Educational Events

Retirement offers the opportunity to reimagine how and where we live—but it also invites a deeper reflection on whether our current home continues to support our evolving lifestyle and physical needs. Over time, even the most beloved residence may present challenges to safety, accessibility, and comfort. This session provides a strategic framework for evaluating housing options that align with personal aspirations, functional realities, and long-term financial goals.

Whether considering modifications to age in place or exploring refined senior living communities, attendees will gain the clarity and confidence to make proactive, informed decisions.

You will learn:

• Essential home features that support aging in place with dignity and safety
• A comparative overview of senior housing options from private housing to community living
• A decision-making process that balances emotional, financial, and functional considerations
• How to engage professional advisors to ensure alignment with estate and wealth planning

By attending this session, participants will avoid reactive housing decisions, reduce future stress, and preserve both autonomy and financial stability.

Details:

By Invitation

Evergreen Woods Retirement Community

Sponsored by:

Shoreline Adult Education 2026 Session 1

Making informed housing decisions is one of the most important steps seniors and their adult children can take to ensure safety, comfort, and quality of life during times of transition. Whether you're considering staying in your current home, downsizing, or moving to a senior living community, this session will help you understand your options and make a thoughtful plan.

In this session, you will learn:

• Key features that support successful aging in place.
• An overview of housing options available to seniors.
• A practical framework for making the “Modify or Move™” decision.
• How to involve financial and legal professionals in your planning.

By attending this session, you’ll gain clarity and confidence in your housing choices, helping you avoid costly mistakes, emotional stress, and delays in making necessary transitions.

Details:

All sessions are held at The Orchard House from 5:30 to 6:45.

421 Shore Dr, Branford, CT 06405

Registration link will be posted in mid December.

Sponsored by:

For many seniors and their adult children, understanding the full spectrum of senior living communities is essential to making informed decisions about aging in place. This session offers a comprehensive overview of the types of communities available and the services they provide, helping families evaluate whether a move could enhance quality of life.

 In this session, you will learn:

• The differences between Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, CCRCs, and Skilled Nursing Facilities.
• Common amenities such as dining, transportation, and wellness programs.
• Typical activities offered to residents, including educational and social opportunities.
• How to compare the costs of living at home versus in a senior community.
• Key factors to consider when evaluating lifestyle, care needs, and financial implications.

By attending this session, you’ll avoid confusion and misinformation, and be better equipped to make a confident decision about whether a senior living community is the right fit for you or your loved one.

Details:

All sessions are held at The Orchard House from 5:30 to 6:45.

421 Shore Dr, Branford, CT 06405

Registration link will be posted in mid December.

Sponsored by:

Shoreline Adult Education 2026 Session 1

Making informed housing decisions is one of the most important steps seniors and their adult children can take to ensure safety, comfort, and quality of life during times of transition. Whether you're considering staying in your current home, downsizing, or moving to a senior living community, this session will help you understand your options and make a thoughtful plan.

In this session, you will learn:

• Key features that support successful aging in place.
• An overview of housing options available to seniors.
• A practical framework for making the “Modify or Move™” decision.
• How to involve financial and legal professionals in your planning.

By attending this session, you’ll gain clarity and confidence in your housing choices, helping you avoid costly mistakes, emotional stress, and delays in making necessary transitions.

Details:

Henry Koerner Center for Emeritus Faculty

Open to members only.

Sponsored by:

Whether preparing for a move or reimagining your current home to support aging in place, the process of downsizing offers a powerful opportunity to align your living environment with your evolving lifestyle. This session provides a thoughtful approach to simplifying possessions, preserving meaningful items, and creating a space that reflects both elegance and practicality.

 You will learn:

• How to navigate the emotional process of releasing long-held possessions
• A process for organizing items for keeping, gifting, selling, donating, or discarding
• How to use a floor plan to assess which large items will fit (or not fit) in the new space
• Strategies for digitizing photo albums and important documents
• How to evaluate the value and logistics of estate sales
• Ways to identify reputable donation channels for items that no longer serve you
• Packing and labeling techniques to ensure an efficient and stress-free transition
• How to select and coordinate with trusted moving professionals

This session helps participants avoid the overwhelm and indecision that often accompany transitions—ensuring your space supports safety, serenity, and the next chapter of your life with intention.

