My understanding of a "tween" is a child between the ages of 10 and 12.

I'm finding, however, that there is another "tween" contingent that is looking for answers, and willing to pay for the effort.

The "new" TWEEN is between the ages of 70-80; healthy, able bodied, and alert...and, there's nowhere to go.

This group of people KNOWS that care (long term) could well be on the horizon if they don't kick the bucket on a tennis court, so seek out a home that ISN'T a "HOME".  Activities, including bike riding and tennis (albeit a bit of a shadow of games played years ago) are IMPORTANT to this group.  As important, however, is the knowledge that they WILL pass away (hopefully, it's quick) so the 55-plus community with no medical services is not an option.

Nursing homes are for the truly infirm; 55-plus communities are for the non-infirm with no plans to die soon (and no "final" care available).  LIFETIME communities in the form of co-ops appear to be a good solution.

There is a monthly fee, and often, several "stages".  First, the single family completely maintained home.  For those singles that prefer a condo, the "campus" includes apartments that are set up as a co-op.  The community includes tennis courts, workout room, pool, activities, etc. for this majority that chooses independent living.  Included in a fee that may range from 2500-4000/month (depending on the size of the home) are daily meals; full use of all amenities, and transportation. 

In the event that illness strikes in a debilitating way, AVAILABLE ON SITE is an assisted living facility, which can be utilized for the same monthly fee as has been present.  In the event of a catastrophe, the community also has a skilled nursing facility.  Friends made from the independent living, to assisted living, to full nursing care are ON SITE, so friends aren't lost due to the inconvenience of a move.

I found such a place on Long Island (for my mother- OK, she's TOO active) called Peconic Landing.

While these facilities don't pay real estate agents (everything is done in-house), it's a great alternative for US, THE OTHER TWEENS (we are dealing with kids, and aging parents) and affords a sense of security to our aging family members that remain active and alert- really, a wonderful alternative.

I'd like my aging relative to feel AT HOME, NOT IN ONE, when the time arrives for them to make decisions.

We have recently experienced the "do it yourself" method of real estate in New York, quite by accident.  It, so far, is GREAT.

Our seller, having had issues with an attorney in the past, refused to use an attorney to do his paperwork when a buyer purchased his home.  Having conferred with an attorney about this ourselves to clarify the laws, we proceeded to "fill in the blanks".  The buyer, although not represented by a Realtor, does have an attorney to whom the paperwork was delivered.

The title company will perform the searches required, as they do for attorneys.  The title company also provides all of the closing costs, and we (along with them) will review the settlement statement  with the seller prior to closing.

The contract has been initialed by the seller in all places that indicate the recommendation to have an attorney review it.  It is a standard LIBOR approved sales contract, and the terms are VERY straightforward.  Because this is, after all, New York, we also had the seller sign an addendum that holds us harmless for LEGAL aspects, as it was his choice to have us fill in the blanks.

It took exactly three days to get the paperwork out to everyone, and the turn around time looks to be by Friday for executed contracts.  It would have been faster had we not felt the need to double check the legality.

THE LAST TIME WE HAD A CONTRACT FINALIZED, IT TOOK THREE WEEKS WITH TWO ATTORNEYS.

Please.  For anyone that has not done this without an attorney, TRY IT if your seller, like ours, refuses legal review.  If you have performed these tasks in Long Island or in areas of NY that "prohibit" it, we'd love to hear from you.  My biggest question at the moment is:  WHY ON EARTH NOT DO IT YOURSELF?