131: 5 reasons to use senior placement services, plus 3 determining factors to choose the right one

Aging in Style with Lori Williams

Why should I use a senior placement service for myself or my loved one?

There are 5 reasons to work with a senior placement service, and 3 things to consider when choosing the right locator service.

When you’re researching senior living for yourself or a loved one, it can be a long process that brings up many questions. Without help, you risk wasted time, unwanted stress, and even ending up in the wrong type of senior living that’s even more expensive.

Senior Living Expert Lori Williams has worked in senior placement services for 17 years. Senior living placement services assess your needs to help you find the living situation and senior resources you need. She shares the 5 reasons to use a senior placement service:

1. They save time. No need to Google options and find time to research during your busy day working and caregiving. A senior placement locator will already know what’s in the area. They do an assessment to learn your needs, budget, and location so you can quickly find a place that meets your needs and even brings you joy.

2. Senior locator services have community relationships and knowledge. They know the nuances of each senior living community option, where they are, and what sets them apart - and can educate you. If you like gardening, a senior placement locator can find you an apartment with a patio. They’ll also know the prices and where there’s availability.

3. They can refer you to other resources. Not only can they help you find a home, they can also refer you to other valuable resources: home care, hospice services, elder law attorneys, Medicare specialists, and more. Maybe you don’t actually need senior living and you just need a home health aide - senior placement specialists might know a great match.

4. They offer a roadmap and guidance along the way. If your mom broke your hip, they can help with every step, from preparing to move to settling into your new place and finding a rehab facility. They can also help explain how Medicare works and lay out a plan for the caregivers. They can also determine if staying home safely is possible and connect you to a local Meals on Wheels.

5. They’re free for you to use. It won’t cost you a dime. Senior locator services have contracts with the communities and earn a fee for successfully placing individuals. All other services, like creating a roadmap and connecting you with other services, are free.

Lori also explains 3 factors to consider when choosing your service:

1. It’s best to use a local service – they’ll know your area.

2. Make sure at least one person on staff is a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA).

3. Experience, reputation, and passion matter.

These tips help ensure a tailored experience where you’re helped by those with knowledge on aging and services.

Topics discussed:

· Senior living placement specialists

· Benefits of senior placement services

· Senior living communities

· Independent living and memory care

· Senior living considerations

· Senior resources

Takeaways from this episode:

-A great senior placement service will get to know your personality, hobbies, and preferences to find your best fit.

-Senior placement services offer a holistic experience beyond just matching you with a senior living community. They have contacts throughout the senior care industry and can help find movers, rehab, and even resources to help you stay home as long as possible.

-Residential care facilities (care in a house-type of environment) are less advertised and well-known, but a senior placement service will have the connection.

-Senior placement services are helpful for the “sandwich generation” that’s caregiving for their parents while caring for their children.

-Certified Senior Advisors (CSAs) are great to have on staff – they have deep knowledge about aging and services.

-A national placement service will be less knowledgeable about community reputation and nuances for your particular area.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Senior Housing 101:

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/78876793/005-senior-housing-101

Ready to downsize? Hear about the service that'll help you sort, sell, pack, and move

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/79673618/029-ready-to-downsize-hear-about-the-service-thatll-help-you-sort-sell-pack-and-move-it

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https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/