Leslie Newlife

14 Hacks and Simple Changes to Make Your Home Elder-Friendly

Physical and mental abilities change with age. One of the essential things to do as a caregiver is to make your home elderly-friendly so that they can live comfortably in their surroundings. Many people are unaware of the little things they can do to make their homes more accessible for older adults. There are many hacks and simple changes you can make to your home to make it elder-friendly. Older adults often have trouble with stairs, so install a hand railing on the staircase to prevent falls. You can also purchase carpeting or area rugs that are slip-resistant for those who struggle with slippery floors. The best thing about these hacks is they don’t require any major remodeling or expensive renovations!

We want to share some of my favorite hacks and changes you can make in your home today:

Replace the Ordinary Doorknobs

One of the most common problems elders have is reaching the knob to open the door. To solve this problem, replace your ordinary door knobs with lever-style knobs that are easier for them to grip and turn! If you have lever door handles instead of knobs, this could also help. Avoid fancy knobs or handles and instead, look for the ones that are easier to grip. Also, make sure you install lever-style door locks as well.

Replace the Ordinary Lockset 

Another common problem is that some elders have difficulty turning a knob to unlock their front door. In contrast, others can’t manage the more complicated push-button handles or keyless entry systems if they have arthritis. To solve this problem, replace your lockset with one that can be opened by turning a lever instead of just pushing a knob or button.

Make it Easier for them to get in and Out of the Bathroom.

If they’re having trouble getting up from their seat, install grab bars, so they have something to hang onto while standing. Install rails on both sides for even more support. They are more likely to slip and fall if they try to get up without something for support. Home modifications for aging in place will make the bathroom safer for everyone. Making the bathroom safe is a must for aging in place.

Install Grab Bars in Your Kitchen

If your kitchen is not handicap accessible, install a chair with arms and back support to provide stability when getting up or sitting down. This will also work well if you have an older person living on their own who needs temporary help with standing from time to time. The chair can be positioned next to the kitchen counter, so it’s easy for them to get in and out of. If possible, make the floors with a rubberized finish or cover them with rugs.

If you have hard floors, add throw pillows to make getting in and out of chairs easier. Thick non-slip mats are also helpful for preventing falls on slick surfaces like tile and laminate flooring.

Install Braille Numbers on Your Light Switches

One way that you can make your home more accessible is by installing braille numbers on light switches. This will allow blind or vision-impaired visitors access to common areas like the bathroom, kitchen, and living room. It also helps with knowing what room you’re in when someone calls out to you for help.

Maintain Your Bathroom’s Safety 

Install a seat or put a portable chair in the shower to help elders get on and off more safely, or buy an easy-to-clean bath mat for added slip protection so they don’t fall while getting out of the tub. Consider adding grab bars inside as well for balance. Place non-skid mats in the shower as well. Cover the floor with cozy wool or hand-knotted rugs where possible to prevent slips and falls.

Install a seat or grab bars on both sides of toilets to give elders stability while sitting and standing. Replace light switches with levers for easy use by arthritic hands – either by using one lever that turns off/on lights, fans, heaters, etc., or installing individual handles to turn on/off the individual items.

Safety Bar at Staircase

Install a safety bar at the edge of your staircase to help elders stay safe when they’re walking down or upstairs – especially if you have carpeting that makes it easy for them to slip. Install grab bars in tubs and showers, as well as bathroom sinks so seniors can maintain their balance.

Check the Height of Your Light Switches 

Another common problem elders have reaching light switches placed too high on walls and ceilings in their homes. To solve this issue, place them lower to make it easier for them to reach! No need for any major renovations!

Install a Lever Style Door Handle 

If you’re worried about elders having trouble opening doors that have knobs, installing an easy-to-open lever-style handle will be perfect for them. The elderly population is also often unsteady on their feet, so make sure to install door stops at the base of any exit or entryway.

