Age My Way Q&A – Home Sweet Home: Should I stay or should I go?

Central Texas continues to attract older adults in increasing numbers, yet it is a struggle for policy priorities, funding, and opportunities for older adults to keep up with the demand. Recognizing that older adults are an invaluable community resource, Central Texas should be a place that supports each of us at every age.

In May 2022, AustinUP presented Age My Way, an event that focused on community progress through the Age-Friendly Austin plan, and was designed to gain valuable feedback from our older community members.  Interactive breakout sessions covered the following topics, and now it is time to share that feedback with the greater Austin community! We plan to do that through a monthly series of webinars this fall that will explain the issues and share what was learned.

REGISTER HERE for this first of three webinars:

9/8/2022, 2-3:30 PM: Home Sweet Home: Should I stay or should I go?

• Homesharing: concerns as to privacy, safety, screening of “roommates” to be sure a good match, reliable, similar health conditions (you won’t be called on to take care of them), not preferable for couples or both members won’t agree to this
• Senior Community living: safety, comfort, amenities (accessible, maintenance, activities, nutritious food), ability to have someone watch over us as we age, designed for people in same situation (vs. affordable housing for seniors), companionship with people of same age (social isolation can be an issue), ability to access qualified medical care and other needs, cost is a concern
• Staying in own home: property taxes, costs to move anywhere given the high prices of real estate or rentals, transportation (public transportation limits, need own car outside of Austin), location (can I afford to be close to all I need-groceries, medical, pharmacies, etc.), social isolation concerns-proximity to family and the “familiar,” staying put seems less costly

This webinar has been generously sponsored by Buckner Villas.

About Our Panelists

Amy Ford is Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Business Development for Silvernest, an online roommate-matching service that pairs empty nesters, retirees and other aging adults with long-term housemates. In her role, Amy is focused on generating a vision and roadmap for Silvernest’s growth with current and future partners. Amy joined Silvernest from NCOA (National Council on Aging), where she was the senior director of financial wellness, responsible for leading a team in the Economic Security division that provides education to older adults on a variety of topics related to financial wellness. Prior to that, Amy led an NCOA team that provided education to older adults who were considering accessing their home equity.

Before joining NCOA, Amy supported housing counselors in the training division of a large community development organization, NeighborWorks America. She also previously worked in government and community relations at Loyola University in Maryland on strategic community-based partnership development. Amy holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and received her MBA in Management from Loyola University Maryland.

Debi Douglass of Oasis Senior Advisors is an experienced Family Advocate with a demonstrated history of working in the social services industry. Debi earned a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Eckerd College, and has several years of experience in senior housing, hospice, and memory care/dementia. She also has volunteered in support of veterans.

Cyndi Cummings has more than 20 years of Austin real estate experience, and has added Move Management services to her real estate company. Turnkey Transitions® provides clients with a true “turnkey” experience. That means no need to call multiple vendors to handle everything your move entails, no unknown service providers entering your home and no stress from having to manage multiple processes all on your own. This dedicated service not only comes with the care you would expect from a company specializing in working with elders and boomers, it alleviates strain between parents and adult children, helping to keep relationships strong throughout the move. For more information, visit https://www.turnkeytransitions.com.