"Elderly Nightmare” From a Hospital Bed to a Vehicle: rampant troubles for those unprepared

[@Carniekelly]

I’m 64 years old and living with my 75 year old boyfriend he’s not doing well and I know that the minute he passes, God forbid, his kids will kick me out on the street so, after watching your videos, I have my old Toyota minivancompletely ready to live in just in case

[@MinivanLee]

This is one reason I refuse to date anymore. Females dating or get married, become the hospice partner for senior men. That’s all well and good, but when he passes the children strip the hospice partner of EVERYTHING. LET the children be the hospice children.

[@az2wa206]

I'm 59 years old and just through a nasty breakup. I now have no home, no car, no possessions. I'm living in a Homeless shelter. Going through legal issues as well. Waiting to get my savings back from my former partner. I am not able to work and live on a small income. I've studied van / car life for years. Now I am free and ready to get going. I need to save up and get a vehicle pronto. While I'm grateful to have a place to live, going from a home to living in a shelter is traumatic. I can't wait to be on the road like you folks. Thanks for the great videos!!! I am learning and getting more confident that I can do it!!! Many thanks.

[@christir2731]

I just became homeless with my 13 year old lab. I am 65 and have a 2001 ram van. Have been staying in state parks in Texas for 15.00 dollars a night, got showers, water bathroom. My dog is very happy being a nature every day to be honest I believe my anxiety is less. I do worry about the summer, though my goals to pay off my credit card debt and hopefully save money. really enjoy your videos Lee, there’s so informative, especially for us older people.

[@toniesan4765]

Lee, I just watched a video on KZbin about a drastic rise in stolen car cases in St. Louis. Most of the incidents happened at gas stations when the car owners were filling up the tank. A man entered the car and sat behind the wheel screaming that it was his car. Then his accomplice in another car behind pointed at the car owner and screaming that he was trying to steal the car. B careful, make sure that u take the ignition key with u when u get out of your car and never leave your purse or any valuables in the car seat.

[@TomPrenderville-p3d]

Love your energy and you are a true survivalist . Keep up your word of encouragement for those in need.

[@VFandTheKitKats]

I remember seeing a video of a woman last year who had cancer and two other women who were living in vans helped her to her chemotherapy treatments and looked after her dog. They all took care of each other and helped her heal.

[@brendamcchristy6044]

Im so happy for Deb. There is hope❤

[@Warrio64]

I have been watching van lifers and KZbin travelers for a while and it can be done. Some flourish (like you) when they embrace it. KZbin's algorithms show me channels like yours that recently popped up. You probably have helped so many without even being aware of it. God is using you through your channel.

[@winder6]

I'm living in a van as well. Had a kidney stone and had surgery to get it removed all while no one new I was homeless. It wasn't fun but even a room wouldn't make that much difference.

[@jalqassar]

I'm just so tired of keeping up property and high costs plus taxes. At my age there is everything to do, tree cutting, fixing plumbing, new hot water heater needed,painting the house...first pressure spraying it...yardwork. on and on ..a van seems like a gypsy life and so.much fun...much easier and freer. Thank you for your videos Lee.

[@clarasmith1873]

Watching the love on your face as Debra shared was so kind and loving. She's lucky to have you on her side.

[@marypaino1327]

9 years ago, health issues abounding and facing possible eviction, I emptied my apt in Mass and trucked on out west with car packed with what I could fit, eventually settling in Truth or Consequences, NM. Lived in a campground for 3 weeks, then got a studio apt and eventually bought a cheap fixer upper near Silver City. I did 99% of all the work and now own it outright. I call it this Old Lady's House. Now my car is almost ready to truck on out to Quartzite "25" and looking forward to meeting fellow RTRs Anybody can figure this out, with a lot faith, t it will work out

[@MildredBejarano-e6k]

Lee, you are a great inspiration to me. I'm 74 and you are right about, one never knows what may come down the pipeline. We need to be proactive. I want to get your book to read up on the survival skills you've learned thru the years in your minivan. You keep it so nice and cozy and clean. God is good. He is our anchor and guide in life. I see that in you. Love you. Always praying for you. Thank you for helping so many to survive in this crazy world. 🤗🤗🙏🙏🙏

[@raymondsmith3442]

Hey Lee good show 👍I became a hart patient about 11yrs ago and am legally disabled I moved in to my van gosh about 8yrs ago now because I couldn't afford rent meds and Dr bills I've had four procedures done and also 3 mo. ago a 2nd pace/icd installed all while living van life I do 95 percent of work and maintenance on my van and pretty much live similar to you right now in Washington State my phone says it's 42deg. outside the only regret I have is not moving in to a van sooner and not taking a little better care of my self when I was younger I am very thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ and for every wonderful day and adventure he gives me 🙏👍💯😀Good things are definitely coming our way !!!

