Aging Specialist Certificate

The Level II Aging Specialist Certificate builds on the Level I Certificate of Study in Understanding the Needs of the Aging Client.

An ICD subscriber who has earned the Level II Aging Specialist Certificate has completed at least twelve hours of education in topics particular to working with the aging population affected by CD, in addition to six hours of general education in Chronic Disorganization. They have read a minimum of four books related to working with aging clients and passed an exam based on that reading.

Requirements for Aging Specialist Certificate

The requirements of this certificate are

  • Current ICD Premium subscriber.
  • Received the Certificate of Study in Understanding the Needs of the Aging Client.
  • Complete required readings:
    • Don’t Toss My Memories in the Trash: A Step-by-Step Guide to Helping Seniors Downsize, Organize, and Move by Vickie Dellaquila, Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization (CPO-CD®) & CPO, Victoria Dellaquila, 2017, pages 1-117. A professional organizer and senior move manager presents an overview of challenges faced by the aging individual dealing with downsizing and moving. Client stories provide insights into how professional organizers can sensitively guide an elderly client and their families through the process. There are excellent strategies for: deciding if one should move; sorting and organizing belongings; creating a plan for moving; and getting settled in a new home.
    • How to Say It to Seniors: Closing the Communication Gap with Our Elders by David Solie, MS, PA, Prentice Hall Press, 2004. The author is a geriatric psychology expert who offers help in removing the typical communication blocks we have with the elderly.  His insights into the later stages of life and the unique perspective of seniors provide tools to relate to them and: gain trust and cooperation; offer assistance without taking over; understand their need for legacy; and, learn how to listen and what to listen for.
    • My Mother, Your Mother: Embracing “Slow Medicine”—The Compassionate Approach to Caring for Your Aging Loved Ones by Dennis McCullough, MD, Harper Perennial, 2009. The author is a geriatrician who guides the reader in forming an early and strong partnership with parents and siblings; strategizing on connecting with doctors and other care providers; navigating medical crises; creating a committed advocacy team; reaching out with greater empathy and awareness; and, facing the end-of-life time with confidence and skill. 
    • Stages of Senior Care: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Decisions by Paul and Lori Hogan, McGraw-Hill, 2009. This is a resource and overview of the complex and often emotional aspects of caregiving, aging in place, medical and nonmedical care at home, independent and assisted living communities, hospice care, and end-of-life issues. Professional organizers will glean valuable insights into planning for senior and later life years to aid their older clients and adult children caring for seniors.
    • The ICD Guide to Challenging Disorganization edited by Kate Varness, CPO-CD®, Institute for Challenging Disorganization, 2012, pages 9, 36-40, 63-69, 84-90, 116-120, 138-146, 168-178, 230-235, 263-277. The chapters on the pages indicated highlight the physical and mental health conditions experienced in the aging process, and attune the professional organizer to concepts and strategies involved in working with the aging population and special circumstances. (Buy it on Amazon)

• Enroll in the Level II Aging Specialist Certificate and pay the fee.
• Access and complete the six required classes in the ICD® Vault.
• Access and pass the Aging exam in the ICD® Vault.

Upon completing the classes and passing the exam, your certificate will be automatically available in your transcript in the ICD® Vault.