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Best Low Risk, High Return, Safe Investments For Seniors

Are you searching for “safe investments for seniors“, “best investments for retirement income“, “best retirement investments 2019” or something of that nature? If so, this investment guide for seniors can help!

8 Best Safe Investments For Retirement Income

1. Real Estate Investment Trusts

2. Dividend paying stocks

3. Peer to Peer lending

4. Immediate Annuities

5. Municipal Bond

6. Annuities

7. US Treasury Bonds and Notes

8. Treasury Inflation Protected Securities

8 Best Safe Investments For Retirement Income

Most people will spend over 20 years in retirement. That is good news, but it could also be a problem as you try to make your savings last throughout your lie. Below are 7 investments that could help you get a decent return without a whole lot of risk for retirees.

1. Real Estate Investment Trusts

These are trusts that invest in direct equity positions or mortgages for various properties. They pay out dividends to investors, that are normally higher than what you could get from regular stock options. REITs are great investments to have when the stock market is in decline. This is because an REIT isn’t connected to stock exchanges, which means it is unlikely that they go down with the market.

2. Dividend paying stocks

Most established companies will pay out dividends on stocks that are higher than what you get with a safe investment like COD’s and security bonds. Because they are a stock, they aren’t as safe as a fixed income security, but it has higher potential for capital gain.

This gives those dividend paying stocks a combination of income and growth. Additionally, a high dividend will give you a longer ride for the decline of the stock market, since you may continue to get income from the stock if the price happens to fluctuate. Dividend paying stocks will often to better in a bear market since the investor can shift attention from growth to income. You can also buy and index fund that is made up of various dividend paying stocks. If you are just interested in preserving your capital during retirement, having a bit of your portfolio invested in dividend paying stocks will give you ongoing income and capital appreciation which helps with inflation.

3. Peer to Peer lending

P2P or Peer to peer lending has been steadily growing since 2005. P2P takes place online and then matches investors and borrowers in loans that would benefit them both. It is like lending without having to use a bank. The largest P2P lending platforms are Prosper and Lending Club. Most P2P investment will pay out a higher interest rate than you would get in stock investments. Although, the risk as well as the reward may vary based on who the money is lent to.

4. Immediate Annuities

Seniors that have retired may also think about investing in an immediate annuity scheme that life insurance companies offer.  Currently the annuity percentage rate is hovering around 6%, but is taxable.  There are about 10 various options for seniors to choose from with immediate annuities.  This a good option for those who don’t have the time or inclination to build or manage their own investing portfolio. For more aggressive investors who have the time to diversify this would only be a potential portion of a senior citizen investment strategy.

5. Municipal Bond

These bonds are securities that are issued by municipal governments, state, and county governments as well as various agencies. The main advantage is that the interest that is earned is tax free for federal income tax purposes. They could also be exempt from local and state taxes if you live where the bonds are issued.

A 20-year municipal bond will normally pay an average of 0.2% higher than what you get on a 30 year treasury bond. That is higher with a shorter maturity, when you add in the benefit of being tax free, they look even better.

6. Annuities

These are investment contracts that are between an insurance company and you. They will often come in various forms and may have a guaranteed return at a certain rate. Annuities can be either variable or fixed and the return rate could depend on the stock performance. Although, annuity contracts could provision that can limit the risk in an event of a declining market.

It is vital to pay attention to commissions and fees for annuity charges, which can be quite large. Most annuities will have complicated features, so take your time and really get an understanding of the product and get a second opinion before getting an annuity. Be sure to look at how annuities can change your tax liabilities.

7. US Treasury Bonds and Notes

The yields on a treasury bond or note is higher than what you will get on a COD and money market fund. This is because the bonds and notes will be longer term securities that will have a higher interest rate as a result. For instance, a treasury notes which are a debt security from the US Government that has maturities of 2 to 10 years, which pay out 2% yearly. A treasury bond will have a 30-year term, which runs at 2.5% of securities of all types and maturities which are purchased at the US Treasury portal Treasury Direct.

8. Treasury Inflation Protected Securities

These securities called TIPS are a form of US Treasury debt. What makes them different from other securities is that they pay interest and additional principal to help compensate for inflation.

TIPS will come in amounts of $100 or more for 5, 10, and 30 year terms. The yearly inflation adjustment is based on changes within the consumer price index. The percentage change with the security value will be added to principal value, instead of being paid out similar to interest. Whenever the TIPS mature, you will be paid the higher value based on the consumer price index. Although, the TIPS value may due to deflation.

Because of the inflation adjustment, the TIPS may begin to pay a lower interest rate than other securities that have comparable terms, but the adjustment can cause better results. Similar to other securities, TIPS can be purchased through Treasury Direct.

No Retirement Investments Are Perfect

There isn’t a single investment that is perfect for retirement. The best strategy is to have various types of assets within the portfolio to prepare the retirement investments for various market environments. Stay tuned for more from Senior Living Services Arizona.

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Do I Pay Taxes On Social Security After Age 66?

Have you been searching “Do I pay taxes on social security after age 66” or “do you have to pay tax on social security“? If you have, then this article will help you to find those answers.  Paying taxes on social security depends on a number of income factors that we will explore below.

To inquire about any benefits from Social Security, you will need to make a statement of your personal account that will state what benefits you have or what the benefits will be. It can also show you a list of contributions of your benefits which allows you to check for accuracy.

Simply go to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount/ in order to create a personal social security information site where it can track your earnings and even verify them each year to get an estimate of future benefits if you are working.

Do You Have To Pay Tax On Social Security?

