Author: adm1n

WHAT IS AN ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITY

Posted on | by adm1n

ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITIES

 

Active Adult Communities are for individuals 55+--whether age-restricted or age-targeted-offer low-maintenance homeownership with a built-in-lifestyle focus.  These neighborhoods typically consist of single-family homes, cottages, patio homes, condominiums, or townhomes.  A monthly association fee covers exterior maintenance, landscaping, and shared amenities, allowing residents to enjoy a worry-free lifestyle.  Homes are usually designed with aging in-place in mind, offering open layouts, single-level living and accessible features.

 

55+ apartment communities provide rental-based living with similar age restrictions but without the responsibilities of homeownership.  These apartments are ideal for those who prefer flexibility, minimal upkeep, or want to avoid long-term property commitments.  Amenities often include on-site staff, fitness rooms, social activities, and maintenance services.

 

While both types of communities offer opportunities for active, independent living and social connection, the key difference lies in ownership and commitment. Homeownership provide long-term investment potential and a sense of permanence, while apartment living offers mobility and convenience for those looking to downsize or keep options open.

 

Both appeal to older adults seeking community, security and lifestyle-enhancing amenities – just in different ways.

 

Most of my clients or those inquiring about the active adult communities lifestyle are deciding it is time to down-size as the children(s) are grown adults and moved out more individuals or couples want to travel more and less maintenance with home.  It is time for you!!

 

Brenda Dever-Armstrong, CEO/Owner/CSA/Geriatric Advisor

The Next Horizon Seniors & Military (Veterans/Spouses) Advocate/Resources/Services/Locator

Bus Cell: 210-275-3002

Email: deverb@att.net

www.nexthorizonlocators.com

HOW TO IDENTIFY AND AVOID SCAMS

Posted on | by adm1n

SCAMMERS ARE IMPERSONATING ALL AGES – ESPECIALLY SENIORS

Even if your caller ID, text or email says your bank, credit union or other personal institutions, be cautious!  Watch out for scammers who want to video call you or take control of your screen.  Don’t click links in texts you were not expecting or share one-time codes and passcodes.    Call the institutions!!

 

Unsolicited Contact:  If you get an unexpected email, text or call of social media message asking for money or information, could be a scam.

 

Posing as someone you trust:  Scammers pretend to be figures like government officials, companies, financial institutions, IRS, Courts saying you owe money or a family member in jail – bail them out, or even friends/family.  Don’t trust caller ID  to verify their identity.

 

Pressure to act fast:  Scammers often use limited-time offers, threats or emergencies to rush you into making quick decisions.

 

Emotional manipulation:  If someone is playing on emotions like fear, sympathy, or excitement to influence your decisions, it might be a scam.

 

Requests to pay in specific ways:  Scammers often insist on payment through cryptocurrency, wire transfers, payment apps or gift cards.

THE STOP METHOD CAN HELP PROTECT YOU

These steps can help you stay ahead of scammers: 

Stay Cautious:  Always be on alert when someone asks for information or money.

Take Your Time:  Scammers want to rush you.  Slow down and think before you act.

Only Trust Verified Sources:  Double-check information through trusted channels.
Protect Your Info.  Never share personal or financial details unless your are sure who you are dealing with.

FALLING FOR A FAKE JOB LISTING

Some folks get a  message on Linkedin from a “recruiter” at well-known tech company offering a remote position with a great salary.  After the interview and they will hire you, they sometimes send a check to cover equipment costs.  You go to deposit the check but it bounces, and the equipment never arrived.  The recruiter and the company disappear, leaving you unable to get the money back.

DO YOUR RESEARCH: Do an online search for their names along with terms like “scam” or “complaint.”  BE CARE WITH CHECKS:  Scammers can make them look real before they bounce.
VERIFY THE COMPANY:  Remember: scammers use technology and social media to appear credible.  If you think it is fraud – you can also contact the Texas Attorney Office and report.

 

Brenda Dever-Armstrong, CEO/The Next Horizon Seniors & Military (Veterans/Spouses) Advocate/Resources/Services/Locator/Bus Cell: 210-275-3002/

Web: www.nexthorizonlocators.com

HOW TO IDENTIFY AND AVOID SCAMS

Posted on | by adm1n

SCAMMERS ARE IMPERSONATING ALL AGES – ESPECIALLY SENIORS

 

Even if your caller ID, text or email says your bank, credit union or other personal institutions, be cautious!  Watch out for scammers who want to video call you or take control of your screen.  Don’t click links in texts you were not expecting or share one-time codes and passcodes.    Call the institutions!!

