Monthly Archives: December 2015

holidays with dementia

Holding On to Holiday Traditions

The holidays are a cherished time to gather with family and friends, but they can also be a source of stress as schedules are disrupted for social gatherings and decadent meals make it difficult to stick to healthy diets. While you may anticipate that your aging loved ones will need help managing all the hustle and bustle, they may want to continue participating in beloved holiday traditions and be reluctant to express that they’ve slowed down.

How to hold on to holiday traditions when Mom and Dad are slowing down

By Eileen Zenker, LCSW, CCM – Aging Life Care Association™ Member

 

Here are some ways to plan ahead so everyone can stay healthy and happy during the holidays:

Make your home accessible

If your loved one is visiting for the holidays, you can ensure your home is safe and accessible by doing a quick walk-through to look for tripping hazards such as area rugs and cords on the floor. Adding nightlights to the hallways can also help avoid falls.

Schedule relaxing activities after traveling

Whether your loved one is traveling across the country or just across town, keep in mind that they may need to rest upon arrival. Playing a board game, watching a holiday movie or looking at family photos together may be more suitable than a day of shopping, cooking, or visiting.

Be aware of dietary restrictions

It can be difficult not to over-indulge with unhealthy foods during holiday gatherings! If possible, plan ahead to make sure that your loved one has healthy options available so they can follow any diet recommendations their doctor has given them.

Be mindful of traditions

As the holidays approach, your loved one may worry that they will be unable to take part in cherished traditions. To prevent this, you can identify ways to modify activities so your loved one can still be a part of preparing a favorite meal or joining in a favorite game or activity.

Take breaks

From social events to last-minute shopping, the holiday season can mean busy days and late nights. If you are planning an all-day outing, build in some time for a nap or relaxation. Kids, seniors, and everyone in between will appreciate it!

About the author: Eileen Zenker, LCSW, CCM is a Strategic Clinical Consultant at SeniorBridge, a private pay home care and care management offering of Humana At Home. She has over 25 years of experience as a Licensed Social Worker, administrator, and healthcare planner, and holds a certificate in Bio-Ethics. Previously, Eileen served as Director of Social Work at NYU and as Assistant Director at Beth Israel Medical Center. Currently, she mentors students at NYU and Smith College.


This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to be a substitute for, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this blog does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Aging Life Care Association™ and is provided “as is” without warranty. Always consult with a qualified professional with any particular questions you may have regarding your or a family member’s needs.

 

Gift Ideas for the 80+ Adult

The last few shopping days are here and you’ve found yourself stuck thinking about what to give that special elder in your life. Here are some different and thoughtful holiday gift ideas for seniors that won’t clutter the house or require  an  engineering degree to assemble. 

by Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC —Aging Life Care Association™ Member and Fellow of the Leadership Academy

 

Many older adults say they really don’t need anything, but you feel you should give them a gift. What should it be?   Mom and Dad have the sweater you gave them last Christmas still hanging in the closet with the tags on —they say they want to save it for a special occasion.

Here are some ideas that are just a little bit different:

1. Pre-plant a large pot with spring blooming bulbs and help them place it where it will get the rain it needs now and the sun in the spring.

2. Buy tickets to an afternoon concert in a small, easy-to-access venue (a local college or church). Include a gift card for lunch at a favorite spot.

3. Make a scrapbook of pictures of you and your siblings as children over the years and add comments of “gratitude” on the pages about your memories of that day or event. What you remember might be different than what your parent remembered.

4. Give an iPod pre-programed with music from the time your parents were young adults. Include a good pair of headphones (not earbuds) and teach them how to use it.  This is also a great gift for those with dementia. If your loved one resides in a living facility or at home with caregivers, teach the caregivers and aides how to use the iPod and ask that they have music time once a day.

It is important to realize and understand that an aging adult’s inability to reciprocate gift giving often makes them feel “bad.” You being creative and sensitive to those seniors who express not wanting gifts shows respect, not lack of love.

