Navigating Life After Loss of Mobility: A Conversation Between Brendan Halleron and Steve Lear
Loss of mobility is a challenge many people will face, whether from sudden injury, illness, or the gradual effects of aging. How you prepare for it can make a world of difference.
Affiance Financial’s Brendan Halleron, CFP®, AIF®, BFA™, sat down with Steve Lear, ChFC, CLU, BFA™, to explore what loss of mobility really means, why planning ahead matters, and how families can prepare both financially and emotionally.
What does “loss of mobility” really mean, and why is it important to plan for it?
Loss of mobility is more than just difficulty getting around. As Steve Lear explains, “Loss of mobility is defined as being unable to get around in an easy and efficient manner.” Even temporary conditions can give you a taste of the challenge — “I’ve had bouts of sciatica where I couldn’t walk without pain. It’s humbling, and it makes you realize how much you take movement for granted.”
Examples of loss of mobility can range from mild unsteadiness while walking to neurological disorders that impair muscle coordination. While a gradual decrease in mobility is a normal part of aging, it’s impossible to predict if or when you might face a significant loss of mobility.
Brendan Halleron adds, “Would you define loss of mobility as a loss of independence and entering interdependence?” Steve agrees: “Definitely, yes.” This change can be as emotionally challenging as it is physical.
So why plan for it now instead of waiting? Brendan shares, “It’s going to happen for most people, though to what degree we don’t know, so it is better to have steps in place to be able to address it, rather than having it be forced on you and trying to catch up.”
Why do people often delay planning?
The reality is, many people put it off. As Steve says, “So many of our clients say, ‘I’ll move when I have to’ — well, we don’t know when or what the ‘have to’ is.”
Brendan adds: “Having a plan for it is going to make that transition, not if it happens, but when it happens, easier.”
Addressing it now, rather than reacting later, allows you to make intentional choices instead of scrambling when circumstances change.
After a sudden mobility event, what first steps should families take?
The first step, says Steve, is simple but essential: “Step one — have a meaningful conversation with your support team.” This means talking openly with your doctor, therapist, children, and financial planner about your needs, preferences, and concerns.
As Steve puts it, “Create your personal clarity of what kind of services you will accept and what kind of services are unacceptable.”
Brendan notes, “Proper planning around this not only reduces stress, but also preserves dignity in this transition. Taking away the keys and not being able to have your independence is a very big loss.”
Once the conversation begins, clearly define the decision at hand.
- What outcome are you hoping for?
- What obstacles stand in the way?
- What priorities matter most?
Ranking these priorities can make planning feel less overwhelming and give you a clear roadmap for next steps.
How can Affiance Financial help clients prepare for and adapt to this life transition?
At Affiance, we aim to help clients prepare for and adapt to the changes that accompany the loss of mobility.
As Brendan explains, “Financial planners can help put the framework together.”
Loss of mobility often involves high-stakes choices, and when they’re rushed, the outcomes can be stressful and costly. Brendan shares, “In my experience, the people that have planned for this — I don’t think anyone has come back and said, ‘Wow, I really miss my home.’ But that’s because they planned for this in advance and did all of the research. It wasn’t a forced decision.”
With careful planning, research, and guidance, you can move forward with greater confidence, knowing your decisions are in the best interest of both you and your loved ones.
If you’d like to talk about preparing for loss of mobility, the Affiance Financial team is here to help.
