| Seniors moving into smaller homes, assisted living | | | | moving process. A SMM provides the guidance and |
| facilities and nursing homes often need help with this | | | | support that a senior needs when faced with the |
| traumatic, life altering experience. They did an | | | | daunting task of sorting through their belongs and |
| interview with a senior move specialist to find out | | | | making decisions about what to take and not to take |
| what seniors should look for when selecting a | | | | to the new home. |
| company to help them move. Unlike younger | | | | When selecting a SMM, the National Association of |
| individuals, with senior moves, it is often into a smaller | | | | Senior Move Mangers (NASMM) suggests asking the |
| home. This downsizing forces them to discard a | | | | following: |
| lifetime of collectibles and memories. As you can | | | | How long have you been providing Senior Move |
| imagine, this is not an easy task physically. | | | | Management services? |
| Using a senior move manager can be a blessing for | | | | What are your professional credentials? |
| seniors and their family members. Seniors making a | | | | Are you fully insured for liability and workers |
| move after many years in the family home often | | | | compensation? |
| become overwhelmed by the thought of packing up | | | | How do you charge? (Fees should be provided in |
| and moving and have no idea where to start. A | | | | writing to the consumer or responsible party prior to |
| Senior Move Manager (SMM) is a professional who | | | | providing services). |
| specializes in assisting older adults and their families | | | | Do they charge for packing supplies and travel? |
| with the emotional and physical aspects of relocation. | | | | Will you provide me with a written contract? |
| Many Senior Move Managers have backgrounds in | | | | Can you provide me with references? |
| gerontology, social work, health care, nursing and | | | | Most SMM charge an hourly rate for their services. |
| psychology. | | | | The initial consultation is almost always free. The |
| One call to a Senior Move Manager can connect you | | | | SMM should be able to give a good estimate of the |
| with the services older adults and their families may | | | | number of hours needed based on that initial visit. |
| need for a smooth and successful move. From | | | | While traditional moving companies are certainly |
| assistance with the sorting and downsizing of the | | | | capable of helping seniors move, the additional needs |
| present home to the unpacking and setup of the | | | | of seniors requires more consideration when selecting |
| new, a SMM works to recreate the senior's home | | | | a company. Fortunately, the growing demand for |
| and decrease transition trauma. | | | | senior services is creating companies tailored to their |
| In addition to health limitations, a senior may be alone | | | | special needs. and senior mover managers certainly fill |
| with no family or friends to help them with the | | | | this need. |