About the author:  Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC, is the Founder and President of Eldercare Services in Walnut Creek, CA. She is also a partner of the VillagePlan. Linda is a Fellow of the Leadership Academy and a past-president of the Aging Life Care Association™. Linda has more than 30 years experience working as a Care Manager. You can reach her at linda@EldercareAnswers.com, or connect with her via social media: FacebookTwitter, and LinkedIn.


This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to be a substitute for, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this blog does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Aging Life Care Association™ and is provided “as is” without warranty. Always consult with a qualified professional with any particular questions you may have regarding your or a family member’s needs.

gift ideas for aging adults

Holiday Giving Ideas for the Paid Caregiving Team

If your loved one is being cared for by a paid individual or team of caregivers or aides — in a facility or home — you may want to recognize their work this holiday season. Here are some holiday giving ideas and insider tips from an Aging Life Care Professional™ to guide you.

by Suzanne Modigliani, LICSW, CMC – Aging Life Care Association™ Member and
Fellow of the Leadership Academy

 

At this time of year, I am asked by clients about gift giving ideas for the caregiving team. Families are very appreciative of the hard work done by caregivers. Obviously, there are no set rules and pocketbooks vary.

For aging adults being cared for at home, there is often a close bond between the care recipient and caregiver who provides such intimate care, particularly if the job is full-time. If the caregiver or aide is employed by a home-care agency, it is important to first check with agency administration for any gift-giving rules or guidelines. Some agencies set gift guidelines or ask that unusual gifts be reported so they are sure there has been on undue influence. For families who are feeling very generous, a week’s pay is a guideline. Other families have given gift cards from large stores where they know the aides might shop. That tends to be  a smaller amount. Workers are appreciative of these gifts, more than food or other gift items.

For families who are feeling very generous, a week’s pay is a guideline. Other families have given gift cards from large stores where they know the aides might shop. That tends to be  a smaller amount. Workers are appreciative of these gifts, more than food or other gift items.

The team of caregivers is so large at nursing homes, it is hard to know whom to honor. If you have a particular relationship with a primary aide, perhaps a gift card. On the other hand, there are so many people involved, that often a cookie tray, nuts, or similar food platter is left at the nurses’s station.

The same challenge is true in assisted living communities. There are many people working with your relative from the dining room staff to activities to direct care. So, similarly, a gift that can be shared seems most appropriate.

I am also asked about gifts after a loved one dies and how to recognize the very close relationship between the family and caregivers.  I have had clients leave money to caregivers in their wills or families make large gifts after death. There really should be no talk of this in advance of death. As one home care agency said to me, they did not want the workers operating on a “lottery” mentality. Again, the agency needs to be aware of any large gifts.

A few months ago a huge party was taking place at a nursing home I visit. The activities room was decorated to the max. There was cake, ice cream sundaes and floats, plus towers of any candy you could think of. It turns out it was a party for the entire staff of the large facility, given in memory of a resident who had just died. What a terrific idea!

About the author: Suzanne Modigliani, LICSW, CMC is an Aging Life Care™ specialist in Brookline, MA who works with families to find solutions to complicated elder care problems. She has been a leader in the Aging Life Care Association and quoted extensively in the media as seen on her website modiglianigeriatrics.com.


This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to be a substitute for, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this blog does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Aging Life Care Association™ and is provided “as is” without warranty. Always consult with a qualified professional with any particular questions you may have regarding your or a family member’s needs.

Nursing Home Care

Navigating Nursing Home Care

Moving to a long-term care facility or nursing home can be a shock to an individual and to the family. And you’ve probably figured out how expensive it is. With questions ranging from cost to quality of care to food choices, you may feel overwhelmed or trapped. An Aging Life Care Professional™ can help you navigate the nursing home maze and be an extra set of eyes and ears.

