Non-Borrowing Spouses

September 3, 2025

Understanding Non-Borrowing Spouses and the Non-Recourse Feature of Reverse Mortgages


Reverse mortgages can be a valuable tool for older homeowners looking to stay in their homes while accessing the equity they’ve built over time. But if you’re married and only one spouse is listed as the borrower on the loan, it's important to understand what this means—especially for the spouse who is not on the loan.


What Does Non-Recourse Mean?


One of the most reassuring features of a reverse mortgage (specifically a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, or HECM) is that it’s a non-recourse loan. Here's what that means for you and your family:

  • Your home is the only asset used to repay the loan.
  • If the loan balance ends up being more than what your home is worth when it’s sold, you or your heirs will never be responsible for that shortage.
  • The FHA insurance covers the difference—not your other assets, savings, or family’s finances.

💡 Compare that to a traditional mortgage (a full recourse loan), where if your home’s value drops and you owe more than it’s worth, you’re responsible for the shortfall—either by paying out of pocket or doing a short sale.


Who is a Non-Borrowing Spouse?


In a reverse mortgage, a non-borrowing spouse is someone who:

  • Was married to the borrower at the time the reverse mortgage closed,
  • Was listed in the loan documents as a non-borrowing spouse,
  • And continues to live in the home as their primary residence.

It’s essential that the non-borrowing spouse meets these qualifications to be eligible for protections under the HECM program.


What Happens If the Borrower Passes Away?


If the borrower passes away:

✅ The non-borrowing spouse can remain in the home, even though they’re not on the loan.

🚫 However, they will no longer receive any disbursements—such as monthly payments or access to the line of credit. The loan is now in what's called a "deferral period."


To continue living in the home, the non-borrowing spouse must:

  • Keep paying property taxes and homeowners insurance,
  • Maintain the home, and
  • Follow all other loan terms outlined by HUD.

🏥 Important: If the borrower moves into a nursing home or assisted living facility for more than 12 consecutive months, the loan becomes due—even if the non-borrowing spouse still lives in the home.


Reverse mortgages can provide meaningful financial flexibility for aging homeowners, but it’s crucial to understand the details—especially when one spouse isn’t on the loan.


If you or a loved one is considering a reverse mortgage, make sure to:

  • Discuss the implications with a trusted housing counselor or reverse mortgage specialist,
  • Ensure all spouses are properly documented at closing,
  • And understand both the protections and limitations in place.

A little planning goes a long way in making sure everyone in the household is protected—today and into the future.




Author: Kinga Wulczynska-Lauer


Disclaimer:

Retirement In Reverse is a mortgage company dedicated to serving older adults, financial planners, and wealth managers with a strong focus on education and informed decision-making. While we strive to provide helpful information on a variety of topics, we are not experts in all areas. That’s why we collaborate with a trusted network of professionals—including attorneys, tax advisors, and financial planners—to help connect you with the right expert based on your individual needs. The information provided in this article is for educational and illustrative purposes only. Before making any financial, legal, or lifestyle changes, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified professional who can review your personal situation. If you are considering Reverse Mortgage, call Ted Lange at 760-753-1568 to learn more.

The Benefits of Physical Activity in Older Adults

September 3, 2025
Physical activity is important at any age, but the biggest benefits of staying active might come in your golden years. Engaging in regular physical activity is a critical component of healthy aging, promoting wellness, functional independence, and an overall better quality of life. Key Benefits of Physical Activity Improved Attitude and Mood Exercise can significantly enhance mental health, reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Physical activity releases endorphins, which act as natural mood lifters, helping to improve your overall outlook on life. Better Sleep Regular exercise helps regulate your sleep patterns, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. Quality sleep is crucial for overall health and well-being, especially as we age. Stress Reduction Physical activity is a great way to manage stress. Exercise reduces levels of the body's stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. It also stimulates the production of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that are natural painkillers and mood elevators. Enhanced Mental Health Regular physical activity can help manage mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Outdoor exercise, in particular, can provide the added benefits of sunlight, which aids in the absorption of calcium and helps prevent depression. Physical Health Benefits Cardiovascular Health Sustained exercise improves cardiovascular function, reduces heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and enhances circulation. This can prevent conditions like myocardial infarction and atherosclerosis, leading to a healthier heart and vascular system. Bone and Muscle Strength Weight-bearing exercises and strength training increase muscle mass and bone density, which is especially important for aging women at risk of osteoporosis. Regular activity can delay or decelerate bone loss, reducing the risk of fractures. Improved Flexibility and Balance Activities such as stretching, bending, and twisting help maintain flexibility and coordination, which are critical for preventing falls and maintaining independence. Weight Management Regular physical activity helps control weight by burning calories and increasing muscle mass. This is crucial for managing and preventing obesity, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. Designing an Effective Exercise Program For physical activity programs to be effective for older adults, they should be multidimensional, combining: Weight Training for Strength Aerobic Exercise for Endurance Calisthenics for Flexibility Despite the clear benefits, only about 71% of adults aged 65 and over participate in leisure-time physical activity, and only one-third achieve the recommended levels. Interventions to encourage a sedentary older adult to initiate physical activity, as well as those to help maintain it, are essential. Incorporating physical activity into daily life not only enhances physical health but also contributes significantly to mental wellness and quality of life. It is never too late to start reaping the benefits of a more active lifestyle. Always consult with a healthcare provider before beginning any new exercise program to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your health conditions. By embracing regular physical activity, older adults can look forward to a more vibrant, independent, and enjoyable life. Find a physical activity that you love doing and do it every day, soon it will become a healthy habit. Have fun:) Author: Kinga Wulczynska-Lauer Disclaimer: Retirement In Reverse is a mortgage company dedicated to serving older adults, financial planners, and wealth managers with a strong focus on education and informed decision-making. While we strive to provide helpful information on a variety of topics, we are not experts in all areas. That’s why we collaborate with a trusted network of professionals—including attorneys, tax advisors, and financial planners—to help connect you with the right expert based on your individual needs. The information provided in this article is for educational and illustrative purposes only. Before making any financial, legal, or lifestyle changes, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified professional who can review your personal situation. If you are considering Reverse Mortgage, call Ted Lange at 760-753-1568 to learn more.

