The Final Move
From Home into Elderly Housing
Karen Pretzer is often there when her “boys“ haul cartons from an apartment into a moving van. “S.U.S,† her Bremen moving service for seniors, has boomed since she founded it five years ago. “My elderly clients are usually aware that they are now entering the final phase of their lives. Some are able to deal with that, others have difficulties. That’s where our task begins: it’s not about furniture, it’s about people!† explains the American-born Pretzer. For an elderly woman, this is a farewell. Shrinking down from 70 m2 to only 16 m2 — the reality is harsh, and requires much winnowing. A few books come along, some pictures and photographs. Together with her team, Karen Pretzer organizes the entire move. She helps organize things and sells off the furniture. And this genial American takes charge of bureaucratic matters entirely: from assembling furniture to hanging up mirrors, all the way to setting up televisions and video players. She even babysits her customers’ house pets during the move. Karen Pretzer is not just a businesswoman, she is also a good friend and an able negotiator. “I believe it’s important to deal with old people respectfully. That’s how I hit upon the idea of a moving service for seniors: I wanted to be self-employed, and at the same time to do something really worthwhile.† When the move is finally over, the new room in the elderly residence has become a new home, Too often, the pitiful remains of the old furniture has been crammed into far too small a space. This is the moment when Karen Pretzer is there to offer reassurance, acting almost like a psychological counselor. “It’s about holding on tight to familiar things. But it’s important to be very clear that this is not the end, but instead a fresh beginning, a chance to make interesting new contacts, to get help with everyday living, to broaden your horizons. A new opportunity to rediscover life! It’s really a question of letting go.†
