Every year in the fall and all around the country seniors are on the move to their favorite warm weather winter destinations. The majority of the seniors traveling to Florida, Texas and Arizona for the cold winter months are renters and they are finding availability is becoming harder and harder to come by as our senior population grows larger every year. Starting in 2030, when all baby boomers will be older than 65, that senior citizen population will make up 21 percent of the population, up from 15 percent today.. The demand for short term rentals in Florida for seniors who snowbird is growing faster than they can build appropriate housing to meet the demand. Senior living communities in Florida have noticed the short fall and some are taking the appropriate actions to meet the demand. Seniors looking to escape the brutal winter months and enjoy a short term lease with an easy carefree affordable lifestyle are finding senior living communities are the affordable answer. Senior living communities have changed so drastically over the past 20 years and they are nothing like the depressing senior homes of the past. The new styles of senior living being offered today are a far cry from what was offered just a short time ago. Senior living communities are now offering spacious furnished and unfurnished apartments, villas and cottage style living with A La Carte amenities and food plans to suit your personal lifestyle. PROBLEM: There are so many communities and options to choose from! Where do I begin?SOLUTION: Use a Senior Living Referral Agencies and Senior Living Advocacy  like  The Right Senior Living Solution. They have the local knowledge and expertise of the senior living options being offered in your area. They have agreements with communities and will most likely get you the best deal and options available.1. Things to consider!While some people know right away where they'll snowbird, for many, choosing where they'll stay (and for how long) during the winter months can be challenging and time consuming.  If you're planning on moving to a different climate than what you're used to, it's essential to do your homework first. This includes researching states and towns, deciding to rent or buy, and planning how you'll get back and forth, among other things.When exploring areas, you need to find out what access you'll have to what matters most to you.Before you decide on a location or snowbird community, consider if you'll have quick access to health care, banking services, educational opportunities, entertainment, grocery stores, restaurants, shopping malls, fitness options, and more.2. The costLiving in a different location for part of the year means you'll likely have a bigger budget. Besides housing costs, you may also spend more money on clothing, transportation, food, and entertainment. Still, there are ways to control the cost of living like snowbirding in an all-inclusive senior living community where your total monthly cost for housing, food, transportation and daily living activities is fixed. But it's essential to thoroughly explore the additional cost of the snowbirding lifestyle so you don't face any surprises that could derail your retirement plans.3. The travelSnowbirds often choose locations based on the ease with which they can drive from one place to another.That's why many choose popular snowbird destinations in places like Florida, Arizona, New Mexico, California, Texas, the Carolinas, and Louisiana.But driving isn't always an option. If you plan on flying to your snowbird destination, you'll need to factor in flight and other transportation costs. And if you want to explore international destinations in the winter months, you'll be adding additional expenses and complexity to your new lifestyle. 4. Missing familyOne of the biggest challenges for snowbirds is missing family and friends back home. While you might enjoy sunny days in your winter location, it's still easy to feel isolated when you're far away from loved ones.You might even miss holidays, birthdays, graduations, weddings, funerals, and other special events.Joining an active community of snowbirds in the same situation as you can help alleviate some of the homesickness by keeping yourself social and busy.So make sure you plan for these occasions and set up a schedule to have fun and avoid feeling lonely.You can always invite loved ones to your winter home and head north to visit for special events too. Just make sure you add trips home to your snowbirding budget.5. Handling healthcareOne of the significant concerns of snowbirding is managing your medical needs.In addition to your routine medical issues, you may have to deal with seasonal allergies and other illnesses that aren't common in your home climate. Plus, with a new routine, you may experience changes in diet and exercise habits that could impact your health. So it's important to research local hospitals, doctors, dentists, pharmacies, and other providers to ensure you can receive quality care when you need it.Don't make the mistake of assuming your health insurance coverage will travel with you. Before making any plans, check with your insurance company to ensure you have the coverage you need when you're living in another state or country during the snowbird season. 6. Managing homes from afarWhen you're snowbirding in the south but keeping a primary residence up north, you'll face managing a house long distance.That means ensuring everything runs smoothly, from regular maintenance and repairs to getting your mail and paying the bills.It also means finding someone trustworthy to check on and take care of your property.And if you're a pet owner and your pet isn't traveling with you, you'll also need to consider how you'll manage pet care from afar too.Related: 11 Checklists to Help Manage Snowbird Living7. Changing environmentsIf you've lived in a particular environment all your life, moving to a new location may require adjusting to a new culture, language, and weather.This includes learning tasks such as how to navigate unfamiliar streets, shopping for groceries in different stores than you're used to, and dealing with cultural differences.Moving to a different area for an extended period isn't something you do every day, and you're not on vacation when you snowbird. If you're not the adventurous type, it's natural to feel nervous and anxious about adapting to a new lifestyle.8. Safety & securitySnowbirds face unique safety and security risks because they are away from their home(s) more frequently than most people.Securing your home and belongings, including monitoring utilities and staying safe on the road, are things you don't want to take lightly.As long as you follow basic precautions, you should be able to enjoy your snowbird adventure without any major issues.9. Financial planningAs mentioned above, snowbirds will spend more time away from home than usual, which can also present financial challenges.You will need to budget money wisely so you don't overextend yourself and cause potential problems in your later retirement years. You'll also need to keep money saved for emergencies and future inflation or stock market volatility.Many snowbirds find ways to earn extra income to help their finances go further while providing some socialization and mental stimulation.10. Additional estate planning needsWhile snowbirds may be planning for an active lifestyle, they still need to consider what happens if they die unexpectedly, especially away from their primary home.You may need additional tools in your estate plan if you plan to own homes in two different states, will be traveling extensively, have complicated assets, or have challenging family dynamics.The Good NewsLiving the snowbird lifestyle is not without its challenges, but the benefits can far outweigh the cons of snowbirding.So if you're on the fence about becoming a snowbird, here are several reasons for becoming one this winter season:Sunny days and warmer temperaturesLiving a healthier lifestyleExploring new areas and culturesMeeting new friends and interesting peopleExperiencing new activities and hobbiesOutdoor entertainment and adventuresHaving fun and making memoriesVery little to no cold weatherNo snow shoveling!No ice to worry about slipping and sliding onIncreased odds of a long and enjoyable retirementNew job or volunteer opportunitiesYOU ARE NOT ALONE www.therightseniorlivingsolution.com All in all, there are many good reasons to become a snowbird, and we hope that our list has helped you decide whether or not you'd like to make the move.We would love to hear from you. George & Adele SmithServing the Suncoast of FloridaC: George (941) 705-0293C: Adele (570) 848-2507Fax: 941 243-3723george@therightseniorlivingsolution.comwww.therightseniorlivingsolution.com 

