Seminar Details: DOWNSIZING, a PRACTICAL GUIDE  How do I begin. What you need to know to stay out of a crisis move! Why Attend? Join Janet Helm, Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) an expert in senior transitions as she shares:

Expert Advice: and insights into the transition process for older adults and their families.

Practical Tips: Strategies to avoid common challenges in downsizing.

Real-Life Stories: From older adults who've successfully made the move. And hear from those who will share their challenges, what you might not be aware of! 

Interactive Q&A: A chance to get answers to your specific questions. 

Resources: Take away with information and follow up guide. 

Of course refreshments are served and there are door prizes! 

Free Fitness Programming for Older Adults Starting Soon Registration will be opening soon for Choose to Move and ActivAge, two free physical activity programs for . Both programs have online and in-person options and are led by trained staff from the BC Recreation and Parks Association. The programs are designed for those who identify as older adults living across B.C. and are currently physically inactive. Get involved to learn more about fitness, meet new friends, and make a positive healthy lifestyle change. More information in link 

Moving not only helps to maintain overall health but can also significantly extend life expectancy. A study published in the journal Circulation found that meeting the minimum physical activity guidelines (150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75–150 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week) can reduce the risk of early death by up to 21%. Keep moving! It’s good for you. 

85% of senior hospitalizations are due to a fall. Here are  5 tips to prevent falls and accidents at home allowing you to safely age in place. Living at home as you age requires careful consideration and planning. The best time to think about how to age in place is before you need a lot of care. Planning ahead allows you to make important decisions while you are still able.

1. Keep walkways clear: Remove things that you can trip over, such as raised doorway thresholds, throw rugs, and clutter. If you want area rugs tape them down. May not be attractive yet are safe!

2. Have grab bars professionally installed in your shower and or tub and near the toilet. Use a shower chair or bath bench, specifically designed for bath tubs and showers. 

3. Move! Learn some strength and balance exercises. Ask your doctor or a physiotherapist what exercises are safe for you to do.

4. Keep your house well lit. Use night-lights in areas such as hallways and bathrooms. Keep a traditional flashlight handy at your bedside table. 

5. Declutter- easier said than done! Ask for HELM’s declutter starter guide to help you get started. 

6. Talk with your family, friends, and other caregivers about what support is needed for you to age safely in place! Be realistic and plan to revisit the decision as your needs change over time. Keep conversations on going. With a plan you have options, without a plan you may end up having none or few, and others making decisions for you.  

Our real estate board has introduced new statuses for MLS® listings. The introduction of the new statuses was created to clarify the true status of a listing for members and the public- buyers and sellers. The 3 new statuses are:
1)Active Under Contract: This status indicates the listing is still being actively marketed, but there is a conditional deal on the property, it has an accepted offer with subjects. This is an optional status, to be decided with your seller and brokerages may choose not to update their listings also. Because of this, if a home does not have the ‘Under Contract’ banner, it may still be under contract. 
2) Pending: Now used instead of the “sold” status, the new “pending” status is applied to listings that are unconditionally sold.
3) Closed: Listings will automatically move from “Pending” to “Closed” on the completion date and the sold price becomes public knowledge. 
Sound confusing? Have questions how this can impact you as a seller or buyer? It may be easier to simply Ask HELM- give us a call, I am always just a phone call away to share more information and guide you. I’d love to hear from you. 

Latest video on statistics from Greater Vancouver Realtors. What community statistics most interest you? Ask HELM to share them with you in your email in box or paper copy mailed to your physical mail box! 604 730 2600 or info@janethelm.com 

MLS R2916329 11710 GLENHURST STREET, in the family friendly and community focused, Cottonwood neighbourhood in Maple Ridge! This AIR-CONDITIONED 5-bed, 3-bath home with den has a well designed spacious layout. A separate entrance above-ground 1-bed + den suite with gas fireplace—ideal for in-laws or rental income. Features include additional bed/flex room downstairs, large laundry room, convenient access to double garage. Upstairs 3 bedrooms, including primary with ensuite. The large dining & living room has vaulted ceilings. Huge kitchen & eating area with gas fireplace overlook fenced backyard. Kitchen leads to covered sundeck, providing seamless indoor-outdoor living. BONUS: WORKSHOP has power! HEAT PUMP ensures year-round comfort. Family-friendly features of the neighbourhood -walk to parks, your choice of elementary and high schools, recreation & community events. This is the one!