[@christopherjohn611]

I'm watching what the baby boomers are doing so I can prepare and be safe. I'm 57

[@Scarletsky138]

I have my CRV completely fitted for living just in case! Its taken me a year or more to gather it all but I am ready.

[@JohnGalt1960]

I live in a full size van, Im house sitting right now for a good friend who passed in february, until the heir can come from Arizona to examiné what she inherited. You cannot leave a house empty anymore or someone will steal or squat. Im 61 and disabled,I lived in a minivan before I got this van.

[@patriciamurtagh7998]

I'm so proud of you, Minivan Lee 🎉🎉🎉. You are a wonderful example. I love your videos and look forward to them every day 💞💞💞

[@MinivanLee]

Thank you so much!

[@christopherjohn611]

Thanks to you I have a plan. Keep the $220 apartment in Muskogee. Save for a year to buy a " box truck" and convert it into a self contained apartment. I can completely prepare to be a nomad. Health, safety and welfare

[@cynthiawilliamson5905]

Praise God on Deborah! God bless all that helped her!❤

[@tamarap387]

Here's some do-able stealthy that shouldn't matter to anyone....I used to work nights...11 years. You can be awake at night and be hanging out in your van/car etc if at a McDonald's parking lot or wherever...using the wifi etc.and just eat snack type foods so you don't have to cook. Then for the daytime, go to the parks and snooze and cook some food etc. I'm sure there are ways!! I traveled across the U.S and Canada doing a lot of this kind of thing.

[@scanadaze]

A home is extremely to expensive. I just checked the mail tonight. I am my son. Both on SSI and SSDI. We both lost money for next year. My son doesn't hardly make anything on SSI. They still dropped his payment by $200. Starting next month. Me $100. My son on SSI only will make next month. $533. A hand basket of food at a grocery store is $100. Before 2020. $100 would get you a shopping cart of food. I none stop cut back on everything. It doesn't help. Prices go up and pay goes down. I had to brake down and buy a van. I am over with living in a home We are working our way out. Cheaper to repair a vehicle, then maintain a home and pay all of the expenses plus taxes and utilities.

[@tonibauldree7862]

Great video Lee. Even though we have a house right now, it’s not paid off yet. Taxes for the home go up sometimes annually. Seniors can file homestead, or double homestead if you qualify. Medicare goes up each year (usually) and Cola’s don’t always cover it. Mortgage, up keep, maintaining all of it. 😩 But, we have that now, but I’m also planning for my future if needed. Money has been very tight last couple of months, but it will get better. God is good. Thanks for the message 😘 I ran right over. Ha ha

[@deedeetravels969]

Lee, there's a woman that recently passed. He stepped on an old rusty screw that started everything. Watch closely where you step, can go right through your shoes.

[@cyndiorr8271]

Hi Lee. Can you talk about how you keep condensation under control and keep mold out of your van?

[@Susan-eo7hr]

I suffered a fall and sustained.A traumatic brain injury requiring bring surgery that my neurosurgeon said the injury should have been instantly fatal and he doesn't know why i'm alive. I was living in my car with my cat.And was I hospitalized of course and when I was discharged I had no where to go to heal from brain surgery but to my car. That was really rough and the Trauma Team told me it was not a good idea.But I didn't have any other options. I am in an apartment now and by the glory of gadd, I survive living 11 months in my car.After that injury partially in especially in the summer and into the winter.

[@TheAntoniaf]

I gotta say Lee. I am not living in my car but I love watching van lifer shows and nomad living. Of all the vans I have seen, whether they were a build out or not. Your is by far the coziest and cleanest looking van out there. Good job!!! I love watching you❤❤❤

[@kenhat7710]

I am 73 and have two sons in their forties. The evil guy in He Man was Skeletor! Yes, I watched all the cartoons with my sons, bought all the characters and the Castle, and grandsons got to play with them also. Great memories! Still have them.

