Substance Abuse in Senior Citizens - Are You Abusing Drugs or Alcohol?

A couple of years ago, I was in the local grocery store when the man in line ahead of me put a case of beer, several bottles of wine, a couple of bottles of hard liquor and a variety of mixers on the conveyor belt, along with an assortment of snacks.  The friendly checker smiled at him and asked, "Are you having a party?"  The man replied, indignantly, "No, this will last me all week."  The checker looked at me in disbelief.

Of course, not all senior citizens are drinking at home. I have also noticed is the popularity of the golf course bar in our retirement community.  The first night it opened, a man crashed his golf cart into a tree a few minutes after leaving.  He survived, and the story was relayed in a humorous way, but drunk driving, even in golf carts, is a serious problem for senior citizens who may already have vision and other health issues which can impair their driving. In addition, many seniors are taking medications which can increase the enhance the effects of alcohol or recreational drugs, such as marijuana.

While sometimes the signs of substance abuse in senior citizens can be obvious, in other cases it can be well concealed.  It is one reason why some senior citizens do not want to go to a hospital or stay in a skilled nursing facility, even temporarily while healing from surgery.  They are often concerned that they will not be able to freely use the drugs or alcohol they have become dependent upon.  In other cases, they intentionally search out some of the popular assisted living communities which now have elegant bars and frequent "happy hours."

As a result, I was extremely interested when WebMD emailed me a slide show titled "How to Spot Substance Abuse in Older Adults."  They were sharing this information because they were concerned that more older Americans are abusing drugs and alcohol than in the past.  In fact, according to the statistics they released, 5.7 million Americans over the age of 50 had substance abuse problems in 2020, and that is more than twice the number who had these problems in 2006.  Below is a summary of the information provided by WebMD.

If you are concerned about drug abuse or alcoholism in yourself or a family member, it may be helpful to read some substance abuse books. (Ad)  They can show you how to get started on the path to recovery, while learning more about the subject in the privacy of your home.

Spotting Substance Abuse in Older Americans

1.  Stress and anxiety in the later years may contribute to dependence on drugs and alcohol. The stress could be caused by retirement, the loss of people we care about, loneliness, sleep problems, family conflicts and financial concerns. Although not mentioned by WebMD, I have observed that some people begin to abuse chemicals as a way to cope with health problems.  They may be "self-medicating" themselves for arthritis stiffness, back pain, depression, or similar problems.  The article also mentioned that Baby Boomers became adults during a time of relaxed views about alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs, and they continue to hold those views today.

2.  Men are more likely to overuse alcohol, and women are more likely to become dependent on prescription drugs.  You are more likely to have a substance abuse problem if you are white, have a higher income, live alone, lost your spouse, retired unexpectedly, suffer from chronic pain, or you are disabled. In addition, people with a past history of either addiction or mental illness are also more likely to have a substance abuse problem late in life.

3.  Substance abuse problems may be mistaken for normal aging issues.  For example, if the person has problems with their balance, memory, or social skills, it could be assumed they are having age related problems, not alcoholism or drug addiction.  Since they are retired and no longer have to show up daily for a job, it can be easy to hide what is going on.  Even when relatives notice the heavy drinking, they may shrug it off, believing that the substance abuse isn't hurting anyone, or it is making the person happy.

4.  Signs of substance abuse vary widely, and may be hard to spot, because the person could become more reclusive or secretive about it.  Some signs to watch for include slurred speech, unexplained injuries and bruises, memory loss, confusion, mood swings, complaints about sleep problems, anxiety, depression, loss of interest in their favorite activities, poor hygiene and isolation from family and friends.  Of course, many of these issues can be caused by other diseases such as dementia, Parkinson's, or common medical treatments such as blood thinners and cancer treatments.  It can be difficult for families to sort out what is actually going on.

5. Alcohol affects people more strongly as they age.  Seniors may get drunk on much less than they used in the past. In addition, alcohol interacts with medications people commonly take for illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, dementia and depression.  Most people who drink should limit themselves to no more than one small drink a day; less is better.

