GoodLife Pathways

Americans aged 65 years or older numbered 36.8 million in 2005, representing one in every eight Americans. By 2030, that number is expected to increase to 71.5 million. But Park Cities agents Barbara Husel and Robyn Carafiol of Virginia Cook, Realtors know from professional and personal experience that the number is even more significant when the Senior is yourself or a loved one facing important living transition decisions.

"As a Senior adult begins to make decisions about changing their home and lifestyle, the vast amount of information available can become overwhelming," says Barbara, an agent with the Park Cities Office of Virginia Cook, Realtors. "Evaluating the many different communities, amenities and care options takes an enormous amount of time and can be very unsettling."

As professionals who have built their real estate business upon personalized care and attention, Barbara and Robyn recognized a need in the community. Their response is GoodLife Pathways, an 8-step program that provides counseling and assistance to Seniors and their adult children through this phase of life with an end-goal of achieving not only a rewarding and positive experience for all involved, but a pampered, happy lifestyle for the Senior.

Offering a combined 28 years of experience in real estate, both Barbara and Robyn have earned the Senior Real Estate Specialist designation. Tapping their resources, they have conducted intensive research into every aspect of senior living, personally touring more than 30 senior living communities in the region and interviewing the staff.

Barbara and Robyn have also developed a network of professionals who have proven reputations in related fields including estate planning, geriatric care management, home healthcare, estate sales, and even contractors who specialize in universal or "aging in place" home design.

As a result, Barbara and Robyn can deliver in-depth knowledge along with a great deal of hand holding during their 8-steps of assistance that encompass:

1. Getting to Know the Senior and Family

2. Evaluating the Senior's Needs and Wants

3. Developing a Plan of Action

4. Exploring Housing Options

5. Deciding Upon Possessions to Take or Sell

6. Preparing the Home for Sale

7. Selling the Home

8. Moving the Senior to their New Residence

"Robyn and Barbara are Realtors with a proven record of achieving excellent home sales results," says Virginia Cook, Chief Executive Officer of Virginia Cook, Realtors. "But the focus of GoodLife Pathways is to provide the most comprehensive information and care to help Seniors make the best decision, whether that means moving or staying in their current home."

This assistance is valued not only by the Seniors, but by their adult children, who are typically busy with their careers, raising their own children, and often live out of town.

"Having gone through this experience myself, I have learned so much and have enormous empathy for others. This business is a passion that truly comes from my heart," says Barbara, who began developing the concept after traveling from Seattle to Oregon every other week for two years to care for her ill mother. "Our personal knowledge of the related services and professionals also provides tremendous peace of mind."

In addition, GoodLife Pathway includes several complimentary services. An elder attorney is available to review purchase contracts, a very critical step because the services and options of an assisted community can vary greatly. Especially if a Senior's health should decline and they need a higher level of assistance.

An elder attorney is also available to look over the Senior's estate planning and recommend any needed changes. Another professional available to the Senior at no charge is a financial planner, who can review of their revenues and expenses. "This is very helpful in allowing us to hone in on exactly what a Senior can or can't afford in terms of a community and care," says Robyn.

The services of GoodLife Pathway are provided on a reasonable sliding scale retainer. However, if the client chooses to have Robyn and Barbara list and sell his or her home, all fees paid are reimbursed when the transaction is closed.

"The response to GoodLife has been extraordinary," says Barbara. "Our concept of taking what can be a negative, scary time in life, and making it a smooth, happy experience has tapped a nerve that we hope will cause a positive ripple effect throughout the lives of many, many Seniors and their families."