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What is it Like Working With a Senior Living Referral Agent?

Writer's picture: Willow C.Willow C.

Updated: Jan 22




Working with a Senior Living Referral Agent.

Working with a Senior Living Referral Agent (*sometimes referred to as a Senior Living Consultant or Agent) can be a valuable resource during a challenging time. These agents can help navigate the complexities of senior living options, such as independent living (for those who are mostly independent but desire social interaction and amenities), assisted living (for those needing help with daily activities like bathing and medication), memory care (specialized care for those with dementia), and skilled nursing facilities (for those requiring 24/7 medical care).


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The following is a video transcript based on the section of Willow Cordain's recent live presentation (*video above) given at the Temple Beth Israel in Eugene, Oregon.



 

It's easy to use us because we're a free service. We work on the real estate principle. And so, what that means is if you want to you want some guidance in this, you give me a call, we're going to sit down. We're going to talk about your values. I'll talk about the values of the community.


And then I'll go on the tours with you all. Schedule them. I'll be your advocate. I'll be your real estate agent, slash social worker, slash advocate, whatever you want to call me.

And then eventually, if you move into a community, your loved one moves into a community, then that community is happy that I brought them somebody appropriate, because that's part of my job, is to not bring somebody that a community is likely to say no to.


And so, then they give me a referral fee. I work with all the communities. My job is to find the best placement or the best options.


The way it doesn't work, just so you know, if you call all the communities ahead of time, that negates an ability for me to collect a fee or Ronnie or others. And so, if you want our service let us do some of that legwork for you.


Don't call the places ahead of time, because we must bring the community a new person they don't have in their system.


And if your loved one is in Texas and they're trying to help their cousin. They call a ‘Place for Mom’ which is a national organization that does this, but on a national level. They don't know the communities, and there's nobody in Eugene and they might only contract with 50% of the community. So, they're going directly to 50% of them. That also negates my ability potentially to help.


So, I don't like to talk too much business here. This is really about education.

But if you do want the service of somebody like me and you get stuck and ~oh my gosh, mom's now needing something. Give them my cell number.


There's one wonderful woman named Jamie who does this.


So that's kind of I think that's pretty much it. And if you, you know, you hear this presentation, you're like, you know, Willow, I just wanted some advice on this thing. Whatever. I also have what I do with my clients is, you know, I have people who help with downsizing.


I have people who, you know, elder law attorneys to set aside everything to have a power of attorney.


Do we have a trust?


Do we need to talk to somebody about what my Medicaid looks like?


Because my loved one is going into memory care.


I'm staying in the house and that's $8,000 a month.


And how do I stay secure financially?


Well, there are Elder Law Attorneys who can tell you exactly how to do that.

 

And the State of Oregon says you don't have to become destitute if you're paying for your spouse's care. So, there are a lot of types of resources that both Abbie and I have surrounded all of this discussion of actually moving because it's a much bigger discussion.


When I tell my girlfriends I'm a real estate agent and a social worker, I kind of joke, but mostly it's social work because we also have trouble with change. I can move in my 20s lickety split now. Now I've got too much stuff. I'm settled in. I need that bathroom right where I need it. And when you become 75 and 80 and maybe you have a little memory loss, the transition is very hard. But it can be done.


It can be done well.


And thank you for listening to me.


And please give me a holler if I can help.


 

Here at Willow Care

senior care advisors, senior living consultants, assisted living coordinators, free consultants near me

Willow Care is a local women-owned senior-living advisor agency (*sometimes called senior care agents or senior referral companies) providing free assistance in finding the most suitable senior care communities for families in the Eugene/Springfield area. Their services include personalized consultations to understand individual needs and preferences, expert guidance in navigating the senior care landscape, and compassionate support throughout the decision-making process.


The process and options can be quite overwhelming, we know this! And the real value we offer goes beyond what you learn when touring facilities alone. We have been part of these communities and this industry for decades and bring that expertise to help you and your unique situation. We help you understand the differences in quality care between independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing facilities (aka nursing homes), continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), home care, adult day care, and hospice care and what is the best option for you or your loved one.



 



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