6.  Prescription drugs can have dangerous interactions.  If your doctor recommends a new prescription to you, make sure you review it with both your physician and pharmacist.  If you do not improve, seem to feel worse, or develop new symptoms after adding a prescription, make sure you re-check with your doctor and pharmacist.  Always read about drug interactions, especially if you are also taking nutritional supplements, over-the-counter medications, or herbal remedies.  Some of them can have dangerous consequences when combined with prescription drugs.

7. Marijuana is being used more often by older Americans.  Some seniors are even growing their own marijuana on patios and in gardens in their back yard.  As many as one in twenty seniors may be using some form of cannabis. Here in our California retirement community, local marijuana dispensaries even advertise on television that they can help you choose the right product and deliver it to your home.  They make it very easy! It is important you discuss your use with your doctor and pharmacist, because marijuana can boost the effect of your prescription drugs, hurt your short-term memory (masquerading as dementia), and increase your blood pressure, heart rate, and heart attack risk 

8.  Illegal drugs, such as cocaine and heroin use is low, but it does exist in senior citizens. These heavy drugs can cause serious drug interactions and lead to falls, accidents and overdoses.  Most senior citizens do not handle these drugs very well.

9.  Substance abuse in senior citizens is serious, but it can be treated.  Depending on the specific issue, you should start by discussing the problem with your doctor.  There are medications which may help some problems. Other people may benefit from therapy, going through a detox program, and/or joining support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, where they can get the support of other people going through the same thing.  You may also find it helpful to read The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous (Ad) which explains how that program works and the story of the men who started it. If you join a support group, it may help you to find a meeting which has a few other older people who are dealing with the same issues.  The good news is that these treatments seem to be more effective in older people than young adults, so it is never too late to turn things around!

10.  Adult children and other relatives can help by encouraging the older members of their family to seek help for substance abuse problems.  If necessary, talk to their doctor, minister or family friends to solicit their assistance in getting help for a family member with substance abuse problems.  Family friends of the affected person may also find it helpful to join an Al-Anon Family Group in their community.  This is an organization designed to help the friends and family of alcoholics and drug abusers, so they learn how to better cope with the stress it causes them.

If you are worried about drug or alcohol abuse in another person, no matter what their age, you may find it helpful to read Alanon books and literature, which can make it easier for friends and family to cope with the stress of dealing with someone else's drinking or drug use. (Ad) Do not give up on your loved one.  There are interventions which can help them, and you, have a better life.

You can find gifts for retirees and others at my Etsy Store, DeborahDianGifts:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/DeborahDianGifts

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Are you interested in learning more about common medical problems as we age, Social Security, Medicare, where to retire, financial planning, and more?  Use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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Rehab Facilities: How to Choose the Best One for Your Situation

 

This week we have a very timely guest post from John Lewis on how to find an effective rehab facility. Many people of all ages, including Baby Boomers, are suffering from alcoholism or addiction, or they have relapsed after a period of sobriety.  This has been particularly true this past year because of the stress of the Covid-19 pandemic, financial losses, grief for the loss of family members, loneliness, and other setbacks.   

If you decide that you need help to get your life back on track, and want to kick your alcohol or other addiction problem, this article by John Lewis will help you know what to consider in making the right choice in a rehab facility.  You may also want to learn more about addiction recovery, by reading books such as "The Addiction Recovery Workbook: Powerful Skills for Preventing Relapse Every Day."  (Ad)  Below is the guest article by John Lewis.

 

5 Steps to Choose an Effective Rehab Center


Searching for the right rehab center is unlike any other decision you have to make in life. It’s not like choosing your laptop or selecting your next vacation spot. You’re dealing with a decision that will govern the quality of your life or your loved ones. Whether or not you can transition easily and successfully into a sober life will depend on which center you pick.

