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ConsumerAffairs is a consumer news and reviews site founded in 1989. ConsumerAffairs is the service to use for life’s important purchases. They provide expert resources and verified reviews to help you make smarter buying decisions.

Housing Tips

Understanding Reverse Mortgages

by Kylie Johnson
written by Kylie Johnson

3 Types of Reverse Mortgages:

1. Home equity conversion mortgages

A home equity conversion mortgage or HECM (pronounced “heck ‘em”) is the only type of reverse mortgage that’s backed by the Federal Housing Authority. Available through FHA-approved lenders, HECM reverse mortgages are the most common type of reverse mortgages. HECM loans give borrowers the largest amount of money; upper limits are based on the borrower’s age and the amount of equity he or she has in the home. With a HECM, the borrower continues to pay insurance premiums. Borrowers can use the money from a HECM for any purpose they wish.

On the other hand, a HECM for Purchase is a similar type of loan that leverages the borrower’s old equity to finance a new house. HECM for Purchase loans do not require monthly mortgage payments, but they do require that you keep up with mortgage insurance premiums and property taxes. Common reasons to consider a HECM for purchase loan include downsizing into a smaller home, moving closer to friends or family and transitioning into a retirement community.

2. Proprietary reverse mortgages

Private lending companies sometimes offer proprietary reverse mortgages. Proprietary reverse mortgage loans can provide a larger payout than HECMs since they are not beholden to FHA regulations, but they also tend to be more expensive since they are not insured by a government agency. Proprietary reverse mortgage lenders do still require a financial evaluation and credit counseling. Homeowners seeking a reverse mortgage would consider a proprietary reverse mortgage if their home isn’t up to FHA codes or if their homes are currently worth more than $1 million.

Reverse mortgages that aren’t insured by the government aren’t beholden to as strict of regulations, for better or worse. Some financial institutions are able to extend certain proprietary reverse mortgage products to homeowners as young as 60, but those fees won’t be as regulated or capped by a government agency.

3. Single-purpose reverse mortgages

Also referred to as a property-tax deferral program or deferred payment loans, single-purpose reverse mortgage loans are available to eligible homeowners who need to take out a one-time lump sum against their equity. Single-purpose reverse mortgage lenders usually don’t charge origination fees and closing costs are minimal, which is good since most people take out single-purpose reverse mortgages out of desperation.

Unlike HECM and proprietary reverse mortgage loans, which can be used for anything, funds acquired through single-purpose reverse mortgages must be used for a lender-approved expense, most typically to pay property taxes or to make a crucial home repair. Like other reverse mortgage programs, the loan is due when you sell the property, pass away or stop paying homeowner’s insurance.

Answering Common Questions about Reverse Mortgages:

How much money do you get from a reverse mortgage?

The initial principal limit, or total amount, that you’ll be able to borrow against your home through any reverse mortgage is determined primarily by the value of your home, your age and current interest rates. The maximum loan amount anyone can access through a reverse mortgage is capped by the FHA at $726,525 for federally insured reserve mortgages or home equity conversion mortgages in 2019. Since proprietary reverse mortgages are issued by private lenders, they are not capped.

Generally, you’ll need more than 50 percent in equity, or more than half your mortgage balance paid, to be eligible for a significant reverse mortgage loan. The more your home is currently worth, the more funds you’ll be able to access through a reverse mortgage.

The older the borrower is when he or she takes out the reverse mortgage, the more loan proceeds he or she is entitled to. People over the age of 75 tend to get much higher loan payments, and many use the money to finance new experiences during their later years. Current interest rates also will affect how much you’ll be able to take out with a reverse mortgage. Generally, the lower interest rates are the more funds you’ll have available to you through a mortgage loan.

What is the interest rate on a reverse mortgage?

Interest rates for reverse mortgages have historically fluctuated between 3–6 percent. Similar to traditional mortgage loans, reverse mortgages are available with fixed or variable rates and are determined by government agencies, investors and competitors. All types of reverse mortgage loans defer interest payments until the loan is due.

Most borrowers opt for fixed rates because they are less risky. The drawback with a fixed rate is that funds must be awarded as a lump sum. If you’re more interested in regular reverse mortgage payments that will supplement your monthly income, you may have to get a variable rate reverse mortgage. Variable interest rates are set by market-based indexes and can change either monthly or yearly.

How do you pay back a reverse mortgage?

Reverse mortgages become payable at the end of the life of the loan. Borrowers, or their heirs, will be liable for the full payment once the loan ends due to borrower’s death, relocation or failure to maintain the home or keep up with property taxes and servicing fees. The borrower or their estate will have the option of selling the house and turning over proceeds to the reverse mortgage lender or repaying the loan with other funds if they want to keep the house.

