Exercise Facility / Walking Path11 Beauty / Barber Shop12 Cable TV Available (may require monthly fees)MISSOURI LISTINGSThe Villages of St. Peters 55 120 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 5400 Executive Center Parkway $3,354 - $185 - $1,000 $185 - Call for St. Peters, MO 63776 (636) 922-7600 $5,580 $215/day comm. $215/day details In Business Since: 2010 fee $3,354 - asst.liv. Payments Accepted: 1,2,3,4 1,2,3,4 $5,580/Mo. Description: VofSP offers an array of extended care services under one roof. We have a 24 bed memory care hall within our 106 bed skilled center. We also offer 52 assisted living apartments where residents can live independently in a beautiful, secure and caring environment. We offer a memory care home on the property. For more details, please call.The Westchester House 116 N Y Y N Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y 550 White Rd $237 - Call 3 + Chesterfield, MO 63017 (314) 469-1200 $336/day snacks In Business Since: 1979 Payments Accepted: 1,2,3,4 Description: Our unique homelike atmosphere makes The Westchester House rehabilitation and skilled nursing facility a great place to live, thrive, and recover. Physical, occupational and speech therapy are available on an inpatient or outpatient basis, and skilled nursing care is provided 24hrs/day. Our first-class amenities - restaurant style dining, salon, private rehabilitation rooms, and much more. The Woodlands of Arnold 14 178 N N Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y N Y Y 100 Woodland Court Call for Call for All Arnold, MO 63010 (636) 296-1400 rates rates In Business Since: 1986 Payments Accepted: 1,2,3,4 1,2,3,4 Description: The Woodlands, along with The Meadows independent living cottages and Meadowview Assisted Living, offers a wide spectrum of senior living choices. Our rehab-to-home rehabilitative campus offers private spacious rooms with private, full bath facilities along with flat-screen TV.Tower Grove Manor 88 Call Call Call N N Y Y Y N N N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 2710 South Grand Call Call Call Call Call St. Louis, MO 63118 (314) 773-2800 In Business Since: 1961 Payments Accepted: 1 1 1 1 Description: Get the most for your retirement dollar. Tower Grove Manor, a St. Andrews Resources for Seniors community since 1965, offers individual efficiency, one bedroom and two bedroom apartments. Each charming apartment includes utilities, weekly housekeeping, scheduled transportation, delicious meals, and 24 hour staffing. We have fun daily activities, wellness programs, an onsite hair salon and offer Sunday worship services. Call Nicole at 314-773-2800 to schedule a tour.Twin Oaks at Heritage Pointe 60 40 N N Y Y Y Y N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 228 Savannah Terrace $2,300 - $2,975 - $1,000 3-ALF Wentzville, MO 63385 (636) 542-5400 $2,700/Mo. $4,300/Mo. 2-ILF In Business Since: 2010 Payments Accepted: 1,2,3,4 1,2,3,4 Description: The owners of Twin Oaks at Heritage Pointe want this to be your home....somewhere to feel loved and cared for, to share friendship and fun, and to maintain your independence. 1 Alzheimer’s / Dementia Care Available2 Medicare or Medicaid Approved3 Rehabilitation Services Available4 Medication Assistance Available5 24-Hour Staff6 Transportation Available7 Housekeeping Provided8 Pets Allowed9 Planned Activities10 Exercise Facility / Walking Path11 Beauty / Barber Shop12 Cable TV Available (may require monthly fees)HOUSING FACILITIES - Independent / Assisted Living / Skilled Nursing | 1832017 - SENIORS’ RESOURCE GUIDE1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Twin Oaks Estate 149 N N Y Y Y N N N Y Y Y Y N Y N Y Y 707 Emge Road $2,400 - $1,000 3 O’Fallon, MO 63366 (636) 542-5200 $4,000/Mo. In Business Since: 1981 Payments Accepted: 1,2,3,4 Description: The owners of Twin Oaks want this to be your home...somewhere to feel loved and cared for, to share friendship and fun, and to maintain your independence. Victorian Gardens Independent 110 apts. Y N Y N Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Senior