Community Corner

While I was in the process of adopting my youngest daughter, my mom was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s—fast-moving and relentless. The disease hit in waves, each one pulling away more of her memory and abilities. It was heartbreaking. I was 41, holding a new baby in my arms, while watching my 61-year-old mother rapidly age before my eyes. I had been given the responsibility to oversee her care.

I remember sitting with her at a Subway restaurant, trying to feed my baby with a spoon, and realizing my mom couldn’t manage to feed herself a sandwich. She could still hold it, but couldn’t quite line it up to her mouth. That moment hit hard—her diagnosis had only been a few months prior.

A few months later, I visited her again. She asked me to take her to the bathroom—right along with my toddler. We arrived at the park and I said in my most cheerful voice, “Alright, who wants to go potty first?” My mom shot her hand up like a little kid and said, “I do!” She was completely serious. That’s where the disease had taken her.

When she lost the ability to walk or feed herself, the only option was a nursing home. There was no way to get a house set up fast enough—and hospice was already needed.

Within 2 to 3 years of her diagnosis, she could no longer walk, chew food, or speak in full sentences. I remember taking her to the nursing home at Christmastime. We brought her to a holiday event in the community room. As we were getting ready to leave, she turned to me and said, “Mommy, I’m ready to go now.” I told her she’d be staying. She got upset: “But I’ve been good… I’ll be good… I promise I’m good. I want to go home!”

She called me "Mommy." That broke me. That moment made it clear: I couldn’t take care of her at home even if I could get a new house with round the clock nurses! It would be too hard!

That was the last time I heard her say more than one word together. She lost the ability to speak within weeks after that. She was a like a baby at that point and no longer like a toddler.

It was a hard journey. But there were beautiful moments, too. I remember feeding her chocolates at a candy store. Singing to her in the nursing home. Just sitting quietly in her room, doing nothing but being with her. I also remember driving home in tears, in disbelief at how quickly things would change from one week to the next.

And still—I felt honored. I was the middle daughter, yet I was the one trusted to handle her care. It was a privilege.

Today’s newsletter was prepared to focus on the needs of Baby Boomers—who make up a large percentage of homeowners in Pennsylvania. But writing it brought up so many personal memories. My mom made a living will while she was still in her right mind. She didn’t have time to make a full will. I’m grateful for the living will—it gave me guidance when the decisions felt too heavy to carry alone.

She had tried so hard to save something for us. But in the end, each of us received $600. That was it. The sadness wasn’t about the money. It was knowing how much she would have wanted us to have more.

Now, as a parent, I want to make sure my kids are better prepared. That what I work so hard for ends up helping them.

This newsletter is for anyone who is aging—or who loves someone who is. Have the hard conversations before it hits too close to home.

🌿 Aging Well: Planning for the Next Chapter

🛡️ Long-Term Care Insurance: Peace of Mind for the Future

Long-term care insurance can be a financial lifesaver. It helps cover services like in-home care, assisted living, or nursing homes—expenses that Medicare doesn’t fully handle. Policies are more affordable when purchased earlier, ideally in your 50s or early 60s.

• Debbie McGee is an Insurance Agent who specializes in this type of insurance. Her Phone number is Cell:  484-529-4033 and her email is [email protected]

📜 Estate Planning: Your Legacy, Your Way

Estate planning isn't just about wills; it's about ensuring your wishes are honored. Consider setting up a durable power of attorney, healthcare directives, and trusts to protect your assets and provide guidance for your loved ones.

• Bellomo & Associates, LLC  -Estate Planning & Elder Law - bellomoassociates.com has free information sessions

  They have a great free event coming up see this Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/share/16uXc7KSu6/?mibextid=wwXIfr

🏡 55+ Communities in Lancaster County: Embrace the Lifestyle

Lancaster County offers several vibrant 55+ communities:

• Willow Valley Communities: An award-winning community in Lancaster, PA, offering a variety of residence styles and amenities. garmanbuilders.com+7Willow Valley Communities+7Four Seasons at Elm Tree+7

• Four Seasons at Elm Tree: Located in Mount Joy, PA, this community features single-family homes designed for active adults. Four Seasons at Elm Tree+155places+1

• Home Towne Square: A unique 55+ community in Lancaster County, PA, known for its “Arts & Crafts-style” new homes. ownalandmark.com

🗣️ Talking with Your Parents About Aging: Tips for Adult Children

Starting conversations about aging can be tough. Here are some tips:

• Choose the Right Time: Find a quiet, stress-free moment to talk.

• Be Empathetic: Listen actively and validate their feelings.

• Discuss Specific Scenarios: Talk about what they would want in certain situations, like medical emergencies.

• Involve Professionals: Sometimes, bringing in a financial advisor or eldercare specialist can help facilitate the conversation.