The debt limit for any mortgage is the total amount of debt the borrower incurs. It includes all loan amounts, interest payments and financing fees. It’s important to remember that the total amount you borrow with a reverse mortgage is based on how much equity is in the home, and so the lender cannot demand more from a borrower in repayments than the home is worth. Likewise, if the debt limit is less than the total value of the home at the time the borrower pays it off, the borrower gets to keep the surplus.

Who should get a reverse mortgage?

Reverse mortgages are available to homeowners who are over the age of 62 and own their homes outright or have minimal remaining mortgage balances. A lot of people think of reverse mortgages as a last resort source of income, but they can also be an important factor in planning your retirement or if you’re already retired and your house is your most valuable asset.

  • If you don’t plan to move
    Since a change of permanent residency triggers reverse mortgage repayment obligations, reverse mortgages are really only a good idea if you plan to age in place.
  • If you’re on a fixed income
    Many seniors who depend on a fixed income from Social Security or other retirement programs use reverse mortgages to supplement their income. Often a person will get a reverse mortgage to pay off their existing mortgage and use the savings for extra cash every month.
  • If you can afford to maintain ongoing costs
    Reverse mortgages require borrowers to pay costs associated with property taxes, insurance and maintaining the residence, as well as a servicing fee, which is typically paid to the lender monthly. Otherwise, you’ll be at risk for default and foreclosure on the home.
  • If you expect your house’s value to rise
    If your kids sell your house after you die to pay off the reverse mortgage loan, they can keep the surplus of the sale. If your property value rises in the last several years of your life, your kids could actually see an increase in their inheritance.

What happens when you die with a reverse mortgage?

After you die, your family or estate will inherit your remaining equity and be responsible for repaying the reverse mortgage debt. Generally, they will have about six months to repay the loan outright or sell the property to recoup the balance. If the house is sold for more than the loan balance, your family will keep the difference. Alternatively, if the home sells for less than is needed to repay the loan, your family probably won’t be held financially responsible. For federally insured reverse mortgages, FHA Mortgage Insurance will cover the difference.

If you’re married, your spouse can continue to live in the house only if you were married before you took out the reverse mortgage and he or she was listed as a “nonborrowing spouse” in your reverse mortgage documents. If your spouse turns 62 after your death, he or she will likely have to refinance with their own reverse mortgage to keep living on the property.

Is a reverse mortgage a ripoff?

Often in a reverse mortgage scam, the victim is already acquainted with the scammer, but some lenders purposely mislead prospective borrowers too, which is why it’s so important to read verified customer reviews as you’re comparing lenders. Reverse mortgage fraud is a type of equity scam when a perpetrator convinces a senior to take out a reverse mortgage against their best interests for some kind of personal financial gain.

In the last several years, more regulations and stricter requirements on HECM programs from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) protect high-risk borrowers from default. For example, defaults on new reverse mortgage loans decreased by almost 75 percent after underwriting standards started setting aside some of the borrowed funds to cover future costs associated with the loan. Before you can be approved for a reverse mortgage, you’re also now required to meet with a third-party financial expert or reverse mortgage counseling agency to evaluate your financial situation and be sure you fully understand the loan program for which your applying.

Profile picture of Michele Lerner

Michele Lerner Mortgage & Real Estate Contributing Editor

Michele Lerner, author of “HOMEBUYING: Tough Times, First Time, Any Time”, has been writing about personal finance and real estate for more than two decades. Michele writes for regional, national and international publications in print and online for a variety of audiences including consumers, real estate investors, business owners and real estate professionals.

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Caregiving

What to consider when choosing an in-home care provider

by Kylie Johnson
written by Kylie Johnson

If you are looking into hiring an in-home care provider here are some things to consider:

Service availability

Home health aide schedules vary between agencies. This can impact affordability and convenience when hiring a service.

  • Home for the holidays: Does the agency offer holiday service? Many elderly people celebrate in their own homes, making it crucial for an assistant to be available during these days.
  • Part-time option: Not all seniors need round-the-clock care, so a part-time option helps keep costs low.
  • Overtime service: Family members responsible for primary care may face a late day at the office, bad traffic or any number of factors that could leave them running late. Be sure that a caregiver can remain on site when a complication arises.
  • Respite care: Family caregivers need breaks from time-to-time to tend to their own needs. Home health aides can fill in so that the care recipient remains safe while the family caregiver is away.

Clear communication

Communication between the family of the senior receiving care and the provider organization is critical to creating a comprehensive schedule of services. Slow response times could leave a senior alone, or put them in danger by delaying reports on issues that could impact their health.

