Agency

Using a Placement Agency or a Referral Agency

Before I begin with a checklist of question to ask an agency I must first talk about the difference in the type of agencies. 

A Referral Agency is just that, they gather your information and then send it to communities in a wide range and geographic locations. This means that 5 to 10 or even 15 different communities will be calling you. This can definitely be annoying and overwhelming. All these communities trying to get you to visit and once again share your information. 

A Placement Agency on the other hand, is usually a local company that helps you locate the best community that fits your needs. You can either visit their office in person or go to their website to answer the multitude of questions form to help you find what you need. A placement agency will have an agent work with you to narrow your search. They will generally escort you to each community on your initial visit. 

Communities work with both types of agencies but they tend to appreciate the great customer service you and they get from the placement type agency. There are pros and cons for each type for instance, referral agencies send out your information to practically all local and not so local communities and they my have large communities tied to them because of corporate agreements.  Whereas, a placement agency will nudge you in the direction of just a few good ones with whom, they have a relationships, and yet that could limit you to only the communities they prefer, not always the best for you. But overall, in my opinion Placement Agencies are a better choice. 

Now to the first question you should ask an agency: 

1.    What is your level of experience, have you worked in a Senior Living Community?
2.    On what basis do you select the communities for clients to see?
3.    How many communities do you recommend for your clients?
4.    How often do you visit or check communities? 
5.    Does the state have a website we can check for violation of the communities your recommend?
6.    How well do you know the Communities you recommend? Do they contract with you?
7.    A great question is; do you inform your clients about communities you are not contracted with?
8.    Do you send your clients out alone or do you escort them to the communities?
9.    If  you do send them out, how do you prepare your clients before you send them to communities?
10.   How much time do you spend with your clients on in person and on the phone?
11.   How often do you tour senior living communities with your clients?
12.   From where do you receive most of your clients?
13.   Can I see a contract that details all your fees, rules, regulations and how you get paid?