From My Fave Chair to Yours

Movies, I love to watch movies of all kinds! Since the addition of Amazon Prime and Netflix in
our house, we seem to find ourselves hooked on a few of these new TV Series. Its fun to
compare notes when I go walking with friends, or over dinner, what are the favorites. Some
days I feel I need to keep my movie watching in check. It is an escape, like reading a book. The
Binging helping me avoid the “shoulds.” I should be cleaning, and I should be calling to
generate new business, I should work on the “To-Do List.” This month, watching movies has
provided content for this article. I’ll give myself the grace to say, go ahead & watch the film, its
good for relaxation & good for inspiration.

“Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont” is my favorite movie this month. Ii stumbled on it by accident as
it is an old move from 2005, based on a 1971 novel by Elizabeth Taylor. Mrs. Palfrey, who
appears to be abandoned by her family, found the Claremont hotel in London via a brochure
that she found while traveling with her daughter. She strikes up an unusual friendship with a
young writer who discovers they have much more in common with each other than they do
with people their age. It is a lovely film & quite funny too.

There are a few scenes in the movie that struck me as familiar family engagements. The
daughter feels very responsible for her mother & wants her to be doing things that she
suggests, but Mrs. Palfrey has a mind of her own. Her Grandson is not showing up as expected.
& Mrs. Palfrey had moved to London so she could see her Grandson more often. She was very
proud of him & wanted to show him off, and brag about him. When he doesn’t show up or
seem to care, it’s a disappointment for Mrs. Palfrey.

It got me to thinking about some conversations I have witnessed with older adults. One event
recently observed at the shoe store where the daughter said: “Mom, you are buying those
shoes!” Or another where the son is yelling at the Mom to say she doesn’t understand & this is
what she should do. (a bullying experience)

As a Real Estate Broker who is concerned that Senior’s do not become victims of bullying,
scams, manipulation, or other assorted happenings when they are in a vulnerable stage of life, I
found this movie to be a reminder. How are we talking with the elderly, are we open to being
friends, are we gentle with the conversation’s, and whose agenda is that needs to play out.

Recently, I met with a Daughter and her parents. It was a fair exchange of ideas and planning
for the future. Having “me,” the Real Estate Broker there to ask some tuff questions, to help
open up the conversation about selling the house, about where would they like to move next,
and what is the reality of some of the plans. Incorporating the legal, the financial, and the
emotional subjects got everyone to talk. No decision has been made but, having the patience to
realize it is a process of discovery for all, the daughter, myself, and the parents. Call on me. I
have a perspective on the process of getting Mom and Dad moving and many recourses to
share with you.

about

Teresa Barthol

Teresa Barthol -Managing Broker with eXp Realty Seattle.  Brings 22 plus years’ experience to consult with clients about real estate in the 3rd and 4th quarters of their lives. .  With longevity in Real Estate Teresa loves to share her optimistic problem solving skills, creative out of the box thinking along with her enthusiasm for great outcomes. “Believe,” she will say, your desires in life will be realized. Teresa focuses on Lifestyles to Live within the four walls you call home.

With Guest Authors: 
Marcelle Allen from Dreamosity
Elisa Hawkinson - How2GetOrganized!
Karen Herold - Wise Transition