What is a Senior Placement Agency?
A senior placement agency provides services to meet the specific needs of an older adult who is in search of a new residence. It can be difficult and time consuming to find an appropriate home when you or an elderly loved one are in need of a senior living option. Often these decisions are made during a health emergency or crisis point in a senior’s life. Families will also reach out to an agency to begin the process of finding a new home for an elderly parent before an emergency occurs. Either way, it can be challenging and stressful to navigate the search without help from a senior placement agency.
The agency typically works with the family of seniors or directly with elderly adults to determine the best home based on their desires while taking into account any medical care needs. In addition, the agency will help find the best option based on what the client is able to afford. Families often contact a senior placement agency when their older loved ones are no longer able to safely live or care for themselves in their homes.
Benefits of Working With an Agency
First, it is important to work with a senior placement agency which has a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® on staff. The Society of Certified Senior Advisors (SCSA) educates and certifies these professionals who work with seniors through its Working with Older Adults education program and the Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® credential.
The CSA certification gives you confidence that this professional has the knowledge and education and integrity regarding the issues facing older adults as well as maintaining the highest ethical standards.
A senior placement agency and CSA should provide:
Assessment
Complete an assessment of an older adult’s specific care level-of-care needs, lifestyle, and desires to determine the best senior living option. This includes independent living, assisted living, and memory care.