A Senior’s Story, Part 1
In my 27 years working and serving seniors, I have heard a story time and time again. This is a story of sadness, fear, hope, and happiness. All of these feelings describe the story of Martha. Martha called me a few years ago. She sheepishly asked if I would stop over and discuss the possibility of selling her home. I could sense that Martha was reluctant to call and had gotten up the nerve to dial my number. I set up an appointment for the next day.
She came to the door, and we introduced each other. Martha was a proud, kind woman in her mid seventies. She began her story by sharing the loss of her husband who had passed away five years prior to my visit. ‘My husband handled everything! He took care of the finances, the home maintenance, the every day challenges of home ownership. I loved my home’. Martha had lived in her home for over 50 years, and loved her neighbors, the stores, the restaurants, and most of all felt comfortable and safe. ‘I’ve stopped entertaining, which I cherished, because I’m no longer proud of the condition. I can’t get the help I need to maintain the home, especially the way I would maintain it. It’s hard for me to drive at night, and I can’t walk the stairs. I’ve actually moved my bedroom into the dining room!’ Tears flowed as Martha shared her emotions with me.
I hear Martha’s story all too often! Far too many seniors avoid planning for one of the most important aspects of their lives…their home. Where we live is so critical to our happiness and well being. We have a financial plan, an insurance plan, even pre-planned funeral arrangements! So why would we avoid planning ahead for our future housing, so that it matches our current and future physical and mental needs? Why do we leave such an important aspect of our lives to chance and eventually fall into crisis management? How many times have you heard the story about the man who saved all of his life for his retirement, only to pass away within a year or two after his retirement! Living each moment in the present, and enjoying the retirement we’ve worked so hard for must begin each morning we wake up. Every day is a gift, and living one more day feeling isolated, sad, but ‘comfortable’ is not the way you planned your retirement!
Many active seniors that I meet are living life to its fullest and have planned properly for their retirement years. They are testimony to the concept of getting the most out of life’s gifts. Proper planning involves educating yourself as to housing options available as well as understanding your finances. Your home equity can work for you to make your retirement years fun, healthy, as well as provide the freedom you’ve worked so hard to attain.
In next month’s article, I will tell you the ‘rest of the story’ about Martha
Tags: enjoying retirement, family loss