All You Need to Know About Being a Senior Living Advisor

If you have an aging loved one who is nearing the end of their life, or if you are just interested in learning more about senior living and what it means to be a senior living advisor, then this post is for you. 

What is a Senior Living Advisor?

A senior living advisor is someone who is working toward the goal of helping an older adult or the older adult’s family decide where to live.

An expert in senior living:   A senior advisor may work for an organization that provides resources about an available senior living community.  The senior advisor may also work for a facility and provide information to families who need to decide.  Or the senior advisor may work for both organizations and does some of his or her work from home.

A professional who helps families:   A senior living advisor knows how to evaluate and select a facility or community that meets the needs of an older adult.  He or she can explain the differences between the options and answer questions about many aspects of senior independent living.  They are also able to help with any legal issues that may arise regarding senior living options.

Another thing a senior living advisor does:  A senior living advisor is a professional who helps a family by advising them on the process of choosing the best senior communities for an older relative or themselves.

Where do Senior Living Advisors work?

A senior living advisor works at every level of the senior care industry.  They can work for companies that provide information about facilities or for a facility.  They may also work from home or in an office.

How do senior living advisors make their money?

A senior living advisor may choose to charge a flat monthly fee for limited services.  Or the advisor may charge a pre-chosen service fee.

Often, most seniors have money put away, and they make their decision based on what they can pay each month.  A senior living advisor may also work on a commission basis.

A lot of people think a senior living advisor is an office manager.  No- they are not.  A senior living advisor does many things to help his or her clients, but the actual person who makes the decision can either make it themselves or get someone else to make it for them.

What do Senior Living Advisors look like:   Most people associate a professional with being well-dressed and confident at all times.

Factors People Look At When Looking for a Senior Living Advisor

1. Does the advisor have experience? 

 A senior living advisor is a person who has been working for a while and may have years of experience in their field.  The senior advisor should be trustworthy and someone willing to go above and beyond to help his clients. 

2.   Does an advisor specialize in Senior Living? 

Even though most businesses are now done online, many seniors will still want to talk with professionals about their senior care options.  The elder care advisor should be experienced enough to know what senior living care is and identify how best to choose one based on the person’s needs.  If an old person has financial issues, the advisor should know how to help them and help avoid scams by recommending dependable elder law attorneys. 

3. Does an advisor offer a service? 

Senior living advisors may not answer every question asked by a client, but they can often provide information on housing or communities that the client is interested in.  An advisor can also present a list of senior housing preferences that clients can choose from.

4. Is an advisor someone who listens and is willing to fit the senior’s needs? 

Most people buying senior care homes want a place for their parents or themselves to meet their levels of care.  A person should listen to these issues, understand them, and provide lifestyle preferences if a person is having difficulty deciding what is best for them.  The advisor should also be able to help the person find a reliable family member who will make decisions independently.

5. Does an advisor have their website? 

The advisor should have all the knowledge about their background and experience available to read on their website.  The senior living advisor should also answer the significant questions that a client might have simply.  If they do not, then the person may be better off finding another senior care consultant to help them.

6. Are you able to speak with a knowledgeable person over the phone? 

A senior living advisor should talk to his or her clients over the phone or via email if needed.  They should be able to answer questions and give more details if necessary.

7. What is a senior advisor’s job description? 

The senior living advisor should answer significant questions about senior living, including how much it will cost, who can live there, and what the building may like or look like.  The advisor can also help provide information on facilities that are connected to the community.  The client should ask questions and provide more information about the facility or community if needed.

8. Do you specialize in a specific area? 

A senior living advisor should help people who are interested in any specialized care.  The advisor may work with people near the end of their journey and want to live in an assisted living community.  Or someone may need options for living care professionals.

9. Are you able to offer a free consultation? 

Senior advisors will be able to provide information at no cost when doing conversations.  The client should be able to ask questions and speak with a professional about the unfamiliar process and decision that needs to be made.

10. Is the advisor licensed? 

The senior living advisor should provide more information on how they are licensed and who they are working for when giving a consultation.  The advisor may also have a license from the American Association of Senior Living Advisors or another organization that helps professionals in their field.

A senior care advisor understands what it is like to have to leave their entire family and live in a new environment.  They can help an old person find the best housing solutions for them and can help them with paperwork that is needed and move-in assistance if necessary. Senior care providers should know what questions need to be asked, the monthly costs, and what the building will be like, and why it is the best choice for a specific client.

Should you need more pieces of advice for being a senior living advisor, please leave us a comment below.