[@googleme63]

Hi Lee My name is Rachel from Australia. Thank you for your videos . This one , to me , has been the most powerful. I interpret many underlying principles in what your saying but what people like Bob Wells and you are doing is disregard the naysayers, get on with it but wear your smile, human dignity and joy is still ours no matter where we live . our tribe will not look down on you for living in a car on the contrary we will embrace and ask " how can we help" I don't want to sound like a grub but I am anticipatein Debbie had a week after court to move but the landlords must give at least 2 months notice to a tenant in Australia and then they have to have really defined reasons. No matter, it is stressful, and I am glad she has found support . You are super dooper cool .

[@KellyWeyd]

You pronounced my name right Lee, and nobody ever pronounces it right. Great topics today. Sounds like Debra in SC is going to be ok. And yes, you are right......we should all prepare. Life is expensive these days, and bottom line is people can't afford rent or the crazy prices of everything. Anyone could be be in this situation, or soon be in this situation, and can make the decision to thrive while living in a vehicle. You show everday that it can be done.

[@benton-benton]

Wow thank God for all the help the lady and her cats are getting! I was so worried about her cat babies. To lose her beloved cats would be the last straw for her and the cats both. I'm just so happy they will get to stay together. I'm really glad you tube suggested your channel for me! I'm hoping to learn a lot about van life. Thanks Lee! I like your hair. I'm older than you but my hair is still half dark brown and half white. I want my hair to be white w/a tinge of yellow like yours. How do you do that? Thanks again!

[@boblock7588]

I totally enjoyed watching ,..You’re right Lee ,someone should tell Debra about this lifestyle .. And yes Lee ,I would never miss watching …I have a Mini van Lee addiction..👌💜

[@KrisComments]

I had a dream about you Lee. You were teaching women’s exercise and freestyle dance classes 💃 with me in Tucson and we were having a blast helping women feel alive and love the skin that we’re in. Hope to meet you one day. Thanks for everything you’ve done and continue to do to uplift, educate, and inspire the vanlife community. I like how you shed light on preparedness without instilling fear. Let’s keep the positive vibes alive! ✨🚐

[@gabrieletucker6193]

I'm so tired of people crying and expect help from others helping them. The economy is in bad shape at effects all of us. Get of your behind and plan for the future unexpected things can happen at any moment to everyone you not the only one.😮

[@RheannaLake-dm2tl]

Yeah , they made homelessness illegal. Ordered all homeless be removed 100mes from a city . To the forest . Forest was used. I need to read it again. Pioneers didn’t attempt to grow crops in a forest , which is illegal now anyways. And they probably weren’t seniors , that grew up plugged into a wall, that now wishes to unplug them. I like your style. 💜 This is an ongoing existential reality for everyone alive . Blessings.

[@kenhurley4441]

If you can find an older Boy Scout Handbook buy it (40's - 60's). They don't have the woke crap like the new ones. Knot tying, cooking, cleaning, shelter building etc. Does anyone have a list of states that you can register your vehicles that don't require property tax? Here in Missouri we have taxes on vehicles.

[@wordless1111]

so ready. already gathering up stuff and hoping for New Years to come and go so I can GO!

[@JohnGalt1960]

One way to live good in a van is to stay single,no girlfriend for Me! Lol!😊

[@IslandBuzzy]

Thank you! ❤

[@kerrischuh8000]

I’m concerned about the future of Social Security and Medicare. I need it but some politicians these days don’t seem to care about seniors. I couldn’t even survive in a minivan without it.

[@sharon2434]

Thank you Lee 💚 you've inspired me with your empowering advice.Im a new widow,Im 70 yrs old,lm spending 85% of my income on rent, but I do have an old toyota pickup with canopy that still runs reliably and lots of camping equipment.Im think8ng of moving 8nto my truck and heading down to Arizona to the Quartzite area and try this.lI could save up some money for a piece of cheap land for a simpple cheap off grid home,idont know but thankyou for giving out such positive, can do energy,you have inspired me.