Americans that are working in retirement, and are making an income when combined with Social security can complicate a tax return.

If you have managed to retire before your actual retirement age and have begun collecting Social security early, the benefits are subjected to a reduction for beginning early and as your earnings increase. The recipients will have to deal with taxes on some of their benefits if the income exceeds certain amounts.

Being an early retiree, you have to decide if you should begin getting benefits early. Social security benefits will be reduced if they are started before normal retirement age. If you work, then you are subjected to more reductions. Social security may reduce some of your benefits once you earn over $15,720 in a year. You will lose $1 for ever $2 over this amount. A higher limit will apply to your benefits once your reach full retirement age. If there are any months in the year of your normal retirement that the benefits are reduced more due to the income earned during your early retirement, then your benefits will be increased in later years to make up for the reduction due to those earnings.

If you have income in excess of the base amount

You will be subjected to a tax on 85% of those benefits. If this income exceeds the base amount of $32,000 for a single filer or $44,000 for a joint filer, at least 85% of the benefits will be subjected to tax. The tax rate will depend on your tax bracket but it can be no higher than 35%.

If you receive Social Security benefits and work

The work limit for these earnings are $1,310 a month or $15,720 a year. If you collect Social Security before your full retirement age of 66 or 67, your benefits will be reduced by $1 for ever $2 that you make over that limit.

In the year that you reach your full retirement age, your benefit will be reduced by $1 for ever $3 made above that limit.

Note: For retirees that make high income, the benefits that you receive will be taxed; but this is a separate issue from a direct reduction of your benefits.

Your Social Security benefits and taxes that you may need to pay

Social security payments are going to be the main income for most retirees. You will need to check for other income to ensure that your taxes will be at a minimum amount.

In order to estimate if you may owe taxes on your benefits, you will need to add your adjusted gross income, one-half of your benefits, and tax exempt interest. If you happen to be married and your joint income is less than $32,000, you will not be taxed on your benefits; but if your joint income is above $32,000 but below $44,000, then up to 50% of your benefits may be taxed. If you have an income over $44,000, then 85% of the social security benefits may be taxed. If you are single filer, then those amounts will be $25,000 – $34,000.

This tax does come as a surprise for most.

If you are receiving benefits, and want to have taxes taken out of your benefits, then go to http://www.ssa.gov/, and simply download the W-4V, which is a Voluntary Withholding Request. This form will give you a choice of holding 7, 10, 15, or 25% of your benefits. Sign the form and then mail it to your social security office, which you will find on your website.

After reaching age 66, you can earn any amount and still collect full benefits

In order to maximize the after tax income if you are single, or the head of household, you will want to keep your earned and unearned income as well as half of your social security benefits to under $25,000. If you are married, then you will want to keep the same figure under $32,000. This will keep your Social Security benefits from being taxed.

Once you reach the retirement age

Your benefits will not be reduced, but up to 85% of social security benefits can taxed if your income is above the base amount, which depends on if you file jointly or as single. In general, your benefits will be taxed up to 50% of 85% of the benefits.

Retirement Investments, Senior Living
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Difference Between Assisted Living and Nursing Homes

If you are wondering what the difference between assisted living and nursing homes are, this post will help you understand.  Many of us have visited a loved one and left feeling less confident about their ability to take care of themselves while living alone.  During these visits, often around the holidays, families realize that seniors in their lives no longer consistently have the ability to care for themselves.  This is the time to start thinking about senior living services, and there are a lot of options.

Understanding your options for senior retirement types will help you select the best option for your loved one.  Knowing the difference between assisted living and a nursing home makes the selection much easier.

Differences Between Assisted Living & Nursing Homes

The most significant different between assisted living and nursing homes is the visual presentation of the building and the scope of medical services provided at the location.

Décor and Appearance

When you tour these types of senior care facilities one of the first things you’ll notice is the difference in appearance.  Assisted living communities generally are decorated to resemble home or apartments while nursing homes tend to lean toward institutional properties.

In addition, assisted living residents typically have their own apartment style living quarters while nursing homes will have residents share spaces.

Medical & Assistance

Assisted living residents are seniors who might need some help with daily tasks but do not have a need for round the clock medical observation.  Seniors just needing some custodial care fit in well in assisted living communities.

In contrast, seniors who have complex medical conditions and need 24 hour a day medical monitoring benefit greatly from nursing homes.  Nursing homes also offer things like respiratory care, speech therapists, and other services geared toward seniors with more complex medical care needs.

 

Similarities Between Assisted Living & Nursing Homes

While there are some significant difference between the tow types of senior care services, there are many similarities between assisted living and nursing homes.  One of the major items both care types offer is help with “Activities of Daily Living”, which include help with showering, bathing, getting dressed, and other personal care tasks.

Read about the other things they have in common below:

Medications

Most seniors have been prescribed a number of medications that they need to take.  The frequency and dosage of these medications is critical in most cases, and needs to be followed carefully.  Seniors who are struggling to remember when or how much to take can end up in the hospital.  Both types of care manage medications for seniors living with them to ensure they are following the directions for each of the prescriptions.

Chores & Transportation

One common reason for seniors to choose to move into one of the two options is the help they receive with chores and transportation.  Taking care of laundry, dusting, mopping floors, and driving to the store or doctor appointments becomes too much.

Cooking & Nutrition

A big chore that either type of care provides is cooked meals and balanced nutrition.  Seniors are served 3 meals a day which are supplemented with snacks.  This is a great feature of both senior care types as it takes a major chore off seniors list of activities and helps get them the nutrition they need to stay healthy.