By Suzanne Modigliani, LICSW, CMC – Aging Life Care Association™ Member and
Fellow of the Leadership Academy

 

Why Nursing Home Care

There are many reasons someone may be living in a nursing home. After a hospitalization, your loved one may have been placed in rehabilitation; and during that rehab stay, it may have become clear the person can no longer live alone. If finances preclude in-home care, nursing home care can be covered by Medicaid if the individual is clinically and financially eligible. Or if the individual’s needs are so complex that the care of a registered nurse on a regular basis, a nursing home is a practical solution.

Paying for Nursing Home Care

All of a sudden you are told your loved one’s time in rehab is up and that he/she must go home or move to long-term care.  While the rehabilitation stay may have been covered by Medicare, the transition to a long-term care can be confusing. You probably have figured out how expensive nursing home care is. Medicaid will pay for long-term care if the individual meets specific eligibility requirements. There are very specific rules, some depending on if there is still a spouse in the community, as well as others regarding how much money the elder can have spent for certain things. If you are confused or unsure about the Medicaid application process, reach out for professional assistance from an Aging Life Care Professional or even an Elder Law Attorney.

Choosing a Nursing Home

Which nursing home is best for your loved one? A great place to begin your research is with Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare website. Nursing Home Compare allows consumers to compare information based on yearly surveys conducted in person by the Department of Public Health according to strict criteria. It contains quality of care information on every Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing home in the country, including over 15,000 nationwide.

For information beyond the survey, a local Aging Life Care Professional can offer up to date information and an insider’s view based on having clients at a particular facility. Staff changes frequently and having this personal, up to date view is invaluable. Aging Life Care Professionals will know the little things like whether all those activities on the calendar really happen.

Navigating the Maze

An Aging Life Care Professional can be your guide to all things nursing home. Whether you live in the same town or across the country, an Aging Life Care Professional can be your eyes and ears. These experts can also help you answer all of the questions that may be racing through your head, or that may come up along the way such as:

  • Does my relative get to choose a roommate?
  • Can she still have her favorite foods?
  • Who is my contact person at the facility?
  • Who do I tell that my mother never wears her hair that way, or that red lipstick makes her day?
  • Who is responsible for laundry and should clothes be labeled?
  • What if the roommate keeps the TV blasting late into the night?

Though nurses are on staff, the bulk of the care is provided by certified nursing assistants who are taking care of a number of people on a daily basis. Forming a bond with the regular CNAs that assist your loved one will help you get timely information and also go a long way towards making sure your loved one is getting the care you hope for.

Nursing homes are required to have quarterly care plan meetings to establish exactly what they are doing for a resident. There need to be goals with progress towards those goals reviewed. Having an advocate attend with you – or in your place – can be invaluable. If the Aging Life Care Professional knew your relative before placement in long-term care, they may have important history to share with the facility staff.

With experience working in and with nursing homes, Aging Life Care Professionals are great partners to work successfully with nursing home staff. Find a local Aging Life Care Expert at aginglifecare.org.

About the author: Suzanne Modigliani, LICSW, CMC is an Aging Life Care™ specialist in Brookline, MA who works with families to find solutions to complicated elder care problems. She has been a leader in the Aging Life Care Association and quoted extensively in the media as seen on her website modiglianigeriatrics.com.


This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to be a substitute for, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this blog does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Aging Life Care Association™ and is provided “as is” without warranty. Always consult with a qualified professional with any particular questions you may have regarding your or a family member’s needs.

Aging Life Care Professionals can relieve families of caregiving stress

Avoid Caregiver Burden

When a Santa Fe couple needed help finding the right assisted living community – and they didn’t want to burden their children – they turned to Aging Life Care Professionals™ for help.

With one spouse needing more hands-on care and the other desiring more social interaction, it was important to find the right community to meet their differing needs. After completing a full assessment,  Aging Life Care Professionals Jeffrey S. Pine, MS, MSPCH, CMC and Lydia Sckalor, RN developed a care plan that provided for the intense care of the wife while still allowing for the husband’s independence.

