I am the youngest of three siblings and was always the one who somehow ended up with a trash bag in one hand and a broom in the other while standing knee-deep in a lifetime of possessions. I helped my mother downsize three times over the course of her life, and those experiences gave me firsthand insight into the growing need for specialized support for seniors who need more help and less stuff. The most important thing I learned is that professional help is critical, whether that support comes from a national firm or a local real estate company that specializes in elder services.
Employees entering mobility programs for work are increasingly facing the question: “What about Mom?” Balancing costs with employee productivity is a challenge every HR professional faces. Do we provide reliable elder services to the transferee as part of their relocation package? Traditional relocation providers may not be equipped to address the full range of challenges associated with senior transitions. Leaving employees to figure it out is not a solution. Providing access to specialized resources demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being and can help reduce the stress associated with balancing relocation and caregiving responsibilities.
An emergency can happen overnight. One traumatic fall or severe illness can sideline a loved one. Suddenly, the home they have lived in for decades becomes impossible to manage. Employees often need to take time away from work to travel and help navigate difficult decisions. When guidance and resources are in place before a crisis occurs, much of the stress and uncertainty can be reduced. The key is to consider how eldercare resources and support can be incorporated into employee benefits and mobility programs before the need arises. Preparing in advance allows organizations to better support employees when family responsibilities unexpectedly become a priority.
Organizations have begun to recognize the growing intersection between caregiving and workforce mobility. Service providers focused on eldercare support have emerged to help employees navigate these challenges through counseling, planning, and coordination services.
The need for these resources is expected to grow. The population age 85 and older is projected to roughly double by 2040, dramatically increasing the demand for caregiving, senior housing, relocation support, and healthcare coordination. At the same time, “solo agers”, seniors aging without spouses, children, or close support systems, represent one of the fastest-growing demographics. Caregiver burnout has also become a growing concern as adult children balance careers, finances, parenting, and eldercare responsibilities.
This demographic has created a growing demand for professionals who can guide seniors through moves that are often emotional, complex, and time-sensitive. Organizations should consider incorporating eldercare resources into mobility programs for employees who are responsible for an aging parent’s care. If a relocation is to be successful, employees in the “sandwich generation”, those simultaneously caring for children and aging parents, may need additional support. Senior mobility professionals bring empathy and patience to a process that also requires careful planning, logistical coordination, trusted vendor relationships, and experienced real estate guidance. Possessions must be sorted for family, donation, and possibly auction.
In one recent case, our Dickens Mitchener team worked with a family over a six-month period to navigate the process. We met with the family to develop a plan and establish a timeline. It was determined that finding a safe, supportive place for Mom was first on the list. We helped the senior relocate, then we tackled the house with family support. Once family members had identified the items they wished to keep, we coordinated the sorting of the remaining possessions, including donations and an auction to place cherished heirlooms with new owners. The home was then prepared for sale through cleaning, updates, and staging.
Charlotte has seen this trend firsthand as it has become a magnet for retirees. Our cost of living, which is below the national average, is remarkable for a city with such a wide array of sports, cultural attractions, recreation, and mild weather. Our easily accessible international airport and excellent healthcare add to the allure.
Older adults whose adult children are balancing careers, families, and caregiving responsibilities often require a different level of support. If you have had a day where you get out of a meeting and you have 18 missed calls because your mother cannot connect to the internet, you know what I am talking about. A senior move involves a lifetime of memories, independence, health, family dynamics, and dignity. Senior service professionals understand how to bring a sense of calm to a process that can feel overwhelming.
The opportunity for relocation and mobility professionals is clear. Families are overwhelmed, the logistics are complex, the costs are rising, and the emotional burden is enormous.
Partner with a trusted senior move network before the need becomes urgent. That network should provide experienced listing agents, senior move managers, estate sale professionals, organizers, clean-out companies, attorneys, senior living advisors, contractors, and aging-in-place specialists.
If you don’t know where to start, I am happy to share my knowledge and vendor network with you. Sooner or later, most of us will find ourselves caring for someone we love. Let’s be prepared.