  • Health reporting: How often does the service provider give a comprehensive report about the senior’s continued ability to live alone?
  • Schedule changes: For many people, caring for an elderly parent does not reduce other demands on their time, leaving them to schedule around school plays, nights out with friends and work functions. Flexible and emergency scheduling is a must.
  • Live operators: As effective as voice mail can be, waiting for a call back can be nerve wracking. Make sure your service provider routinely answers the phone, rather than responding to messages.

Provider screening

Any time you let someone into your home, you take a risk. The elderly are particularly at risk, so before inviting someone in, it is important that they pass screening and a background check which should be provided by the agency.

  • Background checks: A credit check and scan of criminal history could provide a sense of security.
  • Reference checks: Reference checks are a quick and easy way to find out whether someone has a history of quality performance, and they are also something that many employers neglect to do.
  • Caregiver interview: Instead of simply assigning someone to a case, it is important to allow the caregiver, senior and their family to meet in an informal environment. Compatibility is a foundation for building trust.

Absentee policies

Everyone needs a day off occasionally, so what happens when a caregiver calls out?

  • Immediate notification: Before sending a replacement, the agency should notify you of the conflict. You might prefer to take some time off rather than have a stranger take on the job.
  • Available replacement: If they have a call out, can the agency send out someone else without missing the service window?
  • Permanent replacement option: While occasional call outs are inevitable, repetitive issues with missed work can be a major issue. It is important to know how many you might deal with from a single provider.

Cost

When trying to provide care on a limited budget, the cost can be a major issue. Medicare rarely covers in-home care costs, leaving much of it to be out-of-pocket. You can see what benefits you or your loved one are eligible for by visiting benefits.gov. Long-term care insurance and Medicare supplemental insurance might be viable options to help cover costs.

  • Daily charges: Is there a daily maximum on charges?
  • Hourly charges: Hourly charges can rack up fast, particularly for those that need round-the-clock care.
  • Extra therapy charge: If the primary aide only helps around the house, but is supplemented with a physical therapist or nurse, is there an additional charge for these occasional services? There almost always is.

Article provide by ConsumerAffairs.com

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Caregiving

Types of home care services

by Kylie Johnson
written by Kylie Johnson

Home health aides

Home health aides are professionals who can help with self-care, housework, cooking and more. They might also perform some basic medical tasks. Home health aides sometimes have medical training, so they might be certified nursing assistants (CNAs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs). However, there aren’t any specific standards requiring a home health aide to have particular training or certification. If you’re looking for someone to help with any medical-related tasks, ask about certifications when choosing your provider. Medicare or Medicaid might pay for help from a home health aide.

Nurses

Home care nurses often handle the basic medical needs of those aging in place, like tracking their vitals, giving them IV medications and changing bandages. These professionals could either be licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs). The higher level of care a person needs, the more likely their nurse will be an RN. Sometimes, a nurse will visit a patient less frequently but will manage a team of home health aides that visits the person every day. Medicare or Medicaid might pay for help from a home care nurse.

Geriatric care managers

Geriatric care managers are professionals that help caregivers figure out how much care their loved one needs and what living situation might be best for them. They also help caregivers and families navigate the medical system and figure out how to pay for care and hire appropriate home care professionals. Geriatric care managers often have backgrounds in gerontology, social work, nursing, psychology or another related field. You’ll often have to pay out-of-pocket to hire a care manager, but it could be worth the investment if they help you save money in other ways.

Companion services

Companion services vary a lot. Companions might just be someone who keeps your loved one company, or they might also offer transportation and housekeeping services. Companions don’t handle any medical tasks, and they don’t usually help with bathing, grooming or other activities of daily living (ADLs). Because these individuals don’t provide medical care, Medicaid and Medicare won’t pay for them. You may be able to find a community service organization, like Volunteers of America, that provides these services for free.

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels is a national organization that operates in most communities in the United States. It works with local businesses and volunteers to serve meals to people over 60. The organization delivers meals to people in their homes, and the volunteers who drop meals off provide some companionship to seniors. The group also serves meals in local community centers, so people who can drive can get out of the house to socialize. These services are free or low-cost, depending on where you live.

Community villages

Villages are non-profit organizations designed to help people age in place. Villages coordinate volunteers and paid workers to organize social and educational activities. Villages typically offer transportation services and limited in-home assistance as well as discounted services from health professionals. Each village is independently operated, so the services offered in your area will vary. To find out about a village near you and learn more about these organizations, visit the Village to Village Network’s website.

PACE programs

Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE, is a part of Medicare and Medicaid. The programs provide as much care as feasibly possible to people in their own homes. For example, someone in a state with PACE might be eligible for in-home care, social work counseling and many other services.