Details:

By Invitation

Evergreen Woods Retirement Community

Sponsored by:

Selling a longtime home can be one of the most emotional and complex transitions for seniors and their families. This session provides a step-by-step guide to help you prepare, market, and sell your home with clarity and confidence—whether you're downsizing or moving to a senior community.

In this session, you will learn:

• How market value is determined and how to set an optimal listing price.
• Pre-listing preparations that can increase your home’s value.
• Marketing strategies to attract qualified buyers.
• The timeline and steps involved in the sales process.
• The roles of real estate professionals and how they support your transaction.

By attending this session, you’ll avoid common pitfalls such as underpricing, over-preparing, or feeling overwhelmed by the process—and instead move forward with peace of mind and a clear plan.

Details:

All sessions are held at The Orchard House from 5:30 to 6:45.

421 Shore Dr, Branford, CT 06405

Registration link will be posted in mid December.

Sponsored by:

Selling a residence—whether a long-held family home or a secondary property—is both a financial milestone and a personal transition. This session offers a strategic roadmap for navigating the sale with clarity, confidence, and composure. By combining market-savvy insights with practical guidance, attendees will learn how to optimize value while minimizing the stress often associated with preparing, listing, and closing on a home.

 You will learn:

• How market value is determined and how to position your property competitively
• Pre-listing enhancements that yield the highest return on investment
• Marketing strategies that attract qualified buyers and elevate perceived value
• The timeline and key milestones of a successful sale
• The roles and responsibilities of legal, financial, and real estate professionals

This session empowers participants to avoid costly missteps, underselling, and unnecessary delays—ensuring a smooth and profitable sale.

Details:

By Invitation

Pomperaug Woods Retirement Community

Sponsored by:

Downsizing can be a liberating step toward a simpler, more manageable lifestyle—but it can also feel overwhelming. This session is designed to help seniors and their families approach the process with practical strategies and emotional support.

In this session, you will learn how to:

• Manage the emotional aspects of letting go of possessions.
• Break the process into manageable steps to reduce stress.
• Use your new floor plan to guide furniture decisions.
• Categorize and tag items for keeping, gifting, selling, donating, or discarding.
• Digitize photo albums and important paperwork.
• Evaluate whether an estate sale is worthwhile.
• Identify donation sites for unsellable items.
• Pack and label boxes for efficient unpacking.
• Choose and coordinate with a reputable moving company.

By attending this session, you’ll avoid the chaos and emotional strain that often accompany downsizing—and instead experience a smoother, more empowering transition.

Details:

All sessions are held at The Orchard House from 5:30 to 6:45.

421 Shore Dr, Branford, CT 06405

Registration link will be posted in mid December.

Sponsored by:

Downsizing can be a liberating step toward a simpler, more manageable lifestyle—but it can also feel overwhelming. This session is designed to help seniors and their families approach the process with practical strategies and emotional support.

In this session, you will learn how to:

• Manage the emotional aspects of letting go of possessions.
• Break the process into manageable steps to reduce stress.
• Use your new floor plan to guide furniture decisions.
• Categorize and tag items for keeping, gifting, selling, donating, or discarding.
• Digitize photo albums and important paperwork.
• Evaluate whether an estate sale is worthwhile.
• Identify donation sites for unsellable items.
• Pack and label boxes for efficient unpacking.
• Choose and coordinate with a reputable moving company.

By attending this session, you’ll avoid the chaos and emotional strain that often accompany downsizing—and instead experience a smoother, more empowering transition.

Details:

Henry Koerner Center for Emeritus Faculty

Open to members only.

Sponsored by:

As care needs evolve, choosing the right home care agency becomes a critical decision for seniors and their adult children. This session offers a practical roadmap to help you understand your options and make informed choices before a crisis arises.

In this session, you will learn:

• The types of home care available, including non-medical, skilled care, PT, and hospice.
• How to recognize when home care may be needed.
• How to address common objections and concerns from loved ones.
• Ways home care can reduce caregiver burnout and family stress.
• How to compare agencies and match with the right caregiver.
• Tips for effective communication and problem-solving with caregivers.
• Average costs and payment options, including insurance and veterans’ benefits.
• How to plan ahead to avoid urgent, last-minute decisions.

By attending this session, you’ll avoid the stress and confusion of navigating home care under pressure—and instead be prepared with the knowledge to make thoughtful, proactive choices.

Details:

All sessions are held at The Orchard House from 5:30 to 6:45.

