SmartHomeOwners

Independent living as a senior sounds great to those who still have their health and the ability to care for themselves.  But no matter how independent you try to be, there are likely still some tasks you wish were easier.  Perhaps you own a home and need help weeding your flower beds or running errands.  Maybe you live in an assisted living apartment but still need extra help at times.  Here are some convenience tips for seniors independent living to help improve your quality of life.

Find a Trusted Helper

Everyone needs a close friend or relative they can depend on.  If there's someone you fully trust who has proven his loyalty to you as a friend and helper, then ask this person if he can help you from time to time with certain tasks.  You might offer to pay him for his time if possible.  This person can help with grocery shopping, driving you to doctor's appointments or to the beauty shop, doing lawn work, cleaning, gardening, etc. 

If you have trouble standing on your feet for long periods of time in the kitchen to cook large meals, perhaps a friend or relative can cook a nice meal for you a few days per week or even daily.  Having an extra helping hand can relieve you from more strenuous duties while still being able to live independently.

Independent Living Apartments

If you've always lived in a medium-to-large size home, then downsizing from your home to an independent living apartment for seniors can be quite a big step.  You must think of your belongings and which ones you will be able to take with you.  You might have to sell your home or some belongings, or place them in the care of a relative.

You'll also need to think forward to the type of independent living apartment you'd like to live in.  Don't make this decision hastily.  Each senior living option will differ in the features, amenities and facilities being provided.

Here are some features to look for when choosing a senior independent housing option:

1. Is it well kept and clean?
2. Is free, convenient parking available for your facility?
3. Does the senior complex have tight security, including a guard and alarm system?
4. Are appliances, utilities and ample storage provided?
5. If you are handicapped in some way, are the shower/tub, doorways, etc. designed to handle your needs?
6. Is public transportation available, or does the facility provide transportation for residents?
7. Is garbage service provided?
8. Are additional services available such as housekeeping, gardens, golf, communal meals, recreational facilities and activities, shuffleboard and tennis, hair salons and libraries?

When seeking a comfortable, safe place to retire, it's important to know what conveniences are available to you.  Also consider the overall expenses, including rent and utilities, and fees for extra services.  If you previously owned a home of your own, then you'll be able to eliminate many expenses by moving into a senior apartment, such as lawn maintenance, home maintenance, homeowners insurance and property taxes.

Use these convenience tips to live your senior years to the fullest!

One way many folks earn an additional income or even their primary income is by becoming a landlord.  Perhaps you're thinking of renting out an additional home that you own or buying investment properties for rental purposes such as condos, mobile homes or an apartment complex.  No matter how you go about it, being a landlord has advantages and disadvantages.  Here are some pros and cons to think about before diving into this new venture.

Landlord Advantages

One of the greatest advantages is the income that can be produced from rental properties.  You can potentially increase your income by improving on properties and renting them for more or by adding other properties to your assets.  You can also get to know some great people.  Although you don't actually have to oversee every aspect of a tenant's life, being a landlord allows you to meet people and it provides the opportunity to help others find a suitable place to live.  You can be a great landlord by always making sure the home/apartment is comfortable with all appliances and utilities working properly.  In doing so, you can reap the rewards and profits of having long-term tenants.

There are tax advantages as you can deduct expenses from your landlord income when you need to make repairs or buy items for the property.  Advertising your property through news ads, the Internet, etc. is also considered to be a business expense.  Also keep in mind that while you're renting the home or property, it will build value over time as you build equity.  For certain vacation rental properties, you can use the property for family getaways while renting it to other vacationers for the remainder of the year.

Disadvantages of Being a Landlord

Although the profits can be substantial, being a landlord isn't all fun and games.  You must select your tenants carefully. You'll be responsible for tenant interviews, credit and reference checks, and creating a rental or lease agreement.  You must make certain decisions such as whether or not to allow pets (indoors or outdoors), if the rent will include utilities, lawn care or other necessities, and what type of security deposit will be required.