 

Unsolicited Contact:  If you get an unexpected email, text or call of social media message asking for money or information, could be a scam.

 

Posing as someone you trust:  Scammers pretend to be figures like government officials, companies, financial institutions, IRS, Courts saying you owe money or a family member in jail – bail them out, or even friends/family.  Don’t trust caller ID  to verify their identity.

 

Pressure to act fast:  Scammers often use limited-time offers, threats or emergencies to rush you into making quick decisions.

 

Emotional manipulation:  If someone is playing on emotions like fear, sympathy, or excitement to influence your decisions, it might be a scam.

 

Requests to pay in specific ways:  Scammers often insist on payment through cryptocurrency, wire transfers, payment apps or gift cards.

 

THE STOP METHOD CAN HELP PROTECT YOU

 

These steps can help you stay ahead of scammers:

Stay Cautious:  Always be on alert when someone asks for information or money.

Take Your Time:  Scammers want to rush you.  Slow down and think before you act.

Only Trust Verified Sources:  Double-check information through trusted channels.

Protect Your Info.  Never share personal or financial details unless your are sure who you are dealing with.

 

FALLING FOR A FAKE JOB LISTING

 

Some folks get a  message on Linkedin from a “recruiter” at well-known tech company offering a remote position with a great salary.  After the interview and they will hire you, they sometimes send a check to cover equipment costs.  You go to deposit the check but it bounces, and the equipment never arrived.  The recruiter and the company disappear, leaving you unable to get the money back.

 

DO YOUR RESEARCH: Do an online search for their names along with terms like “scam” or “complaint.” 
BE CARE WITH CHECKS:Scammers can make them look real before they bounce. 
VERIFY THE COMPANY:  Remember: scammers use technology and social media to appear credible.  If you think it is fraud – you can also contact the Texas Attorney Office and report.

 

Brenda Dever-Armstrong, CEO/The Next Horizon Seniors & Military (Veterans/Spouses) Advocate/Resources/Services/Locator/Bus Cell: 210-275-3002/

Web: www.nexthorizonlocators.com

GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN

Posted on | by adm1n

Did you know that over 266,000 grandparents in Texas are primary caregivers for their grandchildren, often stepping in due to parental substance abuse, neglect or incarceration. Organizations like Texas Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (TGRG) provide essential resources, support groups, and advocacy to help these families navigate financial and legal challenges, as many grandparents face poverty, lack of resources and sudden lifestyle changes.

 

KEY ASPECTS OF GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN IN TEXAS:

 

Need of Support:Many grandparent caregivers face high costs (roughly $23,000) per year and roughly 23% live in poverty, requiring assistance for food, clothing and legal aid.

 

Key Support Organization:  Texas Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (TGRG) based in San Antonio, offers 24+support groups and resources, assisting over 2,800 families across the state, according to YouTube Video.

 

Challenges:  The transition is often abrupt leading to immense strain on retirees’ finances, physical health and emotional well-being.

 

Resources & Rights:  Texas Law Help highlights that caregivers might be eligible for one-time Temporary Assistance for Needy families (TANF) payments and other benefits.

 

Legal Standing:Texas Family Code Section 153.432 allows grandparents to request visitation or access in certain circumstance, though they do not have automatic, absolute rights.

 

COMMON REASONS FOR CAREGIVING:

 

Parents drug or alcohol addition

Neglect or abuse

Incarceration

 

FEW RESOURCES TO CONTACT:

 

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) (https://texaslawhelp.org)

 

Grandparents raising grandchildren need specialized legal options.  Explore legal options like guardianship and grandparent power of attorney to ensure well-being of grandchildren you’re raising. (www.texastrustlaw.com)

 

National Grandparents Day: Parenting Redux (San Antonio Area Foundation) (https://saafdn.org)  (national grandparents day parenting)

 

The Texas Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Founder is one of our members on one of the agencies as I am a member: Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG).  Mexican-American Mercedes Bristol is a single grandmother in Texas raising her five grandchildren and the Founder of Texas Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.  She became an Advocate for grandparents raising grandchildren at City, State and Federal levels.

If you like more information contact Texas Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

San Antonio, TX  Ph: 210-762-3208. They are a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization under IRS Sec. 501©(3). (Always looking for Volunteers)

 

Brenda Dever-Armstrong, CEO/Owner/CSA/Geriatric Advisor

The Next Horizon Seniors & Military (Veterans/Spouses) Advocate/Resources/Services

Bus. Ph: 210-275-3002

Email: deverb@att.net

www.nexthorizonlocators.com