Though it is most often adult children or family members calling for Aging Life Care™ assistance, this couple was proactive in seeking professional help. It was important to them that they let their children be family and rely on professional expertise for care management – eliminating any caregiver burden.

What Can Aging Life Care Professionals Do for You?

Aging Life Care / geriatric care management is a holistic, client-centered approach to caring for older adults or others facing ongoing health challenges.  Working with families, the expertise of Aging Life Care Professionals™ provides the answers at a time of uncertainty. Their guidance leads families to the actions and decisions that ensure quality care and an optimal life for those they love, thus reducing worry, stress and time off of work for family caregivers through:

  • Assessment and monitoring
  • Planning and problem-solving
  • Education and advocacy
  • Family caregiver coaching

Aging Life Care Professionals are engaged to assist in a variety of areas, such as:

  • Housing – helping families evaluate and select appropriate level of housing or residential options
  • Home care services – determining types of services that are right for a client and assisting the family to engage and monitor those services
  • Medical management – attending doctor appointments, facilitating communication between doctor, client, and family, and if appropriate, monitoring client’s adherence to medical orders and instructions
  • Communication – keeping family members and professionals informed as to the well-being and changing needs of the client
  • Social activities – providing opportunity for client to engage in social, recreational, or cultural activities that enrich the quality of life
  • Legal – referring to or consulting with an elder law attorney; providing expert opinion for courts in determining level of care
  • Financial – may include reviewing or overseeing bill paying or consulting with accountant or client’s Power of Attorney
  • Entitlements – providing information on Federal and state entitlements; connecting families to local programs
  • Safety and security – monitoring the client at home; recommending technologies to add to security or safety; observing changes and potential risks of exploitation or abuse

Local, cost-effective resources are identified and engaged as needed.

A care plan tailored for each individual’s circumstances is prepared after a comprehensive assessment. The plan may be modified, in consultation with client and family, as circumstances change.

To find an Aging Life Care Professional or to learn more about Aging Life Care visit aginglifecare.org.


This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to be a substitute for, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this blog does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Aging Life Care Association™ and is provided “as is” without warranty. Always consult with a qualified professional with any particular questions you may have regarding your or a family member’s needs.

 

Hiring In-Home Caregivers

Hiring in-home care providers — on your own or through an agency — is not a decision to be taken lightly. Understanding the financial and legal responsibilities of hiring a household employee is critical. Take a look at these important considerations and  case studies before making any hiring decisions.  

What You Need to Know Before Hiring Private In-Home Caregivers

by Bunni Dybnis, MA, MFT, CMC – Aging Life Care Association™ Member and Fellow of the Leadership Academy

 

For aging adults with physical and cognitive limitations who wish to remain in the familiar environment of their own home, paid in-home care workers often provide the solution. Understanding the differences in care providers and the roles and obligations of hiring are essential to create a positive experience for all involved.

In-home caregivers provide a wide range of assistance including personal care needs such as bathing, dressing, supervision, help with toileting, medication reminders; or assistance with daily living activities, such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, transportation, and companionship.

Being responsible for the care of a dependent or older adult is a demanding job that often involves many tasks. Choosing a full-service agency shifts the responsibility of care and liability away from the family and can provide respite from many of these demands.

Primarily because of cost considerations, many families seeking to hire in-home help will turn to private individuals rather than hiring through an agency. At first glance this may seem reasonable; however, it can cause numerous problems and can create unexpected liabilities for the individual who becomes the employer.  When hiring in-home care, understanding responsibilities and employer obligations is essential.

Tax Obligations

As a private employer, the individual is required to pay Social Security, unemployment, and payroll taxes. Often the in-home care providers will represent themselves as independent contractors, ostensibly relieving both themselves and the hiring individual of these tax obligations. In most situations, the worker does not meet the criteria of an independent contractor. If the aide has not met his or her tax obligations, the responsibility falls to the employer. This can have serious consequences involving back taxes, civil fines, and the possibility of criminal penalties. Recent changes in minimum wage laws, overtime, and mandatory sick days create even more potential liability for the employer.