Living $2,400 - $1,500 All 2/day 15 Hilltop Village Center Drive $3,650/Mo. one time except w/third Eureka, MO 63025 (636) 587-3737 comm. phone meal opt. In Business Since: 2014 fee available Payments Accepted: 1 Description: Victorian Gardens is the newest independent senior living community in western St. Louis County which offers resort style living with luxury apartments, services, and amenities to allow one to age in place, gracefully. Call today to set up a tour of our lovely community and enjoy a chef prepared meal while visiting.Village North Retirement 150 60 N Y Y Y Y N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Community $1,500 - $208 - Call Call All Call 2/day 11160 Village North Drive $2,275/Mo. $245/day for for except for indep. liv. St. Louis, MO 63136 (314) 355-8010 details details ph. & details 3/Health In Business Since: 1889 internet Ctr res. Payments Accepted: 1,2,3,4 1,2,3,4 Description: Situated on a beautiful, 45-acre campus with a lake, walking paths, gardens and gazebos, Village North Independent Living is totally maintenance fee for North County seniors. Weekly housekeeping, meals, transporta-tion, plenty of activities, and support services if needed. Enjoy significant savings in fully renovated apartments and common areas.Villages of St Peters 60 units Y Y Y Y Y Y N N Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y Memory Care $5,700 - 1-Mo. Rent All $1,200 3 + 5300 Executive Centre Parkway $6,692/Mo. rent incl. Neigh. snacks St Peters, MO 63376 (636) 477-6955 upon cbl. fee In Business Since: 2015 admission non-ref. Payments Accepted: 1,4 deposit Description: Villages of St. Peters Memory Care, an affiliate of NHC - National HealthCare Corporation, is a premier, licensed assisted living memory care community. We provide specialized attention and a warm welcoming environ-ment to our “neighbors” with various forms of dementia and Alzheimer’s.Westview Assisted Living & 59 ALF N N Y N Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Memory Care 24 Mem. Call Call At Your 27 Reinke Road Care Service™ Ellisville, MO 63021 (636) 923-8615 Call for Dining In Business Since: 2012 rates Call Payments Accepted: 1 Description: Welcome to Westview Assisted Living & Memory Care, an active retirement community with 83 senior apartments located in Ellisville, MO, just west of St. Louis. Here you or your loved one will receive help with daily living and any needed support for dementia-along with chef-prepared meals, concierge services, and a full slate of social and wellness activities.Windsor Estates of St Charles 110 110 54 66 N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 2150 West Randolph Street $1,600 - $1,600 - $3,800 - $5,800 - Call for Call for St. Charles, MO 63301 (636) 946-4966 $3,500/Mo. $3,500/Mo. $6,000/Mo. $7,000/Mo. details details In Business Since: 1977 Payments Accepted: 1,2,3,4 1,2,3,4 1,2,3,4 1,2,3,4 HOUSING FACILITIES - Independent / Assisted Living / Skilled Nursing184 |www.stlouistimes.com CATEGORIES / # OF UNITS OR BEDS / COSTS OTHER EXPENDITURES Independent Independent Living Living RCF / Skilled Daily / Apt’s/Condo’s CCRC’s ALF Nursing Monthly Security Meals # of Units/Beds # of Units/Beds # of Units/Beds # of Units/Beds Entry Fees Utilities Deposit Included Cost or Range Cost or Range Cost or Range Cost or Range Fees Required Included Required Per DayFACILITIESPayments Accepted: 1) Private Pay 2) Medicare 3) Medicaid 4) Private Insurance 5) Sliding ScaleSENIORS’ RESOURCE GUIDEPublishing With Purpose Since 1994Housing Facilities1 Alzheimer’s / Dementia Care Available2 Medicare or Medicaid Approved3 Rehabilitation Services Available4 Medication Assistance Available5 24-Hour Staff6 Transportation Available7 Housekeeping Provided8 Pets Allowed9 Planned Activities10 Exercise Facility / Walking Path11 Beauty / Barber Shop12 Cable TV Available (may require monthly fees)ILLINOIS LISTINGSEunice Smith Home 62 N N Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y N Y Y 1251 College Avenue $199 - 3 Alton, IL 62002 (618) 463-7330 $216 In Business Since: 1966 Payments