Social & Active

As seniors age they typically end up living alone and that isolation puts seniors at a higher risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression. Both types of senior care offer activities that are geared to meet seniors needs for emotional, physical, and even spiritual support.

Safe Properties

While the two types of properties may be decorated differently they do share the same needs for safety.  The rooms in both types of facilities are typically equipped with emergency call systems, grab bars, and handrails to keep seniors safe.

Assisted Living In Arizona

If you’re a senior or the family of a senior searching for quality assisted living in Arizona; SLS Communities can help!  With 5 locations in the state you’ll be able to find a great option for yourself or your loved one.  We offer assisted living, memory care, and independent living services so seniors can choose the level of service they currently prefer, while still having the option to easily move to higher levels of care when or if needed. For more information about SLS Communities assisted living services please call 928-284-9077 or read more on our assisted living page.

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Do Seniors Pay Taxes On Social Security Income?

A lot of people who are preparing for retirement, or have retired are asking the question “do seniors pay taxes on social security income?” or “do senior citizens have to file taxes?”.  Understanding tax laws for seniors is an important issue whether it’s you retiring or a loved one.  Whether you have to pay taxes while on social security varies from situation to situation.

When Seniors Must File Taxes On Social Security

The Internal Revenue System requires taxes to be file for individuals where their gross income exceeds the standard deduction for their specific filing status, adding 1 exemption amount.  These tax laws include seniors receiving social security.

Do You Count Social Security Toward Gross Income?

Social security is not added into calculations for gross income.  This means that the only income that must be considered for taxation is income aside from your social security benefit.

If All I Get Is Social Security Do I File A Tax Return?

If a senior’s only source of income is their social security it is no necessary to file a tax return.  This saves seniors and the federal government time and the trouble of going through unnecessary paperwork.

Does Social Security Become Taxable When Filing Joint Taxes?

For seniors who are over 65 which have a combined income of over 23,100 must file income taxes.  If one of you that files jointly is under 65 the limit is $21,850.  Add up the total income including the social security benefits and if it is over these amounts, file taxes for that year.

Taxable Percentages Of Social Security Benefits

The amount of your social security taxes will be calculated on depends on your situation.  If you are filing as an individual, jointly, or married and filing separately.  The percentage you’ll pay varies from 50% to 85%.

Taxable SS For Individuals

For seniors who file taxes individually the percentage of your social security income that is taxable depends on your income.  For seniors who make below $34,000 the percentage is 50% of the income that will be taxable.  For seniors who make over $34,000 the percentage is 85%.

Taxable SS For Joint File

For seniors who are married or file jointly the limits are higher to accommodate more income.  For couples filing that make less than $44,000 the percentage that is taxable is 50%.  If your joint income is over $44,000 your taxes will be based on 85% of your social security income.

Easy Combined Income Tax Calculation

To calculate your adjusted gross income or AGI you will need to add your non-taxable interest to 50% of your social security benefits to get your combined income.  This is if your income is under the two cut offs of $34k and $44k based on your individual situation.

Senior Tax Credits

Even if you need to file your taxes due to your own source of income in addition to social security there are ways to lower the taxes you’ll need to pay.  If you’re over 65 or have additional sources of income past social security you might be able to use the senior tax credit.  This tax credit lowers the taxes you’ll need to pay on combined income. Individuals that owe money to the IRS are not eligible to receive the senior tax credit.

Senior Living Services

If you’re a senior and are looking to maximize your budget and get the best housing and care available, SLS Communities can help.  Seniors typically have limited income or are smart with their money and want the best living conditions available.  SLS Communities provides full services for senior living including: independent living, assisted living, memory care, and home care.  No matter what your needs are our team has a way to accommodate you with a tailored approach that is as compassionate as it is professional.  If you’d like to experience the best senior living services please call 480-348-0300.

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Top 5 Retirement Communities in Arizona

If you’re looking for a place to enjoy your retirement check out the Top 5 Retirement Communities in Arizona.  Finding the best independent, assisted, or memory care community for yourself or a loved one is an important step.  Take a look at 5 of the top retirement living communities in Arizona.

1. Canyon Winds – Mesa, AZ

As one of the newest retirement living communities Canyon Winds offers amazing on-site amenities.  Residents enjoy world class dining, resort style pool and spa, a theater room, fitness center, chapel, on-site beauty salon along with transportation, laundry, and housekeeping services.
Retirement community info >>

2. Chaparral Winds – Suprise, AZ

With over 12 acres Chaparral Winds delights residents with pools, courtyards, a large putting green, and is secured with gated entry.  The community is active, vibrant, and always busy with activities.  All residents enjoy the same world class meals in fine dining areas and cleaning services.
Retirement community info >>

3. Ventana Winds – Youngtown, AZ

Ventana Winds retirement community offers its residents great floor plan options, elegant décor, beautifully manicured landscaping, and the same fine dining and delicious meals.  In addition, the community is close to golf courses, cultural centers, fine restaurants, and shopping.
Retirement community info >>

4. Desert Winds – Peoria, AZ

Residents at Desert Winds enjoy an active lifestyle and community with numerous activities, great restaurants, golfing, and quality medical care close by.  With the staff taking care of the cooking, cleaning, and laundry you’re free to enjoy your time without having to take care of the chores.
Retirement community info >>

5. Sedona Winds– Sedona, AZ

Sedona Winds is set in one of the most picturesque locations in the state, and even the country.  Residents love living in the red rock with access to nearly limitless opportunities for entertainment, hobbies, interests, and entertainment.  Residents stay busy while our staff takes care of the details.
Retirement community info >>

Need Help Finding Retirement Communities in Arizona?

Senior Living Services has helped many seniors find their best fir for independent living, assisted living, and memory care in the state of Arizona.  With 5 locations in the state we can find a great community for you or your loved one that’s welcoming, compassionate, and staffed with highly trained personnel.

Help Deciding Type of Care

When seniors and their families are considering retirement living communities there is sometimes doubt and confusion over which type of care is needed.  Our team is highly trained to help you decide which is the best fit from independent, assisted, and memory care.

Assistance With Budget Planning

Most seniors are on a fixed income and budgeting is a big part of making sure that seniors are cared for properly.  The team at each of our communities helps find the right type of living arrangement to fit each situation so you will have a balanced and wise budget.

Support During Transitioning to a Community

We understand that it can be rough for some seniors to transition from living in their home to a retirement community.  Our talented and compassionate staff focuses on offering tailored care for seniors that welcomes them and makes the transition easier.

Schedule A Retirement Community Tour

If you’d like to tour one or more of these retirement communities in Arizona we welcome you to do so.  Whether you’re seeking independent living, assisted living, or memory care for yourself or a loved one you want to be sure that the facility you choose fits your needs.  We are proud of our locations, staff, and landscaping and welcome you and your family to come out see why our residents love living in our retirement communities in Arizona.  Learn more about retiring in Arizona.

Schedule a tour of a retirement community in Arizona by calling 480-348-0300

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Funny Retirement Wishes For Colleagues

If you are searching for “funny retirement wishes”, “retirement quotes for coworkers”, “funny retirement quotes” or “retirement wishes for colleague” while wondering what to write in a retirement card, this post should help!

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The best part about is that they will be relatable to pretty much everybody including educators, teachers, specialists, engineers, IT folks, attendants, bookkeepers, business administrators or even the agreeable oldie working at the area grocery store. Read them below and consider how you can inject cleverness in your welcome.

Regardless of whether it is for your associates, managers, father, mother, companions or somebody in the family – ensure your witty lines put a grin on the new retiree’s face. Keep in mind to share your words on Facebook and Pinterest.

The best funny retirement wishes for coworkers and colleagues include:

  1. The days of 9-5 are past! happy days are here at last!
  2. After retirement, a 30 minute walk is the best thing to do for your ailments!
  3. All those years of working and now you can get back to acting like a child again!
  4. The job you waited for for 50 years! Retirement!
  5. Retirement! it’s like sleeping while you are awake. Well done!
  6. You can now not worry about doing anything wrong nor getting caught at it!
  7. What do you call a person who is always happy each and every Monday? Retired!
  8. Worked all me life, paid me due’s, now I will do, whatever I choose!
  9. Time to stop working for that living and working at living!
  10. You have finally “Got a Life!”
  11. Retirement! Where every day is Saturday!
  12. I don’t have to do it, I don’t want to do it and you can’t make me do it I’m retired!
  13. You’re retired, not expired!
  14. Enjoy the challenge of spending time without spending money!
  15. Retired! Say Hi to your pension and goodbye to the tension!
  16. You’re retied! We know your young at heart and slightly older in other places!
  17. Retired! No Alarm Clock! No problem!
  18. Are you going to be a secret agent? Licenced to chill?
  19. Now you’re retired, you know everything and have plenty of time to tell everyone about it!
  20. The joy of retirement is having nothing to do all day!
  21. Remember, with retirement, you can wake up in the morning with zero to do and go to bed having done a mere half of it!
  22. Retirement: It takes all the meaning out of weekends!
  23. Now you are retired, you realize you will never have another day off, right?
  24. Now you are retired, you can get up at 6 am and drive around slowly delaying people everywhere!
  25. Time to maximize that senior discount!
  26. No better feeling than going to bed with no alarm set for tomorrow!
  27. Retirement! The money is not as good but the hours are!
  28. Behind every retired man is a wife just wishing he would go back to work!
  29. Retirement: Half the money but now you get twice the husband!
  30. I’m retired! You’re not! Have fun at work tomorrow!
  31. You found your true calling, Retirement!
  32. On the retirement clock it’s always five O’clock
  33. Keep calm and enjoy retirement!
  34. When people ask you what you are doing tomorrow, do you even care what day of the week it is? Happy Retirement!
  35. Retired! I now smile all the time because I can’t hear a word you are saying!
  36. Now you are retired, how are the new bosses, your grand kids?
  37. You are going to be the coworker I miss the most when emailing you from a few feet away!
  38. Retirement! Time to start giving advice to others you never followed!
  39. Fragile bones and a weak bladder. You still looking forward to your retirement? Congratulations!
  40. I bet you never thought how important medical insurance was until you retired!
  41. You say retirement is an adventure? IS climbing out of bed, climbing atop couches and diving into take out food fun?
  42. After retirement the body grows older, the heart grows fonder and the mind becomes younger. All the best at trying to handle an old body with a young mind and fond heart!
  43. Hey, now you are retired you can’t afford to do all the things you wanted too, anyway! Happy Retirement!
  44. I am thankful retirement is not optional otherwise I would be stuck working with you, forever! Happy Retirement!
  45. Off to retirement? Say Hi to your two new best friends, bed and couch!
  46. Retirement, it is like a party with no drinking, no hook-up’s and you fall asleep. In other words, boring! Congratulations!
  47. Your retirement will be like a vacation, except you are now too old to do the fun stuff! Congrats!
  48. Most people spend their whole lives planning their retirement but when they actually retire, they don’t know what to do. Don’t let this happen to you.
  49. Remember to tire yourself out with gardening grand kids and chores!
  50. Hey with all your college degrees, you now get to be a Master of doing nothing! Well done!
  51. C’mon! We all know retirement is the companies way of saying you are getting too old to work!
  52. Doing the things you wanted to do is not what retirement is for. It is remembering what you had to do. Good luck, pensioner!
  53. Retirement is like being on the edge of a cliff. Just know your next step is a downward plunge! Good luck!
  54. The company retiring you says they have found more energetic, youthful and talented staff than you! Happy Retirement!
  55. For someone as idle as you, retirement will not matter. You will just be lazy on an official basis!
  56. Hey, now you are retired, enjoy the next project: Doing nothing all day!
  57. No more boss shouting at you, just your wife shouting at you! Enjoy retirement!
  58. It doesn’t matter if you are grumpy when you retire, people just expect it anyway.
  59. The first day you do not change your underwear, consider yourself officially retired!
  60. Now you have reached retirement, enjoy this new turning point as you realize how messed up your priorities were!
  61. It’s time to spend away your life savings! Enjoy retirement.
  62. Retirement is said to be the slow and painful lead up to the sunset years of your life. Have fun old timer.
  63. Retirement, the bubble that bursts when you thought you were at the zenith of your career. Good luck, buddy!
  64. Retirement is the company way of saying they have no more use for an old and lazy bum like you. Goodbye!
  65. Retirement is life’s way of saying you are too weak and feeble to work any longer! Congratulations!
  66. You know, being retired is the only time in life you do not really mind not having a holiday!
  67. Every day of your retired life should be like a Friday. Shame you will feel like it is Monday, every day. Good luck!
  68. Congrats on retiring. Have fun watching your life’s savings dwindle!
  69. Retirement is great if you have much to live for and much to live on.
  70. When your colleagues give you a watch you know time is no longer of importance. Happy retirement!
  71. When you retire, it’s going to be tough to tell the difference!
  72. Is mandatory retirement the same as compulsive poverty?
  73. Retirement, when time is no longer money.
  74. The way some people work you wonder if they will achieve anything when they retire!
  75. Retirement, maybe time for your wife to get a stomach ulcer with you around all the time?
  76. Now you are retired, you can be tired, yesterday, today and tomorrow.
  77. Now you are retired you can burn all your boxes. Saves money and gets rid of your past, too!
  78. Having worked all of your life, retirement should be easy!
  79. You know before you retired, you should have taken a week off and watched daytime TV every day!
  80. Now you are retired you will actually have time to read about problems with retirement!
  81. We know you retired for health reasons. You were sick of them, they were sick of you!
  82. Now you are retired you have nothing to do and no way to tell if you have done it!
  83. Now you are retired, can you still remember the things you wanted to do?
  84. Now your wife realizes you never gave your secretary enough sympathy during the daytime either!
  85. Drinking coffee on your own time is the one downside of retirement! Enjoy!
  86. Enjoy every retirement day as if it was your last day; one day you will be right about it.
  87. Now your retired, will your bedtime be after you have fallen asleep on the couch for three hours? Enjoy!
  88. The older you get the less peer pressure you will have. Well Done!
  89. Enjoy retirement and knowing you are over the hill when your back goes out more frequently than you do!
  90. On the bright side of being retired, kidnappers are less interested in you. Enjoy retirement!
  91. Happy Retirement. Go play golf and make your wife think you are still having fun!
  92. Enjoy your retirement! Don’t spend all your money just in case you don’t die!
  93. Is your happy retirement now a full time job for your wife?
  94. Enjoy and be proud of being gainfully unemployed Happy Retirement!
  95. Hey now you are retired, you don’t have to wear pants!
  96. Now I am retired I am not going to stop laughing because I am old, because you grow old when you do stop laughing!
  97. Working people have a lot of bad habits., but the worst of these is work. Congrats on your retirement!
  98. You are retiring from work ,not from life. Enjoy, my friend!
  99. Never act your age in retirement and have lots of fun!
  100. You don’t have to remember what you got up for anymore! Have fun in retirement!

We hope you enjoyed reading our Funny Retirement Quotes, stay tuned for more from SLS Communities. Read 100 Retirement Wishes Here.

Retire In Arizona With SLS Communities

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If you or someone you know is looking for the best places to retire in Arizona, SLS Communities can help! We proudly operate 4 of the best retirement communities in  Arizona.  With apartment style living our assisted living, independent living and memory care residents love the freedom of living life to the fullest while our staff takes care of the chores and details.  Live your life to the fullest by choosing to take a tour and see why so many seniors love living with SLS Communities in Mesa, Youngtown, Sedona, and Surprise, Arizona.

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Checklist For Assisted Living

Are you in search of an assisted living checklist which helps highlight the important things to look for when touring assist living facilities?

It is important that you are prepared when looking for an assisted living facility. Knowing the difference between various assisted living centers is also important, as no two communities or facilities are alike.

To stay ahead and remain organized, follow the checklist below, which can be downloaded. You should always compare differences between assisted living communities, and ask questions that assist in determining which community is the best fit for your loved one.

Assisted Living Checklist:

The following assisted living checklist should be used each time you call or visit a facility. Just download the checklist to make sure all the important questions are asked:

  • Do the staff members have the experience needed to diagnose and/or handle the issues of recipient?
  • Is staff able to provide medications?
  • How many staff members are on night shift?
  • What is resident to staff ratio?
  • Are nurses staffed 24/7?
  • What apartment types are available?
  • Are there assessments prior to admission?
  • What experience and training does staff have?
  • Are you able to describe your residents?
  • What are your payment and billing policies?
  • What are the monthly expenses for different apartment types?
  • What is your discharge process?
  • Are all services covered by the monthly fee? If not, what will additional costs be for extra services?
  • Is there a waiting list? If so, what is your wait list policy and how long is the wait?
  • If a resident needs a change, what services do they have available?

