Elizabeth Bouchard has received special training as a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) to counsel clients age 50-plus through major financial and lifestyle transitions involved in relocating, refinancing, or selling the family home.
The websites at the bottom of this page have valuable resource information. Just click on any heading to take you directly to the site.
Please check with your tax, financial, legal, estate planning and other appropriate advisors to evaluate your special situation and needs.
Local Resources:
Alexandria Office of Aging and Adult Services
Arlington Neighborhood Village
Arlington Office of Aging and Disability
Fairfax County Agency on Aging
Loudoun County Division of Aging Services
Prince William County Area Agency on Aging
Montgomery County, Maryland Senior Services
Virginia Department for the Aging
Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services
The Washington Post Senior Living Guide
National Resources:
Department of Housing and Urban Development – Information for Senior Citizens
AARP Website and AARP Magazine
Source Book – Your Guide to Retirement Living
United States Social Security Administration
Resources from National Association of Realtors/Senior Real Estate Specialist site:
Resources for Your 50+ Real Estate Needs
Your real estate needs may continue to change as you age. Here you’ll find a variety of trusted resources to help you along the way.
General
AARP
For information across a broad array of senior issues in the U.S.
Age in Place
Provides a way for consumers to discover relevant and useful information about aging in place through topics such as real estate, home modifications, finances, health care, and assistive technology.
Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS)
Professionals who can evaluate the home, find problem areas, and suggest the right home modifications.
Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP)
Canada’s largest association for older Canadians committed to working with all parties in government to advocate for better healthcare, financial security, and freedom from ageism.
Moving In the Right Direction, by Bruce Nemovitz (Book Publishers Network, 2006)
This book shares the author’s experience and expertise on the many issues involved when seniors consider moving from their long-time home. Now seniors all across the country—as well as the friends and family who care for them—can turn to this simple, direct, and comprehensive guide as they make this important transition.
Senior Moments: A book for seniors and those who love them, by Jacqueline D. Byrd (Byrd & Byrd LLC, 2005)
This comprehensive book is based on weekly “Senior Moments” columns originally written for publication in the Bowie Blade-News of Bowie, Maryland. A unique combination of practicality and warmth, the book offers specific and useful advice for the post-50 crowd and those who may be called upon to care for them. It is a treasure chest of indispensable tips, an exhaustive listing of available resources, and a wise and compassionate look at issues such as faith and personal courage as they relate to growing older.
The Senior List
A new grass roots web portal that links consumers with quality senior related services.
Benefits Locators
AARP Foundation Benefit Outreach Program
Find benefit programs and eligibility requirements.
Eldercare Locator
A public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging that finds resources for older adults, caregivers and professionals across a broad array of needs including adult daycare, financial services, elder abuse prevention programs, and more.
National Council on the Aging
Provides assistance in finding government and agency benefit programs for seniors.
Financial Considerations
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
For assistance with utility bills and energy-related costs.
Reverse Mortgage Loans: Borrowing Against Your Home
An AARP story with information on how reverse mortgages work and the process for applying for one.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
For information on the SSI program and eligibility requirements.
Starker Services, Inc.
The nation’s oldest, largest and most experienced independent 1031 Exchange Intermediary.
Healthcare
Alzheimer’s Association
The leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support, and research.
Paying for Memory Care
A helpful guide to lend a hand to seniors and families that provides information on programs that can offer financial help, breaks for caregivers, and other essential support.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
For information on eligibility, programs, and state Medicaid manuals.
Medicare
For details on the Medicare program, including coverage, providers, costs, and more.
National Organization of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (GCM)
Provides a searchable database of GCMs.
Caregiver Resources
Useful information about caring for the caregiver.
Housing
Caring Transitions
Provides assistance with downsizing, organizing, preparing a home for sale, move management, packing, unpacking, estate sale, and online auctions.
”Assisted Living Facilities: Weighing the Options”
An AARP story with advice on selecting an assisted-care facility.
Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS)
Professionals who can evaluate the home, find problem areas, and suggest the right home modifications.
RetirementHomes.com
North America’s largest and most comprehensive easy-to-use online Senior Living Directory, spanning the continuum of care from active living to assisted living, and Alzheimer’s care, and everything in between.
Selling Your Home
For adults ages 50+, the often complex process can be made more difficult due to physical and financial limitations, and the strong emotions connected to your family home.
Barrier-Free Living
Barrier-free living is adapting your home to be fully accessible to you.
Senior Housing Options
A variety of housing options known as senior housing are available to those who are 50+. These options cover a broad spectrum from active living communities to those providing full and continuous care.
Moving On
A guide of housing-related resources tailored to help seniors and their families.
Next Steps
Navigating housing options for seniors and their families
Assisted Living Guide
A Guide to help the U.S. senior population make informed decisions about housing. Includes recourses on community options, financial planning, and care services.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
ADUs may be an attractive aging-in-place option for the 88% of Americans between the ages of 50 and 80 who have said it’s very or somewhat important to live in their homes as long as possible.
Senior Storage
A curated list of moving companies that specialize in assisting seniors, as well as an extensive compilation of moving resources by stage.
Legal Considerations
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
Information on estate planning, probate, and other legal concerns facing adults 50+, and referrals to elder law attorneys in your area.
National Senior Citizens Law Center
For legal information and legislative advocacy for low-income seniors.
Moving
Certified Senior Home Transition Specialists
To find a certified and insured specialist to help with downsizing, organizing, and moving.
National Association of Senior Move Managers
To learn more about professional senior moving services and to locate a specialist in your area.
Articles of Interest:
Aging in Place Remodeling Checklist
Smart Home Devices for Aging in Place
More Smart Home Features for Senior Living
Adding Universal Design Features in the Bathroom
Information About Reverse Mortgages
Make Your Home Safe For All Ages