How do Senior Living Advisors Help Find Assisted Living?

Donna Nichols • November 9, 2023

How do Senior Living Advisors Help Find Assisted Living?

A collage of people with the words assisted living on the bottom

Ever wonder how a senior advisor helps find an assisted living community? We will help clear that up for you in this blog. Please read on to hopefully get your questions answered.

 

A senior advisor helps seniors find a place that best suits their needs. At Assisted Living Made Simple, we ask that you do not look on your own, even if you do not use us as your advisors, please use an advisor. A senior advisor knows the ins and outs of the communities, something the client is not privy to; we know which communities are best suited for each individual situation.

 

Senior advisors take into consideration many factors when searching for an assisted living community for you or a loved one. Advisors sit down with the family and go over the following to get a better picture of what the client’s needs and wants are:

 

           How much money do they have? Which community will they be able to afford for the rest of their years that has everything they need?

 

           Do they have long-term care insurance? Do they qualify for VA Aid and Attendance?

 

           What are their care needs? Do they need medication management only, or do they need a much higher level of care? This will determine if they need a community that has a specialized license in place.

 

           How far is the community from their family? Will the family be able to visit often?

 

           What type of person are they? Do they like to socialize and be around others, or do they prefer to be alone?

 

           Did they lead an active lifestyle? Do they like gardening, working out, walking, swimming, or cooking? What activities do they like?

 

A senior advisor takes all the above into consideration and more to find the best suited living arrangements for you or your loved one. If you or your loved one likes gardening, for example, we would search for a community that has a garden outside, or if or an avid swimmer, we want to ensure we find a community with a pool.

 

Once we have found approximately three (3) communities that suit your needs and wants, we will then take you on escorted tours of the properties. At Assisted Living Made Simple, we like to give you at least three (3) options so you can see the differences in the communities.

 

Sometimes three communities are not an option; there have been many times when it has been an emergency move. We have placed people in as little as five (5) hours, the paperwork is what takes the longest.

 

So, how can we do this for free, you ask? The communities pay senior advisors they have agreements with. This does not mean your rate increases so we receive payment. Your rate stays the same; we receive a portion of your payment from the community should we place you there.

 

Senior advisors can also help negotiate prices for you, which is another reason we ask that you do not search for a community on your own. Once the community has your name, we cannot negotiate the price on your behalf.

 

Most senior advisors will recommend the communities that suit your needs and wants, not the ones that pay the highest commission. Our motto at Assisted Living Made Simple is, “If we won’t out our loved one there, we won’t put your loved one there.” That is how all senior advisors should operate.

 

Give us a call today to schedule your free consultation, it does not cost anything, and we are your one stop for senior services! 386-847-2322.

 

The Heart of Guidance: The Role of a Senior Advisor in Elder Care

By Donna Nichols • September 5, 2025
In a world that often moves too fast, senior advisors offer something rare and essential: time, understanding, and a steady hand. Unlike their counterparts in the business world, senior advisors in elder care aren’t focused on profit margins—they’re focused on people. Who They Are Senior advisors in this space are often seasoned professionals, caregivers, or community advocates who help older adults and their families navigate complex decisions. They may work in senior living communities, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, or independently. What They Do • Guide families through transitions: Whether it's choosing assisted living or downsizing a home, senior advisors help make sense of it all. • Advocate for dignity and autonomy: They ensure that older adults’ voices are heard and respected in every decision. • Connect to resources: From transportation and wellness programs to Alzheimer’s and grief support, they know where to turn. • Offer emotional support: Sometimes, the most valuable thing they offer is a listening ear and a calming presence. Why It Matters A senior advisor isn’t just a resource—they’re a lifeline. They help families breathe easier, empower older adults to make informed choices, and bring compassion into moments that can feel overwhelming. If you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds like me,” you’re not alone. Many of us play this role informally, answering questions, calming nerves, and connecting dots. Whether you’re a professional advisor or a trusted neighbor, your presence makes a difference.  If you or someone you love is facing a big decision and could use a calm, caring guide—we’re here. No pressure, no jargon, just real people ready to help. Call us today on 386-847-2322 to start the conversation. Sometimes, the first step is simply knowing you’re not alone.

Grandparents Day: A Celebration of Heart, Humor & Heritage

By Donna Nichols • September 4, 2025
September brings a quiet kind of magic—the golden light, the hint of fall in the air, and a moment to honor the everyday heroes who’ve shaped our lives with love, laughter, and legendary stories: our grandparents. Whether you’re a grandparent yourself, a grateful grandchild, or someone who’s been “adopted” by a wise elder in your life, Grandparents Day is a chance to pause and celebrate the beautiful bridge between generations. What Makes Grandparents So Grand? • They’re walking history books—with tales of jukeboxes, moon landings, and the original recipe for Sunday gravy. • They’re master cheerleaders, showing up with hugs, cookies, and the kind of encouragement that sticks for life. • They’re wisdom whisperers, offering advice that somehow makes more sense with each passing year. And let’s be honest: they also have the uncanny ability to make you feel like the most important person in the room. A Legacy of Love Grandparents teach us that love doesn’t have to be loud to be lasting. It’s in the quiet gestures: the handwritten birthday card, the saved newspaper clipping, the way they remember your favorite snack or ask about that thing you mentioned weeks ago. They remind us that resilience is built over time—through hard work, humor, and a whole lot of heart. Their stories carry lessons we didn’t know we needed until we suddenly find ourselves living them. And for those who’ve lost a grandparent, this day can be bittersweet. But it’s also a chance to honor their memory—by sharing their stories, cooking their favorite dish, or simply whispering a thank-you into the September breeze. Celebrate with Us: A Little Fun for the Big Day This Grandparents Day, we invite you to: • Share a memory: What’s one moment with a grandparent that still makes you smile? • Send a shoutout: Post a photo or quote from your favorite grandparent on social media and tag us.

Honoring Our Elders: National Senior Citizens Day

By Donna Nichols • August 14, 2025
On August 21, we pause to celebrate the heartbeat of our communities—our senior citizens. This day isn’t just about marking a date on the calendar. It’s about recognizing the wisdom, resilience, and warmth that older adults bring to every conversation, every gathering, and every generation. Wisdom That Lights the Way From stories of first jobs and family traditions to lessons learned through love and loss, seniors carry a lifetime of insight. Their experiences are more than memories—they’re guideposts for those still finding their way. Today, we honor those stories and the voices behind them. Connection That Matters Whether it’s a neighborly wave, a shared recipe, or a quiet moment on the porch, seniors remind us that connection doesn’t need fanfare—it just needs heart. National Senior Citizens Day is a chance to say, “We see you. We value you. We’re better because of you.” Ways to Celebrate Host a storytelling circle or memory-sharing event Share a favorite photo and the story behind it Create a “Senior Spotlight” wall with quotes and wisdom Invite younger generations to learn a skill from a senior (gardening, baking, crafting) Spend time—listen, laugh, and learn A Day of Gratitude Let’s make August 21 a day of genuine appreciation. Whether you’re a senior yourself or someone lucky enough to know and love one, take a moment to reflect on the richness they bring to our lives. Their legacy is living, breathing, and beautifully unfolding every day.  This is a day to be celebrated every day! Senior citizens bring so much fulfillment to our lives, and we need to embrace the moments we spend with them, for they are precious.