As far as your son goes...he's living where he feels comfortable and grew up. For many years even you had a problem with the difference in the change of environment. The normal interaction that you might have had or a chance to build a relationship living closer just wasn't in the cards. I would guess he would feel like a loner and having a tough time on his own which only reinforces that perception.
You'll do what you have to when the time comes but both you and RR have children and grandchildren and they come first..so I wouldn't give much thought to using it otherwise.