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Let's face it: as we get older, some everyday tasks can become a real hassle. Luckily, technology is here to help! From online grocery shopping to ride-hailing apps, there are plenty of ways that technology can simplify your life and make things a little bit easier. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the ways that technology can help seniors and provide some tips on getting started. Grocery Shopping and Meal Planning Remember the days when you had to make a list, drive to the store, and push a heavy cart up and down the aisles? With online grocery shopping and meal planning apps, those days are long gone. You can now order your groceries from the comfort of your own home and have them delivered right to your door. No more fighting for a parking spot or lugging heavy bags back to your car. Plus, meal planning apps can help you save time and reduce stress by suggesting recipes and generating shopping lists for you. Banking and Bill Paying Managing your finances can be a real headache, but technology can help make it a breeze. Online banking and bill pay allow you to view your accounts, transfer money, and pay bills all in one place. No more worrying about lost checks or missed payments - everything is right at your fingertips. Transportation Getting around town can be a challenge, especially if you don't drive or have trouble navigating. But with ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft, you can easily get a ride with just a few taps on your phone. Plus, GPS navigation can help you find your way to new places without getting lost or frustrated. Home Management Smart home devices like voice assistants can help you control your home environment with ease. From adjusting the temperature to turning on the lights, you can do it all with just your voice. No more fumbling with buttons or trying to remember which switch controls which light. Communication Staying connected with friends and family is important, but it can be tough if you live far away or have mobility issues. That's where video chat apps like Zoom and social media come in handy. You can catch up with loved ones face-to-face or keep up with their latest news and updates from afar. So there you have it - just a few of the ways that technology can make your life easier. Of course, it can be intimidating to try new things, especially if you're not tech-savvy. But don't worry - there are plenty of resources available to help you get started. Your local library or community center may offer classes or workshops on technology, or you can ask a friend or family member to lend a hand. Remember, it's never too late to learn something new and embrace the benefits of technology. So why not give it a try and see how it can simplify your life?

Raleigh, NC is a great place to live for active adults looking for a vibrant community with plenty of amenities and activities. There are several active adult communities in the Raleigh area that offer a range of home styles and amenities to suit your needs. Here are some of the top active adult communities in Raleigh, along with nearby shops, healthcare facilities, and restaurants: Carolina Arbors by Del Webb: Located in Durham, just a short drive from Raleigh, Carolina Arbors is a large active adult community with over 1,200 homes. The community features a wide range of home styles, including single-family homes, villas, and townhomes, with an average home size of around 2,000 square feet. The community has a clubhouse with a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, and a range of social clubs and activities. Nearby shops include Brier Creek Commons, a large outdoor shopping center with over 70 stores and restaurants, and Streets at Southpoint, an indoor mall with over 150 stores. Nearby healthcare facilities include Duke Regional Hospital and UNC Hospitals. Popular restaurants in the area include Gonza Tacos y Tequila, P.F. Chang's, and Ruth's Chris Steak House. The average home value in Carolina Arbors is around $400,000. Creekside at Bethpage: Located in Durham, Creekside at Bethpage is another active adult community that offers a variety of home styles, including single-family homes and townhomes. The community has around 650 homes, with an average home size of around 1,900 square feet. The community features a clubhouse with a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, walking trails, and social clubs. Nearby shops include the Northgate Mall, which features over 60 stores and restaurants. Nearby healthcare facilities include Duke Regional Hospital and UNC Hospitals. Popular restaurants in the area include City Barbeque, Dickey's Barbecue Pit, and Pompieri Pizza. The average home value in Creekside at Bethpage is around $350,000. Regency at White Oak Creek: Located in Apex, just outside of Raleigh, Regency at White Oak Creek is a 55+ community featuring single-family homes and townhomes. The community has around 550 homes, with an average home size of around 2,400 square feet. The community features a clubhouse with a fitness center, outdoor pool, tennis courts, and social clubs and activities. Nearby shops include the Beaver Creek Commons shopping center, which features over 50 stores and restaurants. Nearby healthcare facilities include WakeMed Cary Hospital and UNC Hospitals. Popular restaurants in the area include Bonefish Grill, Chili's, and Jimmy V's Steakhouse. The average home value in Regency at White Oak Creek is around $550,000. The Courtyards at Andrews Chapel: Located in Durham, The Courtyards at Andrews Chapel is an active adult community featuring