 
So, there is a lot to consider. You have to get this decision right in the first go. There’s barely room for a second shot. Since you’re dealing with life and death here, you must be super careful and consider the following factors before finalizing the decision:

Think About Your Rehab Needs and Goals


What is it that you want? Think about it. Which substances are you trying to recover from? Are there any destructive behavior patterns that you are trying to break? Is there some medical condition or dual diagnosis for which you seek treatment? You will know your goals and needs after you answer these questions. Do you aim to get sober after the first month? Are you aiming for a six-month mark to ease into sobriety? Perhaps a year? Only you can answer these questions and accordingly, you will need to pick a rehab which offers what you seek.

Seek Professional Help


Treatment professionals know aspects of rehab centers that a layman may not be aware of. They can make you aware of certain factors that you could never have thought of. Their advice can be a lifesaver when you're contemplating multiple facilities. Mostly they know the ins and outs of facilities and can offer a match between what you need and what the facility offers. In this way, they can connect you to the right rehab center.

Do Your Own Research


Before committing to a center, be sure to do your research. It’s one thing to make promises, but it is quite another to fulfill them. Most rehab centers will have larger-than-life promises on their home page. But, you need to dig deeper. See whether or not they follow any research-driven program, what their philosophy is, and what makes up the structure of their program.

Factors to Consider


Although you have to factor in a lot of aspects, below are some of the most important ones to think through:





Inpatient vs. Outpatient Facility
 

An inpatient facility, such as an inpatient drug rehab or inpatient alcohol rehab, will have you stay at the premises.  In case of outpatient programs, you will seek treatment and go home. Both have their own set of advantages. Which is best for you will depend on your individual preferences and needs. It’s thought that the inpatient arrangement tends to be more successful than the outpatient one, but it is also a lot more expensive. Outpatient treatment also lets you live a normal life without breaking your routine.

Number/Nature of Therapies and Treatments


There are literally thousands of therapies and treatment options out there. This allows everyone to pick what works best for them. However, it also means that the treatment you seek may or may not be available at your desired rehab facility. It’s good to do some legwork and see all options which are available.

Location


While it may not seem like a huge deal in the beginning, location does play a major role in the success rate of the program, and your ability to have a successful recovery. Remember that rehab is supposed to give you a fresh start. Therefore, a location far away from your previous life is better. It helps the person disconnect from past relationships and habits so that a new beginning is easier. Additionally, a center located in a peaceful setting somewhere near the countryside rather than in an urban setting may help a quicker recovery. A luxury rehab center may provide even better surroundings - if you can afford it.

Amenities


The sheer number of rehab facilities to pick from is huge and each one has a different set of amenities to offer. While some would provide you with really high-end facilities which would match the standards of a five-star hotel, others only give you extremely basic, yet functional, facilities. It is all about what you have in mind and what kind of amenities you need to lead a normal life, even in rehab.

Length of the Program


The majority of rehab programs last from a month to sixty days. Some can even go up to 90-days. Most experts recommend sticking with a 6-month time frame because they feel that 30 days are not enough to adequately work through the underlying issues which are causing substance abuse and dependency. Although you can find many facilities with excellent success rates with even a 30-day program, it all depends on your individual requirements. Also, sticking with a longer rehab program may not be feasible for all patients owing to familial, professional, and financial needs.

Look for Accreditations


As with any other service provider, it’s good to see if the rehab center has some seal of approval from an agency or association. When it comes to drug de-addiction and substance recovery, you would want to look for the CARF accreditation. It’s a mark that the center lives up to the required standards of performance and care in terms of their treatment and overall quality.

Final Words


Choosing a rehab center and the right program is a life-changing and sensitive decision. Equipped with the right information and proper research/knowledge, you should be able to find the best one for you. If nothing works out, you can always seek professional advice. 

* * * * * * * *

IMPORTANT  NOTE from Baby-Boomer-Retirement:  Millions of people have also found a solution to their alcohol addiction through Alcoholics Anonymous, and many rehab facilities even recommend that their patients follow their treatment with active participation in AA.  To learn more about that program, you may want to read the "Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous - Original Edition."  (Ad) Then, you can decide if you want to try their program, go to a Rehab Facility or do a combination of both, which is very common.