Programs in different parts of the country have slightly different offerings, but the overall goal is to keep people in their own homes as long as possible. These programs currently exist in just over 30 states, but they don’t necessarily cover the entire state. To find out about PACE programs in your area, visit the PACE page on the Medicare website.

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Caregiving

How to choose a home care provider

by Kylie Johnson
written by Kylie Johnson

1. Write down all the care services needed

Start by making a complete list of all the tasks you or your loved one needs help with. Once you have this list, you can decide whether you need one provider or a few with different specialties.

2. Screen over the phone first

Next, call the companies that advertise the services you need and confirm that their employees can do everything needed. Use the list of questions from Eldercare.gov to ensure your loved one will receive quality care.

3. Interview in the resident’s home

If a provider meets your standards after talking to them on the phone, have an in-home interview with the people who will work with your loved one. Make sure you and the care recipient feel comfortable and confident.

4. Call the provider’s references

Anyone who will be working in your loved one’s home should be willing to give you a list of references, including current clients. Call these people to learn more about the provider and ensure they’re someone you want to hire.

5. Run a background check

Run a background check on each individual who will be helping your loved one in their home.

Article from ConsumerAffairs.com

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Caregiving

Assisted Living vs. Nursing Home vs. Home Care

by Kylie Johnson
written by Kylie Johnson

How to choose the right living situation for your aging parent

You have to consider several factors (finances, health care needs and preferences) when choosing where your aging loved one should live. Although seniors have many different living options, most people choose an assisted living facility, a nursing home or in-home care.

Before making any decision about where your loved one should live, talk to them. Find out what they want their daily life to look like and what would make them happiest. Their ideal situation (retiring to Hawaii, for example) might not be feasible, but having an honest conversation about their preferences will reassure your loved one they still have control over their life. Research shows people are more likely to be happy with their surroundings in a care facility if they had some control in the decision to move there.

After talking to your loved one about their preferences, you can make a decision together based on the types and costs of the services your loved one needs.

Compare senior housing options

Choosing a place to live should be a two-sided conversation. First, consider the services your loved one needs and talk it over with them. You might disagree; for example, you might think mom needs someone to prepare meals for her because she’s started ordering a lot of takeout, but she might simply be tired of cooking after years of preparing meals for her family. Talking about needs helps ensure you don’t pay for unnecessary services.

Assisted living facilities

Types of assisted living services:

  • Help with self-care (bathing, grooming and dressing)
  • Meals
  • Transportation to doctor’s appointments
  • Housekeeping
  • Social activities
  • Fitness classes or programs
  • Emergency call system (similar to a medical alert system)
  • Medication monitoring
  • Minor health care services (checking and tracking vitals, assisting with oxygen tanks, prostheses or other self-administered medical devices)

 

Cost of assisted living: $40,000-$50,000 per year

Nursing homes

Types of nursing home services:

  • All services provided at an assisted living facility
  • Regular assessment by registered nurses (RNs) or doctors
  • Treatment for ongoing illnesses of all kinds
  • Physical and occupational therapy
  • Memory care (including architectural design, food choices and more) for dementia patients

 

Cost of nursing homes: $85,000-$95,000 per year

In-home care

Types of in-home care services:

  • Meal delivery
  • Help with self-care (bathing, grooming and dressing)
  • Medication monitoring
  • Minor health care services (checking and tracking vitals, assisting with oxygen tanks, prostheses or other self-administered medical devices)
  • Medical alert system
  • Periodic assessment by RNs
  • Housekeeping
  • Transportation
  • Physical and occupational therapy
  • Companionship

 

Cost of in-home care: $10-$30 per hour

Other considerations

The services your loved one needs and the cost of getting those services might be among the most complex factors in deciding between aging in place and moving into an assisted living facility or nursing home. However, you shouldn’t discount the following considerations:

Your capabilities
If you’ll be the primary caregiver, think about your capabilities. Ask yourself whether you can provide all the care they need, long term. It may be difficult to admit to yourself and your loved one that you can’t fully take care of them yourself, but doing so will be better for everyone in the long run.

If you and your loved one decide they should age in place or move in with you, remember to care for yourself too. Use respite care services when you need a break, join a support group for caregivers and consider talking to a counselor to get emotional support for yourself.

Location
Consider how far you live from your loved one and whether they’re willing to relocate to be close to you. If they live far away and don’t want to move to a new city, then a care facility might offer a safer environment simply because of the supervision it provides.

If your loved one lives near you and is moving to a facility, make sure distance won’t prevent you or other friends and relatives from visiting them regularly.