421 Shore Dr, Branford, CT 06405

Registration link will be posted in mid December.

Sponsored by:

A well-maintained home is essential for aging in place safely and comfortably. Yet many seniors delay maintenance, risking safety issues and loss of equity. This session empowers seniors and their families to take control of home upkeep and protect one of their most valuable assets.

In this session, you will learn how to:

• Create and follow a home maintenance plan.
• Develop a capital improvement strategy for major repairs.
• Select qualified and cost-effective contractors.
• Manage projects from start to finish with confidence.

By attending this session, you’ll avoid costly repairs, safety hazards, and diminished home value—ensuring your home remains a safe and financially sound place to live.

Details:

All sessions are held at The Orchard House from 5:30 to 6:45.

421 Shore Dr, Branford, CT 06405

Registration link will be posted in mid December.

Sponsored by:

Selling a residence—whether a long-held family home or a secondary property—is both a financial milestone and a personal transition. This session offers a strategic roadmap for navigating the sale with clarity, confidence, and composure. By combining market-savvy insights with practical guidance, attendees will learn how to optimize value while minimizing the stress often associated with preparing, listing, and closing on a home.

 You will learn:

• How market value is determined and how to position your property competitively
• Pre-listing enhancements that yield the highest return on investment
• Marketing strategies that attract qualified buyers and elevate perceived value
• The timeline and key milestones of a successful sale
• The roles and responsibilities of legal, financial, and real estate professionals

This session empowers participants to avoid costly missteps, underselling, and unnecessary delays—ensuring a smooth and profitable sale.

Details:

By Invitation

Evergreen Woods Retirement Community

Sponsored by:

As our lifestyle and health needs evolve, many individuals find that home care becomes an essential part of maintaining independence, comfort, and well-being. This session offers a discerning guide to navigating the complexities of home care—helping you identify the right agency and caregiver match based on your unique preferences, medical requirements, and family dynamics. Whether planning proactively or responding to emerging needs, this program empowers you to make thoughtful, informed decisions.

You will learn:

• The spectrum of home care services from non-medical support to skilled services.
• How to recognize early signs that indicate home care may be beneficial
• How to address common objections and concerns from family members or care recipients
• A process for researching, comparing, and vetting agencies
• Identifying caregiver matches aligned with your preferences
• Communication strategies for resolving issues with caregivers and agencies

This session helps participants avoid last-minute decisions, mismatched care arrangements, and financial uncertainty—ensuring home care is a source of support, not stress.

Details:

By Invitation

Evergreen Woods Retirement Community

Sponsored by:

As retirement unfolds, one of the most overlooked yet critical components of financial planning is the cost of care. Whether care is needed at home, in a senior living community, or in a skilled nursing facility, these expenses can significantly impact long-term financial security. This session offers a strategic lens through which to understand, anticipate, and plan for care-related costs—ensuring your lifestyle and legacy remain aligned with your financial goals.

 You will learn:

• Why care costs represent a unique and often underestimated financial risk in retirement
• Strategies for integrating care planning into your broader financial roadmap
• Insights from a panel of experts—including financial advisors and long-term care insurance specialists—who will share real-life case studies of families navigating care planning, the decisions they made, and the outcomes they achieved

This session helps participants avoid unexpected financial strain, reactive decision-making, and erosion of long-term wealth—empowering you to plan for care with clarity and confidence.

Details:

By Invitation

Evergreen Woods Retirement Community

Sponsored by:

Estate planning is not a one-time task—it’s a dynamic process that should evolve alongside your life. As you navigate transitions such as retirement, relocation, changes in health, or shifts in family structure, revisiting your estate documents becomes essential to ensure they continue to reflect your wishes and protect those you care about. This session offers a sophisticated overview of the legal instruments and strategic considerations that support long-term goals, family harmony, and legacy preservation.

 You will learn:

• The role of wills in articulating posthumous wishes and distributing assets
• How trusts can provide control, privacy, and tax advantages across generations
• The importance of power of attorney for financial and legal decision-making in the event of incapacity
• How a healthcare proxy ensures your medical preferences are honored when you’re unable to speak for yourself

This session helps participants avoid outdated documents, legal ambiguity, and unintended consequences—ensuring your estate plan remains aligned with your values and responsive to life’s changes.

Details:

By Invitation

Evergreen Woods Retirement Community

Sponsored by: