Dementia Complicates Things

The ability of a senior to part with beloved items depends, to some degree, on that person’s capacity to handle what’s happening in his or her life. When you throw dementia into the mix, senior move managers (SMMs) can face exasperating problems. Teepa Snow, an expert on dementia, has spoken at previous NASMM conferences and in an audio seminar notes that elderly clients may

• think you’ve stolen something, because their things are no longer where they remember them;
• not remember signing an agreement with the move manager;
• find it hard to leave things alone, and may undo what the mover has done;
• call repeatedly throughout the day and ask the move manager the same questions;
• shadow the mover;
• say they’re sick, when they’re not, which puts the mover behind schedule; and  
• get angry at the movers, insult or threaten them, lock them out, or even lash out.

It may sound like an uphill battle, but move managers learn how to communicate with anxious clients and learn strategies for dealing with these situations.

Given all this, it’s not surprising that many move managers have backgrounds in gerontology, social work, nursing, health care, and psychology. But many others come from real estate, antiques businesses, interior design, and jobs in the corporate and business worlds. Many left vital careers, Buysse said, but “they get how all the pieces fit. They’re coming in (to the industry) very prepared and very skilled.”

SMMs are advocates for their clients and are the communications hub for everyone involved in the move, which may include family members, realtors, stagers, auction houses, donation facilities, clean-out services, movers, attorneys, the new residential facility, and even shredding services. The SMMs develop and maintain a list of trustworthy resources.

“I am in awe of our membership and what they do,” Buysse said.