Example Case

Mrs. S. was an 85-year-old widow who lived independently in a large condominium complex.Due to failing vision she was initially in need of assistance with grocery shopping, bathing, and some meal preparation. Occasionally, she needed to be driven to medical appointments. Her daughter hired a home care aide, who worked with other condo residents, and employed her on a part-time basis. As time went on, Mrs. S. became increasing frail and began to suffer memory loss. The family decided to employ the aide full time. This very loving relationship lasted until Mrs. S. passed away. In working for Mrs. S. full-time the aide had given up all her part-time clients. Having no other immediate employment, the aide filed for unemployment benefits.  At this point, the IRS became aware of the employer and filed a lawsuit for unemployment taxes, penalties, and fines. Additionally, the caregiver hired an employment attorney to help her become compensated for overtime and minimum wage violations, The family and mother’s estate found themselves in a legal action that took many months and thousands of dollars to resolve.

Worker’s Compensation, Disability, & Liability Issues

As the employer, the individual or family paying for private home care is held liable for any work-related injury that occurs on the job. This can include the cost of medical expenses, disability, and loss of income payments that might become applicable. Homeowners insurance is often limited in scope and can exclude direct care including tasks such as lifting, transferring or bathing. It is essential to check homeowners ’policies to understand the extent of coverage.

The employer also assumes liability that arises out of accident or injury to both the person being cared for and property. Further protections such as TB testing, influenza vaccines and other precautions that can be provided by agencies are now the responsibility of the family/employer. Families who hire an independent caregiver are also no vulnerable to theft, damage or other losses incurred in their employment.  Short of criminal prosecution, there is often little recourse.

Example Case

As a home care worker, Mary had a history of back injuries from years of assisting with the physical needs of stroke patients. Her back problems appeared stable during her last several years of employment caring for a cognitively impaired woman who required minimal physical assistance. Being very pleased with the love and compassion in which Mary treated her mother, the daughter recommended Mary to a friend whose father, Mr. H., had suffered from a minor stroke and the family did not want him to live alone.

 Initially, Mr. H. needed minimal physical care. As time went on, he suffered several additional strokes that decreased his mobility and function. Mary found herself increasingly assisting with his physical care. Transferring, dressing, and bathing put a particular strain on Mary’s back. Having become very attached to Mr. H., Mary did not express her concerns to the family that hired her.

One day as Mary bent over to assist Mr. H., her back went out and she was unable to straighten up. Mary found herself with permanent back injuries. The doctor told her she would not be able to work as an aide again. Mary filed for worker’s compensation and disability insurance. At this point, the government became aware of the employment situation and held the family responsible for medical expenses and disability coverage. The cost far outweighed expenses of working through an agency or getting the proper insurance coverage.

Abuse & Exploitation

With increased frailty, limited function, and memory impairment there is a greater potential for physical abuse and financial exploitation of the elder. While the vast majority of those who provide care for the elderly do so out of their desire to help others and provide the best care possible, there remains a small segment that use this opportunity to take advantage of this vulnerable population. When these older adults are isolated from regular contact with family or community there is often little or no supervision of workers.

Geographic distance and personal demands of family members, lack of expertise, and close ties between an aide and those receiving care all contribute to a lack of oversight. Often families who hire individuals through informal channels are so grateful to have care provided, at a below market rate, they neglect performing basic screening and reference checks — not to mention criminal background checks and on-going monitoring. The naiveties of family members, who have little experience as an employer in these situations, make the individual elder vulnerable to being manipulated and exploited.

Example 

Susan L. lives in New York while her widowed mother remains in California.  When her mother suffered a stroke and wished to remain in her home, Susan realized that she would have to hire someone to assist. Susan felt fortunate when a neighbor’s housekeeper recommended someone who was moving to California and was looking for a place to live and work.