[@14judita]

Not only is sickening how the healthcare system has become a mafia but did you guys hear about insurance companies wanting not to include anesthesia as part of the cost of surgery but instead putting it as a separate charge? I don’t get why do something like that when im sure it’s already included in the bill 🤷🏻‍♀️ unless they can charge a lot more separately either way it’s disgusting

[@clarasmith1873]

You sure need a plan B or maybe even C. I think we seniors feel so vulnerable, especially if she just lost her husband. It can be overwhelming. But, it is amazing what we can do when the need arises.

[@STITCHES300]

They were fighting Skel where fighting Skeletor the bad guy.❤

[@STITCHES300]

I’m sure glad she got some help.

[@TexasGlitter-hs7bz]

Watch Boondocking with Dennis he is going through that now and he lives in his truck. If can be done. Problem is a lot of people are just not mentally strong enough to do it. They give up and fall apart. You can't be weak and give up! ITS not outlawed and if it is I want to know what STATES? AND no they aren't outlawing RVS good lord!

[@emmarose7204]

If there’s a will, there’s a way.. Life is unpredictable, don’t know what will happen along the way. Might as well invest now in a Minivan because you never know when you gonna need it.

[@christopherjohn611]

Question. Should I keep the apartment as a " backup" failsafe. Just in case. I had 3 strokes at 53

[@carolgeyser5415]

Lee. Just found your channel. Very charming and very helpful. A friend. Carol a disabled senior.❤

[@craigscoppercreations5592]

Yep you should buy a vehicle and have it ready, and take it camping a few times so you know that you could live in it if you had to.

[@theresamikelson2569]

Life insurance is an added expense but, worth it in the long run. 👍🏼😻

[@kathygarcia4012]

The lady that thinks that she will be thrown out when her boyfriend dies she's write ❤

[@gailjohnson6670]

Thank you for the video. Blessings to you.

[@kenhurley4441]

Great video Lee! Tell Max HI!

[@carolyngrayer5394]

I love your content. God bless you.❤️

[@HaroldLeeDye]

Praying for you and also the lady with this Chanel.

[@jalqassar]

I'm thinking about van living and trying it. I was wondering what do you do in Tucson or any hot place in the hottest summer months? It would be too hot in a van? Any suggestions?

[@lindabishop2929]

Hi 👋 love watching your channel ...I'm Linda from Ohio...

[@LifeInTheLaterYears]

I would love to know how your van is set up

[@wandawhittenburg4247]

I watch LAVA she just had open heart and is 77 living in her van. I m 70 need eight hour back surgery I have fractures in my spine with scoliosis and stenosis and I’m getting ready to lose my house and get in a van. I don’t know that lady was kind of a whiner and I’m not sure even if someone gave her a van that she would live in it. She just seems a little uppty . I’m sorry I don’t mean to be that way, but there’s a lot of us out there with a rough way to go and she needs to step up and find a way to do it instead of crying and whining sorry but many of us women are TUFF even if we are crippled.

[@JayneW911]

Why didn’t her doctor? If he knows she’s homeless put her into a rehab after the hospital? And if the hospital knew she was homeless, they would never have released her. Anybody living in a van who need some kind of surgery you need to be honest with your doctor and the hospital. Because they cannot release you to the street if you’ve been operated on because of infection. Her own primary care could’ve put her in rehab for 30 days after surgery because she’s homeless. That’s a shame everybody needs to be honest with their physicians.😢

[@vickylynnfrench4146]

I remember Heman and the evil one was Skeletore

[@camillawiking]

Hi sweetheart, yes you are a sweetheart; brightening up everyone's life like this! I have a question that I hope is not rude; how do one support oneself financially on the road living in a van; this way of living has always been a secret dreamlife of mine; but I have no pension and I am being "taken care of" by my daughter for time being; but I want to be self sufficient again (got my pride) but no one hires me and I try to get a youtube channel going but not many viewers. Was tik-tok the game changer fpr you? Can you earn enough through that do you think? Immensly grateful for all your insights and road-knowldege and if you don't have time to answer I love you anyways ;) I am watching your show from Italy btw.

[@christopherjohn611]

I tell everyone about " minivan Lee" how to survive and thrive in a van.

