As the Senior Outreach Partner for Polygon Gallery’s annual “Meet Me at the Gallery” Holiday Tea, I’m happy to invite you to this wonderful community event at the gallery. Join me, visitors, and other supporters for a festive time of connection, conversation, and inspiration including a curator-led tour of the new exhibition, Lee Miller: A Photographer at Work (1932–1945). Celebrate the season, share time with friends, and enjoy our vibrant arts community. Hope to see you there! The date is: December 3rd 10am -12pm. There is a convenient car drop off and pick up area, street parking, underground parking, and a bus stop just a few steps away.

Meet Me at The Gallery is a daytime art program dedicated to enriching the lives of seniors and friends in our community with monthly get-togethers inspired by the gallery’s current exhibitions. Visitors are invited to drop-in on the first Wednesday of every month at 10:00 am to make new connections with art, and each other! A different activity will greet visitors every month, with social time to follow. Read about Meet Me At The Gallery in The North Shore News!  Advance registration is helpful, but walk-ins are always welcome. Plan your visit information. 

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

JUST SOLD! Celebrating another successful RIGHTSIZE with HELM - right time, right plan, right move! Spring often gets all the attention in real estate, yet Fall and Winter can actually be an ideal time to sell. With fewer homes on the market, your property stands out. Buyers looking during these seasons tend to be serious and ready to act, not just browsing.

There is something special about homes in Fall and Winter. Seasonal staging such as cozy throws on patio chairs, a fire crackling inside, and twinkle lights makes every room feel warm and welcoming. This is also a great time to showcase any recent updates you’ve made, such as a new furnace or windows, which can reassure buyers and add value. Neighbourhoods with shovelled driveways, skis or sleds outside send a sense of community and life that helps buyers picture themselves settling in.

Winter also coincides with one of the biggest months for corporate relocation. Many companies set their budgets in January, leading to job changes and relocations in the early part of the year. This can be a significant advantage for you as a seller. People moving for work are often on a tight deadline. They must find a place, settle in, and start their new job. This urgency can work in your favour and can lead to quicker decisions, less negotiation  and more straightforward transactions. 

Every season has its advantages, yet knowing when is best for you to sell is what matters most. With HELM as your guide, you’ll find the timing that fits your needs and your family’s plans. My 55 AND BETTER System is designed to guide Rightsizers through every step of the process with clarity and confidence.

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

A Home with HELM e-newsletter subscriber and longtime community advocate recently made me smile when she shared that her 82-year-old sister calls hiring help around the home “staffing up.”

I meet many people who want to age in place and doing so successfully almost always means having some level of support. That usually begins with asking for help, something that can feel bigger than it sounds. No one wants to admit they need help. For some, it may feel like admitting they are not capable. There can be a fear of how neighbours, family or friends might perceive it. The common refrain is “I’m fine” or “I’ll ask when I need it.” Unfortunately, by the time help is finally requested, it is often during a crisis.

So how do you hire help wisely, safely and with confidence?

1. Start early

Don’t wait for an emergency. Bringing in support while things are going smoothly helps you build trust and find the right fit before it becomes a necessity.

2. Do your homework

Referrals are valuable, yet it’s important to vet them yourself. Ask questions like: What did they do particularly well? Were there any challenges along the way?

3. Ask for written estimates

Always get quotes in writing. Compare not only the price but also what is included. Does the service provider have insurance, training and references?

4. Be cautious with “too good to be true” offers

You often get what you pay for. If a company pressures you to “today only price,” that is a red flag. Quality help is worth the time and proper vetting.

5. Do not hire on impulse

Take some time to think about it. Ask for clarification on anything that feels unclear. Feeling comfortable and confident matters more than moving quickly. 

6. If the help is not working out, speak up right away

Let the person know immediately and explain why. Clear communication saves time, money and frustration for everyone involved. It is far better to adjust early than continue with a situation that is not a good fit.

