How Do You Plan to Age?

It’s May 2020, a time we all will remember. Today, from my “Fave Chair,” I’m thinking about all
this time we have spent at home looking at our four walls. What has happened in your home
during this time?

My husband Retired on March 1st, 2020, just as we started into the Quarantine.
Good news, bad news, of course. My husband’s plan in Retirement included a few days a week
on the golf course and more playtime with the grandchildren. He is disappointed, and I’m
discovering a new life with him around 24/7. That’s a topic for another article. Today, in my
mind, is; how we plan to age. We make plans for how we want it to go, and then we discover
how expectations can quickly be dashed with events that are beyond our control. Staying home
24/7, was not in the plan for Retirement. The good news is that we have had time to tackle some
overdue projects, like organizing the pantry or fixing the broken cabinet, preparing a box for
goodwill. Relaxing, reading, watching TV, walks, and way more Zoom then ever before.

We have spent the last week going through family pictures and preparing a video to share with
my son for his Birthday. A big project with 100s of photographs turned into fun video production
with a program called Animoto. Nothing like looking over the last 40 years to get one thinking
about aging.

Whew! Those 40 years went by fast. Now, what about the next 20 or so years? Hmmm!
My friend, who is 92, is in an Assisted care home & the reality of this time has been anxiety-
producing. She wants to be set free from Quarantine in her one-bedroom apartment.
Teresa, she says. “I want to go home.” If you have parents in care homes, I’m sure you know the
conversation. Others who are at home are thinking they want to stay at home & never go to
assisted care homes. What is the reality for you, me, or your parents?

As we age, how do we want it to go? The majority of people, almost 97%, say; I want to live at
home until I die. The reality of that is that only about 30% do get that opportunity. Things show up
that were not expected, like a fall, an illness, or lack of support on the home front. Maybe there is an
opportunity to change this low percentage and allow more of us to stay in our homes longer.
Considering how you might change as you grow older, you might want to consider the four walls
that surround you. If you were in a wheelchair like my 92-year-old friend, would you be able to
get around? If your eyesight started to fail, would your home provide the light you need? If the
knees gave out with you, be able to climb the stairs?

The solution to age gracefully, stay at home and avoid the high costs of assisted living might be
found in moving to a different house or doing a remodel. Did you know that there are reports
available on the value of aging in place remodel?

Did you know that there are Certified Aging in Place “Caps” contractor?
Do you know if your home or your loved one’s home can accommodate the required changes?

Think about a remodel. How might some home adjustments make it possible to live comfortably
at home? How would the value of your home be affected? Reach out to discuss in more detail. I
will be happy to do a free consultation. teresa.barthol@exprealty.com

• A walk-in showers or tubs
• Wider doors and hallways for wheelchairs
• Ramps to help overcome stairs
• Lowering kitchen cabinets for easy access
• Lever handles on faucets for ease in performing tasks
• Non-slip or trip flooring
• Larger bathrooms
• An Elevator
• Lifts for stairways
• Technology for staying connected & for security

What is the cost of this list? Would it be a major remodel to make your home workable? Time
with a Senior Certified Senior living consultant could help with this evaluation and give you
practical advice based on industry knowledge and experience. That is where I come in. Reach
out to me, I would welcome the opportunity to help you “Age in Place.”

Every day matters, make it a joyful one.
From my Fave Chair to yours.
Teresa Barthol
Exp Realty
Lifestyestolive.com
425-876-9552
www.homesnap.com/Teresa-Barthol

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