Community
Talk to your loved one about their social life. If they feel isolated or lonely, moving into a care facility might help them feel more connected since these facilities have regular social activities for residents.

If your loved one is highly involved with their existing community or social groups, discuss ways for them to remain involved, even if they move into a facility. Depending on the facility’s rules and your loved one’s health, they may be able to keep a car at the facility so they can drive themselves to social events. Depending on location, they could also use public transportation or a rideshare service to get around.

Centralized services
The more care your loved one needs, the more complicated their home care is for you to manage. For example, you may have to call separate providers for problems with housekeeping, meal services and healthcare. If all of these things were a problem while they were living in a care facility, you’d probably only have to contact one person. Having a centralized service may lessen the stress for both you and your loved ones.

If you and your loved one decide they should remain in their own home or live with you, consider hiring a geriatric care manager. These professionals can help you find qualified providers, understand health care costs and better address your loved one’s needs.

The future
It’s important to remember that as your loved one ages, they’ll need more advanced care. Your initial conversation on what arrangements they prefer is a good time to discuss long-term care if they get dementia or become otherwise incapable of making their own choices in the future.

Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) have senior apartments, assisted living facilities and nursing homes all on the same property. If your loved one expects to eventually need nursing home care, moving into a senior apartment at a CCRC might make more sense than renovating their home to age in place.

Bottom line

Figuring out where someone you love should live as they grow older can be emotionally draining, and not knowing what’s going to happen often feels scary. Both you and your loved one will feel better when you make a choice together and proceed with your plan.

Whether you decide they should move into a care facility, move in with you or age in place, there are plenty of service providers to help you through the process. Once you have these services in place, your loved one can focus on being more social and enjoying their life.

by Jami Barnett, Ph.D.
ConsumerAffairs Research Team

Jami Barnett, Ph.D., is an experienced researcher, and she believes consumers have a right to clear and honest information about products. In her role at ConsumerAffairs, she thoroughly researches products and companies by interviewing experts, reviewing research studies, reading governmental regulations and investigating customer service responses. Her work gives consumers the information they need to make smart purchasing decisions.

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Health Products

Key Features and Guide to buying a Mobility Scooter

by Kylie Johnson
written by Kylie Johnson

Maneuverability and stability

The main purpose of a mobility scooter is to keep the user mobile. This prospect, unsurprisingly, requires a delicate balance of maneuverability and stability to keep the user safe.

  • Wheels: Mobility scooters have either three or four wheels, though specialized models may vary. Three-wheel scooters (one wheel in the front, two in the rear) are generally lighter and more maneuverable while four-wheel scooters offer more stability.
  • Deck size: The deck, the platform on which the rider sits, is usually wider for heavier scooters to accommodate three or four wheels. As a general rule, a wider deck leads to increased stability.
  • Tiller: A scooter’s steering column is called the “tiller.” Smaller scooters have thin tillers that may be easier to turn but may be less stable than heavier tillers. Tillers for larger, bulkier scooters are thicker and thus more stable, but they can be harder to turn.

Adjustability and comfort

To fit users of all sizes with different needs, most mobility scooters can be adjusted to maximize user comfort. The degree to which each scooter allows for adjustment varies across models.

  • Seats: Most mobility scooter seats can be adjusted to fit users. Deluxe models tend to have more adjustment options, and some models can be outfitted with nicer, more comfortable seats.
  • Adjustable tillers: Some scooter tillers can be adjusted to different lengths to better fit drivers of various heights.
  • Adjustable deck: A feature that is most common in compact or foldable travel scooters is an adjustable deck. These can be lengthened or shortened to fit consumers.

Carrying capacity

Carrying capacity, especially for consumers who are obese, is an important concern to ensure rider safety.

  • Suspension: A scooter’s suspension refers to the systems of shocks, springs, tires and inflation that connect the scooter to its tires. A stronger suspension can support more weight.
  • Seat size: A strong suspension will keep the motor from over-exerting itself, but a wider seat can also distribute more weight evenly and relieve some of the pressure on the rear of the scooter.
  • Wheels: Stronger suspensions often require larger wheels that make it easier to disperse weight.

Battery power

Electric mobility scooters require a charge for their batteries to help consumers stay mobile. Consumers who need to travel longer distances without recharging will need stronger batteries.

  • Voltage: As a general rule, the higher the battery’s voltage, the more power it can supply to the scooter. Most scooter batteries have a voltage of 12, though larger scooters may require batteries with more voltage.
  • Ah: “Ah” refers to a battery’s amp-hour rating, meaning how many amperes of power it can supply per hour. A battery with a higher Ah can last longer. Smaller scooters can operate on as little as 12Ah for short trips, but more powerful scooters that need to sustain longer trips and heavier loads may need closer to 20Ah or even 30Ah.