You can find gifts for retirees and others at my Etsy Store, DeborahDianGifts:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/DeborahDianGifts

 

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us.  You will receive a weekly email with the most current post. 

If you are interested in learning more about common medical issues as you age, financial planning for retirement, where to retire, Social Security, Medicare, common medical issues as you age, and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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Photo credits: John Lewis

Covid 19 Vaccines: What to Expect Before and After You Get the Vaccine

Every day, more and more people are getting the Covid-19 vaccine, which will hopefully lead us out of this pandemic and back to a more normal life, again.  Along with the number of people who have already had Covid and recovered from it, we could be able to reach herd immunity sometime late this year, if we manage to get the mutations under control.  

I have now had both my first and second dose of the Pfizer vaccine and the only symptoms I experienced were a little tenderness in my arm after each of the vaccinations, and I felt the need to take a nap immediately afterwards. I had no other side effects. One of our daughters who is in her early 50s and also received the vaccine, had the lymph nodes swell up under the arm where she received the Moderna shot. This is now considered a common reaction, particularly in women. One of our son-in-laws developed a rash a few days after receiving the first dose of the Moderna vaccine, and this was also determined by his personal physician to be a normal reaction.  If you have questions about any reactions you experience, you should consult your personal doctor. 

While you are waiting to get your vaccine, or if you have received it recently, you may have questions. Fortunately, the January/February AARP Bulletin and other sources have answered many of these questions, and a summary of the information is provided below.

In addition to the vaccine, what else can I do to reduce my Covid-19 risk?

In addition to being vaccinated, which is the most effective preventative, there are a few other things you can do to reduce your risk of getting Covid or, at least, having a bad case of it.  Here is what they have found to be the most effective:

    * Wear face masks, especially surgical masks or N95 masks

    * Wash hands and/or use hand sanitizer frequently

    * Get an air purifier with a HEPA filter (Ad) 

    * Test yourself using home COVID tests (Ad)

    * Take Vitamin D pills long before you are exposed.  People who regularly take statins and melatonin seem to have a lower risk of death from Covid, too.

My husband and I purchased two WINIX air purifiers (Ad) for our home and we are very happy with them.  Even Dr. Fauci mentioned that he has a couple of air purifiers with HEPA filters in his house, now.  They can be helpful in reducing the level of bacteria and viruses in your home, especially if it is necessary for you to allow repairmen and other strangers to enter.

Should I take NSAIDS or over-the-counter painkillers before or after getting the vaccine?

According to the University of California in Irvine newsletter from UCI Health, taking over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) before receiving any vaccine could reduce its ability to work and blunt your immune response to the vaccine.  The Explore Health website also recommends that you not drink alcohol the night before getting a vaccine, since the vaccine may give you flu-like symptoms, and you do not want a hangover on top of feeling like you have the flu! In fact, it is actually normal to have a reaction to the vaccine.  It means your immune system is mounting a response.  After the vaccination, it is OK to take an over-the-counter medication if you have symptoms which make you uncomfortable, although some of the websites recommended that you wait at least six hours before you do so.  If you currently take Tylenol, Advil or another NSAID or anti-inflammatory for arthritis or a similar condition, stop it a day before getting the vaccine, and start it again the following day. 

On the other hand, if you are prone to having allergic reactions to medications, Dr. Jen Ashton, who is a medical contributor to ABC News, has mentioned that she took an antihistamine before getting her vaccine, and she believes it helped. She also took Motrin a few hours after the vaccine, when she developed a fever.  Discuss you options with your personal physician and follow their advice. 

What side-effects can I expect from the Covid-19 vaccine?

According to the Centers for Disease Control, you could have the following side-effects:

• Pain at the injection site
• Swelling in the arm where you got your shot
• Fever
• Chills
• Tiredness
• Headache

Moving your arm frequently for several hours after receiving the vaccine, and putting a cold cloth on it can reduce the pain and swelling at the injection site. Drink plenty of liquids to reduce fever and chills.  If you are really uncomfortable, talk to your doctor about taking Tylenol or Advil a few hours later.  I have heard some experts recommend that people take the day off after getting the vaccine.  In some cases, the second shot has produced more side effects than the first one.

