There is a lot to know about senior housing communities. From what care is provided and what amenities are included, to costs and restrictions. With dozens of possible communities, with different services and costs for each, how can you easily navigate the search?

A home placement or referral advisor is the absolute best solution, and getting in touch with one should be your first step. Its sole purpose is to help individuals and families locate the right community for them or their family members.

As with many providers in the senior services industry, placement counselors have a heart for working with seniors and their families, and they know the local community options for seniors inside and out. They know what a big decision to move is, they care and want to help.

The advisor or consultant’s process is to meet first with the family or individual to evaluate the goals and criteria. Two of the most important criteria to consider are the necessary care and the individual’s social abilities, needs and desires. Other considerations are budget, location, community size, and amenities, as well as whether or not a pet will move in. The answers to these questions will not only point to the counselor the communities that best meet the needs of older people, but also the communities that currently have vacancies.

After suitable housing options have been identified, many counselors will accompany the seniors and family on a tour of each community. Obviously this is an invaluable service. During the tour, the counselor may point out factors that the older person may not think to consider. Please note that online referral agencies do not offer a full service and will not meet with the senior or family, much less offer tours.

Using a placement consultant will not only save time and hassle, but the service is generally FREE. Placement consultants are paid by the community, not by the older person or their family. In the few cases where that is not the case, a nominal fee may be charged. Either way, using a senior housing placement consultant is a no-brainer.

One limitation of the counselor is providing housing assistance for low-income seniors or those moving into a regular apartment complex. Most advisers can provide information on where to obtain additional information for these situations, but due to the complexity and abundance of options, this is not their approach.

For additional information or a referral to an excellent senior housing placement consultant in your area, contact your local Senior Real Estate Specialist® (SRES). An SRES is a Realtor® who specializes in helping seniors with the sale of their home, and they have a wealth of information and resources to help navigate a senior’s next step.

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