Senior Housing Transitions

Estate Sales With Ebenezer

Many times, when Seniors downsize, there are possessions that need to be sold.  This week, we contacted Ebenezer Hands and Hearts Estate and Moving Sales to work with one of our Clients. (www.ebenezerestatesales.org)   

This is an incredible, reputable and honest Non-Profit Organization.  When you hire Ebenezer, you are also making a difference in the lives of older adults in your community.  All fees paid in association with your sale are used to support resident-related projects within Ebenezer's many long-term care and senior housing facilities.

You can contact Ebenezer and they will do a free, no-obligation visit to your home.  We met Program Director, Andrew Akmnekains.  He was wonderful with our Client and understood their needs.  It turns out, they don't need a full Estate Sale.  Due to the small amount of possessions that need to be sold, Ebenezer is coming in, packing the items up, and including them in another sale they have.  It's a win-win for all!!.

Then, they bring in volunteers to clean and sort the possessions.  They work hard so when the sale day arrives, the professional presentation "wows" every customer.

Once the sale is over, they will pack up any unsold items and donate them for you

Andrew and his people know how to take the stress out of Estate Sales.  We were both so pleased to meet Andrew and would highly recommend Ebenezer's services!

Jeri Pischke & Cindy Thomes, Tender Heart Transitions - Email - Website

How to Find a Reputable Moving Company

When we give seminars to Senior Citizen groups, one of the topics we address is how to find a reputable moving company.  Moving is stressful and you need to take precautions.  So how do you find a moving company that you can trust?

We often tell people NOT to use the Internet.  Call your Real Estate Agent, friends and use the phone book too.  Find 3 moving companies with offices in your area.  Do not hire a "moving broker".  Current consumer protection laws related to the movement of household goods only apply to Motor Carriers and NOT to household goods brokers.

Set up appointments for them to come to your house and do an in-home estimate in the order of your least favorite to your most favorite company.  If they won't come to your house, find another company.  Find out up front if they will be doing the move themselves, or if they will be subcontracting out the job.  If they won't be moving you, then move on. 

As each moving company gives you an estimate, keep the estimates out where the next company can easily see them. Ask questions.  Never sign a blank paper and always read and understand the document you sign.  Every moving company is required by law to provide you with "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" booklet.  If you don't receive this, tell THEM to move on!

Get references.  Word of mouth is the best referral anyone in business can ask for!

The Better Business Bureau can be used as a guide too, but don't take a "satisfactory" rating at it's face value.  Call the BBB office and ask them about any complaints on file.

We also refer people to the following website:  www.movingscam.com  There is a lot of information and tips on this website that are helpful.

Homewatch Home Care ~ now Baywood Home Care

As another option for Seniors who don't want to live in assisted living or a nursing home, we are going to feature another home care service this week.

Homewatch Home Care was founded in 2000 by Dorothy Muffet. At that time, offering home care was a very limited service.  Since then, they have learned that over 80% of caregiving is done by family members!!  We truly are the "sandwich generation" caring for both children and parents!

Homewatch is a Company committed to “doing whatever it takes” to make it possible for seniors to live where they want to live. Now operating under the name Baywood Home Care, they continue to provide much needed services for seniors who need help but want to stay in their homes.

Their caregivers are certified Home Health Aides that, at a minimum, meet Minnesota Department of Health requirements. A Home Health Aide has the same training, knowledge, and skills as a Nursing Assistant. (Personal Care Assistants and Personal Care Attendants often have less training than Nursing Assistants or Home Health Aides).  Homewatch caregivers have the same qualifications and can provide the same care that the caregivers  Assisted Living and Nursing Home's provide.

The caregivers are regularly supervised by Homewatch Registered Nurses.  Caregivers provide care that is based upon a care plan that is created by the Nurse. The Nurse creates the care plan after doing an assessment with the client (usually at no charge). Clients and caregivers always have access to a Homewatch Nurse who is on-call 24-hours per day.

Some of the services they currently offer are:

Meal preparation, housekeeping, medications, transportation, companionship, RN on-call 24 hours, Alzheimer's care, safety from falls and bathing & personal care.

It's obvious that Dorothy Muffet and her Staff really care about their Clients!!

Baywood Home Care, formerly Homewatch Home Care, can be reached at:

763-546-8899 or www.baywoodhomecare.com