Could I have an allergic reaction?

A very few people who have received the vaccines have had a serious allergic reaction, but that has been limited mostly to people with a history of anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic reaction. The British government has recommended that people with severe reactions to drugs, food or vaccines should not take the Pfizer vaccine.  Our FDA is still considering what their recommendation should be.

If you are concerned, anaphylaxis usually happens within the first half hour after being exposed to an allergen, so it is suggested that you get your vaccine in your doctor's office or a similar safe facility with medical staff nearby who are prepared to treat anaphylaxis, and wait for an hour before leaving.  If you have serious side-effects after you have already left, call your doctor.  If you have a mild reaction, your doctor may suggest you take an antihistamine.  Remember, the risk to your health from getting Covid-19 is far greater than the risk of getting the vaccine.  

How long after getting the vaccine will I develop immunity to Covid-19?

According to Pfizer, you only have 52% effectiveness 21 days after the first vaccine dose. Israeli researchers have found that the effectiveness of one dose may be even lower, possibly as low as 33%.  The Moderna results are similar, except it takes 28 days to reach 50% effectiveness.

This basically means that if you are exposed to Covid, you have a 50/50 chance, or higher, of still developing a serious form of the disease, and some people have died from Covid even several weeks after receiving the first dose of the vaccine.  However, several weeks after the second dose of the vaccines, you can reach up to 95% effectiveness.  So, if you receive the first dose in mid-February and the second dose in mid-March, it could be mid-April before you have reached peak effectiveness.  You cannot hurry things.  In addition, it is important to remember that even after BOTH vaccinations, there is still a 1 in 20 chance that you could get Covid.  However, even if you do, being vaccinated appears to drastically reduce your risk of being hospitalized or dying from Covid.

After receiving both shots, can I go back to normal?

No.  That is very important to remember. You should still continue to practice social distancing, wear a face mask, and avoid travel.  This is because even after getting the vaccinations, 5% to 10% of people will not be completely protected from Covid-19.  Some people in your circle of friends who have already had Covid, and believe they are safe, could become reinfected.  Other people, because of allergies, medical treatments, or other health issues, will be unable to be vaccinated. Even after you have had both vaccinations, you still have a chance of getting it, especially because the virus is mutating and that is lowered the effectiveness of the vaccine.  Your best defense is to get the vaccinations, and then continue to wear a mask and socially distance until we reach herd immunity as a nation, and infection rates in your community have dropped to a very low number.

Here is the part I considered most surprising from the AARP Bulletin article:

"The vaccine itself doesn't prevent you from contracting the virus; it simply prepares your body to mount a vigorous defense so that, if you do become infected, the resulting illness is far less likely to be life-threatening."

Did you read that carefully?   You can still get Covid-19 and pass it to others, even after getting the vaccine!  It is less likely to kill you, if you've been vaccinated, but it could still kill an unvaccinated person you pass it to.  As a result, we all have to continue to be careful until at least 80% of the people in the country, especially the people we associate with, have had the vaccine.  Then, everyone you are around will be much safer from the serious consequences of getting Covid.

If you are concerned about how Covid-19 became such a serious problem, and how to prevent the next pandemic, you may be interested in reading "COVID-19: The Pandemic That Never Should Have Happened and How to Stop the Next One."  (Ad) It is fascinating. 

Should I get the vaccine even if I have already had Covid?

Yes.  Some people who have had Covid have gotten it a second time and, in some cases, it was much worse the second time. The best way to reduce your risk is to get the vaccine.  You should wait at least 30 days after you have recovered and finished your quarantine period, and then it will be a good idea to get vaccinated. 

How long will immunity from the vaccine last?

We do not know how long it lasts.  We hope it will last a year or two, but we will not know for sure until it stops working for some people.  When that happens, we will have to go through the whole process again, and everyone will need a booster shot.   It is possible that it will last much longer than we expect, much like the polio vaccine, and that would be very good news.

