When the time comes for a senior to get help in their home or move from their home, many families find themselves feeling completely overwhelmed.

With the help of the internet, care providers can be located, but finding the right one can be challenging, according to Abby Durr of SilverAge Senior Living Referrals.

“After locating a facility or service, many people find themselves asking, will this provider meet my standards, provide the appropriate level of care for my loved one and stay within my price range?” she said.

To help answer these questions, families can get free guidance from a senior housing and referral service.

“This kind of service is often unknown to families at the time when they need it the most,” Durr said.

Having done the research on hundreds of senior communities and services, they make recommendations about which communities will best meet the needs of their clients.

A good referral agency will start off with a thorough nursing assessment to learn about the needs and preferences of the senior they are helping and gather input from their family.

An assessment serves as the foundation for determining which setting will meet their current and future needs.

This meeting can take place in the home, nursing facility, hospital, or anyplace that is convenient. It usually takes about an hour.

“The benefits of moving to a community or getting care at home allow seniors to enjoy a new life with opportunities for socialization, better nutrition and stimulation,” Durr said. “All of these contribute to quality of life, but if an inappropriate match is made, a senior could end up at risk or be faced with the stress of moving again.”

Another characteristic of a quality referral service is frequent in-person visits to the places they recommend.

With first-hand experience an agent can tell if a facility is up to their standards.

Many will even do unannounced visits to see what goes on at different times of day when they are least expected.

They will also interview staff members to learn about staffing and training.

Management will often tell them what they want to hear, but housekeepers and caregivers will tell them what they need to know, like what kind of on-going training is provided, and about turnover rates.

The activities provided are also critically important. A referral agent will look at the activity calendar, paying close attention to how much is planned for the evenings and weekends.

Licenses and Insurance should also routinely be checked as well as the results of a community’s Annual State Inspection.

Lastly, a referral agent should be able to elaborate about meal time.

Nutritious meals are important as well as the dining experience as a whole. Often seniors consider dining with their friends as a highlight of their day.

“Meals serve as a good time to observe the abilities and personalities of the current residents of a community,” Durr said. “People have an innate need to belong and can easily feel out of place if they move in and don’t feel like they fit in with the other residents.”

Referral agents also make recommendations to resources such as Moving Specialists, Geriatric Care Managers, Financial Advisors, Veterans Benefits, and Support Groups.