According to a recent survey, a third of Americans 40 and older have done no planning for their long term care needs. They dont want to think about what the future might bring; however, this wait and see approach to life can leave you unprepared for unpleasant surprises. Conversely, planners organize in advance for all possibilities both good and bad. By considering the future, planners protect both themselves and their children from having to assume that responsibility later on.The odds are great that you or someone you love will need long term care. The need for long-term skilled nursing care is generally instigated with a health crisis of some kind. Stroke, heart attack, or a variety of diseases can strike without warning, creating a need for immediate 24-hour care.Diseases that progress gradually, such as Alzheimers or Parkinsons, may also require care and, while the onset may be gradual, the decision to seek long term care is often precipitated by a crisis of some kind. Even a planned surgery, such as a hip or knee replacement, can require follow-up, long-term, skilled nursing care. The cost of this care can be staggering, and around-the-clock home care for a licensed home health aide or private nurse may be overwhelming.Dont leave these important matters undecided. As you thoughtfully plan for the future, make these decisions now, and take charge of your own life. Begin by attending an educational seminar about options for retirement living, hosted by one of Shell Points expert retirement counselors. Call (239) 441-2224 to sign up for a session that is convenient for you.Since its founding in 1968, Shell Point Retirement Community has provided full lifecare as its primary continuing care product to thousands looking for worry-free retirement. Learn more about Shell Points lifecare contracts at www.shellpoint.org/lifecare.

For more information on the author Cardia Care Group, CLICK HERE.Heart rhythm conditions are often a sign of an underlying issue, and may even pose problems in themselves. So what are some of the most common heart rhythm conditions?Atrial FibrillationAtrial fibrillation (AF) occurs when the atria, or upper chambers of the heart, begin to beat out of sync with the ventricles, or lower chambers of the heart. Characterized by a rapid rhythm, AF reduces the heart's effectiveness at pumping blood. As a result, blood clots can form in the heart chambers, potentially reaching the brain and causing a stroke or heart failure.AF is typically due to an existing heart condition. Other causes include high blood pressure, heart attack and coronary artery disease. Dizziness, feeling out of breath, tiredness, a feeling that the heart is racing or fluttering, uneven heartbeat, and chest pain are all common symptoms.Atrial fibrillation is common in older adults and may not present obvious symptoms. Seeing a doctor at the first onset of AF symptoms is important to avoid serious complications. The typical goals of treatment are restoring rhythm to as close to normal as possible and preventing the formation of blood clots.ArrhythmiaArrhythmia is a problem with the rhythm of the heartbeat-beating too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm. Many arrhythmias are harmless, but some can be life-threatening, especially since a lack of blood flow to the body can damage the brain, heart and other organs.Noticeable symptoms of arrhythmia include fainting, dizziness, heart palpitations, weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath and chest pain. Arrhythmia can be caused by heart disease, stress, smoking, heavy alcohol use and certain medications.Treatment for arrhythmias depends on the type and severity of irregular heart rhythm. In most cases, people with arrhythmias can live normal, healthy lives, but never take the risk of a 'wait-and-see' approach.Remember, anything other than your usual, steady heartbeat could be a sign of a dangerous heart condition. Always discuss irregular heartbeat symptoms with your cardiologist.

Moving into a senior living residence doesnt mean giving up your independence. There are many ways you can remain in control and retain your sense of self.Get InvolvedSenior living residences offer a wide variety of engaging activities. By getting involved, you can meet new people, try new things or continue with hobbies and interests you already have. Knowing your peers and neighbors in the residence will give you a feeling of connection that you may have missed by living in your own home.Personalize Your SpaceJust because you have moved, doesnt mean you have to give up the items that have meaning for you. Make your space your own by including your pictures, collectibles, furniture and more. Show off your personal style.Meal Variety with Dining OptionsA major benefit of living in a senior living residence is having the chef prepare your delicious meals. But that doesnt mean you have to give up your choices. Dining room menus offer a variety of options to pick from at each meal, ranging from light to hearty choices. And youll want to save room for dessert, of course.Utilizing SupportOne of the best ways to feel independent is by feeling secure and healthy. With a residence full of caring and knowledgeable associates, seniors can live the way they want and know that help is there if it is ever needed.By choosing the support and stability of a senior living residence for your next home, you regain free time while still reflecting your unique personality and pursuing interests. You can be the best version of yourself!