Property Tax Break Grows for Eligible Hillsborough County Seniors

Hillsborough County Commissioners approved a larger property tax break for long-established senior homeowners, age 65 and older, who meet certain financial requirements.

  Hillsborough County Commissioners agreed Feb. 20 to a heftier property tax break for older senior homeowners. Instead of the $40,000 homestead exemption long-time residents now get, the amount will rise to $50,000 starting in the 2014 tax year. The additional homestead exemption applies to taxpayers age 65 and older who own their homes and have lived in them for at least 25 years. The value of the home must be under $250,000 and there are certain income requirements. Household income limitations are contained in Florida Statute 196.075 and in Amendment 11. Commissioners voted 7-0 to approve the measure. Commissioner Kevin Beckner expressed concerned that residents would not know about the new exemption or how to file for it. Staff …

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Offerings at Greater Brandon, County Senior Centers

Hillsborough County Aging Services runs eight senior centers, including one in Brandon and one in Plant City, for seniors age 55 and over, offering a wide range of activities and services.

  Greater Brandon area residents age 55 and over can find activities, field trips, educational activities, computers, rooms to rent for special interest gatherings and group meals at two of the eight senior centers run by Hillsborough County Aging Services. The two centers serving Eastern Hillsborough County residents are the Brandon Senior Center, at 612 North Parsons Ave., (813-635-8064), and the Plant City Senior Center, at 1205 South Waller St. (813-757-3824). In all, Hillsborough County Aging Services runs eight senior centers . The centers provide Bingo, caregiver support, computer labs, crafts, dining, educational classes, exercise, health screenings, intergenerational programs, parties, public policy forums, social mixers, support …

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Don't Call It Exercise; It's Too Much Fun

Gardening, chair-exercises, and balloon volleyball are a few of the exercise options available for seniors.

The New Year is a time when many people start thinking about getting fit and exercising and it’s no different for seniors. As seniors age, remaining active becomes increasingly important. Senior living communities and caregivers should consider looking beyond traditional physical therapy options to keep seniors engaged and active.              Seniors are most receptive to physical therapy when caregivers and their therapists develop individualized plans that fit both their lifestyle and interests. Research shows that it is difficult to motivate seniors to begin to exercise if it hasn’t previously been a priority. Integrating modified, low-impact activities, like yoga, into seniors’ exercise plans increases the likelihood that they will …

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Support Share: The Caregiver's Perspective

Caregivers Are Heroes, But Not Superhuman

Taking breaks and attending to their own needs can help these dedicated men and women stay at their most effective.

Caregivers are heroes — they care for our community’s most vulnerable. They care for our youngest and eldest generations, provide care and support to the sick and dying, and assist those with substance abuse or mental health disorders and developmental or physical disabilities. These are the family members, friends, professionals, paraprofessionals and volunteers there for us during the most difficult and trying times of our lives. Although caregivers are heroes, they are not superheroes. They are prone to sickness, depression, sleep deprivation and neglecting other physical, emotional and spiritual needs for themselves. They give of themselves but too often forget to give back to themselves to stay physically and mentally healthy. Self …

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Daphne Taylor Street

11:31 am on Thursday, September 1, 2011

Thanks very much, William! I look forward to the opportunity --Daphne   more ›