Memory Care Communities

September 2, 2025
When a loved one is facing Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other memory-related conditions, it can be overwhelming to figure out the best path forward. Fortunately, there’s hope and the right memory care community can make a world of difference, not just for safety and care, but for improving your loved one’s quality of life. A few months back I had the opportunity to visit Silverado Memory Care in Escondido, and I have to say, it left a lasting impression on me. This was not my first experience visiting a community that’s focused on memory care, but this one was very different. I was greeted by the community Ambassador, who has this incredibly warm personality that instantly puts you at ease. As he took me on a tour, he described the community as the residents’ home, and all of us— staff, family members, and visitors are just their guests. What a wonderful concept, right? It really shifted my perspective. For the first time, I was introduced to not just the staff, but also some of the residents. We stopped to chat with them, much like you would when visiting someone’s home. It felt natural, welcoming, and so personal. Silverado Memory Care in Escondido is part of a legacy that started back in 1996, created by Loreen Shook and Stephen Winner . They wrote a book about their vision called “New Possibilities in Memory Care”. The heart of their approach is to focus on brain activity. By engaging residents in activities, they truly love, they help them regain the desire to live. The warmth and dedication I saw there really stood out, and I believe it could make a real difference in helping someone thrive. Memory care communities like Silverado are designed specifically for individuals with memory loss, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. They offer a secure environment, specialized programs, and staff trained to meet the unique needs of residents. These communities are structured to ensure safety while providing routines and activities that help enhance memory and maintain independence as much as possible. One thing that really stands out in great memory care communities is the focus on giving residents a sense of purpose. In “New Possibilities in Memory Care”, the founders explain how important it is to find that “something” that gives each resident a reason to get up each day. Whether it’s being involved in activities, checking up on the animals, or simply feeling at home, having a purpose can greatly improve their well-being. In San Diego , memory care tends to be more costly than traditional assisted living because of the specialized care and services offered. There are about 90 memory care communities, and 22 of them are designed for purely memory care. You can expect costs to range from about $4,000 to $10,000 per month , depending on the level of care your loved one needs and the amenities the community provides. It’s a big decision, but one that offers peace of mind knowing your loved one is getting the care they need. Memory care is ideal for seniors who have cognitive impairments and need more supervision than what assisted living communities typically provide. These communities offer structured routines, memory-enhancing activities, and safety measures that are designed to help residents thrive. They give families confidence that their loved ones are not just safe but are in a place where they can continue to live with dignity and purpose. If you’re exploring options for memory care, know that the right community can help your loved one improve their abilities, their memory, and even their overall outlook on life. It’s a decision that can truly make a difference. Author: Kinga Wulczynska-Lauer Disclaimer: Retirement In Reverse is a mortgage company dedicated to serving older adults, financial planners, and wealth managers with a strong focus on education and informed decision-making. While we strive to provide helpful information on a variety of topics, we are not experts in all areas. That’s why we collaborate with a trusted network of professionals—including attorneys, tax advisors, and financial planners—to help connect you with the right expert based on your individual needs. The information provided in this article is for educational and illustrative purposes only. Before making any financial, legal, or lifestyle changes, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified professional who can review your personal situation. If you are considering Reverse Mortgage, call Ted Lange at 760-753-1568 to learn more.
More Posts