How to Get The Most Out of Your Senior Care Consultant (Placement Agent)
Deciding to move a loved one into assisted living, memory care, or a small residential care home is one of the most profound and emotional decisions you’ll ever face. Few are genuinely ready for this journey, often filled with complexity and tough choices. We all age differently, and that requires personalized advice and guidance from a professional.
I once received a call from a family who had used an online company to help find a small residential care home for their father, who had a severe case of dementia. After a quick assessment, I realized he had unique care needs that required awake care at night. He was sleeping in various rooms, if at all, and his moods were unpredictable.
Their budget was also very small, giving them limited options. The online company led the daughter to believe the recommended shared room would fit her budget. However, when she went to sign the paperwork, she realized the amount the online company quoted her was just the rent and included no care, which still had to be added to this home's cost structure. It's important to note that every community has a different fee structure.
To make matters worse, when I checked the home's care violations history, it had 11 violations, the most recent for not having staff on duty after 11 p.m.—which is illegal in California and precisely the opposite of what her father needed.
Ultimately, we found a safe, affordable community that provided the proper care her father required, giving the family much-needed peace of mind.
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your Senior Care Consultant when searching for care:
Choose a local, experienced professional – Ideally, find a Certified Senior Advisor™ (CSA™) who has personally visited the communities or care homes they recommend. A CSA is trained and certified to work with seniors, having passed a background check, completed ethics training, and passed a rigorous exam. They must renew their certification every two years by completing 30 hours of continuing education.
Set up an initial consultation ― Whether by phone, Zoom, or in person, a good consultant will take the time to understand you and your loved one's needs. This meeting helps you determine if they're the right fit to guide you through this important decision.
Review care violations – Ask your consultant to show and explain any care violations in the community you're considering. They can help you understand what these violations mean and how serious they are.
Trust your consultant's expertise – If you don't trust their advice, it might be a sign that they're not the right person for you. Ignoring their expertise can lead to unnecessary stress and wasted time.
Ask about community options – Be sure to ask why some homes were recommended and others weren't. Reasons could include budget, care type, location, or serious care violations. With so many options, an expert consultant helps narrow the choices to the most appropriate.
Be transparent about your loved one's situation – Be honest about care needs, budget, and family dynamics. Not being fully transparent can slow down the process and make it more stressful for everyone involved.
These tips will help you effectively work with your consultant and find the best care for your loved one. You are not alone.
Jacqui Clark is a Certified Senior Advisor™ (CSA™) consultant with Living Coastal Senior Resources, editor-in-chief of Aging Well Magazine, and host of Get Ready for Better Aging podcast.