[@Rayview-px1hm]

When people have no one and no address, how do they live in a vehicle? It sounded like that lady had no address to use if she left the apartment. How can she get insurance or keep it long-term? How could she keep her S.S. or renew her license? I've met actually homeless people who lost their S.S. because they have no address. I've watched many videos with people who live in their vehicles or campers and a couple have mentioned using a family members address and some said they still have a home but what about the rest of the people

[@MinivanLee]

Great question. There are mail forwarding businesses that allow nomads to use the address and forward mail. South Dakota is the most popular domicile and mail forwarding.

[@kathygarcia4012]

I am 72 years old and I do have a home. But I don't want to be responsible anymore I've done all this grandkids daughters took care of helped both of them with their kids I just don't know how to start I don't want to live with anyone

[@clarasmith1873]

Not surprised you forgot the name of the evil guy with He Mam. You focus on the positive. 🎉❤

[@okigi-wo5zm]

Red state nonsense.

[@gunnerdetroit]

I know you're 71 but there are lots of ways to make money at your age. Crafting. Even working desk job. Customer service. Social media management. If yuh can figure out YT yuh can figure it out. What you need is to lean on Jesus and he will get you out of your van and into a home. That said, I want the contact info for Cat Mommy 2. I want to help her. She said the truest words ever. God is good and will work it out.

[@yelenakozorezov6587]

Hi Lee you the best 🥰😍❤️👍 I watch videos 3-4 years I think how I can make my life with small budget I have everything. What do I need Thanks for nice video motivation people

[@Scarletsky138]

But you are wearing summer sleeveless in the cold!

[@campgoerOne]

HI Lee! 😊👋

[@jubileenaredeemed5068]

what if you cant drive and no car?

[@jennifferlidbury6882]

Shared UK 🇬🇧

[@KrisComments]

I had a dream about you Lee you were in Tucson teaching women’s exercise and freestyle dance classes with me 💃helping others step into their power, stay healthy, and love the skin that we’re in. Hope to meet you one day. Thanks for all you’ve done and continue to do to elevate the vanlife community and uplift instead of being a downer or a fear mongerer. Let’s keep the positive vibes alive! ✨🚐

[@elainedebita1150]

😂😂😂

[@FeMiNem-Poet]

Right on Lee!! 🪷Planet Fitness $12.99 a month.💐 PLENTY of ways to cook in a vehicle!☘️ Fantastic outcome for Debra!🎉 🌲There are as stated before a lot - a lot of people in the Carolinas - in the surrounding area - who have no vehicle, have lost family, do not have income because they lost their jobs - in tents with winter weather. Bless and pray for them.🪷

[@trippin6118]

Lee, im a new subscriber and wish to retire very soon. Im planning to sell my stuff and head out on the road. But I am debating if I should do car life or van life. Even Bob Wells downsized and I would like to be as stealth as possible. Can you do a video on pros and cons? Thank you

[@VanlilfewithDaleandBailey]

I sent you a gift. Enjoy some coffee on me.

[@marylong7467]

Skelator

[@christopherjohn611]

I have to do research on this but in Colorado there's something about a deep discount on " electric " cars for around $ 100 a month??? Can you look into this. Something about the government. I think it's only in Colorado

[@josephkingston9252]

In the county I live in they have made it against the law to live in your vehicle on your own property on any property that somebody gives you permission to stay on their property if they catch you living in your vehicle they will tell you you're in violation and you got to move on

[@josephkingston9252]

Jesus said if they persecute you in one City flee ye into another city, once you have to go live in your vehicle if you are harassed in any certain area just start it up and go flee to another but I do admonish everybody that lives in their vehicle to get AAA insurance because they will come and haul your vehicle up to 200 me wherever you need that vehicle to be brought to if you break down in public and that insurance will cost you about $112 a year it's a one-time payment because if you have to pay a record to haul you even 50 miles you're looking at 3 to 400 dollars so that AAA insurance they really honor their commitment to help you out they will pay for the record there's no money out of pocket after you make that once a year payment to them and that's a AAA insurance, Americans in America have grown weak and spoiled and lacks and when hard times come a lot of them is not going to know how to make it everybody needs a van and they need a bicycle because when everything else fails if you've got a bicycle you can still get around

[@STITCHES300]

They were fighting Skel where fighting Skeletor the bad guy.❤