Install Anti-Slip Mats in Your Bathroom 

It’s hard to take a shower or bath when the floor is slippery and wet! To avoid this, get anti-slip mats for your bathroom that are easy on your feet, without any bumps or ridges, so they can’t slip on them.

Install a Handrail 

For those times when you need help getting up and downstairs, install an easy-to-grab handrail on either side of your staircase. This way it will be easier for elders to get around their house without any problems!

Bring Home Portable Tables

For those times when the kitchen table is just too high, get some portable tables that you can bring from room to room! This will allow elders and caregivers alike to eat in a much more comfortable position. Portable chairs are also a great idea for this.

Unclutter the Home

Elders need to be able to find their way around without any obstacles in their path, so make sure you’re not cluttering up your home with too many items and furniture that could potentially get in someone’s way.

Add Safety Lights Throughout the House 

If there are any dark areas in your home, adding safety lights can be a big help. This is especially true if you have stairs without any railing or light fixture. You’ll want to make sure there are no tripping hazards for those who might not see them otherwise!

In the End

We hope that we’ve given you some ideas on making your home more comfortable and safe for elders. Remember, the best way to help an older adult stay in their own home is by making it a place they feel happy and secure- not just providing them with a meal or errand running service. At RugKnots, our goal is to provide customers with high-quality rugs at affordable prices, so everyone has the chance to experience comfort and warmth throughout their lives. Thank you again for reading this blog post about simple ways of creating great living spaces for seniors who want independence but need extra care because of age-related needs like diminished sight or hearing.

Things to Consider When Personalizing Your New Home

Pursuing retirement is a dream for the average nine-to-five worker. When you’ve saved enough to officially leap into retirement, you can kick up your feet and sigh in relief. However, the idea of decorating a brand-new home can often leave you overwhelmed. Don’t fret; here are the things to consider when personalizing your new home!

Find the Right Home

Your home centers around your lifestyle, and the most active areas are in your living room, bedroom, backyard, or a combination of each space. Find a home, especially if you need home care, that is suitable for your active life and your downtime.

If you decide on a retirement home, search for socialization in your community. Your local community bulletin should have posts regarding upcoming events or chances to meet your neighbors. It allows you to get to know new people and invite them into your new home.

Decorate Every Space

After obtaining your new home, you can have a fresh mindset of how you wish to decorate it. Using welcoming colors, such as bright tones or neutrals, can make a room appear larger. Additionally, having accent colors in your furniture and wall decor can help the room stand out.

For things to consider when personalizing your new home, playing around with different patterns and materials is a fun way to explore your preferred styles. Solids, stripes, animal prints, patterns—it’s all accessible and fun to mix and match!

If you struggle with finding a style or theme you like, try to search through magazines or online to find ideas. It is never a bad idea to find inspiration from other sources and make them your own.

Make It Inviting

Owning a new home is one thing, but making it an inviting space is another. After spending so much time decorating to your heart’s content, hosting a small party is the perfect reward.

Another fun addition to an inviting home is the aroma throughout the space. Bake a delicious rhubarb pie or light a few floral candles: the possibilities are limitless. Everyone loves a wonderful home with its memorable scents.

Entering retirement shouldn’t be overly exerting work. You can take it one day at a time, finding what works best for you. Then life is nothing but relaxation.

The Advantages of Going Back to School as an Older Adult

The idea of going back to school can make you nervous, no matter your age. And if you are an adult, going back to school after being out for a number of years might make you feel even more anxious. From balancing work and school to learning new tech, you might feel overwhelmed if you are thinking about going back to get your degree. Still, you don’t have to be worried since there are actually several benefits of getting your degree as an adult.

Paying for Your Degree

As an adult student, you might be in a better place financially, so it might be easier for you to cover the cost of tuition. Of course, you might still want to consider taking out a student loan from a private lender to pay for any costs you can’t afford out of pocket. That way, you can complete your degree as an adult without worrying about finances.

