A mover just for seniors? Meet the specialists.

term nanotechnology for the grandparent generation. Microchip-based Nana Technology, like Obie, aims to enhance quality of life for older adults by keeping their minds and hands active with technology that’s accessible.

Carle is excited about The Virginian leading the way in technology applications for seniors. “We want to be recognized nationwide and set an example for the industry.” LiveAtTheVirginian.com

“They are having fun, but so is the staff.”

—Lisa Semonick, director of life enrichment, The Virginian

—By Elizabeth Cogar At The Virginian in Fairfax, residents play interactive video games using the awardwinning Obie for Seniors.

Tech tools enhance quality of life at The Virginian in Fairfax

For Independent and Assisted Living Residents:  Tesla SUV: Electric vehicle transportation on campus  MyndVR: Using a virtual reality headset, residents can

“travel around the world," from cruising Route 66 to visiting Roman ruins.  Keyless Room Entry: Residents carry a fob to open apartment doors versus a key.  Golf Simulator: Residents can hit the links without leaving the building.*  Fitness Mirror: Allows participation in fitness classes with a virtual instructor.*  Movie Theater: Bluetooth-enabled sound system provides amplification that syncs with hearing aids.*  Touchtown resident communication technology:

Digital displays show activity calendars, announcements, and updates, which family members can also access online. Touchtown also connects to Alexa, so residents can ask questions like, "Alexa, what's on the dinner menu tonight?" * For Memory Care Residents:  Obie: Interactive gaming console projects hand- and motion-cognition games for up to four players onto tabletops, floors, and walls.  SingFit: A music therapy app that improves brain health, socialization, and mood.  LifeBio: An online portal for families to create resident biographies.  Circadian Lighting: Regulates natural biorhythm to create "peaceful days and restful nights"*

* Coming soon as part of renovation.

Below: Wayforth's moving team will take pictures of photo groupings to duplicate in your new home.

A SMOOTH MOVE

Packing up? Senior moving specialists make a tough task easier.

YOU’VE FOUND THE RIGHT SENIOR COMMUNITY and made the decision—either for yourself or a parent—to move. Now you’ll need the right team to handle the job. In the past, your choices were a) rent a truck and do it yourself or b) call a mover and hope for the best. But now, a better option is available.

The growing field of “senior move management” specializes in navigating this transition seamlessly and with extra care. Richmond-based Wayforth is one of about 1,000 companies accredited by the National Association of Senior & Specialty Move Managers (NASMM). Wayforth's Pete Shrock defines move management as the “entire white glove end-to-end service.” Their menu of services encompasses all phases of a move—from downsizing a lifetime of belongings, to space planning, to helping clients settle in once they’re in place.

Wayforth’s team can help you get rid of unwanted items, pack, move, unpack, and arrange things to look just like “home.” Prior to your move, they’ll take photos of your home to document furniture and photo groupings, so they can duplicate the look in your new living space. They’ll even make your bed for a cozy first night.

Because moving is stressful, Shrock says Wayforth trains their moving team to be sensitive to clients' emotional or cognitive issues, whether they’re grieving the loss of a spouse or developing dementia. “We emphasize flexibility and emotional responsiveness when training our movers,” says Shrock.

Mary Kay Buysse, NASMM executive director, notes that moving seniors is a huge growth sector in the moving industry. “We’re on the threshold of this thing exploding,” she says. “The oldest baby boomers are 75 and there are many more to come.”

With that in mind, Wayforth is positioning to expand beyond their 15 markets from Boston to Florida at a rate of three markets a quarter, Shrock says. “Our big opportunity is to build a nationwide platform of services.” With more than 70 million boomers, born from 1946 to 1964, there’ll be plenty of moves to manage. Wayforth.com, NASMM.org —By E.C.