Embracing the Role: Honest Stories from Family Caregivers

Hello, and welcome to our blog series "Embracing the Role: Honest Stories from Family Caregivers at Carolina Living Choices." My name is Betsy, and I'm thrilled to share this journey with you. As the owner and editor of Carolina Living Choices, a guide dedicated to helping retirees and their families find the perfect community in Western North Carolina, I have the privilege of connecting with amazing people and hearing their heartfelt stories.
A group of older adults sit around a table, smiling and laughing together while enjoying coffee, cake, and pastries in a bright, cozy setting.

Essential Tips for Aging in Place: Safe and Comfortable Living

By Ken Carroll | Mar 31, 2025

Aging in place means living in your own home safely and comfortably as you get older. Hi, I’m Betsy O’Leary, a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) and publisher of the Carolina Living Choices Retirement Guide. I’ve spent years helping retirees and their families navigate the journey of aging in place with confidence and peace…

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Stacks of coins and a pile of ball point pens

Financial Planning for Retirement: Essential Tips and Strategies

By Sue Liebe | Mar 26, 2025

Retirement is a significant milestone that brings freedom and new opportunities. However, ensuring financial stability during this stage of life requires careful planning. Whether you are approaching retirement or already enjoying it, having a solid financial plan can help you maintain your lifestyle, cover essential expenses, and reduce financial stress.

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Four active senior women standing together and laughing

Staying Social in Retirement: The Importance of Friendships and Community

By Sue Liebe | Mar 19, 2025

Retirement is a time for relaxation, personal growth, and enjoying life to the fullest. While it offers freedom from work responsibilities, it can also bring unexpected challenges, including feelings of isolation.

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Woman's hand looking at a map

Traveling Solo in Retirement: Tips for Safe and Enjoyable Adventures

By Sue Liebe | Mar 12, 2025

Retirement is a wonderful time to embrace travel, and solo adventures can be especially rewarding. Traveling alone allows you to set your own pace, explore destinations that interest you, and enjoy the freedom of your own schedule.

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The dental office in Hendersonville features an empty patient chair, dental instruments, and a monitor on the wall. The room boasts white walls adorned with small artworks, creating a serene environment ideal for those approaching retirement.

Finding Trusted Professionals in a New Area: A Guide for Seniors

By Sue Liebe | Mar 5, 2025

Moving to a new area can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding trusted professionals like doctors, hairdressers, and dentists.

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A person wearing dark jeans and shoes is walking down wooden stairs in a serene Hendersonville setting. The perspective is from below, focusing on the lower part of the legs and the stairs against a light background, capturing a moment in this picturesque town.

Fall Prevention at Home: Tips for Stair Safety

By Sue Liebe | Feb 26, 2025

Stairs can pose a fall risk, but a few thoughtful changes can greatly reduce the danger. Installing sturdy handrails on both sides of stairs can provide essential support. Handrails

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A close-up of a sleek, modern metallic door handle on a bright red painted door, reminiscent of the vibrant charm found in Asheville. The glossy finish accentuates its elegance, standing out against the vivid background.

Essential Home Safety Tips for Living Independently

By Sue Liebe | Feb 19, 2025

For those wanting to stay independent as they age, home safety adjustments are key. One of the most important upgrades is improving lighting throughout the home, especially

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A smiling couple stands outdoors in Asheville. The man, wearing a black beanie and green sweater, embraces the woman from behind. She sports a gray jacket and orange earrings, perfectly capturing the joy of retirement life amidst the blurred street and trees in the background.

Love in the Golden Years: Finding Romance as a Senior

By Sue Liebe | Feb 12, 2025

Love in the Golden Years: Finding Romance as a Senior

For many, our senior years can bring unexpected opportunities to start fresh, including in the romance department. Whether you’ve been single for a while or find yourself newly so, the thought of dating can feel both exciting and a little intimidating.

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A snow-covered suburban house with brick and gray siding, perfect for retirement in Asheville. Large windows, a white door, and snow-laden bushes grace the front yard. Flakes gently fall as a path leads from the freshly shoveled steps, inviting cozy senior living amidst serene beauty.

Creating a Senior-Friendly Home: Key Modifications

By Sue Liebe | Feb 5, 2025

Creating a Senior-Friendly Home: Key Modifications

As we age, making thoughtful changes to our homes can support mobility and safety. Installing grab bars in key areas like the bathroom and handrails on stairs can help prevent falls. For added comfort, consider replacing traditional bathtubs with walk-in showers that have built-in seats – this can make a daily routine much easier and safer.

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