Treasure Coast Real Estate Blog

Your local news and information source for homes and investment real estate along South Florida's Treasure Coast

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Survival Tips for the Sandwich Generation

It seems like many clients, colleagues, or acquaintances I encounter have become or are becoming caregivers in some capacity. While most anyone may find themselves caring for a loved one, caregiving offers a host of challenges unique to those of us nearing retirement.

Many people looking toward retirement become members of ‘the sandwich generation’ – working adults still caring for kids or college students who must also become caregivers for aging parents. “It’s a stage of life that is hard on finances and can drain you emotionally as well,” notes Lauren Hill, co-author of Liftcaregiving.com, which offers tips for caregivers. Hill offers a few suggestions for adults who find themselves in this group:

Make time for yourself – It may fall to the bottom of your list as you struggle to find time and resources. But you need to relieve stress and stay positive. At least once a week, plan a date night with your spouse and/or an outing with a friend.

Keep lines of communication open – Talk openly with all those involved in your situation. Share your struggles and goals with your spouse, but also with siblings and other relatives. Even those living far away may find ways to share the caregiving burden.

Look for and accept help – Turn to your kids and even friends who know your parents to help with visits and errands. And learn to say no when asked by others to volunteer for more than you can handle.

Look for resources – Look for supportive groups in your community, such as a respite program or in-home caregivers. Your parents’ doctors may be a good source for finding local resources.

Visit with professionals – Ask a pharmacist if you have questions about medications your parent is taking. Talk with a financial planner to help protect your family’s financial future. Consider talking with a therapist to help ease your stress.

Eat a nutritious diet – Three meals a day packed with protein and other nutrients will help give you needed energy.

Squeeze in time for exercise – Even 10 minutes a day can increase endorphins and improve your mood. Walk the dog. Take the stairs. Dance to a tune on the radio or practice a few yoga moves.

Allow room for mistakes – There will be times when you and your parent – or your spouse, or your kids, or your sister – may find yourself at odds. But even if one of you “loses it” now and then, dwelling on mistakes won’t help. Forgive yourself – or others – and move on.


This post has been authored by Eric Slifkin, REALTOR® serving South Florida’s Treasure Coast. You can reach me at 888-288-1765, or visit my Web site. As your resource for information on new or resale homes throughout the Treasure Coast, please be sure to contact me about any home you may find on the Web, yard sign or ad and I will research the property, arrange showings and handle all the details.

Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2015. All rights reserved.

Saturday, August 22, 2015

Don’t Forget Your Moving Day Survival Kit

Moving day has a lot of moving parts. Almost everything you own is stored for transit, and finding
one or two essential items can be a major headache, even if you labeled your boxes.

To make the day as smooth as possible, I advise my clients make a “Moving Day Survival Kit.” It’s surprising how awesome having these items at your disposal is when you first land at your new home. From paper plates and plastic flatware for lunch to toilet paper for the obvious reasons, the Moving Day Survival Kit can be a real life-saver as you sort out where the furniture and boxes need to be.

Here’s what I recommend you pack in your Moving Day Survival Kit:

• Paper towels
• Glass cleaner
• Baby wipes
• Sharpie marker
• Duct or packing tape
• Large garbage bags
• Toilet paper
• Tape measure
• Picture hangers/anchors
• Needle nose pliers
• Screwdriver
• Wrench
• Pliers
• Box cutters (at least two)
• Scissors (at least two)
• Hammer
• Small level or download a leveling app on your smartphone
• Plastic silverware
• Paper plates
• Disposable / Solo cups
• Light bulbs in high & low wattage
• Extension cord(s)

An inexpensive plastic bin is a great way to assemble and store the kit separate from your other possessions. Feel free to add/omit items as you see fit, but with this list you’re sure to have everything covered.

I love to help buyers and sellers on their journey to moving day. Ready to move? Contact me
today.

This post has been authored by Eric Slifkin, REALTOR® and  Accredited Buyer’s Representative serving South Florida’s Treasure Coast. You can reach me at 888-288-1765, or visit my Web site. As your resource for information on new or resale homes throughout the Treasure Coast, please be sure to contact me about any home you may find on the Web, yard sign or ad and I will research the property, arrange showings and handle all the details.