Navigating the journey of helping aging parents transition to senior living can feel like an emotional and logistical marathon. As adult children, you're often balancing your own lives with the complex needs of your loved ones—from downsizing decades of memories to understanding new care options and ensuring their safety. That's why we’re constantly seeking out experts who can offer guidance and real solutions.

In a recent episode of the Simplify Senior Transitions Podcast, host Dale Corpus brought on Michelle Wer, an EXP Realty agent from Oregon City, Oregon. Michelle has made it her mission to protect and serve the senior community through a truly impactful monthly lunch and learn series. Her inspiration came from personal experience with her own aging mother and witnessing firsthand how seniors were being exploited by disreputable businesses.

Michelle’s work goes beyond real estate, driven by a passion to champion those who might feel overlooked or overwhelmed by rapid technological changes. Her insights are invaluable for families in the San Francisco Bay Area—including Contra Costa, Alameda, Santa Clara, San Mateo, San Francisco, Solano, and Napa counties—who are facing similar challenges.

Here's what you'll learn in this episode:

In this podcast episode, you'll gain practical insights and empathetic advice on:

• Identifying common scams and predatory practices targeting seniors, from contractors to IRS imposters.

• Understanding the unique vulnerabilities of the senior population in an increasingly technology-driven world.

• The importance of integrity and trustworthiness when selecting professionals and services for your loved ones.

• Strategies for building trust and effective communication with seniors, prioritizing face-to-face interaction over digital methods.

• Navigating the emotional and logistical complexities of downsizing and selling a long-time family home, recognizing the deep sentimental value of their belongings.

• Why taking a slower, more sensitive approach to real estate transitions benefits seniors.

• The power of community education and vetted resources to empower seniors and their families.

Protecting Our Seniors: Understanding the Threats

Michelle shares that she frequently encountered seniors being taken advantage of by disreputable people or businesses.

Common scams included:

• Door-to-door contractors pressuring seniors into unnecessary roof repairs.

• Notorious IRS phone scams demanding immediate payments.

She also highlighted predatory practices where individuals in various industries, including real estate, prioritized closing a deal over genuinely serving the client’s needs.

For many seniors, the rapid advancement of technology makes it difficult to discern legitimate communications from scams. This leaves them vulnerable and often isolated, hesitant to seek help due to embarrassment or unfamiliarity. Michelle realized there was a severe lack of accessible resources for seniors, which spurred her to take action.

Michelle’s Solution: Empowering Through Education

To combat these issues, Michelle co-founded Agewise PDX, a group dedicated to serving seniors by providing trustworthy resources without personal gain. This initiative led to the creation of a monthly lunch and learn series for local seniors, designed to help them avoid scams, stay safe, and connect with reputable services.

These educational events are built around six key pillars:

• Health

• Legal

• Technology

• Community Resources

• Safety

Topics are chosen by putting themselves in a senior's mindset and, crucially, by talking directly to seniors to understand their needs.

For example, they’ve covered vital topics like the differences between wills and trusts for asset protection, and how to identify and protect against identity theft and fraud. The speakers for these events are drawn from a professional network of well-vetted businesses known for their integrity and work ethic.

A core principle of these events is to ensure they are purely educational and never "salesy", emphasizing that the goal is to be a blessing and resource, not to push services.

Navigating Transitions with Empathy and Practicality

For adult children assisting with senior transitions, Michelle emphasizes several crucial points:

• Building Trust: Seniors value face-to-face contact, phone conversations, and in-person visits. Unlike younger generations who prefer texts, seniors appreciate direct, personal communication.

• Slowing Down the Process: When helping a senior sell a home they’ve lived in for decades, remember that it’s full of memories. Professionals might see clutter, but for seniors, these are treasures with emotional attachments.

• Clear Communication: The real estate process has changed significantly (e.g., radon testing wasn’t common 20 years ago). Don’t assume your senior parents understand every step—bring conversations back to the basics.

• Professional Support: Sensitive house cleaners, packers, or movers who respect sentimental belongings can make the process easier. Many transitions are triggered by life events, like the loss of a spouse, adding to the emotional weight.

• Beyond the Transaction: Michelle views her role as building lasting relationships. Her care extends beyond closing, checking in with clients and reminding them they’re supported.

The positive feedback Michelle receives highlights the profound impact of providing community and interactive education. This work keeps her motivated by the joy she witnesses when seniors realize they are not alone in their journey.

Key Takeaway for Families

For adult children, Michelle's advice is simple: “Do it.”
Find like-minded partners, prioritize how you will benefit the clients and community you serve, and always put their needs first. The most rewarding part is seeing the joy and relief when seniors reach their goals—knowing you’ve helped simplify a complex, emotional time.

Your Next Step

If you're an adult child in the San Francisco Bay Area helping your aging parents navigate senior living and home transitions, remember you don’t have to do it alone.

📌 Schedule a FREE consultation with Dale Corpus to explore solutions for your family’s unique situation.

👉 Book your consultation today: www.simplifyseniortransitions.com
📲 Have a quick question? DM Dale directly on Instagram @soldbydale
🎧 For more insights, listen to the full podcast episode!

P.S. Got news or an amazing story to share? Email us at dale.corpus@exprealty.com and you might be featured in our next episode. And don’t forget—check out the transcript for detailed insights.

Watch The Podcast Here