Assisted Living Tour Checklist

The following are things to know when taking a tour of an assisted living facility. You should also download the assisted living tour checklist to have with you.

  • Observe community events.
  • Focus on the cleanliness.
  • Look at the courtyard or outside area.
  • Does staff seem friendly?
  • Ask the staff and security questions, focus on how they respond.
  • Speak with some residents.
  • Eat one of the meals, what is it like?
  • Ask about personal care.
  • Learn the criteria for moving in or out.
  • Always follow your gut instincts.

Click Here To Download The Assisted Living Checklist 

About SLS Communities Assisted Living

SLS Communities Assisted Living communities are more than just another retirement community.  We offer welcoming, compassionate, and professional assisted living services to our valued residents.  We have locations in the Phoenix Valley that offer sunny summers and warm winters.  The communities are conveniently located near great restaurants, entertainment, gold courses, a wide variety of shopping centers, sports areas, cultural centers, and naturally all of the medical services desired withing just a few miles.

SLS Communities always strives to be the best retirement communities in Arizona by staffing our locations with the best professionals and offering residents active, vibrant, and a comfortable lifestyle that is as flexible as it is fun and exciting!

To schedule a tour of one of our assisted living communities please call 480-348-0300

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Independent Living Checklist

If you have been looking for an independent living checklist that could help you to figure out what you need to look for and to ask about in an independent living facility, then this article will help.

Selecting the right independent living community can be quite stressful, so how will you know what community is right for you? What could seem great for your family and friends, may be too lively or stuff for you and vice versa.

If you spend plenty of time visiting the communities and asking enough questions, then you will know what feels right. In order to get started, there is a checklist below of what you should ask on the phone, what you should research, and what you should look for whenever you visit.

Independent Living Checklist

Below is a thorough independent living checklist for you to know what you should ask and what you will need to look for when you visit a community. You can download this checklist in a PDF, so that you can print it out and take it with you when you visit.

  1. Narrow your search by community and region:

    • Is it gated or an open community?
    • Is the community within a community or a town that you have heard good things about?
    • Is it convenient for family and friends to visit?
    • How far is it to the nearest airport? Does the airport have reasonably priced flights?
    • What is the cost and is there a buy in fee?
    • Is it part of a regional/national chain or is it locally operated?
    • If it is part of a chain, is it a well respected name that you can trust?
    • Are there age restrictions at the community?
    • Is it a safe area that has a low crime rate? (use sites like Trulia, Neighborhood Scout and Crime Reports to check crime and safety records.)
    • What are the housing options and how will they fit your needs?
    • Is there a meal plan? Is it flexible? If so, what are dining facilities like?
    • Is it close to medical centers, shopping centers, restaurants, as well as other services?
    • Is it a continuing care community? Will other care levels be available like assisted living if it is needed?
    • Check reviews: What comments and reviews are from Area Agency on Aging, Caring.com, and the BBB?

  2. Ask when you call:

    • Are you accepting new residents?
      • If not, is there a wait list? How long is the average waiting time? (Be aware that many people will join a wait list for several communities, so it may be shorter than it actually seems.)
    • What type of payments are accepted?
    • Are their transition process programs?
    • What services are included in the price?
    • What services are available for additional fees?

  3. Ask when you visit:

    • About the Community:
      • How many rooms are available where you can visit with residents and family?
      • How extensive are the areas for outdoor activities, exercise and recreation?
      • Are the buildings and grounds well maintained, clean and spacious?
      • Are common spaces pleasant and appealing?
      • Is there covered parking? Is it an additional charge or free?
      • Is it easily accessed to public transportation?
      • Is the neighborhood quiet and pleasant?
    • About the living arrangements:
      • How are the views? Do the windows face a garden or green space?
      • Do the accommodations include a variety of housing options if you want to downsize?
      • Are pets allowed? If so, is there a limit on type of size?
      • Are there handicapped equipped apartments, if you may need them at some point?
      • Is there plenty of storage space or is additional storage provided?
      • Were you invited to look at various units that were available?
      • Are the homeowner rules about upkeep and decorating?
      • Are there homeowner’s association membership fees?
      • Which maintenance issue are you responsible for and which are included in the apartment?
      • Are you allowed to have visitors at any time and overnight or is are there rules and a curfew?
      • Are you required to have renter’s insurance?
      • Are housekeeping services available and what is the cost?
    • About cooking food:
      • Are visiting family and friends allowed to join you for meals?
      • Do the residents like the food?
    • About social life and activities:
      • Are there religious services in the community or nearby?
      • Is there a barber shop or beauty salon nearby or in the community?
      • Is there a gym or fitness center?
      • Is there a community center and how well is it equipped and large is it?
      • If you enjoy sports such as golf, tennis, or swimming is it offered?
      • What types of additional recreational facilities are offered?
      • Are there computer and media rooms available?
      • Are there evening events such as dances, movie nights, or music performances by groups?
      • Is there private dining or a community room available for large or family events?
      • Is there extensive but varied schedule of classes and activities including those that interest you?
    • About the Staff:
      • Is there an activity director or staff that is in charge of organizing and leading activities?
      • What is the staff turnover rate?
      • Are background checks done before staff is hired? If so, when and how?
      • How much training does the staff have?
      • Does the community work with an agency that provides in-home care if you need assistance in the future?
    • About medical care:
      • Is there a medical clinic or unit in the community?
      • What services are available from doctors, nurses, physical therapists, etc.?
      • Is the community affiliated with a nursing home or hospital if more care is needed?
      • Does the community work with an agency that will provide medical and nursing assistance if it is needed in the future?
      • Is the a LVN, CNA, or RN on staff?

