Narrowing Your Search with the Help of a Referral Agent

Narrowing your search with the help of a Referral Agent

When we do something for the very first time, there’s a possibility it will take five times longer than we anticipated.  There’s also a likelihood we won’t be very effective in accomplishing what we set out to do. Are we sure we thought about everything?  Are we sure we included all of the options?  It takes time, practice and knowledge to make educated decisions.

When it comes to selecting housing and care for your spouse or a parent, you want to be fully aware of the important aspects you’ll want to consider.  It’s equally important to know your specific options.

This is why referral agencies exist.  Referral agents ask you targeted questions to help you become cognizant of the particular aspects or services you’ll want to consider before you even begin touring the options.  And, because they’ve been through this process hundreds or perhaps even thousands of times, they are able to help support you by narrowing your options down to two to four possibilities that meet the criteria you’re seeking.  Also important is that they can help you avoid options that aren’t a good match.  Quality referral agents often work in collaboration with other referral agents or as teams to offer you an even higher level of insight into your options.

Referral Agents don’t make the decisions for you, rather they give you the knowledge and support to make an informed decision.  Service-oriented referral agents will offer continued support in person and by phone to answer questions for you all along the way.

The cost to access information should be free of charge to you

Referral agents are supported financially by the senior housing & care provider in the form of a commission, and for this reason, it’s wise for you to work with an established referral agent who represents the providers you’ll wish to consider.  It takes years for an agent to become well-connected and contracted to be helpful to you in this process.  You should not be asked to pay any fees to the referral agent.

A separate type of agency called a “Case Management” or “Care Management” agency offers many of the same services offered by referral agents, yet they charge an hourly fee for their guidance.  Their suggestions may be based more on type of care needed rather than on specific providers you will want to consider.

How to choose a referral agent

Referral agents who are seasoned in their work offer a wealth of knowledge to you.

The agency has a long, favorable reputation as being service-oriented and knowledgeable Yes
Information/options provided in a timely manner, and follow-up occurs to ensure  excellent communication
Advisor tours with clients, if that is the client’s choice Yes
Advisor serve a known and specific geographic area Yes
Disclosure & Information form is generated IMMEDIATELY prior to providing the client with options or sharing the identity of the client Yes
Agency maintains sophisticated communication systems to retain confidentiality of clients and disclose information only when given permission to do so Yes
All of our services are provided FREE OF CHARGE to the consumer – there is no fee for any service we offer, nor does any upselling or cross referral occur Yes

Getting the service you want and deserve

Some people need a lot of help and support in this process, including support with the emotional aspects of initiating change.  Other people simply need a defined list of options.  You should work with a referral agent who works in the manner which best meets your needs and preferences.  To ensure quality outcomes, the State of Washington has established specific processes referral agents must follow, yet you should always know that you are in complete control of this process.

Don’t rely upon the computer to give you options

With the availability of information on the internet, families often turn to their computers for options.  The internet is filled with incorrect information.  Worse yet, there are hundreds of businesses and agencies pretending to be service-oriented referral agents, but they are not.  Instead, they are businesses who sell information and attempt to yield a profit from your unfortunate situation.  Any web site not operated by the housing & care provider themselves could contain pitfalls and create problems for you and your family.  You are encouraged to stay away from any web site that requires you to input your email address, name, home address or phone number in order to receive help.