Resources & FAQ

Independent living communities are for active seniors who want a maintenance-free lifestyle with social amenities but don't need daily care. Assisted living provides help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication management. Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living designed for individuals with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia, with secure environments and specially trained staff.

Costs vary widely depending on the community, level of care, and room type. In the Chicago suburbs, assisted living typically ranges from $3,500 to $7,500 per month. Memory care tends to be higher. We help families understand all costs upfront — including what's included and what's billed separately.

Generally, no. Medicare does not cover the cost of room and board in assisted living. It may cover some short-term skilled nursing or rehabilitation services. Medicaid may cover some costs for those who qualify. Long-term care insurance and private pay are the most common funding sources.

Common signs include difficulty managing daily activities independently, safety concerns at home, social isolation, caregiver burnout, or a recent hospitalization. There's no single right answer — we're happy to talk through your specific situation.

It depends on your financial situation and the market. Selling first gives you a clear budget but may leave you without a place to live during the gap. Buying first gives you certainty about your next home but may require bridge financing. We help you think through the timing and coordinate both sides when possible.

A 55+ (or age-restricted) community requires that at least one resident per household be 55 or older, and at least 80% of occupied units must have a qualifying resident. They often offer amenities like clubhouses, pools, fitness centers, and organized social activities — designed around an active adult lifestyle.

It varies by location, price point, and market conditions. In recent years, well-priced homes in desirable suburbs have sold in days to a few weeks. We'll give you a realistic picture of what to expect based on your specific home and neighborhood.

A Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) is a federally insured reverse mortgage that allows homeowners 62+ to convert a portion of their home equity into cash — as a lump sum, line of credit, or monthly payments — without selling the home or making monthly mortgage payments. The loan is repaid when the home is sold, the borrower moves out, or passes away.

Not if you meet the loan requirements. You must continue to live in the home as your primary residence, maintain the property, and pay property taxes and homeowners insurance. As long as these conditions are met, you cannot be forced out of your home.

Yes. When the loan becomes due, your heirs have the option to repay the loan balance and keep the home, or sell the home and keep any equity remaining after the loan is repaid. If the home sells for less than the loan balance, FHA insurance covers the difference — your heirs are not personally liable.

HECM is the most common type of reverse mortgage and the only one insured by the federal government (FHA). There are also proprietary reverse mortgages offered by private lenders, typically for higher-value homes. We always recommend working with a HUD-approved counselor before proceeding.