Most people look toward retirement and dream about traveling to foreign lands, taking up a new hobby or spending more time with the grandkids, and those are all worthwhile endeavors. As much as the golden years should be about relaxation and enjoyment, however, there are also important steps to take to plan for the curveballs life can throw at us.
Fortunately, there are dedicated professionals throughout South Jersey committed to helping with those preparations. We spoke to several of them from different fields to learn more about the options available to local residents.
Legal planning
Renee C. Vidal, an attorney at Capehart Scatchard, focuses her practice on several areas, including estate planning, tax planning and elder law, all of which appeal to her because of the impact she can have for seniors.
“Every client is different and it’s like putting a puzzle together for each client’s needs,” she says. “It’s always interesting and every client presents their own unique circumstances. I like being on the side of law where I’m helping people.”
In general, Vidal advises adults at any age to have a will, along with a power of attorney and a medical power of attorney, and those documents become increasingly important the older a person gets.
Even if that someone doesn’t have a lot of assets, a will can set up guardianship for their children and designate who is responsible for their estate and funeral preparations, even spelling out the person’s exact wishes. A durable power of attorney appoints someone to manage your assets if you become incapacitated, Vidal explains, while a medical power of attorney appoints someone to make decisions regarding your health. An advanced health care directive, or living will, also communicates what your medical wishes are.
“Those are all things you have to plan for,” she says. “I know lots of people don’t want to think about it, but it’s important.”
She stresses that it’s crucial to have someone trustworthy involved in their planning, and to even keep track of digital assets and share important information like bank accounts or life insurance policies with that person or an attorney.
Funeral preparations
Just like drawing up a will or establishing power of attorney, making funeral arrangements ahead of time can be a taboo subject. But those who do so often relieve the stress for their families when they do pass, however.
“I can’t tell you how many times someone has said to me, ‘I am so glad we did this in advance. I am so glad I was there to hear Mom’s wishes,’” says Ashley Caruso-Condon, a funeral director at Falco, Caruso & Leonard. “It brings peace of mind to know they’re doing everything the way their loved one wanted.”
With a pre-arranged funeral, a person can relay their exact wishes, such as if they want to be cremated, the kind of service they are looking for or even the exact casket they will be buried in. They can also set up a trust fund and make regular payments toward their funeral.
“Look at pre-arrangements as an educational experience,” Caruso-Condon says. “People should understand that funeral homes are here to answer their questions. It doesn’t mean you need to go in already knowing what you want or need—we’re here to help you, educate you and tell you what’s out there.”
Retirement communities
Although some seniors may initially be reluctant about moving out of the home they raised their family in, spending their golden years in a retirement community has plenty of benefits, from the opportunities to socialize with peers to the on-site medical assistance.
“Moving into a retirement community is not about losing independence; it’s about gaining freedom from the stress and burdens of homeownership,” says Farryn Harte, senior manager of community sales and marketing at The Evergreens. “At The Evergreens, residents continue to live independently, just as they did in their own homes, but with the added benefits of a supportive community, maintenance-free living and access to enriching activities and services. It’s about enhancing quality of life while keeping control over how you live each day.”
Anda Durso is the executive director of the Masonic Village at Burlington, where the services include on-site medical care, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care, medication management and emergency response systems.
“These services are designed to provide comprehensive support, ensuring that residents can enjoy a safe, healthy and fulfilling lifestyle,” Durso says.
Brightview Senior Living offers a similar blend of lifestyle enrichment and hands-on medical care.
“We meet residents where they are—whether they choose independent living, assisted living or our specialized memory care apartments,” a spokesperson says. “Every day is an opportunity to live fully, with new friendships, meaningful moments and engaging experiences like art and language classes, book clubs and movie nights. Our dedicated associates are passionate about what they do and committed to making each day feel special.”
RESOURCES
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Brightview Senior Living Capehart Scatchard The Evergreens, An Acts Retirement-Life Community |
Falco Caruso & Leonard Funeral Homes Havenwoods Homes Masonic Village at Burlington |