Meeting the caregiver for only a few minutes before flying back home, Susan neglected to have the worker complete a basic employee application. Things seemed to be going well and Susan’s mother became very attached to her caregiver. Several months later Susan came to visit her mother and realized that her mother was physically and intellectually frailer. Susan learned that her mother had begun using the caregiver to assist in paying bills and other banking needs.

At that point, Susan went through her mother’s bank stubs and was shocked to find hundreds of dollars in canceled checks to grocery stores and several thousand more made out to cash. When Susan confronted the caregiver, she tearfully explained that she had a “family emergency” and would pay it back. The caregiver left for a lunch break and neither she nor the money was ever seen again. 

Supervision & Monitoring

Supervision, monitoring, and oversight of employees can make the difference between a successful and disappointing caregiver relationship.  When constraints of distance, time, expertise, or objectivity become too overwhelming this role is often best provided by a professional. An Aging Life Care Professional™ can provide this on-going supervision either as independent professionals or through a small but growing number of agencies who have integrated these Aging Life Care™ into their delivery of in-home care.  Duties can include matching caregivers by needed skills and personal qualities, helping aides to understand the changing needs of clients, providing proper guidelines for care, and mediating difficult relationship issues between families, older adults and caregivers. Not only does supervision provide benefits to the client and family, but support for the caregiver can improve job satisfaction which translates to a positive working attitude and less caregiver turnover.

Providing care to an individual in a home can result in many challenges for caregivers. It is not uncommon for care providers to be of different cultural or faith backgrounds, have different expectations in terms of eating preferences, personal hygiene, and scheduling needs. Professional oversight can clarify roles and expectations for both the caregiver and the recipient. The Aging Life Care Professional  can be particularly beneficial in providing guidance in situations where there are challenging personalities or behavioral issues due to both cognitive changes and other psychiatric symptoms. Supporting the caregiver and providing tools to understand and respond appropriately to a variety of situations results in a successful partnership.

Example

Mr. and Mrs. L. need assistance with most aspects of daily living in order to live in their home. They  depend on caregivers to help with all Mrs. L.’s  personal needs (including bathing, dressing, feeding, and toileting), as well as assisting Mr. L. with household duties.

Their daughter has been hiring caregivers through word of mouth. In the past six months, she has hired at least ten different caregivers. Each time a new caregiver arrives she has to take off work to train them. Her father complains there is no one who knows how to cook, clean, or assist in an adequate manner.  Finally, upon the recommendation of a fellow coworker, she hired a company that has a professional Aging Life Care Manager that partners with the company caregivers.

Before placing another caregiver, the Aging Life Care Manager met with both Mr. and Mrs. L. She learned that Mr. L. was unhappy because none of the aides kept the house like his wife had and he no longer felt like he was living in his own home. By going through Mr. L.’ s daily routine, his wife’s recipes, and learning about his other expectations,  the care manager was able to guide the caregiver to what was best suited for this couple. With a few follow-up conversations and additional guidance, the caregiver was able to form a mutually respectful relationship with the family. The caregiver enjoyed learning new recipes; and after she gained Mr. L’s trust, he began to enjoy some dishes that the caregiver had learned from her country of origin.

Independent or Through an Agency

Hiring in-home care providers — on your own or through an agency — is not a decision to be taken lightly. An Aging Life Care Professional can help you make the best decision taking into consideration the  following:

  • level of care needed
  • personalities of the caregiver and care recipient
  • level of family involvement
  • financial resources
  • tax and insurance obligations
  • supervision

To find an Aging Life Care Professional near you, visit aginglifecare.org. You can also search for ALCA Corporate Partners that provide in-home care or others that handle payroll and tax services for household employees.

About the author:  Bunni Dybnis, MA, MFT, CMC  is Director of Professional Services for LivHOME in Los Angeles, CA. Bunni is an Advanced Professional and Fellow of the Leadership Academy of the Aging Life Care Association. 