  1. Forms to ask for:

    • Copies of contracts, lease, etc.
    • Copy of the resident bill of rights
    • Copy of recent weekly menu of meals and snacks
    • Recent list of weekly activities and events
    • Copy of the most recent survey results from state inspectors

Keep Track Of Answers

Be sure to write down your answers as you go and keep a checklist for every community that you visit or are interested in. If you schedule a visit, it is wise to just drop in to see if the experience was just as nice. It may be a bad sign if you are not allowed to have an unscheduled visit. Once you have narrowed your selections down, you can schedule to do a few in-depth visits and dig much deeper for more information.

Independent Living Services in Arizona

If you are looking for the best independent living services in Arizona SLS Communities has 4 locations to serve seniors and their families.  Our staff understands the balance between offering assistance and respecting resident’s independence.  Our communities are clean, well appointed, have loads of activities along with great amenities and well manicured landscaping.  Independent Living is offered with two floorplans that include kitchenettes, individual heat/AC, and private balcony or patio.

For more information please call 928-284-1021 or visit independent living services

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Assisted Living vs. Independent Living Differences

If you’re searching for Assisted Living vs. Independent Living Differences this post will help you understand the benefits of both types of retirement living services. It can appear the difference between assisted living and independent living can be non-existent for people that are not familiar with the variety of nuances with care and housing options that are available for seniors. To choose the best possible living situation for seniors requires understanding what makes these two community types different.

Living Space Layouts

There is a range of housing arrangements that is encompassed by the independent category, from communities with apartment style structures, to housing co-ops. Typically, residents will live within their own space and have a space to gather, referred to as the common area. This allows socializing with other community members. Another terms for independent living include, active adult community, retirement community, senior apartments, retirement home, 55+ community, or Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC).

With assisted living, the general arrangement is apartment-style. Depending on the location, units may have full kitchens, but some may not. For assisted living communities which specialize in seniors that require memory care, security is usually increased, including added surveillance, ensuring doors are always locked, etc.). Also, cognitively impaired residents may not be allowed to have apartments with a kitchen, for safety reasons.

Amenities and care services

The goal of independent living communities is to enable residents to have an easier day-to-day routine. This enables seniors to remain independent for as long as possible. It is common for independent living to provide housekeeping and landscape services, security surveillance, meal preparation, and various other events and activities. However, the majority of independent living communities do not staff full time nursing or medical care providers. “The top advantage of an independent living community is receiving assistance with housekeeping and meal tasks, and a centralized hospitality service building for seniors to socialize” said Regina Wallace, Hebrew Home at Riverdale’s director of independent senior apartments and assisted living program. Hebrew Home is an organization providing geriatric service in Riverdale, New York. “Within these type of communities, the focus is not really with hands-on care.”

Assisted Living Details

The focus of assisted living is more aimed at assisting older adults that require help with certain activities, such as laundry, taking prescription medications, and bathing. These type of communities have round the clock staff, including some form of medical professional, often a certified nurse practitioner. In addition, some facilities have special units designed for memory care, for those with mild to moderate dementia. Although, assisted living communities do not offer an intensive amount of hands-on care that is required for seniors with physical or more serious mental ailments.

Shared Benefits of Both Retirement Community Types

Both assisted living and independent living communities offer scheduled recreation unique to specific facilities. Some of the more common activities include field trips, game nights, discussion and support groups, exercise classes, holiday celebrations, and continued education courses. In addition, transportation services are provided for shuttling residents to grocery stores, doctor appointments, and additional errands.

Ways to pay and other finical considerations

With independent living, rent is the primary cost for representing residents, according to Wallace. For seniors that live in Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) or a community which providesspecialize recreational activities, such a private golf course, could have extra expenses, such as a joining or membership fee.

Assisted Living Finances

With assisted living communities, seniors that require special are that is not covered under the standard rent contract will have additional expenses if a professional caregiver must be hired for assisting the resident.

In addition to differences in the health-related level of help residents are offered, the largest disparity between assisted living and independent living is the access of finical resources that both seniors and families may use to help with covering cost of living within the communities.

Independent Living Finances

Because residents are not provided a medical care service in independent living communities, government healthcare programs, such as Medicaid or Medicare will not cover the expense. Rather, seniors have to use their Social Security, retirement savings, pension income, or other personal funds for paying the cost of independent living communities.

Meanwhile, with assisted living expenses, seniors may use personal funds and savings. Specific long-term care insurance, life settlements, Aid and Attendance benefits of Veteran’s Administration, annuities and reverse mortgage funds can be used as well. Assisted living care coverage with Medicare is limited, typically only covering short-term stays, such as temporary illness or surgery recovery. Some financial assistance is offered by Medicaid as well, but guidelines vary between states.

Assisted Living & Independent Living in Arizona

If you or someone you know is considering the benefits of assisted or independent living the state of Arizona is one of the best places in the United States to do it.  SLS Communities has multiple locations in Arizona for assisted living and independent living in the state of Arizona.  Our communities are geared to be welcoming, friendly, and compassionate to residents living in any of our retirement living communities.

