Smartphone, iPad, and Tablet Tips and Advice for Orlando Seniors

by Michele Moon

Regardless of where you live - be it an assisted living community, your own house in Oviedo, a Winter Park apartment, or with adult children in Orlando - technology has a way of making the world smaller, helping you to communicate with friends and family, and even manage your schedule and life.

It can be especially helpful in the effort to help older seniors age-in-place (remain living in their own homes independently) as innovations like smartphones and tablets make it far easier for older adults to embrace technology and remain in touch with family caregivers. The many applications (apps) available for both phones and tablets can really be a boost for adult children/family caregivers - even for those who are trying to help Mom or Dad on a long-distance basis.

I thought I'd post a couple of videos and other resources that help explain some of the ways in which smartphones, tablets, and apps can play a role in serving seniors and caregiver families in Orlando and all of Central Florida.

We Specialize in Home Sales & Real Estate Services/Downsizing for Orlando Adults 55+

I've also come across a website for seniors run by a 74-year-old woman named Sheila Finkelstein. Check it out to get free answers to technology questions.

TechnologyForSeniorsMadeEasy.com 

Considering selling a house in Orlando, Oviedo, Winter Park, Winter Springs, Casselberry, or anywhere across Central Florida? 

Contact Lisa or Michele for a No-Obligation Consultation

Granny Pods and Mother-in-Law Cottages: More Orlando Senior Housing Options

by Michele Moon

As Certified Senior Housing Professionals in Orlando, Orange County, and from Oviedo to Winter Park to Altamonte Springs, Florida, one of our greatest joys is in seeing older adults "downsize" to new housing that truly makes them happy.

For some, an independent living community in Orlando is ideal. Others may cherish the idea of moving in with - or close to - family members.

We Specialize in Home Sales and Services for Orlando Seniors on the Move

Whether you call them granny flats, mother-in-law cottages, granny pods, or just a "guest house," renovating or constructing a second building on a property as a home for an aging parent makes a lot of sense.

Having Mom or Dad (or both) living as part of the family - yet maintaining a degree of privacy for all concerned - can be a perfect solution when the time comes for an older parent to move to a new setting where they are less "on their own."

Of course, if the parents are older Florida seniors, they may require concentrated care and proximity to their family caregivers. But in other cases, the parents may be adults 55+ or in their 60's or 70's who simply think the idea of moving to the Orlando area and taking care of the grand-munchkins daily in warmth and sunshine would be a beautiful idea!

No matter the scenario, these types of housing arrangements are common and a perfect solution for helping older parents begin the process of aging-in-place with the support of their family.

Terms like "mother-in-law cottages" are commonly used to describe a secondary building that is separate from the primary building on a property in Florida, yet also includes its own bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom.

Formally known as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), their legality is dependent on local zoning ordinances and HOA rules, but the municipal code in Orange County, Florida does currently allow them. See the specific Orange County ordinance concerning an ADU here.

If you are considering renovating or building an ADU or mother-in-law cottage, be cautious and carefully research the local laws and limitations. Still, even in cases where local ordinances prohibit such a dwellings, an exemption may be made. Feel free to investigate this possibility.

Learn More About Accessory Dwelling Units

Communities across Florida and the entire country are beginning to understand the importance of multi-generational housing and aging-in-place opportunities for seniors.

As Certified Senior Housing Professionals, Lisa and I serve as Orlando and Oviedo real estate agents who specialize in helping seniors or their family caregivers navigate the complexities of the late-in-life sale of a home and move to new housing.

Please feel free to contact us for more information on Accessory Dwelling Units in Orlando and any issues relating to a late-in-life move for a senior. We'd love to help!

Our Featured Orlando House for Sale: Four Bedrooms

Volunteer with the Foster Grandparent Program of Central and East Central Florida

by Michele Moon

As professionals who serve seniors in Central Florida, we thought it was pretty important to help spread awareness of this very cool program that helps so many people on several different levels.

The Foster Grandparent Program of Central and East Central Florida recruits and trains limited-income seniors, ages 55 or older, to provide 20 hours per week of one-on-one attention to special needs children in Orange, Seminole, Volusia, Flagler, and Osceola Counties.

Senior volunteers in Orlando, Florida receive a small, non-taxable stipend of $2.65 hourly for a minimum of 20 hours weekly helping to nurture and enhance the lives of special needs kids across Orlando and the entire area.

Typically, a foster grandparent will devote 4 hours daily, 5 days per week, at one of more than 100 locations in Central Florida ranging from schools, hospitals, drug treatment centers, correctional institutions, Head Start centers, after-school programs, and residential facilities.

We Specialize in Home Sales and Real Estate Services for Orlando-Area Adults 55+

In addition to the stipend, participating volunteers receive transportation assistance, meals while on duty, supplemental accident and liability coverage while they are serving and annual recognition.

Again, keep in mind that there are income eligibility requirements for senior volunteers, as this program is designed to help fixed-income seniors in Central Florida who can benefit from a little more tax-free income each month.

From Fairview Head Start

Of course, in addition to the small financial benefit, serving as a Foster Grandparent is a stellar way to give back to the community, stay busy, and help children who need it more than most!

Volunteers for Community Impact runs the program and is also the sponsoring agency for RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program).

Download the Volunteer Application

As Certified Senior Housing Professionals (Oviedo and Orlando real estate agents who specialize in serving adults 55+) we at the Estate Conversions Team of Keller Wiliams Realty regularly chat with seniors who could use a little extra cash and long to remain active and helpful in their communities.

Get Orlando Senior Housing and Real Estate/Moving Advice

If we may at any time be of service or offer you any advice on senior housing or other issues pertaining to adults 55+ in central Florida - from Winter Park to Oviedo to Winter Springs to Lake Mary - please feel free to contact us here!

Our Featured Winter Springs, Florida House for Sale