How do I know how much renters insurance to buy? Tips to help choose accurate, appropriate limits for your personal property and liability coverage. You've followed your rental guide and it's time to move in! Your furniture is in place, the utilities are hooked up and your rental unit is starting to look like a home. And now you might be asking yourself do I need renters insurance? It is estimated that 56% of renters do not have renters insurance. A renters policy is more important, accessible and affordable than you might think, and in some cases, renters insurance is required by landlords. But renters are often unclear about what renters insurance is, what it covers and how much they need. What does renters insurance cover? In short, renters insurance covers what you own. Most landlord's insurance covers only the building and damages due to negligence. Getting coverage for some of the most common causes of property damage and loss such as theft, vandalism and fire is entirely up to you. Without renters insurance, you may have to bear the financial burden of a loss on your own, including the cost of a hotel stay if you cannot live in your apartment while repairs are made. Want to protect your stuff? Most renters' belongings cost more than they think. The average person has $30,000 worth of belongings that are probably not covered by a landlord's policy. Take a moment to add up the approximate cost of your computer, television, stereo, furniture, jewelry and clothing. If a fire gutted your apartment tomorrow, would you have the cash to replace it all? Renters insurance also covers much more than just your personal property. The average policy can include up to $100,000 in liability coverage. That means in the event of a covered loss, your insurer will help cover the costs if you're held responsible for injuring another person or damaging another person's property. Moreover, this coverage applies whether the incident occurred within your residence or elsewhere. Be sure you have coverage against the unexpected with renters insurance. Get a free quote now. How much renters insurance do I need?Renters insurance is relatively inexpensive. According to NerdWallet, the average renters policy costs about $15 per month for up to $30,000 in personal property coverage. That's solid coverage for less than the cost of a few cups of coffee a week. Here are some tips to help you determine your insurance needs. Complete an inventory of your possessions. Personal property coverage is probably the main reason most purchase a renters policy. The coverage will reimburse you for covered loss, damage or theft of your personal possessions up to a certain dollar amount. Completing a home inventory is a good way to determine how much property coverage you need. This inventory lists your personal possessions, along with details about their age, purchase price or current value and other identifying information. While youre at it, take pictures or a video of your property. Check with your insurance agent about discounts. Many insurers offer significant discounts if you buy more than one policy with their company. For renters, this usually means purchasing auto insurance with a renters policy. But life, business and other plans may also qualify. Choose the right deductible. A deductible is the amount of a covered loss that you pay out of your own pocket. In other words, it's the amount "deducted" from any payout by your insurer. For example, if a fire causes $1,500 in insured damage to your personal property and your deductible is $500, then your insurer will pay you $1,000. Your renters insurance premiums will reflect the deductibles you agree to pay. Lower deductibles mean higher premiums; higher deductibles mean lower premiums. Keep in mind that an insurer will not reimburse you for a loss amount that is lower than the deductible. This means if your deductible is $2,000 and you suffer $1,750 in losses, then you are entirely responsible for those costs, even if the cause of the loss is covered by your policy. When choosing a deductible, think carefully about the out-of-pocket costs that you are willing, and able, to pay. A disciplined saver may be able to offset the greater risk of a high deductible with cash reserves. Others, however, will have to balance the benefit of a higher deductible against the risk of greater out-of-pocket expenses. Assess your liability. Your renters policy's liability coverage may protect you if someone injures themselves in your home. It may also protect you in case you cause damage to others' property. Some policies will pay for defense and court costs in addition to settlement costs. The typical renters insurance policy offers $100,000 in liability coverage. For renters, this amount is often sufficient. However, if you entertain company frequently at your home or if your assets exceed your limit, you should consider a coverage amount equal to at least the total value of your assets.Supplement coverage if necessary. Keep in mind that your policy will exclude certain perils (such as earthquake and flood losses), limit coverage on some items (such as computers, firearms and silverware) and might not cover a business in your home. If you have special insurance needs, talk to your agent about extending limits or adding separate policies. And finally, where your apartment is located will play an important role in determining your renters insurance rates. Prices will vary based on your state, city and neighborhood. Safer locations might mean lower rates, so renting in a low-crime area near a fire station might save you money. Your rates will also reflect the safety of the rental property itself. For example, an older, unrenovated building might have a higher risk of electrical and plumbing issues, and that can mean higher rates. Fortunately, steps as simple as installing smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in your apartment may mean real savings, even if you do rent an older property. This article was contributed by Laurel Flowers State Farm Insurance Agent located in Saraland, Alabama.  You can contact Laurel Flowers State Farm team for a renters insurance quote.  Call 251-675-4736.  