Warranties and service

Mobility scooters can be expensive investments, so consumers will want to make sure their vehicle is protected with a warranty. Customer support regarding delivery, maintenance or any general questions consumers may have about their scooter should also be taken into consideration.

  • Delivery and training: Some scooter retailers offer white glove delivery and training to new scooter owners. Consumers who are purchasing a mobility scooter for the first time can benefit from one-on-one training and the opportunity to have their questions answered.
  • Online support: Some mobility scooter companies offer online chat or other resources for customer support.
  • Warranties: Most scooters purchased come with a warranty, though each warranty varies across manufacturers. Consumers should always read their scooter’s warranty to know what is covered.
  • Dealership service: Purchasing a scooter from a dealer that also offers local repair and maintenance is a popular option to help consumers maintain their scooters.

Price

When it comes to choosing a mobility scooter, features that fit the consumer’s needs are more important than price. Nevertheless, price can be a factor for many consumers.

  • Basic vs. Deluxe models: Deluxe scooter models are often feature-rich versions of more basic models. Price-conscious consumers may want to consider which features matter most to them before deciding on a particular model.
  • Financing: Some retailers offer financing options for consumers who want to set up payment plans for their scooters.
  • Sales: Local mobility scooter stores and online retailers offer rotating sales on select makes and models.

Mobility scooter types

Travel scooters

Travel scooters are smaller scooters designed for portability. They can usually be disassembled easily to make them more portable, and some models even fold up for storage and transportation. They can sustain an average of 275-300 pounds.

Mid-size scooters

Mid-size scooters are generally heavier and more stable than travel or compact scooters. They can sustain an average of 300-350 pounds.

Full-size scooters

Full-size scooters can sustain more weight and usually offer more stability than smaller scooters, though they sacrifice portability. Most heavy-duty and deluxe scooters are full-size models. They can sustain any weight between 350-500 pounds.

Heavy-duty scooters

Full-size heavy-duty scooters are designed for the bariatric market. These scooters often have extra comfort features like wider seats. They can, on average, support 450-500 pounds.

All-terrain scooters

Full-size all-terrain scooters have larger wheels and higher clearance designed for outdoor use. These scooters also often have improved suspension for more rugged terrain. All-terrain scooters can support anywhere between 300-450 pounds.

Luxury scooters

Luxury scooters are feature-rich, deluxe scooters designed for comfort and power. They can come in heavy-duty and all-terrain full-size models. Carrying capacities over various models range from 300-500 pounds.

Research provided by ConsumerAffairs.com

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Money Tips

How can identity thieves use your personal information?

by Kylie Johnson
written by Kylie Johnson

If an identity thief gets ahold of your information, it can be used in many ways. Your Social Security number can be used to create new accounts, take out a loan or apply for a job. Your bank account can be drained and fraudulent purchases can be made. Someone can use your information to see a doctor or get prescription drugs. If you lose your driver’s license or your wallet is stolen, someone might use your ID to avoid a DUI or speeding ticket or might try to purchase controlled items.

  • If you’re a parent, teach your kids safe online practices, and limit what information you post about them on social media. If you get suspicious mail for your child, consider checking your child’s credit report, and report any fraudulent activity.
  • If you’re a veteran, take care to set up active-duty alerts and notify banks and agencies when you move to keep your information safe. It’s also important to read your financial statements often and routinely check your credit report. If you were recently deployed, you might not have noticed fraudulent activity.
  • If you’re a business owner, install encryption software on company computers and networks to prevent breaches. Only allow a few trustworthy employees to have access to sensitive information, such as Tax ID numbers. Monitor your company’s credit report the same way you would your own.

 

If you suspect you’ve already been targeted by an identity thief, you will need to learn how to check for identity theft and then report it.

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Age-In-Place

8 aging-in-place home modifications for seniors

by Kylie Johnson
written by Kylie Johnson

8 DIY projects to make your home safer as you age

Around 90 percent of seniors plan on living in their own home for at least five to 10 years after turning 65, according to the AARP. In turn, the number of remodeling companies doing aging in place upgrades has increased. Eighty percent of remodeling companies are making aging in place home improvements, up from 68 percent in 2013, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

Aging in place is cheaper and more comfortable than going the assisted living route for many people. A typical assisted living home is pricey, costing around $50,000 a year. In contrast, the national average of remodeling a home for aging in place is only $10,000. If you or your parents are planning on doing some fairly major aging in place remodeling projects, check out our guide on aging in place home remodeling. This article will look at some of the most popular DIY home improvements you can do to make your loved one’s home aging-in-place ready.

