A real estate agent in Monroe, Michigan, has launched a new initiative to assist seniors and their families with the complexities of housing transitions. Deneen Peeler, a Realtor with the Welch Real Estate Team, created Evelyn's Promise, a service that combines her professional expertise with specialized training as a certified dementia practitioner to provide compassionate guidance during what is often a challenging time.
Key Takeaways
- Deneen Peeler, a Monroe-based Realtor, started an initiative called Evelyn's Promise to assist seniors with real estate transitions.
- The service is specifically designed for seniors, individuals with dementia, and their families who are downsizing or managing an estate.
- Peeler is a certified senior real estate specialist and a certified dementia practitioner, blending professional skills with specialized care.
- The initiative was inspired by her late grandmother, Evelyn Bondy, who lived with dementia.
A Personal Mission Inspired by Family
The motivation behind Evelyn's Promise is deeply personal for Deneen Peeler. The initiative is named in honor of her grandmother, Evelyn Bondy, who passed away in 2012 after living with dementia. Peeler recalls making a commitment to her grandmother that she would continue to make her proud.
This promise fueled her desire to create a service that addresses the unique needs of the elderly community. "One of the last promises I made to her was to always make her proud," Peeler stated. "She was a volunteer at Heritage Hospital for 35 years and always gave of herself."
The Importance of Specialized Support
Navigating the real estate market can be stressful for anyone, but for seniors and individuals with cognitive conditions like dementia, the process presents unique challenges. Decisions about downsizing, moving to assisted living, or selling a long-time family home require not only financial and logistical planning but also significant emotional support and patience.
Peeler's personal experience with her grandmother gave her firsthand insight into the difficulties families face. She recognized a gap in the market for a real estate service that operates with an added layer of compassion and understanding for the cognitive and emotional states of senior clients.
"I do this work in honor of my grandmother who lived with dementia. It is my heartfelt mission to help seniors and their families navigate one of life’s biggest transitions with clarity, compassion and care."
Combining Real Estate with Dementia Care Expertise
What sets Evelyn's Promise apart is Peeler's unique combination of professional certifications. As a certified senior real estate specialist (SRES), she has training in the financial and emotional aspects of senior real estate transactions. This includes knowledge of housing options, retirement accounts, and government programs relevant to older adults.
In addition, her qualification as a certified dementia practitioner provides her with the skills to communicate effectively and compassionately with individuals experiencing cognitive decline. This training helps her create a low-stress environment for clients who may feel overwhelmed by the process of selling their home.
"Moving or downsizing can be a major transition," Peeler explained. "My goal is to provide resources and care during a time that can be overwhelming." This dual expertise allows her to guide families through complex decisions while remaining sensitive to the specific needs of a loved one with dementia.
Understanding the Certifications
- Certified Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES): A designation for Realtors equipped to serve the distinct real estate needs of clients aged 50 and above.
- Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP): A credential for professionals who work with dementia patients, focusing on enhancing the quality of care and communication.
Comprehensive Services for Families in Transition
Evelyn's Promise, which officially launched in May, offers more than just traditional home-selling services. Peeler has developed a comprehensive support system and a network of trusted resources to assist families at every stage of the process.
The services are designed to alleviate the burden on families who may be dealing with a recent loss or a health-related move. The primary offerings include:
- Step-by-Step Guidance: A clear, unhurried process for selling a home, tailored to the pace and needs of senior clients.
- Transition to Senior Living: Assistance for families moving a loved one into an assisted living facility or another form of senior housing.
- Estate Management Support: Information and resources for families managing the estate of a deceased loved one, including referrals for estate sales and home cleaning services.
- Network of Professionals: Access to a curated list of trusted professionals, such as elder law attorneys, financial planners, and moving companies specializing in senior relocations.
Peeler emphasizes a patient and respectful approach, ensuring that clients never feel like just another transaction. "You’ll never be rushed, overlooked or treated like ‘just another sale,’” she said, highlighting her commitment to personalized care.
Addressing a Growing Need in the Community
The need for specialized services like Evelyn's Promise is growing. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of adults aged 65 and older is projected to reach 83.7 million by 2050. Many of these individuals will face decisions about their living situations as they age.
Furthermore, the Alzheimer's Association reports that more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's, a number expected to more than double by 2050. This demographic shift underscores the importance of professionals who are trained to work with this population and their families.
Peeler's initiative provides a crucial local resource in Monroe. By integrating her real estate skills with dementia care training, she offers a model of service that prioritizes the well-being and dignity of seniors during a significant life change. "I wanted to make sure that I could offer a service that would have seniors understood and appreciated," she added.
Families interested in learning more about Evelyn's Promise can find information on Deneen Peeler's professional Facebook page.
