Caught Between the Generations...Help!

Jaynee, it sounds like you already have some understanding of seniors' needs.  Seniors, like everyone else, need to feel like they're in control of their lives.  It may take them longer to accept the inevitable about their situations.  Make sure that you're not seen as trying to rush them into anything.  If they see you as their consultant, and not as a representative of their younger family members, you'll enlist their support.

Hey Jaynee,

You appear to have a lot of passion. I am sure potential clients of all ages will appreciate your work! Thanks  for commenting on my blog.

All staging clients require a great deal of compassion and respect.  I have found that when working with seniors they need reassurance that this is just another phase of life and a positive one at that.  I try to suggest giving most items to loved ones who would appreciate the sentimentality.  Most seniors are downsizing to a much smaller space and have accummulated so many memories with their possessions that I suggest taking a picture of the item and then giving it away to someone who would cherish it.

Sharon has a great idea!  You could take the pictures yourself and create an album to give the client as a "gift. 

I had to "downsize" my Dad (Alzheimers, too - my heart goes out to you, Jaynee) and it really made a difference in his behavior once he was surrounded by his things, rather than the facilities'.  When we moved my Mom, she was very distraught about losing all her things.  I pointed out that now she didn't have to live with all the stuff my Dad liked that she never did - she could now decorate her way and only keep the  "best of the best".  That idea really brightened her spirits!  Her home has never looked better, and she's very happy with it...although now she's bugging me to change her bedroom again!