1. Install grab bars

Installing grab bars or railing in high-risk areas like bathrooms and bedrooms gives anyone with mobility issues additional support and prevents slip and fall injuries. Install grab bars near the toilet, and in the shower/bathtub since these surfaces get slippery. Depending upon your loved one’s needs, you may want to install bars near their bed so they can get in and out of bed safely. Make sure your grab bar holds up to 250 pounds, and install it by screwing it into wall studs, not just sheetrock. You can get three grab bars (one for the toilet and two for the tub/shower) for around $140.

2. Add outdoor ramps

Adding ramps to a home’s entry and exits aren’t just for wheelchair access. Even if your parents don’t use a wheelchair, a ramp eliminates the need to navigate steps, which can make maintaining balance difficult, even with a banister. A 16-foot long ramp costs around $1,600. You can also get indoor threshold ramps that you put in doorways to form a seamless surface to transition from one room to another.

3. Install a bathroom heat lamp

It can take some people longer to get in and out of the tub and take care of everything they need to do in the bathroom. Replacing the overhead light fixture above the toilet and tub with one that has an infrared bulb as well as a regular bulb will help keep their bathroom warm and comfortable in the winter months. You can find a combination heat lamp and light fixture for around $50 to $150.

4. Upgrade your smart home technology

Technology has become one of the most important developments in helping people stay in their own home as they age. Home technology like medical alert, home security and remote monitoring or communication systems are particularly beneficial.

Wearable technology like watches, necklaces and even shoe insoles monitor your loved ones’ movement throughout their home, as well as their vitals. You can outfit doorways with sensors that alert a family or emergency care service if someone enters a door but doesn’t exit within a specified period of time, indicating they may need help.

If you’re looking for a home monitoring system specific to aging in place, a certified aging in place specialist can outfit your loved one’s home with different sensors that you can monitor from your smartphone. You can know when your dad gets out of bed thanks to a pressure-sensitive mat placed next to his side of the bed. You can have a sensor put on the medicine cabinet door so you’ll know if your mom takes her medicine. Likewise, you can have heat sensors installed on the stove and front and rear door sensors put in. Aging in place home monitoring systems like HomeExcept cost around $230 for the system and have a monthly monitoring fee around $20-$30.

Home automation security and monitoring systems do more than provide caregiving functions. You can automate your parents’ home so they can control things like lights, entertainment systems, blinds and more, all from their smartphone or remote control.

5. Replace your faucets

Touchless faucets on kitchen and bathroom sinks are great for people with arthritis or grip issues. You can also replace twist faucet handles with levers. Another popular faucet upgrade is installing anti-scald faucets in your parent’s tub or shower. Anti-scald faucets prevent sudden bursts of hot water if the cold water is temporarily redirected due to the toilet being flushed or the washing machine filling up. Another way to prevent scalding is to lower the maximum water temperature on your parents’ water heater to 120 degrees or less.

6. Update your flooring

Flooring can be the culprit for many trips and falls as you age. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines for flooring is a helpful resource for figuring out the best type of flooring for your parents’ home. Carpet should be securely attached and no more than a half an inch thick. ADA compliant, anti-slip bathroom flooring means the flooring material has gone through friction testing and its coefficient of friction (resistance to slipping) is a 0.6 or higher. When shopping for ceramic bathroom flooring, make sure it’s ADA certified to be slip resistant. If you already have bathroom tile that’s in good shape, you can buy ADA approved anti-slip coating and roll it on with a paint roller. Anti-slip coating typically lasts around 3-5 years and costs around $85 per gallon. One gallon covers about 400 square feet.

7. Improve your lighting

Improving the lighting in your parents’ home can mean putting bright nightlights in hallways and bathrooms, using table or floor lamps for sitting areas for reading and putting adhesive tap-lights under cabinets to provide extra light on counter tops. You can find a 10-pack of LED tap-lights for around $20.

8. Replace your doorknobs

Replacing the round doorknobs in your parents’ home with lever-style handles helps people with arthritis or grip issues easily open doors. Likewise, swapping out round kitchen cabinet door knobs with bar- or lever-style handles makes accessing kitchen items a little easier.

A huge selection of fall prevention and other helpful products can be found at Senior.com where they specialize in helping you age in your own home.

by Jonathan Trout
ConsumerAffairs Research Team

As a member of the ConsumerAffairs Research Team, Jonathan Trout believes having access to free, comprehensive information on products and businesses is vital to making smart purchasing decisions. He focuses his efforts on researching and reviewing multiple brands across a variety of industries, with the goal of writing unbiased buyers guides to help inform consumers on impending purchases.

