Moving is an inherently stressful process, but moving an aging relative into an assisted living center can be particularly difficult. Not only must you and your loved one deal with the realities of growing older, but your senior family member likely has to transition from a long-time private residence to a communal living situation. To make this switch as seamless as possible, consider using a senior move manager.
“They help with the transition to senior living.”
What is a senior move manager?
If you’re unfamiliar with the world of assisted living, you’ve probably never heard the term “senior move manager” before. According to Caring.com, these are people who help guide you through every step of the transition to senior living. They assist with a variety of duties, from hiring and supervising movers to helping pack and unpack belongings. Senior move managers are able to take care of or guide you through any logistical issue that might arise during the moving process.
In addition to the technical aspects of moving, senior move managers have been trained to handle the emotional side of the transition. Caring.com explained that one of the most difficult parts of the lifestyle change for seniors is going through the belongings they’ve collected throughout their lives. Inevitably, they can’t take everything with them to their assisted living centers, and having to make decisions about the future of their prized possessions can be mentally exhausting.
Senior move managers can help by directing families on how to divide up items, organizing donations and holding auctions. The source noted that if you’re helping a loved one who lives far away, is in poor health or who has an unusually large amount of belongings, senior move managers can be invaluable resources.
Rates vary from manager to manager. Caring.com explained that some people charge on an hourly basis, which is usually between $25 and $75 depending on your region. Others charge a flat rate, which can cost up to $2,500 depending on what services are required.
Senior move managers can be invaluable resources during the transition to assisted living.
Where can you find one?
In order to have the best transition experience possible, be sure to work with someone certified by the National Association of Senior Move Managers. This nonprofit organization teaches senior move managers the best methods for dealing with issues like hoarding, dementia, communication, safety, and ethics. Move managers learn through a combination of classes, seminars, and by attending the NASMM Annual Conference & Expo.
To locate one of these certified professionals, head over to the NASMM website.
What are the benefits of using a senior move manager?
There are a number of ways, both big and small, that using a senior move manager can improve the transition experience. Here are some of the top reasons you should consider hiring a professional, according to A Place for Mom.
- Removes the chance of financial exploitation, an issue that often targets seniors.
- Gives seniors plenty of control in the moving process.
- Helps people downsize possessions in a dignified way.
- Takes stress off of busy or far-away family members.
- Provides you with careful attention to detail.
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