Why is it really free to families?

Senior placement advisors are paid a referral fee by the facility where the senior moves in (typically one month's rent). The family pays nothing. The model only works when the placement is a good fit, so advisors are incentivized to match well.

Aren't they just biased toward the highest-paying facilities?

Reputable advisors work across many facilities and rates, including Medicaid-certified ones. Ask up front: 'How many facilities are in your network and at what price points?' A good answer covers 20+ facilities at varied price points. Walk away from anyone who only recommends 2–3.

What's the difference between a placement advisor and a care manager?

Placement advisors specialize in finding the right facility — front-loaded work that ends after move-in. Care managers (often nurses or social workers) provide ongoing care oversight, doctor visits, and family advocacy. Some firms offer both.

Can they help with memory care specifically?

Yes — and it's often where they add the most value. Memory care has very specific licensing, staffing, and program requirements. A specialist who knows the local memory care landscape will save you weeks.

What if we need a facility within a week?

Many advisors specialize in crisis placements and can identify availability and arrange same-week tours. Be honest about the timeline on your first call.

Senior Placement Advisors

The right place is out there. The right advisor finds it faster.

Free to families. Local. Spends weeks of effort so you don't have to. Senior placement advisors match the right facility to the right person — and stay involved through move-in.

Find an advisor near you Compare care levels

Care-level matcher

Four levels, very different worlds

A placement advisor's first job is figuring out which one of these your loved one actually needs. That decision drives everything else.

Independent Living

$2.5k–$4.5k/mo

Active seniors who want community without daily care

Private apartment
Meals + housekeeping
Social activities
Transportation

Assisted Living

$4.5k–$7k/mo

Seniors needing help with 1–3 daily activities

Everything in Independent
Medication management
Bathing + dressing help
24/7 staff on-site

Memory Care

$6k–$9k/mo

Seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia

Secured environment
Specialized dementia staff
Cognitive activities
Family education

Skilled Nursing

$8k–$12k/mo

Seniors needing 24/7 medical care

RN on staff 24/7
Rehab + therapy
Complex medical care
Often Medicare-covered short-term

What working with an advisor looks like

Five steps from first call to settled-in. Most placements run 2–6 weeks; crisis placements can run in days.

Step 1

Free phone consultation

30–60 minutes. Advisor learns about medical needs, budget, location preferences, and personality.

Step 2

Curated facility shortlist

Advisor narrows from dozens of options to 3–5 that genuinely fit. Saves you weeks of cold calls.

Step 3

In-person tours together

Advisor accompanies you on tours, asks the questions you wouldn't think to ask, and reads the room.

Step 4

Negotiate + paperwork

Advisor often gets fees waived, deposits reduced, or move-in dates accelerated based on relationships.

Step 5

Move-in + check-in

Most advisors stay involved for the first 30–90 days to make sure the placement actually works.

How they get paid (it's not by you)

The fee model is simple — and it's the same model real estate buyer's agents use.

Family

Pays $0

No retainer, no hourly, no contract.

Facility

Pays advisor

Typically 1 month's rent as a referral fee.

Senior placement advisor walking with family on tour

Bring this to every facility tour

A good placement advisor will ask all of these. Bring the list anyway — it's your loved one's home for the next several years.

1
What's your staff-to-resident ratio during day shifts? Overnight?
2
What happens if my parent's care needs increase? Do they have to move?
3
What's the average length of stay for staff? (Turnover is a red flag.)
4
Can I see the most recent state inspection report?
5
What's included in the base rate vs. add-ons?
6
How are medications managed and who administers them?
7
What does a typical day look like for someone with my parent's needs?
8
What's the policy if my parent needs hospitalization or rehab?

Also need an estate sale company?

Once a facility is chosen, the home typically needs to be cleared. Find a vetted local estate sale company that works on senior placement timelines.

Find an estate sale company →

Find a Senior Placement Advisor Near You

Free to families. Local advisors who know the facilities personally.

Free to families No signup needed Verified advisors

Common questions

Free conversation. No pressure. Local expertise.

Senior placement advisors work for your family's outcome — at no cost to you. Connect with one in your area today.

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