The role of an Elder/Senior Housing Placement & Referral Agency
Elder/Senior housing placement agencies help families find the appropriate assisted living housing for their loved one who can no longer care for themselves at home. Working with a placement agency is similar to working with a real estate agent in searching the market. While some placement agencies will simply send you a list of all the available housing options, others will work with you to narrow down options based on your needs.
Placement Agency Fees
Generally, the services a placement agency provides is free to the consumer, however, placement agencies typically charge the facility for the referral. Most elder/senior care facilities pay commissions to placement services, some of which may be up to an entire month’s fee! A consumer should be careful choosing a placement agency whose primary focus is being paid the highest commission, but should be to consider the needs of the resident first.
Benefits of Using an Elder/Senior Placement and Referral Agency
Using a placement agency with a good reputation can be highly beneficial to a family that does not have the time to do the research themselves. An agency can save you time, worry, and stress by helping you find the right elder/senior housing and care. An agency should take time to get to know you so they can eliminate options that are not in line with your needs. A reputable placement agency will do the groundwork for you by previewing homes, checking for openings, and reviewing public disclosure files (complaints).
Carewatchers an Elder/Senior Placement and Referral Agency
Carewatchers is a elder/senior housing placement and referral agency exclusive to residential elder care housing and assisted living facilities. Carewatchers is a free elder housing placement and referral agency. We receive requests for placement assistance from nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, retirement homes, churches and through the provider's web page on our directory. Our services are paid for by participating providers.
Carewatchers has a unique and supportive process in helping you choose the best home for your loved one. The process begins here.
Our agency has inspected and pre-screened each facility. Each facility has also been state qualified and approved by the Department of Social and Health Services. All providers on our directory have no current letters from the State for abuse, neglect, or failing to protect residents’ rights. We routinely check with the state for any of these violations. If the provider incurs any of these violations, they will be removed from our directory. We take pride in having providers who maintain quality care and protect residents’ rights.
The steps to finding your elder care home:
Step One
We will fill out an intake form about the client’s medical diagnosis, social, and financial requirements. The financial situation is reviewed to determine if the client is private pay, or if the client needs to apply for state assistance.
Step Two
Now that the needs and services of the resident are determined, choose the geographical area most convenient for you to be close to your loved one.
Step Three
Once you have chosen your geographical area, with your permission we will contact the provider on your behalf to setup a tour of the facility or, if you prefer, we can provide you with a list of providers that fit your needs for you to follow up on.
Step Four
Now that you've come to a decision on a home, an assessment must be done which determines the level of care needed, and the cost of that care. If the client is private pay the medical assessment will be paid by the client or by the provider. Carewatchers will be there for you through the entire process by phone or in person.
Step Five
After placement, we will follow-up within 30 days to ensure all is going well with the client in their new home.
For further information about how Carewatchers can help you, call 800.564.8185