Types of Senior Relocation Professionals
Downsizing. Moving. Home Transition. All have become a rite of passage for the 55+ population of today. But what about the services available to help ease the moving process? Who are the resources and what are their qualifications?
Today, there are select providers who can assist with all facets of relocation and then there are those who provide isolated services, such as resellers, movers, junk haulers and liquidators.
The needs of a 55+ client looking to move from a long time family home are diverse, and are often complicated by issues such as family dynamics, hoarding, health conditions, personal crisis and financial constraints. It is important for the consumer to understand the available resources and their qualifications.
The following is a summary of providers who are trained and accredited to provide Senior Relocation support and services:
Certified Relocation & Transition Specialist (CRTS):
The Senior Transition Society developed the Certified Relocation Specialist (CRTS)™ program in 2004. The national network of Relocation Specialists are trained to provide planning and labor services to assist those 55+, their families and caregivers through the entire moving process. CRTS are educated and tested to understand basic medical, health and mental issues related to a senior client, as well as personal property management, floor plans, packing, sorting, organizing, downsizing and preparing homes for sale.
A CRTS professional screens, qualifies and coordinates many vital resources to assist with a move, including Realtors, local and long distance moving companies, antique dealers, estate sale specialists, waste removal and more. CRTS professionals focus on alleviating client and family stress associated with a home transition, as well as helping the client settle into a new home environment as seamlessly as possible.
All CRTS professionals are required to pass criminal background checks and meet testing, insurance and continuing education requirements.
Click to find a CRTS near you
or call 1-800-519-7316.
Senior Real Estate Specialists (SRES):
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) launched its Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) accrediting program in 2007. This program and the SRES designation are designed to offer the senior home seller a dedicated resource to understand today's market, while addressing many specific 55+ client needs. SRES Realtors understand retirement and senior housing options and the logistics of relocation, as well as financial concerns. They are able to provide other qualified third party resources to assist with a sale, such as moving specialists or legal and financial support. All SRES Realtors meet NAR industry requirements, and are supported by the SRES Council. For more information or to find an SRES near you visit www.seniorsrealestate.com/sarec/servlet/consumer.
Professional Geriatric Care Managers (PCGM):
The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM) established their Geriatric Care Manager Certification requirements in 2006. A Professional Geriatric Care Manager (PGCM) provides many services beyond senior relocation and is a dedicated health and human services specialist who helps families care for older relatives. PCGMs are trained and experienced in any of several fields related to long-term care, including, but not limited to nursing, gerontology, social work, or psychology, with a specialized focus on issues related to aging and elder care. PGCMs also provide advice and counseling on legal, financial and medical issues. All PCGMs are required to meet Standards of Practice, ethics and credentialing requirements. For more information or to find a PCGM near you go to www.caremanager.org.
