10 Ways to Fall Proof Your Home

According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults. About 1 in 3 seniors falls each year.  Many of these falls could be prevented by doing a few simple things to make our homes more “fall proof.”  Here are a few things you can do:

1.  Remove or secure anything that could cause you to trip.  Avoid leaving clutter on the floors or stairs.  Ensure that electrical and phone cords aren’t stretched across walkways or that they are secured in some way. 

2.  Install handrails and lights on all staircases.  Place non-slip strips on stairs.   

3.  Make sure that carpets are secured to the floor.  Choose rugs with non-slip backing or use double-sided tape to help keep them from slipping.

4.  Place everyday items in an easily accessible place so you don’t need to climb on a step stool or chair to access them.

5.  Make your bathroom fall resistant.  Use non-slip mats inside the bathtub or shower.  Use rugs with non-slip backing in your bathroom. Consider installing handrails in your tub or shower.

6.  Make sure your home is well-lit. Often, we need brighter light to see well as we get older.

7.  Wear shoes both inside and outside the house.  Avoid walking around in socks or going barefoot.

8.  Make sure any wet spills are cleaned up promptly.  Don’t walk on freshly mopped areas.

9.  Avoid going out in ice or snow.  See if a neighbor, friend or family member can help with shoveling walks or putting salt down on icy surfaces for you.

10.  Keep a flashlight near your bedside in case the power goes out and you need to get up.

While these tips will help you avoid falls, it is also important to stay healthy and work on your balance. Balance exercise as well as regular visits to your doctor are vital to keeping you on your feet as you age. 

For more great tips for seniors, visit our website.

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Volunteer Ideas for Seniors and Retirees

After retirement, many seniors don’t know what to do with their time.  Some become sedentary without a daily job to go to which can affect health and mobility. Many begin to feel lonely or isolated. Some become depressed.

A great way to prevent issues such as these is to volunteer.  Seniors have a wealth of knowledge and a great deal of valuable experience to share.  Volunteering can be rewarding for all parties and it is a great way to get out of the house and make new friends.

Here are a few places to locate volunteer opportunities:

AARP Volunteer Resource Center – let them know what your interests are and they will match you up with organizations where you can make a difference.

Texas Senior Corps - the leading senior volunteer service partnership for solving community problems, strengthening communities, and building the capacity of nonprofit organizations in Texas.  From their website, you can find links to some of the major volunteer programs in Texas.  These include:

• RSVP – a service that matches volunteers with opportunities that match their experience and interests.
• Foster Grandparents – volunteers give their time to schools, Head Start centers, hospitals, drug treatment centers, correctional institutions, and day care centers. They offer emotional support to children who have been abused and neglected, mentor troubled teenagers and young mothers, and care for premature infants and children with physical disabilities or severe illnesses.
• Senior Companions – healthy volunteers 55 and older are matched with other senior adults who need companionship and assistance with errands, medical appointments or personal care. 

Other places to check for volunteer needs:

• Your local public library – What better place for a bibliophile to donate time than the library?  Volunteers help shelve books, make book repairs, or greet patrons.
• Human Society or municipal animal shelters – If you’re an animal lover, contact your local shelter to see how you can help. Programs that cater specifically to senior adults, such as Arlington’s Golden PAWS, may be available.
• School districts – Retired educators, or anyone who loves to work with kids, should investigate this as an opportunity - especially for schools in economically disadvantaged areas where parent involvement may be low.  Tutoring, mentoring, reading to kids, and attending school events are great ways to be involved.
• Tax preparation assistance –  Are you a retired accountant or just great with numbers?  The IRS offers free tax assistance through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Programs.
• Charities or non-profit organizations – Check with your local chapters of the American Red Cross, American Cancer Society or charity of your choice.  Volunteers are always welcome in these organizations.

There are countless other opportunities out there – churches, community gardens, hospitals, community centers, etc.  Just figure out what you love to do and what skills you have that could help others and there will be an opportunity to help somewhere.

For more senior news and tips, visit our website.

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Fun Fourth of July Activities in Arlington

Arlington is one of the best places in the Metroplex to spend Independence Day weekend.  Not only do they host one of the biggest and best July 4th parades in the country, there are also several places to enjoy family fun and fireworks.  Here are a few fun Fourth of July activities in Arlington:

Light Up Arlington – This annual event in downtown Arlington includes food trucks, activities for kids, free musical entertainment, and fireworks. Festivities begin at 6pm on Friday, July 3rd with a fireworks show at 9:45 pm.  To get the scoop, visit www.lightuparlington.com.

Arlington 4th of July Parade – Celebrating it’s 50th anniversary in 2015, this year should be the biggest and best parade to date.  The parade begins at 9am on Saturday, July 4th in the downtown Arlington/UTA area but you’ll want to arrive plenty early to stake out a spot.  Free parking is available at UTA.  For all of the details and a parade route map, visit www.arlington4th.org.

