Helping older people on the move
18/06/2007
Although moving can be an unsettling event at any time of life, as one gets older it can seem like an insurmountable problem. A new organisation called Seamless Relocation, which has just won a Business In The Community award and been featured on BBC 2's Working Lunch, can step in to help.
Set up by two Ealing women, Charmian Boyd and Kim Tompsett, the company assists older people and their families with the physical and emotional aspects of moving home, from helping to find a new home and sorting out the old house, to settling clients in on moving day. In fact, nothing is too much trouble.
Director Charmian Boyd told the Mature Times: "We started this about three and a half years ago after a friend asked us to help move her parents because we knew the area so well - which we did. After that we realised that helping older people relocate was an important service and not something that anyone seemed to be offering. Kim and I had already worked together for some years on a voluntary basis and knew each others' skills- and so we went for it! It was very hard work - but its been extremely rewarding."
The first thing Charmian and Kim always advise clients to do is to is take a good look at where they are now, and ask some sensible questions, such as: what is good about where you live? Is it the location? Is it your friends? Can you manage the house by yourself or would you be better off staying locally but moving into a smaller, more manageable flat? "Then ask what your own needs are," said Kim. "For example, some older people decide to move in with their family - but find themselves being the new baby sitter. Others want to make a complete break and move to sunnier climes - but if you don't have children and partners or have specific medical needs, it can be a daunting prospect. In which case, I say - think first!"
Finances are a key issue for moving, and Seamless Relocation are especially concerned that people examine these carefully and take professional advice before making any major decisions. Charmian continued: "It is worthwhile talking to several advisors unless you know someone you trust completely. Ask whether they receive commission and how much. Equity release and other schemes abound and they are only right for some people. Don’t sign anything in a hurry!"
So far Charmian and Kim have helped move some 50 people aged 65 and over from all walks of life, including downsizing, to other parts of the UK and abroad. And they have a big database of tried and trusted people to help them, such as removal vans, electricians and DIY handypeople. "If we are moving someone to a location where we don't have local tradespeople on the ground, we will source them and interview them in advance to ensure our client's safety," said Charmain. Some families are very heavily involved in the move, but other people have no-one, are frail and need to rely totally on Seamless Relocation. Recalls Charmian: "One dear old lady nearly broke my heart. During her move she handed me a huge case of old photos, some dating back 80 years or more - her whole life. She said to me: 'Just thrown them away, dear. I have no relatives to give them to.' It was so sad, but I did keep them for her in case she changes her mind one day."
Testimonials from clients are unanimously glowing. One lady used Seamless Relocation when she moved from a three storey house in Acton after 22 years to a flat. A recent hip operation meant there were practical difficulties trying to declutter and organise the move. She told the Mature Times: “Kim and Charmian were marvellous. I just sat in the chair as they said what about this, what about that. Everything not wanted was sorted to go to auction, recycled or taken to the tip. On moving day they made sure I was able to sit and direct where furniture should be placed. I really didn’t lift a finger”.
Another lady who had a disability and worked full time found that she had no energy to find a new Housing Association flat closer to her work. Seamless Relocation took care of the search - from organising advertisements to swop flats, to being with Miss M when viewings took place. She said: "Seamless Relocation took care of everything in my quest to find the right flat. From photocopying documents to liaising with the HA - nothing was too much trouble. They recognised that I have good and bad days. They are worth every penny."
One side-effect that Seamless Relocation has had on society includes freeing up larger properties which are in demand for families, and utilising housing resources better - a fact that did not escape the notice of Business in the Community, who gave them the Big Tick Award for Excellence in recognition of the way that they organise and integrate their responsible business practices.
Seamless Relocation can be contacted on 0208 621 3553, or by visiting the link below.