More Motivated and Mature

As an adult, you likely have more at stake than a typical freshman in college since you have had a bit of time to grow up and mature. At this stage of life, you may have already become a parent, helped support someone facing loss and death, or embarked on a successful career. And your ambitions and money are at stake, which can keep you more invested than an 18-year-old whose parents are paying the cost. You are also likely giving up more free time and moments with your family to attend school. At the same time, you might also have commitments at work.

Because of these and other sacrifices, an adult student is likely more invested in education. Getting this degree could enhance your career or help you switch directions, so you stand to benefit a lot more. Or you might feel this is a personal achievement you were not able to finish in the past. Still, being driven ill help you succeed and ensure you are successful.

Bringing a Unique Perspective to the Classroom

Your work experience can benefit you as well. Whether or not it relates to your field of study, it lets you bring a unique perspective to a room of freshmen. It also helps you better process lessons in the classroom since you can compare them to your real-life experience. By drawing from both the present and past, you can bring your insights to the discussions. The theories and principles you learn in the classroom are ones that traditional students will apply at some point in the future. But you will have lived them already.

Fewer Distractions

Traditional college students face many distractions they will need to learn how to avoid, including roommates, parties, and learning how to do various tasks for the first time. But you likely won’t face these distractions, so you can focus more on completing your education. Unlike a freshman, you won’t have to worry about your popularity or what you will do after graduation. And since you won’t have as much time to attend parties or be distracted, you can be more focused. You likely have your priorities in order at this point, and that can give you a strong advantage over your other classmates.

Home Maintenance Tasks Seniors Shouldn’t Neglect

Growing older is a beautiful event, but as we grow older, we tend to forget things and may even let other things slide entirely. Whether you’re the one growing older or are the caregiver for someone reaching this point in their life, you should look over this list of essential home maintenance you shouldn’t neglect.

Check for Water Damage on Your Windows

When you wash your windows, it’s essential to look them over and ensure they have not sustained any water damage. You can do this by inspecting the interior and exterior trim for signs of rot, moisture build-up, and leaks. If you notice any issues, place caulk over these areas. Doing this task will help prevent issues that’ll cost even more to repair.

Clean Out the Dryer Vent

This is a task we don’t often think to do, but if we don’t clean our dryer vents, a fire can occur. It’s not that the appliance is faulty—it’s that the vents are so clogged with dust and debris that they can’t function properly. Built-up lint and other debris can get caught and clog our vents, which can prevent clothes from drying thoroughly and will have your home smelling bad. You should clean your dryer vent at least twice a year for the best performance and safety.

Inspect and Clean Your Gutters

We don’t particularly enjoy sharing our residences with furry friends unless they’re cats or dogs. Pests and vermin such as rats, squirrels, and even birds can nest in our gutters without making us aware. Prevent this from occurring by cleaning your gutters. Throughout the year, you need to inspect your gutters to help prevent clogs. If you can do this yourself or have family nearby who can help with this task, you should strive to clean your gutters once every six months. Adhering to this schedule should prevent water from leaking into your home and damaging your foundation.

Inspect Your Roof Often

Roofs are what protect us from the elements. You should renovate your roof every 15 to 30 years, depending on the type and material of its shingles. However, many people aren’t aware of how often different types of shingles need to be replaced. The best way to examine your roof is to look for curling and separating shingles, spots that hardly have any shingles, and areas with thinning asphalt.

Inspect for Drips While Doing Dishes

After you have finished washing your dishes, make sure to turn the faucet off completely. We often don’t consider this when working with faucets, showers, and toilets. If your faucet or shower is still running or dripping, you’re wasting water. After you do the dishes, open the cabinets under your sink and check for any signs of moisture.

This list of home maintenance you shouldn’t neglect reflects how we can better improve our lives as we grow older. These items, as well as many others, are things that you should remember to check throughout the day and over the next few years. Remember that these home maintenance tasks aren’t only important for single-family homes—they’re necessary for assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and homes in retirement communities as well!