Accepted: 1,2,3,4 Description: Happy 50th anniversary to Eunice Smith Home, which has been serving seniors and their families in the Alton community since 1966. The skilled nursing care community includes short-stay rehab services, and is located on the campus of Alton Memorial Hospital.Garden Place Senior Living 67 20 N N Y Y Y N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 735 Columbia Ave. $2,755 - $3,310 - $1,000 3 Waterloo, IL 62298 (618) 939-4900 $3,630/Mo. $4,185/Mo. In Business Since: 2012 Payments Accepted: 1,4 1,4 Description: Licensed independent & assisted living facility. No long term lease required.Garden Place Senior Living 71 30 N N Y Y Y N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 480 DD $2,755 - $3,310 - $1,000 3 Columbia, IL 62236 (618) 281-4200 $3,630/Mo. $4,185/Mo. In Business Since: 2002 Payments Accepted: 1,4 1,4 Description: Licensed independent & assisted living facility. No long term lease required.Garden Place Senior Living 34 15 N N Y Y Y N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 208 S. Kossuth $2,755 - $3,310 - $1,000 3 Millstadt, IL 62260 (618) 476-1440 $3,630/Mo. $4,185/Mo. In Business Since: 2003 Payments Accepted: 1,4 1,4 Description: Licensed independent & assisted living facility. No long term lease required.Garden Place Senior Living 38 15 N N Y Y Y N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 351 Lockwood $2,755 - $3,310 - $1,000 3 Red Bud, IL 62278 (618) 282-7775 $3,630/Mo. $4,185/Mo. In Business Since: 2004 Payments Accepted: 1,4 1,4 Description: Licensed independent & assisted living facility. No long term lease required.HOUSING FACILITIES - Independent / Assisted Living / Skilled Nursing | 1852017 - SENIORS’ RESOURCE GUIDE1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Skilled Nursing Care Private Nursing Home Suites Rehabilitation Independent Senior Living Medicare/Medicaid Certified (618) 488-2355 201 Belle Street, Alhambra, IL www.hitzmemorial.com www.facebook.com/HitzMemorialHome “You’re Home at Hitz” 40 North 64th St. · Belleville, IL 62223618.397.8400 · www.heliahealthcare.comProfessionalism,Community & KindnessSkilled Nursing ServicesRehabilitation ServicesLong-Term CareHitz Memorial Home 10 67 N N Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y 201 Belle Street $500 - $140 - 1-Mo. 3 Alhambra, IL 62001 (618) 488-2355 $625/Mo. $190/day Rent for In Business Since: 1952 Indep. Payments Accepted: 1,2,3,4 1,2,3,4 Living Description: Hitz Memorial Home is a not-for-profit ministry of the United Church of Christ providing healthcare services to the elderly since 1952. Our mission is to be a caring community, reflecting faith-based values, within which residents’ rights are respected and fulfilled. Meridian Village Senior Living 163 67 70 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Community (Lutheran Senior Call Call Call Call Call Call Call Services) 27 Auerbach Place Glen Carbon, IL 62034 (618) 288-3700 In Business Since: 2001 Payments Accepted: 1,2,3,4 1,2,3,4 1,2,3,4 Description: Located in Glen Carbon, Illinois, Meridian Village is a continuing care retirement community, offering independent living patio homes and apartments, licensed assisted living, memory care, and long term care. Amenities include a heated indoor pool and spa, movie theater, restaurant-style dining, 24-hour concierge, and two fitness centers.O’Fallon Apartments 131 N N Y Y N N N N N Y Y N Y Y N N N 750 Weber Rd. 1BR & 2BR Water, Based O’Fallon, IL 62269 (618) 632-9817 Income sewer, on In Business Since: 1975 based trash income Payments Accepted: 1 Description: O’Fallon Apartments is an independent living facility for seniors ages 62 and older. Our income based apartments are located in O’Fallon, Illinois. For more information, please call our office at 618-632-9817 and ask for Tina.HOUSING FACILITIES - Independent / Assisted Living / Skilled Nursing186 |www.stlouistimes.com CATEGORIES / # OF UNITS OR BEDS / COSTS OTHER EXPENDITURES Independent Independent Living Living RCF / Skilled Daily / Apt’s/Condo’s CCRC’s ALF Nursing Monthly Security Meals # of Units/Beds # of Units/Beds # of Units/Beds # of Units/Beds Entry Fees Utilities Deposit Included Cost or Range Cost or Range Cost or Range Cost or Range Fees Required Included Required Per DayFACILITIESPayments Accepted: 1) Private Pay 2) Medicare 3) Medicaid 4) Private Insurance 5) Sliding ScaleSENIORS’ RESOURCE GUIDEPublishing With Purpose Since 1994Housing Facilities1 Alzheimer’s / Dementia Care Available2 Medicare or Medicaid Approved3 Rehabilitation Services Available4 Medication Assistance Available5 24-Hour Staff6 Transportation Available7 Housekeeping Provided8 Pets Allowed9 Planned Activities10 Exercise Facility / Walking Path11 Beauty / Barber Shop12 Cable TV Available (may require monthly fees)ILLINOIS LISTINGSHOUSING FACILITIES - Independent / Assisted Living / Skilled NursingReflections at Garden Place 19 N N Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y 710 S. Main Street $5,075 - $1,000 3 Columbia, IL 62236 (618) 281-3388 $6,105/Mo. In Business Since: 2003 Payments Accepted: 1,4 Description: Memory care assisted living.Stillwater Senior Living 46 N Y Y Y Y N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 1111 University Drive Call Call All $1,000 3 Edwardsville, IL 62025 (618) 692-2273 except In Business Since: 2014 phone Payments Accepted: 1,4 Description: Vibrant assisted-living community with spacious (512 - 885 sq. ft.) studio, 1-bedroom & 2-bedroom. All 1st floor apartments with walk-out patios. 24-hr assist; safety pendants; individual health/wellness plans; wi-fi; room safes; pets welcome; fenced dog run; transportation for shopping, outings; flexible dining; 24-hr coffee/sck bar; day & evening activities (classes, social, volunteer); children’s play area.Westfield Manor (Lutheran 62 N Y N Y N N N N N N N N Y Y N N Y Senior Services) Call Call Call 7245 Westfield Plaza Dr. Belleville, IL 62223 (618) 233-5506 In Business Since: 2003 Payments Accepted: 1,5 Description: Income-based HUD 202 affordable housing.Willowcreek 122 N N Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y N Y Y Rehab & Nursing $185 - All 3/day 40 N. 64th St. $500/day + snacks Belleville, IL 62223 (618) 397-8400 Based on In Business Since: 2004 prvt. pay rate Payments Accepted: 1,2,3,4 Description: We offer compassionate care, an unwavering commitment to customer service and a superior level of clinical capability. Our services include skilled nursing, rehabilitation and long-term care. We are a leader in advanced ventilator care and offer state-of-the equipment and comprehensive sub-acute respiratory care. | 1872017 - SENIORS’ RESOURCE GUIDECall 618.692.2273 for more information. 1111 University Drive • Edwardsville, IL 62025stillwaterseniorliving.comVibrant Living...defined!Keep learning, loving, laughing and looking for your next adventure.Vibrant Living: [vigorous, vital, lively]By letting us help you with the things you have to do, you can focus on the things you want to do. At Stillwater Senior Living your new chapter begins with everything you need to write your vibrant living story!VIBRANTLIVINGVibrant Living... Has a Place.1111 University Drive Edwardsville, IL 62025618.692.2273stillwaterseniorliving.comLicensedAssisted LivingStudio, 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments with PatiosALL INCLUSIVE MONTHLY FEEPet FriendlyActivities, Entertainment, Exercise, Outings and Volunteerism New!Respite ApartmentHOUSING FACILITIES - Independent / Assisted Living / Skilled Nursing“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”- Maya Angelou“Be kind to unkind people – they need it the most.”