Callender Residence and Companion Service in Orlando, FL

Pros

• SDA Elderly Care stands as a beacon of hope and support for seniors, offering a comprehensive range of services that significantly enhance their quality of life.
• Lecia Bromley and the staff are outstanding and awesome; they really help and are a class act.
• The organization is dedicated to providing low-income housing and essential services, making it a vital resource in the community.
• The staff’s dedication, professionalism, and genuine care create a supportive and nurturing environment for residents.
• The low-income housing facilities are well-maintained, secure, and foster a sense of community and independence.
• Their comprehensive support services include health and wellness programs, transportation assistance, and social activities that promote belonging.

Cons

• The agency is a joke and untrustworthy.
• They demanded over $2,000 to move in, and the arrangement turned out to be a scam.
• They repeatedly asked for money (such as $500) and never stopped calling.
• They claim to help with housing but deliver no results, leaving people homeless.
• They direct people to food sources and then charge for that information.
• They provide lists of apartments with long waiting lists and never follow up.
• They never answer the phone or return messages, leaving applicants in limbo.
• They misused donations and have a reputation for being a scam; many say they should be investigated.
• They promise emergency assistance to the disadvantaged but fail to deliver.

Review

This community is best suited for seniors in Orlando who are navigating tight budgets and can tolerate a less predictable level of responsiveness in exchange for low-cost housing and basic support services. It targets individuals who can advocate for themselves or rely on a trusted family member to oversee the process, because timely communication and reliable placement are not guaranteed. Those with urgent housing needs, significant medical dependence, or a mandate for immediate, consistent case management should look elsewhere, as delays, unanswered calls, and uncertain outcomes are common themes in the feedback.

When the operation is functioning as advertised, the model shows real value: low-income housing that is described as secure and well-maintained, a sense of community, and a holistic support framework that includes health-related programming, transportation assistance, and social activities. The most credible positive testimonials spotlight a staff component that can be strong and dedicated, with individuals singled out for outstanding service. In theory, the combination of affordable housing plus structured support services can meaningfully improve stability for seniors who manage the process carefully and can receive consistent, direct contact from a named representative.

However, the weight of the reviews leans heavily toward red flags that often overwhelm those potential benefits. A recurring pattern is misrepresentation or a mismatch between promises and outcomes, including upfront fees and move-in costs that feel exploitative rather than supportive. Several accounts allege scams or bait-and-switch tactics, with residents reporting emptied wallets, questionable housing referrals, and a sense that donations or charitable claims are being leveraged improperly. The most destabilizing aspects involve chronic unresponsiveness, repeat failures to return calls, to provide promised housing options, or to connect clients with a responsible representative, leaving bedridden or otherwise vulnerable seniors in precarious positions.

Those cons do not merely tint the experience; they undermine the core purpose: securing safe, affordable housing with dependable, ongoing assistance. The positive elements, secure facilities, a community feel, and available support services, are undermined when communication loops fail, when reliable access to a named contact evaporates, or when referrals lead to long waiting lists or unsuitable placements. For families weighing this option, the risk-to-benefit calculation tilts sharply toward caution unless a robust, documented commitment is in place and a trusted advocate can enforce it.

To make an informed decision, prospective residents and their families should pursue concrete checks before committing. Insist on a written agreement that spells out what services are guaranteed, the exact cost structure, and the process for placing residents in housing, including expected timelines. Seek direct contact with a assigned coordinator rather than generic office lines, and request current references from residents living on-site. Verify licensing and compliance through state or county agencies, and corroborate any claims about low-income housing or companion services with objective sources. Prepare a contingency plan for urgent needs and budget for potential delays, recognizing that the system described in many reviews can be slow and opaque.

In the end, this option should be approached as a high-risk, high-praud potential pathway for those with uncertain resources and tenuous housing. If immediate placement and continuous, transparent case management are non-negotiable, alternatives built on stronger reputations and clearer accountability are prudent. Families might consider other local nonprofits or housing authorities with demonstrated reliability, or private providers known for transparent pricing and responsive support, even if the cost is higher. The prudent course is to reserve full commitment until a dependable representative is in place, written guarantees exist, and verified residents can attest to sustained, consistent service. In most scenarios, the cautious recommendation is to pursue those alternatives first, using this option only if rigorous safeguards are in place and ongoing oversight can be guaranteed.

This part of Orlando, Florida, offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors looking to settle in the area. With numerous pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy nearby, accessing medication and healthcare supplies is easily manageable. Additionally, there are reputable physician offices like Orlando Health and Florida Hospital Medical Plaza within a short distance for quality healthcare services. For transportation options, Lynx Central Station provides a reliable way to travel around the city. The area also boasts various dining options including Gringos Locos, Chick-Fil-A, and The Cheesecake Factory, catering to different tastes. With parks like Lake Eola Park and cafes such as Starbucks and Lineage Coffee Roasting nearby, seniors can enjoy leisurely activities in a peaceful setting. Overall, this part of Orlando offers a well-rounded environment for senior living with essential services and recreational opportunities readily available.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (2.7 miles)
• Walgreens (3.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.5 miles)

Physicians

• Orlando Health - Cancer Institute (4.4 miles)
• Colon & Rectal Clinic of Orlando (5.1 miles)
• Florida Hospital Medical Plaza (5.1 miles)
• Orlando Health Heart Institute (5.2 miles)
• Orlando Immunology Center (5.5 miles)
• Pediatric Associates Of Orlando (5.7 miles)
• RDV Sportsplex Pediatrics (6.1 miles)

Transportation

• Lynx Central Station (4.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Health Central Hospital ER (4.5 miles)
• Orlando Health Medical Pavilon (5.1 miles)
• Florida Hospital Womens Center (5.1 miles)
• Florida Hospital Ginsburg Tower (5.2 miles)
• Florida Hospital- South Campus (5.2 miles)
• Florida Hospital (5.2 miles)
• FH Engineering Services (5.2 miles)

Restaurants

• Gringos Locos (4.7 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (4.8 miles)
• The Thirsty Topher (5.1 miles)
• Florida Hospital Welch Cafeteria (5.1 miles)
• McDonald's (5.3 miles)
• Shake Shack (5.4 miles)
• The Cheesecake Factory (5.4 miles)

Parks

• Lake Eola Park (4.9 miles)
• Blue Jacket Park (7 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (4.9 miles)
• Lineage Coffee Roasting (5.4 miles)
• Starbucks (5.8 miles)
• Backlot Bistro (5.9 miles)
• The Glass Knife (5.9 miles)
• Voodoo Doughnut (6.1 miles)
• Starbucks (6.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Oak Level Baptist Church (5.6 miles)
• Orlando Filipino Seventh-Day Adventist Church (6.6 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Winter Park Village & RPX (6.3 miles)