Transitioning older adults was most commonly an activity executed by adult children, siblings or friends up until the last five years ago. Despite the family’s willingness and ability to help their loved one, they endured the overwhelming responsibility to pack up their loved one’s home of 30-40 years in a few weeks. Time away from their jobs and their own families or spending vacations and holidays to move their loved one was often the case. Now as the older population increases and lives are even busier, the need for specialized services to help seniors transition more effectively should be sought to help the older adult with this life transition. Psychologists agree that the older adult will experience less stress and adjust more effectively to their new environment if they receive help before, during, and after the relocation process. In comes a Senior Move Manager.
What is a Senior Move Manager?
A Senior Move Manager is a professional who specializes in assisting older adults and their families with the emotional and physical aspects of relocation and/or “aging in place”. Though many Senior Move Managers have backgrounds in gerontology, social work, healthcare, nursing and psychology, others come to this industry from the corporate world of project management, technology, accounting or marketing. What all Senior Move Managers share, however, is a profound commitment to connecting with older adults and a desire to perform meaningful work.
How Can Working with a Senior Move Manager Help?
When a decision has been made that a change in the setting needs to be made to ensure safety and comfort, a Senior Move Manager can help with some or all of the following:
- Developing an overall move or “age in place” plan.
- Organizing, sorting and downsizing.
- Customized floor plans.
- Arranging for the profitable disposal of unwanted items through auction, estate sale, buy-out, consignment, donation, or a combination of the above.
- Interviewing, scheduling and overseeing movers.
- Arranging shipments and storage.
- Professional packing.
- Related services, such as cleaning, waste removal, shopping, senior escort, assisting with selection of realtor and helping prepare the home to be sold.
What are the Benefits of Senior Move Management Services?
Working with a Senior Move Manager can help an older adult as well the family in very significant ways. Senior Move Managers have the expertise in resources and approaches that save money, reduce stress and produce quality results. Their services are client-centered and personalized to meet the older adults needs and preferences.
How Do I Choose a Senior Move Manager?
The Senior Move Management industry became a recognized industry in 2002 with the organization of the National Association of Senior Move Managers, NASMM. Member of NASMM are reviewed for insurance and experience requirements prior to acceptance. Members participate in ongoing educational programs that reflect their commitment of professionalism and to working with older adults. There is a code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for all members. To find a Senior Move Manager in your area go to www.NASMM.org.