It is possible, according to Dr. Fauci, Bill Gates, and other people who are carefully analyzing the results of the vaccine programs, that we may need to get booster shots annually or every two years.  This is how they expect to deal with the inevitable mutations and keep them under some control. Be prepared to expect to get vaccinated again the future, although you will probably receive the vaccine through your local healthcare provider or in the same way you currently receive your flu shot. 

Hopefully this information helps everyone get the most benefit possible out of the vaccine so we can all move forward and return to normal as soon as possible.

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us.  You will receive a weekly email with the most current post.

If you are interested in learning more about financial planning for retirement, where to retire, Social Security, Medicare, common medical issues as you age, and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

You are reading from the article:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit: Pixabay

HO-6 Condominium Insurance - What is it and What does it Cover?

Many retirees decide at some point to sell their family home, with its big lawn and extensive outside maintenance requirements, and move to a condominium. However, if you have never owned a condo before, you need to know that you should purchase a condominium or HO-6 insurance policy. In some ways, this is very similar to the homeowner's insurance you had in the past, so having insurance to cover your new home should not be strange to you. However, there are certain differences between insuring a condo and insuring a house.  What do you need to know about condo insurance?

What is Condo or HO-6 insurance?

A condo insurance policy protects your specific condo unit, and also provides both personal liability coverage and living expense coverage in the event your residence becomes uninhabitable. HO-6 policies are sometimes called "walls-in" coverage, because they protect the interior of your individual unit, while the condominium homeowners association's master policy will cover the building's common areas.

It is important to know that a standard condo insurance policy will not protect you in certain situations, such as floods, unless you purchase a separate policy. You may also want to consider purchasing other additional policies, depending upon where your condo is located and how much time you spend there.  For example, my husband and I live in Southern California, where we do not have to worry about flooding in our community, but earthquakes are a serious concern.  As a result, we have purchased an additional earthquake policy.  One of the things I like about earthquake insurance is that it not only covers repairs and major losses, but also alternate housing while making the repairs.  We chose a policy with a high deductible. It was less expensive, but it will not cover minor damage to our property, such as the television or a piece of artwork getting broken.  Instead, we have done our best to make sure important items are securely anchored, so they are less likely to be damaged in a minor earthquake.  Ask your insurance agent if there are special policies you may require in your area.

Anyone buying a condo for the first time may also find it helpful to read "Condominiums and Townhouses: What You Need to Know Before and After Buying."  It could help you avoid a variety of issues and misunderstandings with your new neighbors and homeowner's association. 

What Will My Condo Association Cover?

Many people assume, incorrectly, that if they live in a condo and anything happens, such as the hot water heater leaks or there is a kitchen fire, the condo insurance will take care of the problem and cover the cost of all the repairs.  That is NOT normally true. The condo association insurance will not make repairs inside your condo. Those repairs are your responsibility and they can be quite expensive.

Before you can buy the correct HO-6 insurance policy, you need to know specifically what your condo association insurance does cover.  Typically, all common areas in a condominium building are covered under a "master insurance policy" which has been purchased by the condo association or HOA. This policy includes not only the building's roof and exterior but also internal areas such as elevators and hallways.  In other words, they take care of the building outside your front door, and you are responsible for the interior of your home.

The cost of the master policy is shared by all unit owners, usually in the form of monthly condo or association fees (which also covers other expenses the association may have, such as employees, pool maintenance, common area electricity, lawn maintenance, etc.).

There are three main types of condo master insurance policies:

Bare walls coverage is a limited master insurance policy which covers the structure, as well as most fixtures and furnishings in the common areas, only. This policy also covers any property that is collectively owned by the condo association, such as clubhouses.  If this is the type of insurance your association has purchased, your HOA fees may be lower, but the condo policy you personally need to buy will probably be more expensive.

 

Single entity coverage offers everything included in  the bare walls coverage described above, PLUS it provides coverage for built-in property such as the fixtures in individual condo units.  This may include fire damage to things such as appliances, but NOT repairs due to age or wear-and-tear. 