What the Nursing Shortage of 2021 Means for Seniors

The nursing shortage can feel scary. There are fewer than ten nurses for every 1,000 people. If something happens to a good chunk of the population, there wouldn’t be enough nurses to go around, and that’s scary. The good thing is understanding the issue makes it easier to address.

High Quality

Quality care is what all seniors want, yet they don’t always get it. Because of the shortage, some nurses are asked to do more than usual. Overworked nurses feel tired. That’s not good because it may start to affect their job performance. All this affects quality, but the good thing is this shortage is also ushering in the solution. As demand continues to spike and the shortage continues, nurses can ask for better hours. They can ask for a better work environment, which should help improve the care seniors receive. This is a good thing for everyone, and hopefully, it only continues to get better.

Standards Maintained

When there’s a shortage, some industries start to overlook certain qualifications, and that idea is floating around the world. Seniors are scared that since there’s such a significant shortage, hospitals and other health care centers will start hiring folks that aren’t qualified, but that’s not the case. Comprehensive background checks for nursing staff and other qualifications are still required before someone is allowed to treat patients. The truth is this shortage is making health care centers focus on hiring the most talented nurses because they know seniors will go where the nursing staff is more effective and qualified.

Growing Interest

A shortage like this one is exposing the importance of investing in health care. The country doesn’t have enough schools that focus on helping folks become nurses. Different states and local governments are trying to figure out how to offer an easier path for people to become nurses, and this wouldn’t be possible if there weren’t such a significant shortage. What’s even better is that there’s a lot of interest because there’s such a shortage. Young adults are looking at this profession and realizing it represents a secure career. They also see that this path allows them to help others. With renewed interest, it’s likely the industry will continue to get better at producing talented nurses.

Improved Personalization

Personalization wasn’t something hospitals could always provide. Sure, smaller clinics might be able to do it a little better than larger hospitals, but it still wasn’t all that personal. That’s no longer the case. The shortage is also increasing the demand for more personalization. Nurses that know their value are offering their services directly to seniors in their homes. Seniors get to have talent all to themselves, and they get to feel safe at home. As this type of nursing continues to rise, it will continue to become more accessible to seniors, and that’s a great thing. Giving seniors a choice between care centers and staying at home with a person they trust is a good thing.

Reliance on Technology

The shortage is bound to create some issues. Some nurses might feel a little burned out after a while. A burned-out nurse could make mistakes that could put someone in danger. What’s interesting, though, is that this shortage has made healthcare and biological technology even more critical. There’s a lot of technology available today. There are wearables designed to help monitor seniors without even being there. If anything were to happen, the nurse could be notified to take the necessary steps. This reliance on technology will create a demand for advancements, improving the kind of care seniors can expect using tech.

Seniors should continue to pay attention to the shortage, but there’s no need to worry. Hopefully, the shortage continues to provide the industry with reasons to continue to innovate.

How to Tell if Assisted Living Is the Right Choice for Your Loved One

Assisted living is a type of senior housing created for those who need different levels of personal and medical care. If you have a loved one who is reaching the stage of needing extra support and care, it may be time to look into assisted living options. If you’re not sure what step to take next, here is a guide on what signs to look out for in your loved one which could indicate it’s time for them to go into assisted living.

Chronic Health Problems

If your loved one has chronic health problems, as they age, the condition will continue to worsen. What’s more, their immune system may weaken which will make them more susceptible to viruses and illness. Conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s can often lead to urinary incontinence too, which will require reusable incontinence pads. You may find that you’re unable to meet your loved one’s health needs, meaning it may be time to look into assisted living.

Forgetting to Take Medication

We all forget to take medication from time to time. However, this can be a real problem if it’s frequent. If your loved one isn’t keeping on top of their medication, any health conditions they suffer from could get worse. Should your loved one move into an assisted living facility, you can be confident that the staff will be there to remind them to take their medicine.

