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 (more…)