Question 1

How does a senior referral or placement agency work?

Accepted Answer

Senior referral agencies, also known as placement agencies or eldercare advisory services help older people find the best retirement community, assisted living, or adult family home for their needs. They provide customized recommendations, education, and support resulting in better informed, long-lasting decisions. Most agencies are paid by their partnering facilities when the older person moves in. This enables them to offer their services at no direct cost to the older person or their family members. Some referral agencies alternatively offer their services by the hour or for a flat fee depending on the need.

Question 2

What is the fee to use Golden Age Placement Solutions?

Accepted Answer

Golden Age Placement Solutions is a free service to you. Golden Age is paid a referral fee from the facility that you ultimately choose to call home. If you decide during the course of your search that you are no longer interested in pursuing possible placement in assisted living facilities, then our arrangement is ended, and again, you owe Golden Age nothing. My goal is to be a liaison for you as you consider all of the different options regarding assisted living facilities in San Diego, Encinitas, La Jolla, Del Mar, Escondido, Carlsbad or other parts of the greater San Diego county area.

Question 3

Why should I consider working with a referral agency rather than finding a senior living community on my own?

Accepted Answer

Referral agencies make a difficult job easier. They take the time to get to know you, your family, and extended care team. They gain an understanding of the details of your needed care, finances, and desires and work together with all involved parties until the best place is found. If they have been in business for a while they have established relationships with hundreds of local senior care providers and followed the reputation of these providers over time.  Agencies have access to information about care providers that can’t be found anywhere else. They will make sure you are educated and know what you are signing up for. The end result is a new home that is long-lasting and just
right.

Question 4

Who makes the decision as to what assisted living facility I should move into?

Accepted Answer

At Golden Age Placement, ultimately the decision as to what facility is chosen is always up to you.

Question 5

I don't or my parent(s) don't want to move now. When should I start exploring options?

Accepted Answer

Now or soon. Learning about the options, their tradeoffs and costs early will help you be much better prepared if and when health needs arise. We love working with people who are not ready to move any time soon, but want to get familiar with the San Diego area senior living landscape. If you are an older person developing your plan A and plan B might be one of the biggest gifts you could ever give to your loved ones. Don’t hesitate to give us a call.

Question 6

What can I expect from my first introduction to Golden Age Placement Solutions?

Accepted Answer

A phone call is usually the best way to start. We will set up a time to talk and ask you a series of questions to determine if our services are right for you.  When it seems like a good fit we will set up a time in the near future for a discovery session also known as an “intake.” Whenever possible and safe, we like to do our intake in person. When meeting in person isn’t possible Zoom is a good alternative. If you are Zoomed out, we can work over the phone too.

Question 7

How does the intake work?

Accepted Answer

The intake usually takes about an hour or just over an hour. We have developed  guidelines that we follow regarding the questions we ask. The questions cover your current living situation, health, diagnoses, medications, support needed with activities of daily living, a financial overview, and your desires and preferences.

Question 8

What professional credentials do your associates have?

Accepted Answer

All of our team members have years of professional experience working with seniors and their families. Team members come from a variety of backgrounds including physical & occupational therapies, caregiving, caregiver support group facilitation, mental health and dementia care, and adult family home ownership.  Currently, there are no professional credentials required to work as an eldercare advisor or referral agent in California.  All agencies must however operate in compliance with the regulations outlined in the Elder and Vulnerable Adult Referral Agency Act.

Question 9

How long does the process take from initial contact to move-in?

Accepted Answer

The time varies. We have helped facilitate emergency moves in two days or less when safety has been a concern. On the other end of the spectrum, we have worked with families for a year or more before the senior is ready to make the move. On average the process takes a couple of weeks to a couple of months to tour and find the right place and make all of the move-in arrangements. Sometimes scheduling a doctor’s appointment can hold up a move. If you are planning to move to a senior community in the near future and haven’t seen your doctor for a while, schedule an appointment now. Ask the facility where you plan to move what they may need from your doctor.

Question 10

Can you assist me with nursing home placement?

Accepted Answer

Golden Age Placement Solutions specializes in placement in assisted living facilities in San Diego County. However, with our extensive knowledge of all aspects of long-term care, if you or a loved one is in need of nursing home placement, feel free to give us a call so we can provide you with information as to what we can do to help you find a nursing home.

We are here to help you on every step of your way

FAQ

Frequently asked questions