Navigating The ConversationWhen is the perfect time for important family discussions about Assisted Living or Memory Care?As our parents age, it becomes increasingly crucial to address their changing needs and make decisions about their care. Making a decision to move to an assisted living or memory care residence is a big deal. Thats why weve put together some helpful tips to help your family manage these difficult conversations.Lets explore how to approach the subject of aging parents with your siblings.Follow these tips: Set the Stage: Choose the right moment to bring up the topic. A family gathering can be busy, so select a time when everyone is relaxed and not distracted by preparations or activities. You might want to consider scheduling a specific time to have this conversation to ensure everyone is present and focused. Agree on an Agenda: Before the discussion, collaborate with your siblings to outline what you want to cover. Having a clear agenda will help keep the conversation on track and prevent it from veering into unrelated issues or becoming too emotional. Express Your Concerns: Start the conversation by expressing your concerns and the reasons for bringing up the topic. Mention any recent incidents or observations that have prompted this discussion. Its important to frame the conversation in terms of love and care for your parents well-being. Listen Actively: Encourage your siblings to share their thoughts and concerns. Actively listen to what each person has to say and be open to different viewpoints. Remember that each family member may have a unique perspective on your parents needs and what they want. Share Information: Ensure everyone is well-informed about your parents current health, financial situation, and any existing care arrangements. The more information everyone has, the better the decisions you can make collectively. Discuss Options: Explore various care options, such as aging in place with in-home care, assisted living, or nursing homes. Be open to discussing what your parents want and what aligns with their preferences and values. Delegate Roles: Assign specific responsibilities to each sibling. For instance, one sibling could be in charge of researching different care facilities, while another might focus on financial planning and insurance. Delegating tasks ensures that the process is efficient and organized. Respect Differences: Understand that not all siblings may agree on the best course of action. There may be differences of opinion, but its important to respect each others perspectives and find compromises. You can seek input from a professional mediator or counselor if the disagreements become too challenging to manage. Involve Your Parents: Whenever possible, include your parents in the conversation. Their input is crucial in making decisions about their care. They may have preferences or concerns that should be considered. Revisit the Conversation: This initial discussion is just the beginning. Continue to have open and honest conversations with your siblings and plant the seed for discussion. Regular check-ins can help ensure that everyone is on the same page and that plans remain relevant to your parents evolving needs. Celebrate Together: After having the discussion, remember to celebrate and make memories together. Enjoy your family time and strengthen your bonds. While caring for aging parents is a significant responsibility, its also a time to cherish your family connections. Seek Professional Guidance: If your parents situation is particularly complex or contentious, consider involving a professional, such as an elder care attorney or a geriatric care manager, to provide expert advice and guidance. Approaching the topic of assisted living and memory care with aging parents and your siblings may not be easy, but its a necessary step in ensuring the well-being of your loved ones. By following these tips, you can foster a supportive and collaborative family environment where everyone works together to make the best decisions for your aging parents. Ultimately, this approach will lead to greater peace of mind for everyone involved. Remember, you are not alone on this journey. If you ever find yourself in need of expert guidance, support, or additional resources to assist with aging parent care decisions, the team at Proveer at Port City Assisted Living and Memory Care is here for you. Conveniently located in Mobile, Alabama near shopping and restaurants.  Our mission is to provide the assistance and information you need to make informed choices about the well-being of your loved ones. Ultimately, we are here to provide PEACE OF MIND and that is priceless.  Contact Proveer Port City at 251-380-0053.