Rally Day at AT&T Stadium – After the parade, consider heading to the home of the Dallas Cowboys.  Tour the stadium, see the Superbowl tropies, participate in on-field activities and meet the cheerleaders and former Dallas Cowboys players.  You can also have your photo taken with the Cowboys mascot, Rowdy.  Festivities run from noon to 6pm on Saturday, July 4th.  Tickets are $14.50 – $27.50 and can be purchased online by visiting http://stadium.dallascowboys.com/rallyday/.

Fireworks at Globe Life Park – What’s more American than spending the 4th at a baseball game with the family?  Catch the Rangers game against the Angels on Saturday, July 4th then enjoy a fireworks show following the game.  For tickets and complete details, visit www.texasrangers.com.

July 4th Fest at Six Flags – Six Flags is always a great way to spend some fun time with your family.  From Friday, July 3rd through Sunday, July 5th, enjoy early ride times with your season pass or by bringing a Coke can.  Spend the day at the park and stick around after the sun goes down for a fireworks and laser show beginning around 9:45 pm each night.  For tickets and all the details, visit www.sixflags.com/overtexas.

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6 Steps for Hiring a Reliable Contractor

If you’re thinking about upgrades or repairs to your home, it is important to do your homework before hiring someone to do the work.  The last thing you want is to be stuck with Here are 6 steps for hiring a reliable contractor:

1.  Get multiple bids.  Get estimates from at least 3 companies.  Make sure they give you a full description – in writing - of what will be done and what materials will be used.  It is also good to know the permit requirements and make sure the contractor will be obtaining the appropriate permits.  Beware of anyone who asks you to obtain the permit on their behalf.  The permit requester will be held responsible for work that does not meet city code.

2.  Find out if the contractor is insured.  It is good practice to ask for current certificates of insurance.  Not only do you want your property to be protected if they damage it, you also want to make sure their workers are insured.  If not, you could be held liable for any injuries that happen on your property.  You also want to make sure that contractors are licensed when necessary.

3.  Check references.  Ask for a list of at least 3 references for projects similar to yours.  Call each reference and find out how long ago the contractor worked for them, what their experience was like and if the project was completed in a timely manner.  Check with your local Better Business Bureau to find out if there is a history of complaints, advertising issues or licensing issues.  Look for online customer reviews.

4.  Read the contract thoroughly.  Make sure you understand everything.  Ask questions if something isn’t clear.  Make sure everything you have discussed is included in the contract.  Do not sign it until you are satisfied that everything is included.  Never sign a contract with blanks.  Make sure they give you a copy of everything you sign.

5.  Never pay cash.  Always use a credit card or check.  Ask about payment options.  While many contractors require a down payment, don’t pay large upfront fees.  Never pay your final payment until the project is completed to your satisfaction.

6.  Ask about warranties.  Find out if the company guarantees their work.  Make sure any warranty is included in your contract and the terms and conditions are clearly stated.

If you’re looking for recommendations for trustworthy contractors, give us a call at (817) 330-9235.  We have a list of vetted professionals that we can recommend to help you get started.

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Things to Do This Weekend in Arlington – June 19-21

There are a number of things going on in Arlington this weekend.  Treat your dad this Father’s Day weekend with one of these fun outings:

What: Toulouse-Lautrec & La Vie Moderne: Paris 1880-1910
Where: Arlington Museum of Art, 201 W. Main St.
When: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm; Sunday 1 pm – 5 pm through August 16
Cost: $8 for adults; $5 for students; free for kids 12 & under
Info: Toulouse-Lautrec and The Post Impressionists contains almost 200 pieces from avant-garde Post-Impressionist artists working in a new French “modern” style. Built around the work of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, painter of scenes and artists from the famed Paris theatre, the Moulin Rouge, this expansive exhibit will explore the anti-establishment movement among artists seeking alternative means to bring their art to a broad public and break out of the traditional molds.  www.arlingtonmuseum.org

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What: Fantasy in Sand
Where: Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way
When: Daily through August 23, 10 am to 8 pm (schedule varies on Rangers game days)
Cost: $10 online through June 30
Info: Wil B and Kev Marcus are classically trained viola and violin players who first met playing in the high school orchestra in Florida. Their music blends classical, hip-hop, rock, R&B, and bluegrass music.  www.fantasyinsand.com

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What: Great American Scrapbook Convention
Where: Arlington Convention Center, 1200 Ballpark Way
When: June 18 –20 (10 am – 6 pm Thursday, 9 am – 6pm Friday, 9 am – 5 pm Saturday)
Cost: Adults & Children over 10 – $12, Seniors - $10, Children 9 & under – Free, 2 & 3 days passes also available at the door
Info: The ultimate weekend for scrapbookers!  Shopping, scrapping & learning  Visit http://www.ckscrapbookevents.com/GreatAmerican/GASCArlington.aspx for details.

