How do senior placement agencies get paid?

Senior living communities pay the placement agency a referral fee — typically 50 to 100% of the first month’s rent — when a family moves in. The family pays nothing. The fee comes from the community’s marketing budget and does not increase your rent.

Are senior placement agencies really free for families?

Yes. Reputable placement agencies never charge families. Communities pay them a referral commission. Rates for the family are the same whether you go through an advisor or walk in yourself.

What's the difference between a local placement advisor and a national service like A Place for Mom?

Local advisors typically tour the communities they recommend, know the staff personally, and work with a smaller number of families. National services often operate as high-volume lead brokers, distributing your contact information to multiple communities. Ask any agency directly whether they tour the communities and how they handle your contact info.

Do placement agencies help with nursing homes or Medicaid placements?

Sometimes, but often not — nursing homes and Medicaid-funded placements typically don’t pay referral fees, so many agencies focus only on private-pay assisted living, memory care, and independent living. Ask upfront whether your situation is one the agency can help with.

The blog

Honest senior living guidance, from advisors who do this every day.

No fluff. No SEO filler. The questions families actually ask us — answered.

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