Osteoarthritis: Risk Factors and Care for Older Adults Its unfortunate but true that as most people get older, their likelihood of getting arthritisa condition that causes pain and inflammation in the jointsincreases. Whats more, according to the Arthritis Foundation, there is no sure way to prevent arthritis. The best anyone can do is to be aware of their risk factors and learn how to manage the effects of this disease. What is Arthritis?Arthritis is not a single disease, but rather a term that covers over 100 different conditions. The most common type, osteoarthritis, affects mainly the hands, lower back, neck, and weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips and feet. In osteoarthritis (OA), the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears away. This loss of cushioning between bones causes soreness, stiffness and pain.Risk Factors for Osteoarthritis In 2019, approximately 528 million people globally were living with osteoarthritis, marking a 113% increase since 1990, according to the World Health Organization. About 73% of those with OA are over 55 years old, and 60% are female. In the U.S., about 32.5 million adults have OA. The most commonly affected joints are the knee, hip and hand. Genetics plays a big role in who will get osteoarthritis. People who have family members with OA are more likely to develop it. Other risk factors include:          Joint injury or overuse. Injury or overuse, such as knee bending and repetitive stress on a joint, can damage a joint and increase the risk of OA in that joint.         Age. The risk of developing OA increases with age.         Gender. Women are more likely to develop OA than men, especially after age 50.      Obesity. Extra weight puts more stress on joints, particularly weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees. This stress increases the risk of OA in those joints. Obesity may also have metabolic effects that increase the risk of OA. Your joints are meant to withstand a certain amount of force. But every pound of excess weight adds two to four pounds of pressure on your knees, says Chad Deal, MD, of the Cleveland Clinic. By losing 20 pounds, youre taking 40 to 80 pounds of force off of them. Losing weight can help to at least slow down the progression of osteoarthritis. Dr. Deal adds, It may not be possible to completely stop the underlying cause of osteoarthritis, but that does not mean theres nothing you can do. How Seniors Can Manage OsteoarthritisWith the right preventive measures and care techniques, older adults can manage arthritis effectively, allowing a more active and pain-free lifestyle. Discuss these possible ways to manage the pain and discomfort with your doctor. 1. Stay ActiveRegular physical activity is vital in preventing and managing arthritis. Activities like walking, swimming or gentle yoga can help maintain flexibility, strengthen muscles around the joints, and reduce overall pain. Remember, its about movement, not about setting athletic records! 2. Eat a Healthy DietA balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein can help manage arthritis. Foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins can reduce inflammation and support joint health. Remember, a healthy weight reduces the strain on your joints. 3. Mind Your JointsUse your larger or stronger joints to carry loads. For example, use a backpack or a trolley instead of carrying groceries with your hands. Ergonomic tools can also ease the strain on your joints during daily activities. 4. Use Medications and Other TreatmentsOver-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can help, but always consult with your doctor before starting any new medication. Heat treatments, like warm towels, hot packs or a warm bath, can soothe stiff joints. Cold treatments, such as ice packs, can reduce joint swelling and pain. 5. Stay HydratedStaying hydrated helps keep the cartilage in your joints healthy and lubricated. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day, more if youre active or its hot. 6. Get Enough SleepA good nights sleep can help reduce arthritis pain and fatigue. Create a restful environment, stick to a regular sleep schedule, and avoid caffeine and electronics before bed. 7. Manage StressChronic stress can exacerbate arthritis symptoms. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation or gentle yoga can help keep stress levels in check. 8. Get Regular CheckupsRegular visits to your health care provider are crucial. They can track the progression of your arthritis and adjust your treatment plan as needed. Dont Let OA Limit Your LifestyleLiving with arthritis in your senior years doesnt mean giving up on your hobbies or an active lifestyle. By incorporating these prevention and care tips into your daily routine, you can manage arthritis effectively and continue to enjoy a fulfilling and active life. Remember, the key is to stay proactive about your health. With the right approach, you can minimize the impact of arthritis and keep moving comfortably. Contact a Right at Home office near you to learn how Right at Home can help you manage OA at home.  This article was submitted by Right at Home.  Contact the local Right at Home office in Mobile at 251-459-8671 or in Daphne at 251-402-5121