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What: Comedian Tony Woods
Where: Arlington Improv in the Highlands, 309 Curtis Mathes Way, #147
When: June 19 - 21
Cost:  $17 – $30
Info: Tony Woods is a one-of-a-kind comic who's always in control of his audience. His playful and cool demeanor, combined with sharp and mischievous subject matter, create a show that is unmistakably entertaining at every level. Tony is an entertainer that understands an audience and encourages them to become part of his strange world. http://www.improvarlington.com/

10 Tips to Keep Seniors Healthy and Safe This Summer

The rains have kept North Texans from enjoying the outdoors as much as we might have liked this spring.  With summer just around the corner, many of us will be venturing out for some sunshine and fresh air.  Here are 10 tips to keep seniors safe and healthy this summer:

1. Stay Hydrated:  Try to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water per day. By the time you start to feel thirsty, your body is already dehydrated. The feeling of thirst decreases as we age, so seniors must consciously increase water intake during periods of prolonged physical activity. Avoid caffeinated drinks as they can contribute to dehydration. If you know you’ll be outside for a long period, plan ahead and pack water to take with you.
2. Dress Appropriately.  Remember the 5 L’s – Layered, Loose, Lightweight, Light-colored, Long sleeves.  Layers allow you to go from the cooler mornings and evenings to the warmer part of the day.  Loose and  lightweight clothing allows your skin to breath better than tight fitting, heavier garments.  Light colors reflect the sun and are therefore cooler.  Long sleeves protect your skin from harmful UV rays.  A wide brimmed hat is also important for protecting your face, ears and neck.
3. Protect Your Eyes.  Vision problems are common among seniors and too much exposure to the sun can irritate eyes and cause further damage. Glasses or sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays can help reduce the cumulative effect the sun can have on cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
4. Wear sunscreen.  Look for a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more. Be sure to apply it 15-30 minutes before you will be exposed to the sun. If you’re enjoying water activities, be sure to reapply your sunscreen frequently - even if it says it is “waterproof”.
5. Know the signs of heat stroke. Symptoms of hyperthermia, or heat stroke, include body temperature of 104+, confusion, disorientation, agitation, dry, flushed skin, headache, lethargy, nausea and vomiting, rapid pulse, and fainting. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
6. Plan activities for morning or evening. Try to limit your outdoor activity to the times of day when the temperatures are lower and the sun isn’t beating down on you.
7. Turn on your air conditioning. A closed up home without air conditioning can be a dangerous place in the heat of the summer.  Many seniors don’t want to run up their electric bill so they avoid running their air.  Consider spending the hottest part or the day with friends or family who have air conditioning or at a shopping mall, senior center, or movie theater. If you need assistance with your utility bills, there are many state and local programs that can help.  Check with your electric company or city government to find out what is available to you and what the requirements are.
8. Check on Friends and Family. Get to know your neighbors so you can look out for one another.  Check on friends and relatives, especially those who do not have air conditioning. Plan outings together in places that have air conditioning.
9. Know Your Medications: If you take daily medications, review the potential side effects. Some medications can increase sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) rays. If you are unsure, call your doctor or pharmacist with any questions.
10. Know Who to Call.  Prepare a list of emergency phone numbers and place them in an easy to access area.  If you aren’t feeling well or need help, don’t be afraid to call for help.

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How to Protest Your Property Tax Appraisal Value

In the Arlington, Dallas and Fort Worth areas new property tax appraisal values for the current year are established in May. Property value notices are sent out to property owners on the 1st or 2nd of May.  You can also look online at the appraised value set by your tax appraisal district by visiting their websites:  Tarrant County Appraisal District & Dallas County Appraisal District

You may protest the value on your property in the following situations:

• the value the appraisal district placed on your property is too high
• your property is unequally appraised
• the appraisal district denied a special appraisal, such as open-space land, or incorrectly denied your exemption application
• the appraisal district failed to provide you required notices
• other matters prescribed by Tax Code Section 41.41(a)

Many districts will informally review your concerns and may try to resolve our objections without a formal hearing.  It is important, even if you think you may resolve your concerns at the informal meeting, to preserve your right to protest by filing your Notice of Protest before the May 31st deadline. 

Once your protest is received, the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) will notify you at least 15 days in advance of the date, time and place of your hearing.  You can appear in person, by affidavit or through an agent.  If you fail to appear, you may lose the right to be heard by the ARB on the protest and the right to appeal.

Be on time for your hearing and come prepared.  Present your information in a simple and organized manner.  Photographs and other documents may be helpful.  Take an appropriate number of copies so that each member of the ARB will receive one. 

After the hearing, the ARB will send their decision to you via certified mail.  If you disagree with the ARB’s decision, you have the right to appeal.  More information about the appeals process can be found at http://comptroller.texas.gov/taxinfo/proptax/protests.html.

Here is a chart that outlines the steps to protest your property value:

 

If you need help determining your property value, call Ingrid or John Sullivan at 817-330-9235 for a complimentary comparative market analysis.

More helpful links:

Tarrant County Appraisal District Review Board Hearing Procedures
Tarrant County Appraisal Review Board Notice of Protest
Dallas County Appraisal District Protest Information

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