Gentle Strolls in Lancaster County: Trails to Enjoy

Looking for easy, scenic trails? Here are some local favorites:

• Conestoga Greenway Trail: A flat, paved trail in Lancaster City, perfect for leisurely walks. Reddit

• Northwest Lancaster County River Trail: This 14-mile trail offers beautiful views along the Susquehanna River. Wikipedia

• Conewago Recreation Trail: A 5-mile crushed limestone trail, ideal for walking and cycling. Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1

• Golf Loop at Lancaster County Park: A pleasant, easy 3-mile trail suitable for families. Lanc Co Day Hikes+2Unique Lancaster Experiences+2komoot+2

Estate Planning Firms in Lancaster County

1. Law Office of Shawn M. Pierson (Lititz, PA)
Specializes in wills, powers of attorney, living wills, and trust planning. Also offers elder law services, including Medicaid qualification assistance and guidance on assisted living and nursing home planning. www.piersonelderlaw.com

2. Gibbel Kraybill & Hess LLP (Lancaster, PA)
Provides comprehensive estate planning services, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and living wills. They also offer estate administration services and have an elder law practice area for medical assistance planning and guardianships. Gibbel Kraybill & Hess+1Appel Yost LLP - Attorneys at Law+1

3. Spencer Law Firm (Lancaster, PA)
Focuses on estate planning, trust and estate administration, and tax counsel. They also provide expert witness testimony and consultation services. Spencer Law Firm

4. Nikolaus & Hohenadel, LLP (Lancaster, PA)
Offers a range of estate planning options, including wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, and advanced tax planning documents. They also handle trust and estate administration and have experience in Orphans’ Court matters. NH LAW+1Spencer Law Firm+1

5. May Herr & Grosh LLP (Lancaster, PA)
Assists with drafting comprehensive estate plans, including wills, powers of attorney, and various types of trusts. They also provide guidance for seniors living in care facilities. mhglawfirm.com

Coffee, Wine, and Good Company: The Best Lancaster Spots for Leisurely Meetups

Aging gracefully doesn’t mean slowing down—it means savoring the moment. Lancaster County is full of cozy coffee shops, scenic wineries, and welcoming eateries where you can catch up with friends, chat with your adult kids, or enjoy a quiet moment with the one you love.

Here are some of our favorite places where connection and comfort go hand-in-hand:

☕ Coffee Shops with Charm

• Passenger Coffee (Prince Street, Lancaster) Clean design, great coffee, and downtown energy. Perfect for people-watching or a mid-morning meet-up.

• New Holland Coffee Co. (Lititz & New Holland) Spacious seating, good lighting, and excellent lattes. Bonus: their bakery items are delicious.

• Cafe One Eight (Lancaster City) Known for its friendly vibe and local art, this is a go-to for casual brunch or light conversation.

🍷 Wineries Worth the Drive

• Waltz Vineyards (Manheim) Classy tasting room and vineyard views make this a wonderful spot to sip and reconnect.

• Nissley Vineyards (Bainbridge) Known for live music events and a relaxing outdoor setting. Great for a warm evening or weekend plan.

• Grandview Vineyard (Mount Joy) Offers tastings and events throughout the year. Intimate and scenic—ideal for couples.

🥗 Lunch and Light Bites

• The Pressroom (Lancaster City) With its historic charm and quiet courtyard, it’s perfect for catching up.

• The Tomato Pie Cafe (Lititz) A local gem with fresh food and a casual vibe. Great for multi-generational outings.

• Rachel’s Cafe & Creperie (Lancaster) Unique, cozy, and consistently rated as one of the top places to grab a relaxed bite.

Whether you’re downsizing your schedule or just savoring slower mornings, these spots offer the perfect backdrop for meaningful moments.

So grab a friend—or your favorite book—and settle in. You’ve earned it.

Aging with Purpose: Volunteering Opportunities in Lancaster, PA

As we age, finding purpose becomes just as important as staying active. One of the best ways to do both? Volunteering. Giving back not only benefits the community but also enhances mental well-being, provides social interaction, and keeps the heart and hands busy. Lancaster, PA offers a rich variety of opportunities perfectly suited for retirees and older adults looking to stay engaged and make a difference.

1. Lancaster Food Hub

The Lancaster Food Hub provides clothing, food, and housing support to neighbors in need. They always welcome helping hands to sort donations, assist in the pantry, or provide administrative help. A great option for folks who enjoy behind-the-scenes work or offering a compassionate presence.

2. United Way of Lancaster County

Their "Volunteer Center" is a hub of opportunities from reading to children to helping seniors with errands. It’s a flexible way to find your perfect fit—whether you're passionate about education, financial literacy, or health-related causes.

3. Mennonite Home Communities & Brethren Village

These senior living communities welcome volunteers to help with events, music therapy, reading groups, or even just chatting with residents who don’t get many visitors. A beautiful way to give the gift of time and presence.

4. Lancaster Public Library

Whether it’s shelving books, hosting a story hour, or helping someone use a computer, the library is a great, low-impact way to connect with people and support literacy in our community.

5. Local Churches and Faith-Based Groups

From packing meals to helping with community outreach events, churches across Lancaster have ongoing needs. It’s a wonderful way to stay involved in ministry work, even in retirement.