 

All-in coverage applies to all property collectively owned by the condo association, or which is part of the condominium structure. It is the most comprehensive condo master insurance policy,  and covers all condo improvements and additions. It will enable you to buy the most affordable personal condo policy, but will probably result in higher homeowner's association dues.

 

Essentially, you will pay for fully insuring your condo in one way or another.  Some of the coverage will come through your homeowners association master policy, and some from your personal policy.  

The type of master insurance policy your HOA or condo association has purchased will directly impact the type and amount of condo insurance you will need to purchase in order to have complete protection. Your personal insurance broker and mortgage lender will ask the association for a copy of its declaration page, which gives them details about the policy and what it covers.  Then, they will be able to tell you the type of HO-6 insurance you need and how much your policy will cost.  Make sure you fully understand exactly what is covered under each of the different policies.

Why Do You Need an Additional Policy if Your Condo Association has One?

Even if your condo association has a pretty comprehensive policy, you still need to have your own policy for a number of reasons.

Liability if you cause damage to someone else's condo - What if your hot water heater or washing machine overflows and water pours into the condo below you or next door to you?  What if you inadvertently cause a fire which damages not only your own condo but those of your neighbors?  These are common issues and they can be very expensive to resolve.  You could be liable for making the repairs to your neighbor's home, and would need to pay for another place for your neighbors to stay until the repairs are made.  Without insurance, the costs to repair both your condo and your neighbor's, as will as provide temporary housing for your neighbors, could easily amount to $50,000 - $100,000 or more, depending on the extent of the damage.

Liability if someone is injured on your property - What if you are having work done inside your condominium and a worker is injured?  If they sue you, your policy might help cover any judgement against you, depending on the coverage you choose.

Personal protection if your home is damaged - You also need to be protected if something happens to your condo and it becomes temporarily unlivable while repairs are made.  A few years ago a broken pipe in the concrete slab of our condo broke and the insurance adjuster discovered that there was also another, slower pipe leak in a wall, and it had caused extensive mold and mildew damage in the walls.  Our entire kitchen and the nearby bathroom had to be torn out and rebuilt, including flooring, cabinets and pipes.  We had to stay in a hotel. We were so grateful for the insurance. 

Reimbursement if your condo is burglarized and/or vandalized - Depending on the insurance riders in your policy, you may receive some reimbursement if your home is burglarized and/or someone breaks in and vandalizes it.  Ask your agent if you need a special rider to cover the loss of personal property.   

Other Condo Insurance You May Need

As mentioned above, in addition to your basic condo insurance policy, you may need additional policies or riders to cover special circumstances. These include flood insurance, earthquake insurance or loss assessment insurance. This last one will help protect you if the repairs to a damaged common area exceed the insurance coverage, and the association decides to assess all the residents with a fee to cover the cost of the additional repairs.  

Another type of protection you may require is vacant condo insurance.  If you plan to travel or be away from your condo for more than a month at a time, your regular policy might not cover you if something happens while you are gone, since insurance companies believe vacant condos are a higher risk. Make sure you have this additional rider on your insurance policy.

The Bottom Line on Condo Insurance

Because some retirees pay cash for their retirement condo, and no lender is involved, they may decide they do not need to get any insurance in addition to what is provided by the association.  This can be a serious mistake, primarily because of their liability risk if they accidentally cause damage to other condos.

It is also important to have a good condo insurance policy if you buy a condo as a rental property for retirement income, and you plan to lease it out.  You want to make sure repairs to your condo and all your liability coverage is in place before you allow strangers to reside there. It is a good idea to expect your tenants to also purchase a renter's policy, because your HO-6 policy is unlikely to cover their personal property.  Proof of insurance should be a condition of the lease.

Make sure you discuss all your insurance options with a trusted insurance broker before you move into your new home or allow renters to move into a property you own.  Unexpected things can happen, and it is always wise to be prepared!

You may also want to read "Condo Buying Mistakes: 46 Costly Mistakes Condominium Buyers Make and How to Steer Clear of Them." (Ad)  It could make your home purchase much more pleasant. 

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