This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to be a substitute for, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this blog does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Aging Life Care Association™ and is provided “as is” without warranty. Always consult with a qualified professional with any particular questions you may have regarding your or a family member’s needs.

Aging Life Care Association® Members on Letting Family Be Family

When a Santa Fe couple needed help finding the right assisted living community – and they didn’t want to burden their children – they turned to Aging Life Care Professionals® for help. Jeffrey S. Pine, MS, MSPH, CMC and Lydia Sckalor, RN helped find the right community that met the differing needs of the couple.

downsizing and selling personal property

Downsizing: What Are We Going to do with All of Grandma’s Stuff?

The family had a great visit with Grandma over Thanksgiving. In fact, Grandma initiated the conversation about relocating to be closer to family.  But what now? Grandma has so much “stuff” that there is no way it will fit in a small condo. Is it worth anything? Do we want it? These are common questions that Aging Life Care Professionals™ hear frequently, and so they often turn to professional move managers for expert guidance.

What am I going to do with “all my stuff”?

By Marie LeBlanc, BS, MBA – Aging Life Care Association™ Corporate Partner

 

When rightsizing or downsizing a home in preparation for a move to a new location or an assisted living facility, the question of what to do with a lifetime of acquisitions is always a difficult one to answer.

Once you have organized and sorted everything into: 1)Taking With Me or 2)Gifting to Others, the balance of household goods then needs to be further separated into: a) Donate, b) Sell, or c) Dispose of.

It is this second phase that is most challenging. People often ask me where they can sell their treasures to get the amount of money that the item is worth. The answer to: “How much is it worth?” is simple – it is worth what someone is willing to pay when you want to sell.

There are a number of resources online that can help you find out the value of items you want to sell. First, you will want to get an appraisal for those items that fall into the “antique” category.

Use a certified appraiser who is accredited and meets professional and ethical standards. He or she will give you an objective judgment because they are not buying or selling. You can expect to pay either a flat fee or an hourly rate depending on their expertise and location. Don’t use an appraiser whose fee is based on a percentage of the item’s value. And remember, it is illegal for a Certified Appraiser to offer to buy an item for which you have requested an appraisal. The American Society of Appraisers; Appraisers Association of America; or the International Society of Appraisers are good sources of information.

There are professional appraisers and other experts online who can give you an estimate of value. You upload photos of your items and provide descriptions. Within a week, you receive a valuation. Value My Stuff charges $10 for one appraisal, $25 for three, or $75 for ten. Worth Point charges $30 for one item or $75 for three. You can also subscribe for unlimited valuations at $20 per month.

Kovels Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide is updated each year and reports recent prices paid for 35,000 items in more than 700 categories at auctions, shops, shows, flea markets, and online.

Searching on eBay or on Craig’s List may also give you an idea of the prices others are selling and buying similar items to yours. There is no charge to search either of these sites.

When advising clients on the items they want to sell, I ask them to send me photos that show the decorative details up close, along with a comprehensive description that includes whatever information they have: the manufacturer, model or serial number; how long it has been in their possession; and any stories about the item that might support its provenance.

If you decide that selling will take too long or that the items aren’t worth what you had hoped, you can consider making a tax-deductible donation.

Just remember, you do not have to tackle “the stuff” alone. Contact an Aging Life Care Professional to find the right professional move manager and resources to make a smooth and stress-free move.

About the author: Marie LeBlanc, BS, MBA, is the president and owner of Transitions Liquidation Services in Hyannis, MA, a move management and rightsizing company founded in 2002.  Transitions Liquidation Services has completed over 700 transitions and Marie is an active speaker on the topics of moving, rightsizing and hoarding.  Follow Marie on Facebook and LinkedIn.


This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to be a substitute for, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this blog does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Aging Life Care Association™ and is provided “as is” without warranty. Always consult with a qualified professional with any particular questions you may have regarding your or a family member’s needs.