(FinancialHealth.net)
Ease the Transition to Assisted Living
Making the switch from an independent home to a senior community or assisted living facility can be a challenging experience for everyone involved. There’s often a lot of uncertainty about where to start looking for the right complex that’ll meet the needs of the patient. This is where a senior living referral agent comes in. Let’s take a look at how they can help resolve questions and bring peace of mind to the transition phase.
What Does A Senior Living Referral Agent Do?
A senior living referral agent works as a liaison between the patient and a senior living community. They often get reimbursed from the company the patient chooses, so the resident or their family doesn’t typically have to pay a fee for their services. Once the family makes contact, the agent takes down the patient’s demographic and medical history information during intake.
This makes it easier to search for senior living facilities in the area that are qualified to accommodate the patient’s exact needs. The agent also collects financial information at this time to match the patient with a living space within their budget.
When Is A Senior Living Referral Agent Needed?
Can’t you just find a senior living community or apartment for your loved one? Sure, if you have the time and resources to do it.
However, some people may live out of town or are not familiar with different communities in the area where their loved one lives. Having an agent working with the family simplifies and breaks down the entire process. More gets done in less time, without anyone having to shuffle back and forth between locations.
How To Find One
So where does a family in need find an agent? Most senior living communities work closely with hospital social workers, doctor’s offices and home care agencies. They rely on agents to promote their communities and find individuals who would benefit from their services. Asking the patient’s doctor or medical care team is also great place to start, or there are nationwide online databases such as A Place for Mom.
A Multifaceted Approach To Senior Placement
Senior living referral agents have an arsenal of information at their fingertips. They are a good resource to find quick access to other reputable services that may help the transition into senior living. They can put families in touch with attorneys for legal advice and even a Realtor if there’s property that needs to be sold. Tapping into local resources through an agent can simplify the process even further.
Sometimes a loved one needs placement immediately, and there’s no time to search endlessly for the right community. An agent helps with setting up appointments for tours and handles the bulk of the work so families can relax and look forward to new beginnings.
~Here’s to Your Financial Health!
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