Summary
Christine Sevier, founder of Creating New Hope, shares her personal experience caring for her grandmother with Alzheimer’s and how it led her to start her own referral and placement agency in the senior living industry. She discusses the challenges families face in choosing the right care and the importance of personalized placement services. Christine also highlights the financial aspects of senior care and offers advice on navigating the complexities. She emphasizes the need for families to have open discussions about their financial situation and explore options like long-term care insurance. Christine differentiates Creating New Hope from larger referral agencies by focusing on personalized service and local expertise. The conversation covers various themes related to senior care and placement, including the importance of culture in care communities, the impact of the housing shortage on middle-income seniors, the challenges faced by the sandwich generation, the intersection of homelessness and senior care, and the need for regulations in the placement industry.
Takeaways
- Personal experiences often drive individuals to start their own referral and placement agencies in the senior living industry.
- Families should have open discussions about their financial situation and explore options like long-term care insurance to ensure they can afford quality care.
- Choosing a senior living community should be based on the resident’s current and future care needs, not just aesthetics.
- Local expertise and personalized service are key differentiators for smaller referral agencies compared to larger ones like A Place for Mom. Culture in care communities is crucial and can greatly impact the experience of residents and their families.
- The housing shortage poses challenges for middle-income seniors, and alternative housing options such as ADUs and tiny homes are emerging.
- The sandwich generation faces the difficult task of balancing care for both children and aging parents, and seeking support from senior living advisors can help navigate the emotional toll.
- The rising number of older adults experiencing homelessness is a pressing issue that needs attention and solutions.
- Regulations in the placement industry, such as disclosure of payment methods and background checks, are necessary to ensure transparency and protect families.
- Staying connected with social media and seeking quick capital can help families in need of support during complex transitions.
