Helping Henry: an update

A few weeks ago I asked for your advice on how we could help Henry stay in his home. Suggestions included a reverse mortgage and caregiver help from Catholic Charities.

I discussed these and other options with Henry.  He has since been told by his retired son in Texas that a reverse mortgage would not give him the value of the home  (not true)  and that he should not consider this as an option. Instead, he has been instructed by his son to put the home on the market and "get as much as possible."

Henry has also been persuaded by his other son to sell the home "for as much as possible" and to move to Sequim so his son can visit him in an assisted living home more conveniently.  (Henry would pay the fees for his assisted living with his social security and the proceeds from the sale of his home.) 

Henry has decided to follow his sons' advice. He wants to sell his home and does not want a caregiver.

I can't help Henry sell his home "for as much as possible" in today's nonexistent market. And his sons won't be getting their expected inheritance, either.  No winners in this scenario.

How can we help Henry?

Henry's a big man, about 6'2", which is unusual for a man his age--75. He used to drop by my office in Poulsbo to talk about his latest ladies. And he is a kind man, volunteering for years at a local charity.

Henry's in trouble now. He's suffering from Parkinson's Disease, and although he has social security and owns his small home--on 2.5 acres--but he has no other means of support. He's not in trouble because of foolish consumerism--he's in trouble because age is catching up to him.

Henry called me last week to ask me to put his home on the market. I don't want to do it. He's comfortable where he is, and he doesn't need the stress of selling. Besides, what would he do next? Spend the money on an assisted living facility?

His family apparently is of no help, something I have a hard time understanding. I would hate to see their names in his will, but I'm keeping my mouth shut. One thing is for sure: Henry can't take the proceeds from the sale of his home with him when he passes, and it appears that it won't be very long before he does.

I'm gathering advice to help Henry stay where he is. Do you have any I can pass along? If two heads are better than one, I'll bet 200 hundred are even better than that. Please leave your comment if you can. I'll post news from time to time as I have it. Thanks in advance.