Panel of Experts Meet with Atlanta Seniors to Address Retiring in Today’s Economy

“ Park Springs hosted “Securing Your Future: Planning Your Retirement in Today’s Market,” a panel discussion that addressed the benefit of preparing for retirement in today’s economy and positive signs that the market is rebounding. ”

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(iRealtyWire.Org) – ATLANTA –Park Springs (http://www.parkspringscommunities.com/), the Southeast’s premier continuing care retirement community, recently hosted “Securing Your Future: Planning Your Retirement in Today’s Market,” a panel discussion that addressed the benefit of preparing for retirement in today’s economy and positive signs that the market is rebounding.

Atlanta’s seniors turned out to listen to advice provided by experts on the Atlanta real estate market, economy and elder care law. The overall theme of the discussion focused on the importance of preparing for the future as the market prepares to rally.

Panel members included Ruthann Lacey, one of only five Certified Elder Law Attorneys in Georgia; Roger Tutterow, professor of Economics at Mercer University and John Hunt, president and founder of the New Home Buyer, a company that creates the New Home Buyer Report for the Atlanta market.

“There is no doubt that it has been a very difficult couple of years,” said Hunt. The effect in Atlanta is without precedent. The good sign is we are getting closer to a bottom. We got too low with our re-sale prices in Atlanta, but prices have bottomed and re-sales are starting to recover. We started seeing positive resale numbers in the third quarter of 2009 and we have started to see appreciation for the first time since 2006.”

Roger Tutterow echoed Hunt’s sentiments offering the audience bold statistics that showed a possible return to the employment level of 2007 by late 2012 and early 2013.

“Where we are now is the early stages of the economic recovery,” he said. “When you have fallen as far as we have, it takes time for the market to get back to where it should be. Everything shows that the economy is growing again. By 2011 we could possibly see shortages in residential real estate.”

Ruthann Lacey encouraged the audience to begin preparing their Last Will and Testament, Durable Financial Power of Attorney and Durable Advance Directive for Health Care. She also addressed paying for long term care and how there are four ways to do so: privately, long term care insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. She added that planning for the future makes sense at a time when a person is looking to make a transition in their life, such as moving to Park Springs.

“I recommend that people consider long term care insurance if they don’t already have it. I also encourage them take the initiative to make changes like this,” said Lacey, referring to making the move to Park Springs. “There is so much more substance and joy that can come by living in a community like Park Springs. I truly believe that they will be healthier and happier.”

About Park Springs
The Southeast's premier CCRC, Park Springs enhances life for active seniors by providing independent residences alongside extensive amenities and on-site wellness and private health care facilities. The 398-home campus-style community is situated on 54 acres surrounded by Stone Mountain Park. A 64-suite health center provides assisted living, skilled nursing and dementia/Alzheimer's care. The campus style community boasts a 50,000 square foot Clubhouse serving meals in four dining rooms daily and a 12,000 square foot fitness center with an indoor swimming pool. The Seniors Housing Council of the National Association of Home Builders named Park Springs a Platinum winner. Park Springs is developed by Isakson Living and managed by Life Care Services LLC (LCS), a leader in senior living communities. LCS today serves more than 23,000 residents daily in over 80 communities nationwide. For more information on Park Springs, call 770-879-5006, 800-267-7126 or visit www.parkspringscommunities.com.

About Park Springs’ Health Services
Cobblestone, Park Spring’s health center, offers the highest quality medical, nursing and rehabilitative care in a residential environment. Our Resident Centered model provides Members flexibility in their daily activities embracing individuality while focusing on all aspects of wellness. Staffing ratios are three times greater than state required levels. A full time doctor trained as a geriatrician whose sole responsibility is the health of our Members is employed on site. A clinic staffed by our own full time Licensed Nurse Practitioner performs routine check ups, tests and lab work. Our doctor, clinic and skilled care are all Medicare certified. Home care services are provided by trained staff employed directly by our communities, licensed by the state, bonded and insured only after undergoing strict screening processes.