Senior Advisor and Senior Placement Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When considering moving to an independent retirement community, seniors often have many questions about what life will be like in such a setting. Here are some of the most common questions seniors and their families have about engaging a senior advisor to transition into senior retirement living.

What services can a senior advisor provide?

My primary role as a senior advisor is to assist and provide senior care resources and referrals. I have a trustworthy professional network of senior specialists that I can recommend for transitioning into retirement living, including organization and move managers who only work with seniors, in-home healthcare, financial advisors, and attorneys. They offer personalized advice and support to help seniors make informed decisions about their future.

What senior concierge services can you provide my family?

If your family needs assistance outside of placement, I have several senior concierge services I can provide to the family, such as creating a care plan, being a neutral party in a family meeting, assisting in providing transportation and advocacy at your senior's doctor's appointment, running errands, providing transportation to activities, and peace of mind well visits. I can customize your package based on your family's needs, so please reach out to me via my contact form. Senior concierge services are fee-based services and come in packages of five, ten, and 15 hours of service.

Can a senior advisor help with financial planning?

While I can provide general guidance on Medicaid spend down, veteran's benefits, and cashing out life insurance, I am not a financial advisor, bookkeeper, or accountant. I can not advise you on which plans or policies to purchase. However, I have an extensive network of trustworthy financial professionals whom I can refer to clients as the need arises.

What role does a senior advisor play in healthcare management?

As a senior advisor, I cannot perform activities such as medication management, in-home care, or any service defined as a "medical service" for my clients.

With my senior concierge services, I can provide companionship visits and create care plans. I can also advise your family on the types of services your seniors would benefit from based on their intake. 

I can offer your family referrals to senior healthcare services such as healthcare providers, medical providers, insurance benefits, and medication management. Since this is not an extensive list of referral services, please contact me via my contact form or call/text my mobile phone at 503.830.1812 if you would like a referral for a service not listed here. 

How do senior advisors assist with senior retirement housing decisions?

My job (and passion) is to work with families to 1. Gather information about your seniors, including their favorite activities/hobbies, food preferences, and medical and living preferences.  2. Once your senior has completed their intake, I evaluate housing options such as aging in place, independent living communities, assisted living facilities, memory care, adult foster homes, rehab stays, respite care, and skilled nursing facilities. 3. I then consider factors like cost, location, level of care needed, and personal preferences when researching the best retirement communities and senior living for your parents. 4. Once I have a list of communities that fit your senior, I call and speak with the director to ensure the campus is a good fit. 5. When I have a campus that fits many of the senior's desires, I schedule a tour for the community. I accompany each of my clients through the retirement community, asking questions and being an advocate for my clients. 

Once my clients have chosen a retirement community, I work with the family and the director to make the transition as smooth as possible. I come with the family on move-in day and check in two weeks after the senior has moved into retirement living to ensure the senior is happy at their new home.

What qualifications can a senior advisor have?

A qualified senior advisor may have expertise, a degree, or certifications in the following subjects: gerontology, social work, senior advisor, dementia practitioner, or healthcare. Look for certifications such as Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), or membership in professional organizations such as the National Association of Senior Advisors (NASA) and Oregon Senior Referral Agency Association (OSRAA)  and will be registered in the Long Term Care Referral Registry (LTCR) in the state of Oregon.

How do I find a reliable senior advisor?

Research potential advisors' qualifications, experience, and client reviews. Seek recommendations from friends, family, or healthcare providers. Verify credentials and ask for references during your selection process. Please make sure to call references and ask them questions about their experience, how well their family was taken care of, and what they thought of the advisor's service.

What is the cost of hiring you as my senior advisor?

If your family wants to move your senior into retirement living and needs placement, there is no fee. I have contracts with the communities where I place my clients, and those communities pay my commission. When your family would like senior concierge services, you can purchase packages of five-, ten-, and 15-hour blocks. Find out more about my concierge services by visiting my senior concierge page.

Can senior advisors help with legal matters?

As a senior advisor, I can provide general guidance on legal issues, such as estate planning and power of attorney. However, I cannot assist clients in writing legal documents or advise them on legal issues or matters. I work in conjunction with and refer my clients to senior-centered legal professionals such as estate planners, senior abuse attorneys, and elder law attorneys to ensure comprehensive and accurate legal advice.

How often should I meet with you as my senior advisor?

The frequency of meetings depends on your individual needs and the complexity of your situation. Initial consultations might be more frequent, with regular follow-ups scheduled to review and adjust plans as needed. I reach out to my clients via email, text, or phone to ensure they have all the resources they need to take the next step. 

Do senior advisors offer emergency support?

While I can assist your senior who is getting discharged out of the hospital to move into an assisted living, memory care, rehab, or skilled nursing center in an efficient and timely manner (most hospitals give families a two to three-day notice on discharge), I am not able to provide any emergency services to your family. I can recommend emergency services if and when the family seeks them out.