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Tech Support

Why Jitterbug has the Best Cell or Smart Phones for Seniors

by Kylie Johnson
written by Kylie Johnson

When you compare cell phones for seniors, it’s easy to get lost in the details. The choice will depend on their needs — will they want a more complex smartphone, a basic flip phone, or a middle-of-the-road phone with standard technology? The most easy-to-use cell phones for seniors are basic flip phones. For those with limited dexterity or bigger fingers, big button phones for seniors work well. The most important features in an easy phone for seniors include:

  • A clear, big, bright display
  • Good sound and speakers
  • Long battery life
  • An emergency help button
  • A durable build

Best Cell Phone for Seniors:
Jitterbug Flip by GreatCall
CELL PHONE DETAILS
  • Cost: $99.99
  • Dimensions: 4.3″ x 2.2″ x 0.7″
  • Screen Size: 3.2” x 4”
  • Battery life: 10 hours of talk, several days of standby

Jitterbug Flip review

The Jitterbug Flip’s simplicity and low price are its most appealing features, making it our top senior cell phone pick. GreatCall is the service provider for The Jitterbug Flip, which is covered by the Verizon network. With Jitterbug, you purchase a monthly plan cost based on the number of minutes and texts you plan to use.

Jitterbug Flip meets all our criteria for a great cell phone for seniors. It has good speakers — you can turn them way up for louder audio and have additional noise cancellation technology to help filter out distracting background sounds. The battery is excellent and can last for 10 hours on a continuous call. There’s 1 GB of storage that can hold 1000 photos, 200 contacts and 50 texts.

The Jitterbug Flip also has an emergency help button seniors can use if they are in trouble. The 5Star emergency service uses GPS to locate the user. The emergency button itself feels a bit different from the other buttons, so you can find it with just touch alone. This 5Star emergency service requires an additional monthly fee. Jitterbug also has a Voice Dial feature where you can call a contact by speaking their name into the phone.

Jitterbug Flip Benefits

Jitterbug Flip is designed with large text and backlit buttons to make it as easy to see and use as possible. The speakerphone setting and super-high volume capability make it easy to hear people you’re talking to on the phone. In most cases, you can keep your current number when transferring to a Jitterbug phone.

What to Consider

The Jitterbug only connects to Wi-Fi when the user presses the 5Star button; otherwise, Wi-Fi is not accessible. If you want a Jitterbug phone but need Wi-Fi, consider the Jitterbug Smart2, which is Jitterbug’s straightforward answer to complicated smartphones.

Who is the Jitterbug Flip Best For?

Jitterbug Flip is the best flip phone for seniors that want a basic, straightforward, affordable phone and do not care about additional features like Wi-Fi or email.

Best Smart Phone for Seniors:
Jitterbug Smart2 by GreatCall
CELL PHONE DETAILS
  • Cost: $149.99
  • Dimensions: 6” x 0.3” x 3”
  • Screen Size: 5.5” diagonally
  • Battery life: 12 hours of talk, several weeks of standby

Jitterbug Smart2 review

Like the Jitterbug Flip, the Jitterbug Smart2 runs on service from GreatCall, part of the Verizon network. The display is bright, clear and easy to read, making it a great choice for seniors who have trouble with other modern phone screens. The interface focuses more on big words in clear fonts rather than ambiguous icons, so it’s easier to navigate than Android or iOS interfaces for most people. The phone has excellent battery life: 5 hours if you’re streaming video, 12 hours if you’re talking on the phone and 17 days if the phone is turned on but not being used. The phone runs a bit slowly, but this shouldn’t be a problem for people who aren’t techies. You can also use voice dictation on the Smart2.

The Smart2 comes with some optional additional features. For $34.99 a month, you can dial “0” and speak to a human operator who can talk you through how to use your phone. For $24.99 month, family members can have access to the GPS location of the Smart2 on their smartphones. Medical professionals can also be available immediately over the phone.

Jitterbug Smart2 Benefits

The apps that come with the phone are easy to use and straightforward, such as phone, text, camera, Internet, email, maps and Lively, the medical alert app. If you’re unhappy with the phone, you can return it for free within 30 days. Plans are also customizable, depending on how much you plan to text, talk and use data.

What to Consider

The unlimited plan, at $49.99/mo, isn’t as much of a bargain as the cost of the phone. The other plans, though, are reasonable. The volume isn’t as loud as we’d like, either. This is surprising, considering how many other senior-friendly features the phone has. You can always test out the phone to see if the level is appropriate for you, but if you are hard of hearing, it might be best to consider another phone.

Who is the Jitterbug Smart2 Best For?

The Jitterbug Smart 2 is best for seniors who want a smartphone but are buying on a budget. The phone is a deal considering its features.

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