Finding a new living situations for our senior parents or loved ones can be a strenuous time. It requires lots of research, and new found understanding of housing styles, and what services they do or do not provide.
It is Elder Tribe’s mission to offer assistance in this arena. Real world feedback to what is available and information you can use to determine what housing situation is right for your loved one.
There are also referral agencies that can assist you, and most of them are free. Though, my skeptical healthcare mind believes in the old adage, “You get what you pay for!”
So be careful. I have designed HousingandHealthcare.com and soon the all inclusive website ElderTribe.com to provide you with up to date housing information, and more than a few articles to assist you in finding the perfect situation. ”Though I hesitate to use the word perfect. May we say, most ideal.”
Inconjuction with our website, a referral agency may be a great idea. You get to work with someone, preferably local, that knows the area and the facilities. You can use our website to get a list, and have them pick through the ones you are interested in.
Remember, most offer short respite stays, and I would highly recommend trying it out before you decide on a long term commitment. Gives you a chance to kick the tires so to speak.
Listed below are most of the referral agencies in the Northern California area:
For Chico, CA and the surrounding area residents. www.ecschico.com
In Redding, CA find help at www.reachassociation.org
For Northern California residents: www.seniorcs.com
Northern California Housing and placement agency: www.housing-options.com
For California residents: www.accentonseniors.com
For California residents: www.eldercareservices.com
For California residents: www.californiaregistry.com
For California residents: www.elderlink.org
For California residents: www.seniorcareconnection.com/california_connection.html
For California and Los Angeles residents: www.elderhomefinders.com
For Southern California residents: www.eldercare.net
Nationwide Agencies:
3 responses so far ↓
elderservicesnw // October 3, 2008 at 4:26 am |
A free senior living referral agency can be a great help to families and seniors trying to sort through the many elder care options available today. You are right to be skeptical though, and families need to ask questions to make sure they are getting the best advise. How well the consultant knows the individual senior living communities in your area is key. Also, some agencies simply provide a list of facilities and don’t spend the upfront time getting to know you and your particular needs and preferences. A good elder care consultant will visit you or your loved one to assess your situation, accompany you on facility tours, and connect you with other local resources to make the move a smooth one. I have my own referral agency in Bellingham, WA, and I pride myself in being a real advocate for my families and making sure they make the move that is right for them.
Mark Robinson, Elder Care Advisor
http://www.ElderServicesNW.com
Mark Andrew Smith // October 3, 2008 at 1:29 pm |
I agree with you Mr. Robinson, that senior living referral services/agencies provide a great service, and are able to assist families in a time of need.
I question the structure of the system. Why free?
An hourly fee, or retainer would eliminate the behind the scenes activities of the business.
Nothing in life is free.
I think the commision structure creates an environment that is not conducive for families receiving the best possible placement.
Kaye Sharbrough // November 9, 2008 at 9:03 pm |
Both of you are partially correct. The system of providing free help to seniors and their families exists because the homes and communities offer referral fees to anyone who sends them a new resident. Almost all of them participate in this process. As long as families using a referral agency know that the industry is modeled like travel agents and headhunters they can be prepared to ask the really important question such as, “Am I getting information on ALL the homes that may be right for me, or am I only getting the ones who pay you a fee?” At my agency, Senior Seasons, covering the SF Bay Area, we always include ALL the homes whether or not we have a contractual agreement in place. Part of our decision to provide complete information was a deep frustration with sites, sources and magazines that are based upon an advertiser-sponsored model and only inlcude paid advertisers. Seniors and their families need as complete a senior housing resource as possible, as well as the care and understanding of advisors who can help them through the difficult decisions they face.