As my dad often says, “Janet, we have so much to be grateful for.”
A gentle reminder—many seniors don’t have family or friends close by, so take a moment to reach out and share your thanks with someone who might need a little recognition- it will be appreciated more than you know!
The latest HOME with HELM e-newsletter is on the way! This month, I’m sharing aging-in-place strategies, tips for preparing your home to sell this winter, and why touring retirement residences early matters—plus more resources to help you plan ahead with confidence. If you’d like to receive it in your inbox, visit the contact page at janethelm.com 
Happy Thanksgiving!
With gratitude,
Janet

Written by Janet Helm, Realtor® and Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®)

Helping clients find a home isn’t just about matching square footage and price—it’s about understanding the lifestyle they’re hoping to create. Recently, I had the pleasure of working with a young couple looking to downsize, yet still keep all the elements that make life feel vibrant and connected.

Together, we explored options and discovered a truly unique property with everything they were hoping for—and more. From the charming courtyard views to the sense of community, this home offered a balance of comfort, convenience, and connection. They were drawn to the amenities that make daily living feel a little extra special: a grand residents’ lounge with a massive kitchen, cozy fireplace, billiards table, and two large-screen TVs; a fitness centre and steam room; and a library and community garden that invite neighbours to gather and share.

Location mattered too. Centrally situated, with easy access to Semiahmoo Shopping Centre, parks, and schools, it gave them the flexibility to enjoy their neighbourhood without sacrificing convenience.

What’s always rewarding in this process is guiding clients to see beyond the walls of a home—to imagine their life unfolding there, the routines, the celebrations, and the quiet moments. It’s not just about finding a house; it’s about finding a place that feels like the next chapter they’ve been hoping to write.

If you’re considering a move, sometimes the best step isn’t a checklist of features—it’s a conversation, a tour, and a little guidance to discover what truly matters to you.

Written by Janet Helm, Realtor® and Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) 

During my seminars, Empowering Seniors I share a truth that catches people off guard: the majority of falls happen at home. Not out in the world, not while travelling — but in the very place we should feel safest.

As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®), I work closely with older adults and their families to ensure the homes we live in support both our safety and our independence. While home modifications can sound complicated or expensive, the reality is that many fall-prevention strategies are simple, affordable, and immediately effective.

Below are practical changes that can help reduce your risk of falling — most of which can be done in a weekend.

Safer Stairs and Walkways

• Keep stairs, walkways, and outdoor steps in good repair and free from clutter.

• Install sturdy handrails on both sides of all staircases and outdoor steps.

• Ensure stairways are well-lit, with switches at the top and bottom.

• Add nightlights to outlets in hallways and bathrooms to keep areas bright during the evening.

• Apply a non-skid surface to outdoor steps to prevent slipping, especially in wet or icy conditions.

Smarter Bathroom Design

• Use a bath seat to shower or bathe while seated.

• Install a raised toilet seat for easier transitions.

• Add grab bars near the toilet, bathtub, and inside the shower.

• Wipe up any spills immediately to avoid slippery surfaces.

• Replace loose or bunched rugs with non-slip mats in the bathroom and hallway.

A More Accessible Layout

• Keep daily-use items within easy reach to reduce the need for climbing or stretching.

• Store heavier items in lower cupboards to prevent injury.

• Remove any rugs that shift or slide — even decorative ones — and replace them with non-slip options.

The Bigger Picture: Dignity and Independence

These changes don’t require a full renovation or major investment. Yet together, they help create a safer home — one that supports confidence, dignity, and continued independence. That matters not just to older adults, but to their loved ones too.

If you're considering how to age in place successfully or want to explore housing options that better suit your changing needs, I’d love to be a resource. These are conversations worth having before a crisis forces the issue. When we plan ahead, we open the door to more choice — and more peace of mind. 

Want more tips like these?
Sign up for my monthly e newsletter HOME with HELM or reach out directly. Whether you're planning a move, helping a parent, or exploring ways to stay safely in your current home, I’m here to help. 

Written by Janet Helm, Realtor® and Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) 

October has arrived with its golden leaves, cool mornings, and quiet reminder that change — when approached with intention — can be both refreshing and reassuring. There’s something comforting about things that stand the test of time — a well-loved home, a trusted friend, or that favourite pair of jeans that just fits right, no matter the season. Some things don’t need to be new to be valuable. They just need to be cared for.

This time of year often inspires reflection — about where we are, what feels like home, and where we might be headed next. Whether you're thinking about downsizing, staying put with some smart updates, or simply exploring future options, planning ahead can bring peace of mind.

As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®), I’m here to help you navigate those decisions with clarity, compassion, and experience. It’s never about rushing change — it’s about preparing for it in a way that feels right for you.

So as we enter into this season let’s take time to be grateful for what’s been, and gently prepare for what’s next.

Wishing you a cosy, colourful, and thoughtfully planned autumn, Janet 

Written by Janet Helm, Realtor® and Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®)

“Janet, thank you for everything. My mom would have really liked you.” For this family, it meant a daughter grieving her mom while carrying the responsibility of being executrix. Selling the home, sorting belongings, dealing with probate—it’s a lot. Thankfully, her mom had an updated will and her affairs in order. Even then, it was a lengthy and overwhelming process for her and her family. As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist®, I step in as a navigator—guiding families through both the planned moves and the crisis ones. My job isn’t easy yet it is always rewarding. With a plan, you have options. Without one, choices become limited. If you or someone you know needs guidance, Ask HELM. I'm always just a phone call away.
(SOLD: MLS R3016636 )