Moving is difficult under the best of circumstances. You pack up your home, filled with memories that make it even harder to decide what to keep, sell or give away. It's challenging even if you're young and excited about moving, but when you're elderly and/or infirm, you need help from someone you can trust. Enter Queenie Kemmerer, founder and director of Home Marketing Services for Seniors LLC.

"Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for seniors who face a major change in their living situation," Queenie said. "Saying good-bye to your home can be very difficult. I'm there every step of the way to give my clients all the ideas, information, and support they might need. We truly give a helping hand."

The concept for HMSS came about when a relative of Queenie and her husband Doug Kemmerer moved from her home to a retirement community. The Kemmerers felt the realtor took advantage when her furnishings weren't converted into needed cash assets and put their outrage to good use by founding HMSS. Now going into its 11th year, the company has helped more than 1500 individuals and their families.

"I'm the liaison for my clients with the retirement community or home and the real estate agent," Queenie said. "We're totally hands on to help seniors experience a stress-free and on-time move to their new home. We identify and introduce experienced realtors with proven track records in your area and help them to determine the best marketing strategy to get the best price. It's not uncommon for our realtors to sell the property quicker than the average time because of the very high standards that HMSS sets. Before listing, the home and grounds must be well-prepared and staged, both inside and out, beautifully photographed or videotaped, and properly priced."

When someone asks Queenie about their elderly parent or senior communities, she encourages them to meet with her before they call a realtor. "That way they are better educated about our services, their options and the success record of our realtors," Queenie explained. "In our initial meeting, I learn about the senior's life, their interests, objectives and goals, and try to give them a sense of security that they are not alone. We talk about downsizing, planning the move, the costs of a moving company and related expenses such as moving supplies. For a big move, boxes alone can cost hundreds of dollars. One of the moving companies I work with gives gently used boxes with a moving contract. We love recycling materials, and I use them often. We work hard at being efficient, on time, and cost-effective."

Downsizing includes selling the unneeded or unwanted contents, large or small, donating and discarding items, finding cleaning services or contractors to paint or make repairs. "These services all fall under the HMSS umbrella. This way, the senior isn't overwhelmed with the process," Queenie emphasized. "Everybody's different. Sometimes it's a couple or surviving spouse or partner wanting to downsize and live in a community. But when a family has a loved one with dementia, they have a diagnosis, but they don't know what to do next. Many of my clients have IV drip lines or need nursing care. As seniors live longer, their care can be more complicated. Whether or not they're dealing with health issues, or facing a big move, I always remind them that they make the decisions. It's their home, after all, and they need to be in control."

As for cost: The client pays nothing. HMSS receives a real estate referral fee from the listing agent, a common practice. "It's been a very successful arrangement from day one," Queenie said. "Doug and I realized when we started the company that the senior should not be burdened with doing all the many things necessary to prepare the property and contents. We have the network, the resources, the proven realtors, and the energy! Keeping it simple works best."

One of Queenie's special gifts is listening. Her warm manner, gentle touch, blue eyes and smile guarantee a warm welcome wherever she goes. Her style is reflected in HMSS's signature outfit of white shirt, black pants, and pearls, of course, because her elegance is another special gift for the seniors who see her don the gloves for the serious work of packing their most precious memories.

Armed with knowledge from her unique company, Queenie serves on several committees and boards. She's chairwoman for the Network for Aging Support (NAS), a group of businesses and individuals who are passionate about working with retirees. NAS is partnered with the Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging where she also serves on both the board and advisory committee.

Queenie credits her history of working with seniors for helping her to deal with Doug's life-changing accident in August 2017. She knew how to talk with his doctors and the rehab staff, what to expect, and how to get to the origins of his ongoing health problems. "Being proactive and assertive was crucial, especially in dealing with Medicare and the insurance companies," Queenie said. "I'm happy to say Doug is doing much better than any of the doctors expected. Plus, this personal experience of the past two years strengthened my resolve in the mission of HMSS. I love what I do more than ever and I am so grateful we can continue helping our senior community."

For more information: www.HomeMarketingServicesForSeniors.com