single-family homes and villas. The community has around 130 homes, with an average home size of around 2,300 square feet. The community features a clubhouse with a fitness center and outdoor pool, as well as walking trails and social clubs. Nearby shops include the Brier Creek Commons and the Northgate Mall. Nearby healthcare facilities include Duke Regional Hospital and UNC Hospitals. Popular restaurants in the area include Mez Contemporary Mexican and Trali Irish Pub. The average home value in The Courtyards at Andrews Chapel is around $500,000. The Villages of Apex: Located in Apex, just outside of Raleigh, The Villages of Apex is an active adult community featuring single-family homes and townhomes. The community has around 450 homes, with an average home size of around 2,500 square feet. The community features a clubhouse with a fitness center, outdoor pool, walking trails, and social clubs and activities. The average home value in The Villages of Apex is around $500,000. As you can see, there are plenty of active adult communities in Raleigh, NC to choose from, each with their own unique amenities and features. Whether you are looking for a large community with a wide range of social clubs and activities or a smaller community with a more intimate feel, there is sure to be a community that meets your needs. If you're interested seeing properties available in these communities, don't hesitate to contact Kelly Smith. She can provide you with more information and help you find your perfect home in one of these amazing communities.

Moving is never an easy decision, even if it is for a good reason such as moving to be closer to family or downsizing. Leaving the home you’ve grown accustomed to and made memories in is hard, but purchasing your next home shouldn’t be. Take at look at these five tips to make this transition as seamless as possible. Hire a realtor Although this might sound obvious, there is a big difference between a realtor and a reliable realtor. You’ve likely seen ads for real estate agents just about everywhere you turn via yard signs, online ads, and those glaring sponsored public benches, so how do you weed out the bad eggs? Start by asking the agent in question for their credentials. Consider it a bonus if they are a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), meaning they completed training to help senior homebuyers and sellers in the 50 plus age range. Ask the realtor to provide contact information for past clients, especially for properties that are similar to yours. Don’t forget to ask how long they’ve been in business. Consider aging in place Even if age isn’t on your mind at the moment, wouldn’t it be nice if your next home aged with you? Aging in place, or living in your home for as long as you are able, requires a little bit of planning. For example, if you purchase a two-story home, make sure there is a bedroom on the first floor should stairs eventually become an issue. Consider making home modifications such as shower grab bars or wider hallways. As you shop for your next home, don’t forget about the outside of the house. Are there wide sidewalks and a level walking grade? Is there quick access to public transportation? What is the crime rate like? These are all important factors to consider. Make the government work for you There are realtors and movers to help you get from point A to point B, but there may also be home buying programs sponsored by your state and local government such as assistance programs, homeownership vouchers, and housing counseling agencies. In addition, the government has set in place certain laws, regulations, and programs for disabled home-buyers that you may not be aware of. As with any purchase, you should exhaust all of your resources, especially those that were created with your needs in mind. Explore your financing options Unless you plan on selling your current home and paying with cash, you will need to figure out how you are going to finance your home. Will you go the conventional mortgage route or explore the possibility of a reverse mortgage? If you or your spouse are a veteran, you may quality for a VA loan. Talk with your bank or lender about what financing options are best for you. Every situation is different, and what works for some may not be the most feasible option for others. Determine how you will move After you’ve found a home, the work isn’t done yet – you’ve still got to move. It is possible to move on your own, but hiring a professional mover ensures that your items will arrive at your new home safe and sound. Movers have the tools, power, and expertise necessary to load and unload heavy items, maximize packing space, and transport items in as few trips as possible. Perhaps you’d like to move your smaller, keepsake items on your own, but the heavy lifting is best left to a professional to not only reduce injury to yourself, but your items as well. Moving can seem like a daunting task, and it can be overwhelming. By following these quick tips, you’ll minimize the stress and get settled into your new home before you know it. Check out the full article for more information. If you're thinking about buying or selling in Raleigh, NC don't make the decision alone. As a Senior Transition Specialist, Kelly Smith can help you create a personalized senior living game plan that takes all your needs and goals into account. Kelly specializes in guiding retirees through this transition, and can provide expert guidance to help you make the best decision for your retirement lifestyle. Contact Kelly now to schedule a consultation and take the next step in your retirement planning journey.