Change in Behavior

If your loved one has dementia, as the disease progresses, they may start becoming more aggressive. Sadly, this is a distressing effect of the disease, so if you notice a change in their behavior, assisted living may be the right step to take. Should you try and care for a loved one who is physically or verbally abusive, this can have a huge impact on your own health and wellbeing. Therefore, finding a safe place for your loved one with trained professionals will mean they can handle difficult situations and, most importantly, provide the right care.

Recent Falls

As your loved one reaches their senior years, they may have problems with their mobility. Falls are common among seniors and, if they live alone, there are all kinds of hazards in the home where they are at risk of falling. If your loved one has had a fall recently and you are concerned that they may be unable to call for assistance or get up, moving them into an assisted living facility will mean they can be monitored 24/7.

Difficulty Handling Daily Tasks

Whether it’s cooking dinner, grocery shopping, or cleaning, there are all sorts of tasks that we do on a day-to-day basis. As your loved one ages, the simplest of tasks may feel like an impossible challenge. If your loved one is struggling to keep on top of the house or other daily tasks, it may be time to look into assisted living options.

It can be hard to see a loved one lose a portion of their independence. However, when it comes to keeping them safe and in good health, assisted living facilities have the expertise and knowledge to look after them.

How to Support Someone Facing Loss

There comes a time in our lives when someone we love or care about loses a friend or family member. These are sad moments filled with a wide range of emotions and thoughts that can feel overwhelming for everyone involved. We want to be there for the person experiencing loss but we do not always know what to say, what to do, or even where to start. While there are a wide range of possibilities for how we can support someone else, three areas we might focus on include providing support at the funeral or memorial service, providing for short term physical needs, and providing for long term emotional and mental health needs. Using this threefold approach we have a game plan for how we can best be there for someone who has experienced loss.  

At the Funeral

Funerals are sadness-tinged celebrations of someone’s life. Coming to the funeral is a meaningful way to show those left behind that we are there for them during their time of grief and mourning. When going to a funeral it is important that you consider things such as what to wear to the funeral and what to bring to a memorial service which might include flowers, sympathy cards, or pictures. These tokens are physical reminders that you are there to support your friend. Just showing up to the funeral can provide your grieving friend much needed emotional support during this challenging time. Seeing others celebrating the life of the one who passed away as well as mourning their death can help bring closure and comfort to the one who is grieving.

Physical Needs

While the classic casserole might feel a bit impersonal when someone we care about is experiencing loss it is symbolic of the importance of finding creative ways to provide physical or material support especially in the short term. This might look like ordering from someone’s favorite restaurant and having the food delivered. This might look like giving them a gift card so they can choose what would be most helpful. This might even look like coming over and helping with chores such as doing dishes or a few loads of laundry. Taking care of our friends’ physical needs means that they can focus on grieving and not on what to eat or if they have clean clothes left. If you are not sure what you could do to help materially consider what you would do if your friend was homebound with a broken leg. It is also important to know that those who are grieving are often not in the headspace to say thank you, but that does not mean your efforts are not noticed or appreciated. 

Emotional Support

When someone we care about has suffered a loss one of the best ways we can provide long term support is by simply being present. All too often we allow our own discomfort to keep us from reaching out to the person who has suffered a loss. We are not sure exactly what to say, so we say nothing at all. But oftentimes this lack of communication can feel like being forced to grieve all alone.  Supporting someone who has experienced a loss can look like simply giving the person grieving supportive space where you simply listen to the mixed emotions they are experiencing. Sometimes simply having someone who says I see you and will sit with you during this time can make all the difference to someone who is grieving.

It is also important that we keep an eye on the person grieving because grieving can slip into more serious issues such as depression. In our role of providing emotional support it is also important that we are able to see how our loved one is doing. If someone’s grief seems to be worsening instead of getting better we may have to step in with various mental health supports such as info about a local grief support network or information about a good therapist who might be able to help our loved one process their loss. Loss is experienced differently by each person and there are moments when we need an outside support network to help us process our loss and help us move into the world while carrying loss.