For more information about either assisted living or independent living
please contact us by calling 480-348-0300.

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Memory Care vs. Assisted Living

If you’re searching “Memory Care vs. Assisted Living” you’re likely a family member trying to find out what option is best for your beloved senior family member.  Making the right choice for your mom, dad, aunt, or uncle is important as you want to make sure they are getting the care they need in a compassionate and friendly setting.

When it comes to long-term senior care, assisted living and memory care are options that are quickly growing. Discover the main differences between these two forms of care, including the expenses, types of services provided, and how to determine the best community.

Defining Long-Term Care and Assisted Living

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, at some point in life, nearly 70% of adults aged 65 or older will require long-term care.

As loved ones become unable to live independently, that is when the caregiver must face the challenging decision of which form of care to use, as long-term care options are not all the same. The two quickest growing forms of residential senior care include memory care and assisted living facilities, but do you know the differences in the two, or the main factors in determining which is best?

Assisted living is an available option if your loved one is still vital and active, but simply is unable to live independently and require help with daily activities, such as eating, dressing, or bathing. The Assisted Living Federation of America defines assisted living as “long-term care which combines support services, health care, and housing as required.” It is common for assisted living to provide personal care services, such as medication management, transportation, and around the clock care. Generally, seniors within assisted living communities also have options of a shared apartment or private room, depending on budget and preference.

As loved one’s age, they may need some added assistance with daily tasks, or require nursing care that I more specialized if they are suffering from age-related health conditions that affect mobility, such as dementia. In this case, assisted living communities are limited in the type of services that they can offer, but some are equipped to offer memory care services, commonly within a dementia special care unit (SCU).

Furthermore, assisted living facilities are not regulated by the government, but they must be licensed by the state of their location.

Memory Care vs Assisted Living

While memory care units may be available on the premises of assisted living communities, they are two different forms of care.

Memory care is a more distinct and focused type of long-term care requiring medical staff that is skilled and experienced in specific types of patients with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other memory issues. Memory care units are also referred to as special care units (SCUs), and generally offer supervised care 24 hours a day that is located in a separate wing or floor than residential communities.

Similar to assisted living, if loved ones are not able to care for themselves because of progressive impairments, memory care is a residential option. Beyond offering help with daily activities, such as with assisted living, skilled staff are trained to help those with impaired cognition or dementia. In addition, the overall security and physical layout of memory care facilities are designed for patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s to minimize wondering behavior, while providing a pleasant environment that is simple to navigate.

Furthermore, memory care facilities also require a generalized state level license, as well as being regulated within 23 states by special care unit disclosure laws that require the care provider to disclose any special services provided. Although, due to these laws not being universal yet, it is important that the caregiver carefully researches a facility prior to deciding on a location.

Long-Term Cost Comparison

Both memory care and assisted living are subject to many of the same factors: size of apartment or rooms, geographical location, shared or private space, and required services. However, when it comes to the overall costs, these are calculated a little differently for each form of care.

Usually, assisted living communities will charge a base monthly rate that covers two or three meals per day, and room and board. On average, the costs of a 1-bedroom apartment in an assisted living facility is $3,300 per month, depending on location. There are facilities that provide housekeeping or laundry within the base rate, while others will charge additional fees for these services. Because of this, it is important thatyou obtain a breakdown of the cost from each facility you look into.

Due to memory care providing more specialized care and round the clock nursing services, which regular assisted living facilities do not provide, it results in costs being higher. On average, it is $5,000 per month, but this can vary greatly. Luckily, there are options that assist in paying these costs for senior care to lower out-of-pocket expenses, including Medicaid, Medicare, and veteransbenefits.

Services Provided in Assisted Living and Memory Care

The regulations on what services should be offered at senior care communities vary by state. However, both assisted living and memory care usually offer basic supervised care, medical monitoring, and daily assisted with activities that include bathing, mobility, and dressing. The following are other services commonly offered by both forms of care:

  • Emergency call system
  • 24-hour security and supervision staff
  • Housekeeping and laundry
  • Three meals per day
  • Exercise and health programs
  • Transpiration
  • Social activity programs
  • Access to medical care

In addition to the base monthly rates, some of these service may be an additional cost.

In addition, memory care facilities will commonly include more structured activity programs that are designed to help nurture residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s. For example, “Reminiscence neighborhoods” is a program offered by Sunrise Senior Living with indoor and outdoor space that’s designed to provide a soothing and safe environment, with trained staff and a variety of familiar activities available.

Assisted Living or Memory Care, Which Should I Choose?

If you are not immediately concerned about dementia or Alzheimer’s and your loved one is still able to be independent, but needing assistance with some activities, assisted living would be the best option.  Although, if your loved one is in need of more detailed care due to memory impairment, you might want to begin considering a memory care facility, or at least an assisted living community with a special care unit for those suffering with memory issues.

Memory Care & Assisted Living in Arizona

Senior Living Services offers Memory Care Services in Gilbert, Mesa, Peoria, Sedona, Sun City, Sun City West and Surprise, Arizona. If you have a family member that would live better, safer, and more healthy is a memory care or assisted living setting SLS Communities has multiple locations in Arizona to serve you and your family.

Our compassionate staff removes the burden of daily chores and worry for seniors to allow them to enjoy activities and social experiences.  Staff tailors the level of care to each resident of our assisted living and memory care living communities to offer residents the level of care they need and want.  If you would like more information about which type of care would fit best, a list of our locations in Arizona, or want to schedule a visit please visit slscommunities.com or call 480-348-0300

Assisted Living, Memory Care
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