Are you considering retiring to Raleigh, North Carolina? Maybe you're already in Raleigh and thinking about living in an active adult 55+ community? While these communities can offer many benefits, it's important to consider both the advantages and disadvantages before making your decision. One of the biggest advantages of living in an active adult 55+ community in Raleigh is the sense of community. You'll be surrounded by people in a similar stage of life, and there are often plenty of activities and events to help you meet new people and make friends. Additionally, many 55+ communities in Raleigh offer a variety of amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, and social clubs, which can be a great way to stay active and engaged with others. Another advantage of living in an active adult 55+ community in Raleigh is maintenance-free living. Depending on the community, you may not have to worry about maintenance tasks like yard work, snow removal, or home repairs. This can be a huge relief for those who want to enjoy their retirement without the hassle of these tasks. However, there are also some potential downsides to consider. For one, the cost of living in an active adult 55+ community in Raleigh can be expensive. You'll likely have to pay association fees, and the cost of a home in these communities can be higher than other areas. Additionally, many 55+ communities in Raleigh have restrictions on things like pets, parking, and exterior home appearance. If you're used to having more freedom in these areas, this can be a downside. And of course, the biggest con of moving to an active adult 55+ community is the age restriction. If you have children or grandchildren you want to visit frequently, this can be a hurdle. So, should you consider an active adult 55+ community in Raleigh for your retirement? Ultimately, the decision is up to you and your personal preferences. However, it's important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision. If you're considering an active adult 55+ community in Raleigh, don't make the decision alone. As a Senior Transition Specialist, Kelly Smith can help you create a personalized senior living game plan that takes all your needs and goals into account. Kelly specializes in guiding retirees through this transition, and can provide expert guidance to help you make the best decision for your retirement lifestyle. Contact Kelly now to schedule a consultation and take the next step in your retirement planning journey.

As we age, the importance of living in a safe and comfortable home becomes increasingly evident. For many seniors, the bathroom can be a challenging and potentially hazardous place. However, with the right design features, a bathroom can be a space that promotes independence and safety. Universal design, which aims to create spaces that are accessible to people of all ages and abilities, offers numerous benefits for aging in place. Here are some universal design ideas to keep in mind if you're thinking about remodeling your bathroom. These choices can help make your home a more comfortable and secure place to live as you age. Install grab bars in the bathroom: Installing grab bars in the shower, bathtub, and near the toilet can help prevent falls and provide support when getting up or down. Improve lighting: Adequate lighting can help prevent falls and make it easier to see. Consider adding more lighting fixtures or increasing the wattage of existing bulbs. Install non-slip flooring: Slip-resistant flooring can help prevent falls and make it easier to navigate around the house. There are many options available, including slip-resistant tiles and rubber flooring. Replace doorknobs with lever handles: Lever handles are easier to operate than traditional doorknobs, especially for those with arthritis or other mobility issues. Consider a stepless entry: If possible, consider eliminating steps or adding a ramp to the entryway to make it easier to enter and exit the house. Install a stair lift: If you have stairs in your home, consider installing a stair lift to make it easier to navigate between floors. Create a bedroom and full bathroom on the main floor: This will allow you to avoid using stairs if you have mobility issues in the future. Install a walk-in bathtub or shower: A walk-in bathtub or shower with a seat can make bathing safer and easier. Consider widening doorways: Widening doorways can make it easier to navigate through the home with mobility aids, such as a walker or wheelchair. Install a home security system: A home security system with emergency response features can provide peace of mind and ensure help is available quickly in case of an emergency. Check out my Pinterest board for more aging in place design ideas! Are you ready to update your bathroom for aging in place but don't know where to start? I'm here to help! Contact me today and I'll connect you with a reliable handyman or contractor who specializes in universal design and accessibility. Don't wait any longer to make your bathroom safer and more functional for years to come. Let's get started today!