How to Lessen Back Pain at Night and Wake Up Smiling

Most people may experience more back pain while they sleep than during the day while they move around performing their normal daily duties. There are numerous causes for back pain, such as injury, chronic illnesses, arthritis, and more. Some types of backaches can significantly interfere with your quality of sleep and rest.

Some people are generally fine during the day and only experience pain just when they lay down to sleep.  This can be attributed to poor sleeping positions and can be solved by adopting better sleeping styles and avoiding harmful sleep habits.

Additionally, you can try to reduce the amount of pain in your back by incorporating some healthy practices into your lifestyle. Such that when you go to bed at night, you get to enjoy undisturbed rest. Let’s take a look at what you can do to lessen back pain at night.

How Can You Improve Your Back Pain At Night?

Start Sleeping On Your Back

As ironic as it may seem, the best way to improve the pain in your back is by sleeping on it. You can further improve this position by taking some pressure off your back by placing a pillow underneath your knees. Back pain can be worse due to poor sleeping positions, especially for stomach sleepers. Sleeping on your stomach places a lot of pressure on your spine which can be harmful.

Get a Better Mattress

Having a good mattress is essential in helping you decrease different types of body aches. A thin old mattress might just enhance your back pain and muscle sores. You need a mattress that will help align your spine to provide you with comfort while you sleep.

If your mattress is not comfortable enough, consider replacing it with a not-too-firm and not-too-saggy medium mattress that will be a perfect fit for an aching back. You also need to replace your mattress in time, lest it results in long-term back effects.

Do Some Workouts

Physical exercise can be really helpful in relaxing the body. You can improve your sleep, back pain, and stress by doing some yoga, stretches, and minor workouts in the evening. Such exercises help stretch your back muscles which eases off some pressure from the spine.

If your back pain is a result of injury or illness, you can ask your doctor before trying out any workout routines just to be safe.

Heal with Heat

You can loosen up your back muscles to lessen your back pain by applying some heat. Do this by placing a heating pad on your back or by just taking a warm bath or shower. This can help loosen stiff or sore muscles.

Try Medication

Ask your doctor about some pain-relieving medications if your back pain persists. Although painkillers may not permanently solve your back pain problem, they can help you sleep better and develop a healthy sleeping pattern. Without muscle aches, you will be able to sleep better and longer than you would while in pain.

You can also use some over-the-counter medications like aspirin and ibuprofen for better sleep. Take some just before bed to help reduce just enough pain to help you fall asleep and wake up feeling well-rested.

Go the Extra Step

If you experience back pain at night that disrupts your peace and rest, your bedtime routine should involve at least one of the above tips. You can also talk to your doctor about improving your treatment if your symptoms fail to improve; you can be enrolled for therapy and other pain management sessions.

The Best-Kept Secrets to Happy and Healthy Aging

Getting older brings with it a few extra challenges, but your golden years can also be your best. They’re called golden years for a reason! You have decades of life experience and time to relax and enjoy yourself. Bring extra confidence to your aging process by learning the best-kept secrets to happy and healthy aging.

Maintain a Social Calendar

Make sure you see your friends and family often, whether virtually or in person. Loneliness causes physical health problems such as inflammation and an increase in stress hormones, as well as clinical depression. If you live in a community that sponsors activities like book clubs and movie nights, then be a part of them! Make new friends and keep in touch with your longtime loved ones.

Make Healthy Eating Fun

Keeping your diet packed with nutrients is important no matter what age you are, but it’s particularly important as you grow older. Eat as many whole foods as possible—nuts, legumes, fresh fruit, and veggies. Make a game out of it! See how many natural colors of the rainbow you can fit into what you’re eating. For example, bananas, blueberries, fresh spinach, and tomatoes are all colorful and rich in vitamins.