Volunteering adds depth to your days, connection to your community, and joy to your journey. Whether you're stepping into retirement or just looking for a little more meaning in your week, these organizations make it easy to get started.

Real Estate Tips

Downsizing? Here's Where to Donate, Sell, or Store Your Stuff in Lancaster

The idea of downsizing often comes with a mix of relief and anxiety. Whether you're transitioning into a smaller home, preparing for a move to a 55+ community, or simply decluttering for peace of mind, knowing where your belongings can find a second life helps make the process smoother.

Here’s a Lancaster-local guide to help you lighten the load:

🧸 Donate It

• CommunityAid (Lancaster): Accepts clothing, home goods, and small furniture. Their mission supports local nonprofits.

• Habitat for Humanity ReStore: A great spot for donating furniture, appliances, and building materials. Proceeds fund local housing projects.

• Water Street Mission: Accepts clothing, hygiene products, and non-perishable food. Your donations directly serve Lancaster’s homeless population.

💲 Sell It

• The Hines Auction Service: Offers estate sale services and can handle everything from appraisals to clean-outs.

• Facebook Marketplace & Craigslist: Easy, local, and fast. Great for furniture, kitchen items, or yard tools.

• Just Between Friends Consignment Sales: Perfect for gently used children’s clothing and toys.

📦 Store It

• Moove In Self Storage (Multiple Lancaster locations): Month-to-month leases make it flexible for short- or long-term needs.

• Martin's Self Storage: Locally owned, with options for climate-controlled units.

Whether you're parting with antiques or just clearing out a closet, know that every donation or sale is a step toward a simpler, more peaceful space.

Food For Thought

Helping Your Parents Through the Next Chapter: A Guide for Adult Children

Watching your parents age brings a shift in roles—one that can be equal parts emotional and empowering. Whether you're helping them downsize, choose a 55+ community, or plan their estate, it’s important to approach these conversations with care, patience, and a little planning.

🗣️ Start With Empathy, Not Urgency

These are big transitions. Begin the conversation in a low-pressure environment. Instead of launching into paperwork, ask how they’re feeling about this stage in life. Let it be about their story—not just logistics.

🏡 Explore Options, Together

If they’re considering downsizing or moving to a senior-friendly neighborhood, go on a few tours together. Lancaster offers wonderful communities like Willow Valley, Home Towne Square, and Four Seasons at Elm Tree that are worth checking out.

📜 Talk About Planning—Before It’s Needed

Long-term care insurance, living wills, and estate planning may seem awkward to bring up, but it's easier before a crisis hits. Let them know it’s about honoring their wishes, not controlling their choices. Consider attending the meeting with them and having a trusted local estate planner like Gibbel Kraybill & Hess or Spencer Law Firm lead the way.

🚶‍♂️ Stay Active, Stay Social

Encourage your parents to stay connected with friends and routines that bring joy. Suggest walks at Conestoga Greenway or coffee dates at New Holland Coffee Co. Shared time matters—whether it’s volunteering together, attending a local concert, or visiting a winery for a sunset sip.

🧘‍♀️ Don’t Forget Your Role

You’re not meant to fix everything, but you are part of the support system. Set boundaries, delegate with siblings if possible, and take care of your own emotional health, too.

This season is about building bridges—not taking over. With a thoughtful, loving approach, you can walk beside your parents as they navigate this next chapter with grace and dignity.

Sandra Burkholder

EXP Realty – Licensed Real Estate Agent since 2000

Serving Lancaster, Chester, Berks and York County PA

With a passion for connecting people to their dream homes and investment opportunities, I bring a professional yet approachable touch to every real estate transaction. Specializing in high-value residential properties and commercial real estate, I combine a sharp eye for detail with a deep understanding of buildings, honed through my experience conducting insurance inspections for commercial and high-value homes. This expertise allows me to provide unique insights to clients, ensuring they make confident and informed decisions.

My career is built on a foundation of trust, expertise, and a commitment to creating community. As a Lancaster County local with a background in urban living from my time in Philadelphia, I offer a unique perspective on rural, suburban, and city lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking your dream luxury home, exploring investment opportunities, or making your first real estate purchase, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

When I’m not working with clients, I’m a busy mom to 8 amazing kids (most are adults now): 2 biological, 2 stepchildren, 2 through domestic adoption, and 2 through international adoption. I also love baking cakes, experimenting with international recipes, and spending time with my 2 cats and 2 dogs. My new Shichonpoo, Lyric, is often seen by my side, adding a bit of charm to my day-to-day adventures. I’m also passionate about weight training, relaxing with jazz and blues music, and indulging in red wine and very dark chocolate.

Let’s work together to achieve your real estate goals with expertise, care, and a personal touch!

www.sandraburkholder.com www.wayfaringlanaster.com [email protected] [email protected]

Not intended to solicit any properties already listed for sale with another real estate agent. If your home is already for sale, then please disregard this message.