Being a landlord means you are liable for most repairs to the home including plumbing, certain appliances, electrical and heating/air units.  You are also required to fix roof or floor leaks, rotted flooring, and broken fixtures.  Also consider if you are willing to take measures to evict someone that does not pay their rent as agreed.  You may encounter tenants with health problems or other financial emergencies, so you will need to determine how long you can allow them to miss their rent (if any length of time).  And remember...not all tenants are clean or friendly.  Some will trash your place while living there or when getting ready to move out!

These pros and cons should be considered before taking on the responsibility of becoming a landlord.  As you can see, being a landlord can be rewarding but also stressful at times.

Children love to run, jump and play, but many don't have anywhere to release all that energy.  If you have young children, one way to help your children enjoy their free time while getting plenty of exercise is to build a playground in your yard.  It doesn't have to be big or elaborate.  The usual playground toys and equipment will do.  And it sure beats having to drive to a public playground every time your child is full of playful energy!  Here are some tips to get started.

Add a Swing Set

No matter how large or limited your playground area, no playground is complete without a swing set.  Swing sets come in various sizes.  Some have only the swings while others have a built-on slide, pull-up bars, see-saw or other fun features.  Almost all children love to swing, and you can use the opportunity to bond with your child as you give him a few pushes from behind.  If you have the skills and materials, you can even build a swing set of wood.  Just make sure it is sturdy, level on the ground and secure where the swings are attached to the over-head bar.  When buying a swing set, be sure it is heavy enough for your child's weight.  Otherwise, you might need to cement it into the ground to make sure it doesn't overturn.  Also, check for sharp bolts or other objects sticking out from parts of the swing.  These can be a danger to children as they run around and play.

Sand Box

Smaller children enjoy playing in sand boxes with their shovels and buckets in hand.  They can build a sand castle and make other sand creations.  You can buy pre-built sand boxes or build your own.  To build a sand box, you'll need boards and weed netting.  You'll have to buy sand to fill the box whether you buy or build one.  Keep in mind that ants and other insects like to get in sand, so be sure to spray around it often with a safe insecticide.

Play House

All kids love to have their own personal play house.  They can hold "kids club meetings," create a neat storage for their toys, turn it into a large doll or Barbie house, etc.  The possibilities are endless.  Play houses can be purchased in various price ranges, depending on the size, material and features.  They are usually priced from $200 and up.  You can also build a play house of wood and paint it your child's favorite colors.  Be sure to use wood that will not rot due to the weather elements.  Also, seal the play house well so rain and moisture doesn't seep through.

Other Playground Items

Consider adding a small pool or water slide for summer activities.  For the sports lover, add a Tee-ball stand or basketball goal.  Animal rockers or spring-action bouncers are always popular with small children.  There are also child picnic tables, see-saws and outdoor paint stations (for young aspiring artists).

Whatever products you choose for your backyard playground, make safety a priority.  No playground is any fun if it poses a danger to a child.  Make sure your children can play without worry.  Consider these tips to create an exciting wonderland for your children - right in your own backyard!

Although camping is meant to be fun and exciting, it's still important to practice camping safety.  It's certainly no fun if someone gets injured or even lost during your trip.  Don't focus so much on "rules" that your family or group misses out on the enjoyment.  But don't ignore safety completely either - camping trips do pose certain dangers if you're not careful.  These few camping safety tips will help everyone stay safe and have a great time too.

Plan an Early Arrival

Planning can help you avoid many camping mishaps.  It's important to plan your arrival so there will be enough daylight for setting up your tent and preparing your camp area.  Allow at least a couple of hours before daybreak for preparation.  Arriving early will also give you time to check out the lay of the land and to notice if there are potentially dangerous areas (especially if camping with children).  You'll be able to notice if there are fire ant hills, poison ivy/oak, spiders, large holes, snake holes, sharp rocks that can damage your tent, etc.

First Aid

Be sure to take a first aid kit along with Band-Aids, gauze, antibiotic ointment, calamine lotion, burn ointment and alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.  These can help bandage up cuts, scrapes and burns quickly without worrying about infection.

