Scenario 1: A widowed woman who sold her home and moved to assisted living, with clear figures on home equity, retirement funds, and how long her care is expected to be covered.

Client: 

  • Name: Janet, Age 81 
  • Status: Widowed 
  • Home: 3-bed ranch in Tigard, OR — owned for 27 years 
  • Home Value: $650,000 
  • Mortgage Balance: $0 
  • Sold For: $645,000 (after fees) 
  • Cash Available Post-Sale: ~$615,000 
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings: $140,000 
  • Monthly Social Security Income: $2,150 

Why She Chose Assisted Living: 

Janet began experiencing balance issues and mild cognitive decline. After a minor fall and a short hospital stay, her family reached out to Freestone. Aging in place was discussed, but the layout of her home, combined with limited access to care, made assisted living the safer option. 

Her New Living Situation: 

Placed in one of our trusted assisted living community near her daughter, with: 

  • 24/7 care and monitoring 
  • Memory support services 
  • Meals, medication assistance, social engagement 

Monthly Cost: $9,800 

Whisper Outcome: 

With ~$755,000 in assets and $2,150/month income, Whisper projected Janet could sustain this level of care for 7.5 years, giving her family peace of mind and time to plan for later-stage support if needed. 

 

Scenario 2: A married couple who chose to age in place with home renovations, funded through a reverse mortgage, and how Whisper projected a safe and sustainable future.

Client: 

  • Names: Robert (76) & Linda (72) 
  • Status: Married 
  • Home: 1-story ranch in Beaverton, OR — lived in for 19 years 
  • Home Value: $520,000 
  • Mortgage Balance: $50,000 
  • Home Equity: ~$470,000 
  • Reverse Mortgage Accessed: $180,000 
  • Monthly Social Security Income: $3,800 (combined) 

Why They Chose Aging in Place: 

In relatively good health, Robert and Linda wanted to stay in their home but knew they needed key upgrades for safety and long-term comfort. Their adult children supported the decision. 

Home Modifications: 

  • Zero-step entry and barrier-free shower 
  • Grab bars, railings, wider doorways 
  • Non-slip flooring and lighting upgrades 

Total Renovation Cost: $38,000 (funded via reverse mortgage) 

Whisper Outcome: 

Whisper projected that, with $140,000 remaining from the reverse mortgage and $3,800/month income, they could confidently age in place for 10–12 years with funds set aside for future care or in-home services as needed 

 

Scenario 3: A spouse staying at home while his wife moves into memory care, using a reverse mortgage and ADU rental income to fund long-term care needs.

Client: 

  • Names: James (78) & Mary (75) 
  • Status: Married — Mary diagnosed with mid-stage dementia 
  • Home: 2-story home in Vancouver, WA — fully owned 
  • Home Value: $700,000 
  • Home Equity: $700,000 
  • Reverse Mortgage Accessed: $200,000 
  • Monthly Social Security Income: $3,850 (combined) 
  • New Monthly Rental Income: $1,500 

Why They Made This Move: 

After Mary’s dementia diagnosis progressed, James realized he could no longer provide the care she needed at home. They decided she would move into memory care, but affordability was a challenge. 

Home Strategy: 

James used part of the reverse mortgage to convert a detached shop behind his home into a legal ADU with a private entrance and kitchenette. He now rents the space to a long-term tenant. 

  • Memory Care Cost: $6,000/month 
  • ADU Conversion Cost: $120,000 
  • Remaining Funds: $80,000 

Whisper Outcome: 

Whisper helped James and his adult children understand how long his current financial resources would sustain care: 

  • With $80,000 in reserves and $5,350/month in income (Social Security + rent), James could support Mary’s care for 7–8 years, while staying in his home and maintaining control.