Aging in place successfully takes planning, trust and teamwork. Whether you call it “staffing up” or simply building your support network, having the right people in your corner makes all the difference. If there is a type of service you are considering, let me know, I’m happy to share my resources with you. 

As the Senior Outreach Partner for Polygon Gallery’s annual “Meet Me at the Gallery” Holiday Tea, I’m happy to invite you to this wonderful community event at the gallery. Join me, visitors, and other supporters for a festive time of connection, conversation, and inspiration including a curator-led tour of the new exhibition, Lee Miller: A Photographer at Work (1932–1945). Celebrate the season, share time with friends, and enjoy our vibrant arts community. Hope to see you there! The date is: December 3rd 10am -12pm. There is a convenient car drop off and pick up area, street parking, underground parking, and a bus stop just a few steps away.

Meet Me at The Gallery is a daytime art program dedicated to enriching the lives of seniors and friends in our community with monthly get-togethers inspired by the gallery’s current exhibitions. Visitors are invited to drop-in on the first Wednesday of every month at 10:00 am to make new connections with art, and each other! A different activity will greet visitors every month, with social time to follow. Read about Meet Me At The Gallery in The North Shore News!  Advance registration is helpful, but walk-ins are always welcome. Plan your visit information. 

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

First off, I’m not a lawyer, so this information is simply a guide and not intended to be used as legal advice. 

I understand that many people delay setting up a power of attorney due to worries about potential misuse or simply thinking they'll handle it later, but having one in place is a powerful way to protect your wishes and give you peace of mind.

A POA is a legal document that lets you give authority to another person to make financial and legal decisions for you. Your POA can be:

1. General: your POA is able to make financial and legal decisions for you.

2. Specific or Limited: your POA can only make the financial and legal decisions you set out in the POA, such as taking money out of your chequing account to pay your bills. You can also limit the length of time the POA is valid. Note: A General, Specific or Limited POA ends when you become mentally incapable unless the POA contains an enduring clause.

3. Enduring: is a POA that specifically permits the attorney to continue to act for you if you later become incapable of managing your own affairs.

If your POA covers real estate it must be prepared according to the rules outlined in the Land Title Act of British Columbia. Given the complexity of real estate transactions and the legal implications of selling property under POA, it is highly recommended to consult with a lawyer experienced in British Columbia real estate law. Legal counsel will guide you through the process, help draft any necessary documents, and ensure that all legal requirements are met.  Realtors must be aware of the challenges that exist when representing someone who claims to have the legal right to act on behalf of a property owner on the basis of a POA. Is the POA valid? Was it properly executed? Does it empower the attorney to deal with real estate property? Has it expired? Has it been revoked? Has it been terminated through the death of the grantor? These are all questions that need to be answered before listing a home for sale! 

How to choose a POA? Most people select their spouse, a relative, or a close friend.
Select someone you trust to represent your best interests, not just the closest person to you. Your POA should be nearby for emergencies, calm under pressure, and ideally have some understanding of medical processes. Ensure they agree to take on this responsibility willingly.

Below are two links you may find of value and provide some peace of mind. National Initiative for Care of the Elderly information on Power of Attorney and the  Government of Canada site, what every older adult should know about Power of Attorneys.

Having a POA is part of your long term planning, “having your ducks in a row” as my mom used to say!  If you have any questions regarding this topic or getting your ducks in a row to provide peace of mind, just ask! I’m always just a phone call away. Janet 

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

During my seminars, Smart Moves: Empowering Choices for Older Adults and Their Families, 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.

• Have snow removal company lined up now, don’t wait until it snows!

• Have  neighbour or family member “salt” your driveway and walkway during cold weather season. 

Smarter Bathroom Design

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

• Install a raised toilet seat for easier transitions.

• Have grab bars professionally installed 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.

• Don’t use ladders or step stools- ask for help instead. People want to help. 

These changes don’t require a full renovation or major investment. Yet together, they help create a safer home, one that supports confidence, 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, contact me. 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.