Check the Weather

It might be sunny and warm when you leave for your trip, but the weather can change at any time.  Check the weather for the area you are planning to visit.  Be sure to note if there are to be high winds, heavy rain, thunderstorms with hail or frequent lightening, etc.  If camping in the mountains during late fall or very early spring, don't forget that it can get extremely cold up the top of a mountain.  The temperatures where you live might be a pleasant 75 degrees F while temperatures in the higher elevations are below 30 degrees F with bone chilling winds!

No matter what the weather is showing, be sure to take along a rain coat, umbrella, warm jacket, gloves and toboggans - just in case!

Stay with Your Group

It may sound repetitive, but so many campers get lost from their group while exploring a trail.  If hiking with a group, be sure everyone stays together.  Each child should remain close to an adult.  If possible, give every person a trail map.  When splitting up in smaller groups, make sure no one goes alone.  Assign a time and place to meet later on, such as back at a certain landmark or the camp site.

Fire and Water Dangers

Camp fires should be monitored at all times...especially on windy days. Be sure there's plenty of room between the fire and tents or other objects that could melt or catch fire.  Also, keep some water handy in a spray bottle to douse the fire if it starts to flare too high or spread.  Read about camp fire safety and how to keep the fire contained when in a wooded area.

If staying near a body of water (creek, river, pond, etc.), insist that no one go swimming alone.  Also, watch children closely when playing near water.  Children sometimes get careless and may slip and fall into the water without anyone realizing it.

Other Tips

Be sure to check all vehicles before driving to the camp site.  Make sure the tires have enough air and that everything is running smoothly. Take along tools and a spare tire in case your car gets a flat tire.  The last thing you want is to be stranded in the middle of nowhere!

An alternative to "roughing it" is to camp in a park where there are plenty of other families around.  This will give you a sense of security, knowing others are nearby if you need assistance.

Use these camping safety tips to keep your family safe while enjoying nature's fine wonders!

When buying an older home, you should be aware that older homes and buildings tend to have pest problems that will need to be controlled from day one.  Older homes may have food crumbs in hidden areas as well as nesting areas for certain types of insects and/or rodents.  It's difficult to see whether or not there's a pest problem when taking a quick tour of the home.  That's why it is wise to do a thorough check of the home before moving in to ensure there are no harmful pests to worry about.

There are two ways to handle pest control for an older home.  You can do it yourself or hire a pest control specialist to do the job.  A specialist can not only find insects and rodents, but can eliminate them through an extermination process.  This may be necessary if the home has numerous nesting areas for spiders, rats/mice, moths, etc.  Some older homes are also susceptible to ants, particularly fire ants.  While these usually do not build their homes within a structure, they can certainly invade any home and chew holes through clothing and other items that are stored away.  They may also invade the kitchen area!

Look for Pest-Infested Areas

Some signs that pests have invaded the home include multiple spider webs along walls and ceilings, wood shavings on floors or cabinets, acorns or other pest "goodies" stored in certain areas, droppings, trails through the dust and weak slabs of wood in flooring or under the home (possible termite damage).

Termites are usually taken care of if you order a home and termite inspection.  Most banks require a termite letter before closing on a home mortgage loan.  But in some situations such as owner financing, a bank may not be involved.  In this case, you'll need to take it upon yourself to demand a professional termite inspection.

Clean Thoroughly

A good way to tell if pests are present is to clean the home thoroughly before moving in.  Clean everything from inside the cabinets to lighting fixtures to the ceilings and floors.  Also, remove weeds and tall grass from around the foundation of the home.  This can reveal unseen pest problems as well.  If there are older appliances in the home, move these away from the walls to inspect underneath.

Wise Steps

Don't allow pests to continue invading your home.  Fill any cracks in the walls, structures, around piping and wiring, etc. with caulk to prevent further problems.  If you see a pest, follow it to see if it leads you to a nesting area or point of entry.  Use pesticide to spray the inside and outside of the home.  And don't forget to spray underneath the home, or hire a professional exterminator to do so.  If doing it yourself, use a safe indoor pest spray.  These are available at many stores and will usually state on the label "Safe for Indoor Use."  Spray along baseboards and in top and bottom corners where any two walls are joined.  Spray around window sills inside and out, and in the bath and kitchen areas where there's moisture.

With proper pest control, your older home purchase can bring you enjoyment for years to come!