If you have more questions or need personalized assistance, please get in touch with us at 503.830.1812 or by filling out the contact form on our website. We're here to help you navigate the complexities of senior living with confidence and peace of mind.

What exactly is an independent living retirement community?

Independent living communities are designed for mobile seniors who can take care of themselves with little or no assistance. Seniors who are a good fit for independent living can live independently but would like the convenience of a community that offers various services and amenities like dining, housekeeping, transportation, and social activities.

What amenities and services are typically offered at a senior retirement community?

Amenities and services can vary by community but often include fitness centers, swimming pools, dining services, housekeeping, travel activities, clubs (such as book clubs), transportation, social activities, and a few communities that provide on-site healthcare options.

Why would my parents move into a retirement community when they have a paid-off home?

While there is a monthly fee to live in a retirement community, it is still more economical and safer to live in senior living than to live at home. On average, a senior can save up to 20% per month on living costs when moving into retirement. Why? Many of the monthly costs associated with home ownership, such as housekeeping, food, utilities, landscaping, and home maintenance, are packaged into the monthly rent for retirement living, giving your seniors a cost-effective way to enjoy their independence without worrying about keeping up with their home. 

What types of medical assistance can my mom or dad receive in a senior community?

While independent living communities do not typically provide extensive medical care, they often partner with local healthcare providers and offer wellness programs. Some communities have on-site clinics or visiting healthcare professionals.

Your senior mom or dad can receive many types of medical assistance in a typical senior living situation, including:

• Medication management

• Dental care

• Visiting doctors

• Health assessments

• Physical therapy

Your seniors can also have their current physical therapist, occupational therapist, palliative care, and hospice in their community. They don't have to give up their trusted doctors and medical staff with whom they have developed a relationship when they move into retirement living.

Are there any upfront costs or community fees with senior housing?

Many communities charge a one-time or entrance fee ranging from $1000 to $3500, depending on the community's structure. In most cases, the registration fee is not refundable and can be used to secure an apartment or cottage in the community.

What types of housing options are available for senior living?

Independent living communities typically offer various housing options, such as apartments, cottages, or villas in different sizes and floor plans. Assisted living - for those needing assistance with two or more daily activities - usually offers deluxe, standard apartments, and studio apartments. Memory Care offers studio apartments that are usually shared with same-sex residents or married couples.

Will my parents be allowed to decorate and furnish their apartment with personal items?

Generally, yes. Most communities allow residents to personalize their living space to feel like home. I always recommend that my clients move their parents into retirement living with their favorite items first, then sell their parents' home—making the move much less stressful.

What kinds of social activities and events are offered in retirement living?

Communities often have a robust schedule of social activities, including fitness classes, arts and crafts, music and entertainment, educational programs, clubs, movie nights, and group outings. Many communities get feedback from their residents to find out which activities they want to see offered.

What dining options are available for my seniors?

Many communities offer meal plans with various dining options, from formal dining rooms to casual cafes. Almost all communities have breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack options in the monthly fee. Some also provide meal delivery services to residents' homes. Meal delivery is an extra fee if the senior opts to have delivery because of convenience. However, do not charge the senior for meal delivery if they are not feeling well.

Can my parents bring their pets into their new retirement community?

Many independent living communities are pet-friendly, but policies vary. Some accept both cats and dogs. Many communities have a weight limit on dogs that can be in a resident's home. Almost all communities have a one-time fee for pets or an ongoing monthly pet fee. Pets must behave well in order to live in a retirement community. Your senior must be able to take care of their pet or have a service come in to take care of their pet.

What would happen if my parents needed more care in the future?

Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) offer additional levels of care, such as assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care, should your needs change over time. However, the upfront cost to move into a CCRC ranges from $50,000 to $750,000, making them an exclusive option for seniors with eight-figure savings. 

However, most other communities that are not CCRCs offer residents two or more types of care. Some campuses have both assisted living and memory care on the same site, so if your senior receives a dementia diagnosis in the future, they can transition from assisted living into memory care. Other campuses have independent living and assisted living at the same location. 

Is transportation available for senior residents?

Almost all assisted living communities offer shuttle transportation services for shopping, medical appointments, and recreational outings on scheduled days and times of the week.

Can our family, including grandchildren, visit my parents in retirement living

Your family can eat, participate in activities, or have a family meal or celebration in a private dining room. Many communities also allow grandchildren or family to sleep over for a limited period - usually at most seven days in a row.

Choosing a retirement community is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. By asking questions and getting detailed answers, seniors and their families can make informed choices that enhance their quality of life and ensure a comfortable, fulfilling living experience. If you have more questions or need personalized advice, please contact me at 503.830.1812 for expert guidance and support.