Demystify Exercise

Maybe you’re not quite up to a half-marathon or pickup basketball game anymore, but you can still have fun moving your body and keeping it in shape. Take up swimming or do your exercises in the pool; the water supports your joints as you move and keeps the impact low. Water aerobics classes are a great way to get your blood pumping while taking care of your body.

Keep Your Mind Sharp

None of us is exempt from the occasional “senior moment,” but keeping your brain active can help stave off symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Join a book club to incentivize yourself to read more. Hone your chess skills by challenging a friend to a game. Even playing puzzle games on your phone can keep your mind moving.

Enjoy your golden years and stay healthy by making a few simple choices every day. These are a few of the best-kept secrets to happy and healthy aging. Be sure to let your older friends in on these tips, too!

How To Be An Executor of Someone’s Will

As seniors get older they may find that their friends or family members are asking them to take on the responsibilities of being the executor of their wills. These requests can seem out of the blue, and can feel like you are being put on the spot so it is important to have some understanding of what an executor does before agreeing to be one for a friend. 

Being an executor involves a lot of moving pieces and involves a number of complex challenges that are not for the faint of heart. While seniors want to support their close friends and family, especially when faced with the possible end of their lives, being an executor is not a role that everyone is cut out to perform. Seniors will only find heartbreak if they agree to such a role when they are not able to perform all the tasks nor are able to deal with all the paperwork and drama that sometimes can occur. 

Let us explore some common questions you might have about being asked to be an executor of a will or trust.

Do Executors Plan Funerals?

While an executor does not necessarily take on financial responsibility for the deceased’s funeral arrangements depending on what other arrangements have been made executors might need to determine how such a funeral is going to be paid for either out of the estate or out of other funds. Funerals are complex affairs that occur when those involved are in the middle of grieving and may find that making choices is challenging. Some of these moving parts can involve finding a local funeral home, arranging the program for the funeral, as well as arranging who will speak at the funeral or at the gravesite. In addition, understanding what plans someone has for their funeral can help you gain an understanding around what executing their will might look like. If someone has no plans for their funeral it may mean that other documents are also not in order.

What Do Executors Do Exactly?

The exact roles and responsibilities of an executor vary depending on the particular context but in general an executor is the person who administers a person’s estate upon their death. The primary duty is to carry out the wishes of the deceased person based on instructions spelled out in their will or trust documents, ensuring that assets are distributed to the intended beneficiaries. This involves a wide skill set including financial knowledge, understanding the tax code, knowledge around selling a house or other assets, and communicating with a wide range of groups and individuals who may or may not be forthcoming with information. Executors are required to end up wearing many different hats over the course of their work.

What Mistakes Do Executors Make?

Being an executor requires a large amount of financial and tax code knowledge. Even the best intentioned executor can find themselves making mistakes that open them up to financial costs or even lawsuits. There are a number of mistakes that executors can fall into such as paying bills in the wrong order, mishandling real estate, or losing tangible assets. Being an executor can be complicated even for experts so being asked to be an executor without such background is only going to lead to legal complications. If you do not have working knowledge of the law you might want someone more qualified to step in to help you navigate the process.

What Challenges Might Executors Face?

Even if the deceased has all their will or trust documents in order, being an executor can still be a challenge. For example, one challenge is disputes with co-executors that arise when they have different levels of knowledge or understanding about their roles. Another challenge is disputes with heirs, because when processing the loss of a family member heirs sometimes fall back on old family conflicts or want to do something different from what the will or trust dictates, and struggle to understand why legally they can’t do that. Being an executor is also a major time drain and even relatively simple estates can take months and sometimes years to execute. Finally being an executor means someone might face personal liability exposure or have to pay out-of-pocket costs they were not expecting to pay. No one should agree to be an executor unless they understand the possible challenges they might face and feel like they can handle them.