As people
age, they often become overly attached to their homes and
even though there may be compelling reasons to find other
living arrangements, these folks will go to extreme lengths
to remain in their homes.
Notwithstanding
the affection for their dwellings, there is oftentimes undeniable
pressure for seniors to move out and into a different living
arrangement. Consider the following:
* The
challenge of maintaining a yard and providing upkeep has
become too great.
* There is a need for long term care that can't be handled
in the home.
* The older person needs supervision that can't be provided
in the home.
* The neighborhood has deteriorated and safety is a concern.
* There is a desire to be near children or grandchildren
(70% of those 65+ live within 1 hour of a child).
* The home cannot accommodate disability needs.
* There is a need to avoid climbing stairs.
* Assets are tied up in the home and cash is needed through
selling the property.
* Driving is no longer possible and available local transportation
is not adequate.
* There is a desire for a warmer climate, a yearning for
new vistas or a need for challenging new experiences.
Typically,
the thought of giving up their residence, finding new accommodations,
downsizing personal possessions and executing the move can
seem overwhelming to many older people.
Perhaps
another obstacle for many seniors, contemplating a move,
is the lack of support or help from family members. In fact,
some seniors have no children. For others, the children
are living far away or are extremely busy with their jobs
or their own families. And in some cases -- because people
are living so long -- the children are elderly as well and
find it difficult to help with the move.
This
overwhelming pressure and stress relating to moving can
often result in gridlock -- a failure to make any decision
at all.
Because
many elderly people face such a daunting task with moving,
a growing number of seniors relocation specialists are stepping
forward to provide assistance. These individuals or companies
provide or arrange for the following services:
* advice
and counseling,
* help with finding new accommodations,
* downsizing possessions through personal, caring assistance
with discarding, donating or arranging estate sales,
* selling the existing property,
* organizing, arranging and scheduling the move,
* unpacking at the new location and removing boxes and other
debris,
* setting up and arranging furniture.
And
it isn't just the elderly person, contemplating a move,
who is hiring these specialists. Active senior communities,
independent living facilities, nursing homes and assisted
living often retain a relocation specialist to provide advice
and arrange services to help seniors with a move. Family
members of seniors have also found it more convenient to
hire a specialist to help their loved ones with relocation.
So who
are these companies or individuals who provide seniors relocation
and real estate services?
Seniors
Real Estate Specialists
A Seniors
Real Estate Specialist (SRES) is a real estate agent who
specializes in helping the elderly transition to a new location.
The specialist has been trained to recognize the special
needs of seniors and understand the various living arrangements
available to older people. Most of these specialists concentrate
on selling the property and do not directly provide relocation
services but they will arrange for companies or individuals
or advisors who can provide these other services.
Senior
Move Managers
A Senior
Move Manager is a member of the National Association of
Senior Move Managers. These people often have a background
in social work or case management and have experience working
with the elderly. As such, they understand the needs and
desires of seniors. Senior Move Managers can provide or
arrange for any needed service such as counseling and advice,
selling property, downsizing or relocating their clients.
Moving
Companies
Many
independent moving companies recognize the special needs
of seniors and they will provide moving services, storage
and other specialized programs for this unique group of
customers. These companies will often work together with
senior advisors and relocation specialists.
Specialists
with Developers or Senior Communities
Active
senior community developers, senior residences and care
facilities have recognized that providing relocation services
will help their clients or residents transition more quickly
into the new living arrangements. This not only relieves
the stress on the seniors but also results in less cost
to the providers who might be holding open properties or
rooms for a long period of time -- while receiving no income
-- due to the difficulty of selling the old residence and
relocating.
Professional
Organizers
Professional
organizers -- many of whom are members of the National Association
of Professional Organizers -- have found a unique niche
in helping people reduce clutter in their homes or provide
a more efficient office or living environment. Because of
extensive experience in reducing personal possessions, a
professional organizer can be particularly useful in helping
to downsize in anticipation of a move.
Need
a Seniors Relocation service?
Please
call (914)948-1350 for recommendations and referrals.
This
article was provided by the National Elder Care Planning
Council as part of the "Elder Care Planning" series.
