A SON’S OFFER OF HELP

By Deborah Wade

Almost two years ago, Carolyn and Jerry contacted me about downsizing from their large, single-family home. Jerry was beginning to experience some memory loss, a condition that his doctor had said would only progress. Knowing this, the couple knew they needed to make some plans.

I met with them several times to explore possible options, such as finding a one-level home where they could live together and hire in-home support. The couple had a close relationship with their children, but they lived out of state. We walked through their home, identifying what would move with them, what might be donated, and what could be passed along to family. Sadly, over time, Jerry began to participate less and less in these conversations. After a year and a half, the couple still didn’t have firm plans.

Then, a phone call changed everything. Carolyn’s son, Ron, shared that he and his wife, Jill, had decided to move to Santa Fe. Ron asked if his mom would consider relocating there as well, so he and Jill could provide support for her as she aged and Jerry continued to decline. Grateful for the offer, Carolyn said yes.

Ron and Jill quickly settled in Santa Fe and kept an eye out for nearby homes for Carolyn and Jerry. It wasn’t long before Ron called his mom to say they’d found “the one.” Then things began to move quickly. Carolyn and Jerry’s Santa Fe home was purchased, and I helped them prepare their Maryland home for sale. My team coordinated packing, donations, and an estate sale. We also arranged for movers and cleanout services, while Ron and Jill prepared the couple’s new home. I was able to find someone to drive Carolyn and Jerry’s car to Santa Fe with their senior dog as a passenger, allowing the couple to take a flight.

With Carolyn and Jerry now settled out West, I quickly sold their Maryland home. Thinking about the many discussions we’d had without a decision being made, I realized it was her son’s offer of help that allowed Carolyn to move forward.

Deborah Wade, a Senior Real Estate Specialist with Re/Max Executive, has helped Central Maryland “boomers” and their families transition through the changes life brings for nearly two decades.