Independent Living Communities and the New Norms Memories are at times our greatest blessing, and at the same time, our biggest obstacle. For many baby boomers, the picture of a “retirement home” is frozen in time: institutional, hospitallike hallways where life feels more clinical than comfortable. Think of “Derek,” the Ricky Gervais mockumentary set in a small British care home, where residents are often shown just sitting around with little to do—that’s the kind of image t

Senior Communities and the Oncoming Wave of New Residents This past week, Seth Gregg (President of Clutter Cleaner SC) and I had the opportunity to meet with a Senior Living Advisor at a senior living community in Charleston, SC. What was shared with us regarding their availability wasn’t surprising……they currently have a 3-4 year waiting list (depending on the unit type) for new residents. However, what smacked us straight in the face was this: they had recently had a 49 yea

I was flying blind. My dad and mom were visiting us at our home in Charleston, SC. We had a great dinner, enjoyed some incredible wine, and then it happened. No prep work….no plan whatsoever. Without thinking twice, I brought it up: After 25 years of living in their home in Williamsburg, VA, it was time to downsize. Do it while they still had the ability to choose. Do it their way with our support. Surprisingly, the conversation went pretty well. My parents didn’t argue or pu