- Unknown Author “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” - Robert Frost “We grow neither better or worse as we get old, but more like ourselves.” - May L. Becker“Before you contradict an old man, my fair friend, you should endeavor to understand him.” - George Santayana188 |www.stlouistimes.comHOUSING FACILITIES - Independent / Assisted Living / Skilled Nursingkknnooww tthhee SSuuddddeenn SSiiggnnss ooff SSttrrookkee If you see someone experiencing any of these stroke symptoms, call 911 immediately. Getting treatment within 60 minutes can prevent disability. WeakneSS Trouble Trouble Seeing Walking Trouble Speaking on one Side U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES www.stroke.ninds.nih.govNational Institutes of Health National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke 1-800-352-9424 kknnooww tthhee SSuuddddeenn SSiiggnnss ooff SSttrrookkee If you see someone experiencing any of these stroke symptoms, call 911 immediately. Getting treatment within 60 minutes can prevent disability. WeakneSS Trouble Trouble Seeing Walking Trouble Speaking on one Side U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES www.stroke.ninds.nih.govNational Institutes of Health National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke 1-800-352-9424 | 1892017 - SENIORS’ RESOURCE GUIDEHOUSING RESOURCES, MODIFICATIONS and MOVE MANAGEMENTIntroduction Moving is a high-stress life event, the experts tell us, and they’re right. Whether it’s cross-town or cross-country, wheth-er 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 pos-sessions can feel overwhelming—even paralyzing. As we progress through life, moving may signal new opportu-nities, a new relationship, a new adventure ahead. For an older adult this “new” opportunity may feel like a mixed blessing. On the positive side, a move may offer a sense of “lightening” to re-duce the messy clutter of a family’s history, fewer home and yard chores and can help reduce feelings of isolation of living alone. More often, this relocation can be an unwelcome admission of frailty, loneliness, possible serious illness, and a loss of indepen-dence. If you are facing a crisis, such as moving a parent into an assisted care residence after a caregiving spouse dies, or into a nursing home after a devastating stroke, the process will be condensed and planning time will be minimal. This may be the most challenging experience of all. We encourage you to get as much help and support as you can from friends, family, reli-gious communities and social service organizations. If you are an adult child helping your parent make this move, we hope this also offers advice on how to be both supportive and efficient as you and your loved ones manage this major life event.Planning Ahead•If you have the luxury of time, and if your parent is willing, think about beginning to declutter before a move is on the near horizon. Six months or a year prior to moving is not too early to start this process, regardless of where your parent is planning to move, or even if your family is still deciding.•Shred, toss or give away obvious items such as old cancelled checks, outdated food or medications, clothes, or extraneous household items that just take up space.•If you’re not sure, ask an accountant or tax person what records need to be retained.•Continue this decluttering process monthly until you start the major activities of sorting and packing for the move. You’ll be surprised at how much you can eliminate before you get into the emotional quanda-ries of dealing with prized possessions.•Collect and keep together important papers: deeds, wills, Durable Powers of Attorney, medical records, military records, diplomas and degrees, birth cer-tificates, passports. These can be in a file cabinet or safe-deposit box, but let key family members know where they are.•Try not to allow grown children to use the home as a storage unit or museum. Now is the time for them Downsizing a Home: A Checklist for CaregiversContinued on page 190For most people a home represents security and independence. There’s no place like home, in spite of the fact that our needs may change throughout the course of our lives. That’s why home modification might be the right option. This may include the adding of ramps and adaptations to homes in order to make it easier and safer to carry out activities such as bathing, cooking, and climbing stairs. And if a move or relocation is required, with all of the challenges that go along with it, specialists are available. The organizations listed below can help.Next >