Finding love in your golden years is a precious gift, but navigating a late-in-life marriage can come with unique challenges. Use this list to help guide you through the process of settling into your new life together so you can make the most of every moment.
- Update Insurance and Medicare
Being able to pay for healthcare becomes more important than ever for seniors. Medicare coverage doesn’t change just because you got married. If one or both of you is already receiving Medicare, you can continue to get the same care you have received without interruption. You may be eligible for Medicare due to your spouse’s prior work, even if you weren’t on your own.Because of the change in total income, there may be a change in your premium. Medicare Part B, for example, uses your family’s total income to determine how much your premium should be. Check with your provider and provide them with updated information so you can have the correct numbers when budgeting. - Combine Finances
With marriage comes changes in finances, and these changes necessitate the creation of a new budget that reflects both your income and any changes in expenses that the marriage may have caused. You can create your own or use a budget template to guide you through the process. Take into consideration services you might need, including meal preparation and lawn maintenance. - Find a New Home
For seniors who are just beginning their married life together, the process of finding a home can be challenging. With so many factors to consider – such as location, budget, and amenities – it can be difficult to know where to start. But with a little planning and patience, finding the perfect home as seniors is definitely achievable. One of the best ways to start the search is by researching home prices and attending open houses in different neighborhoods that fit your budget. This will not only give you a chance to see what’s available, but it will also help you get a feel for each neighborhood’s unique character. - Plan for Future Care
While you may have prepared wills previously, your new marriage likely means you’ll need to update both of these. Even if your desires for after your passing have not changed with the addition of a spouse, your living will or advanced directive, which details medical treatment you might receive while alive but incapable of making decisions should be revisited. Clearly establishing who is responsible for carrying out your desires is essential to eliminating turmoil down the line.You also need to discuss how you would like to approach long-term care in the future. This includes deciding if you will have in-home care or will live in assisted living and how these things should be paid for. If you decide that you’d prefer to get a little extra support while maintaining your independence, Alder Terrace Adult Care Center offers excellent services along with supportive and compassionate care.
Enjoy your time together by starting out on the right foot. Update your insurance, combine finances, find a home, and plan for future care so you can walk happily hand in hand for the rest of your days.