Written by Scott Fischer, BSN, CPRS, CDP  – Owner, Options for Senior Living

It’s been almost 22 years since I started the Options for Senior Living business. At the time, it was – just me, wanting more than anything to do something worthwhile. I wanted to make a living and control my own time. I had grown miserable working for someone else, and this opportunity to start my own business had the most incredible opportunity, the most significant financial upside, and no barrier to entry. I often tell the story – I started my business because I wanted to be able to go to daytime baseball games whenever I wanted. This was and remains the truth today!

However, within a relatively short period, I understood the profession I had chosen was not one looked upon with respect and favor. It was clear what we were doing as placement agents were seen by many as unprofessional. In many cases, we were the business nobody wanted to talk about. We were just the dirty little secret. I felt like I was doing great work and providing families with outstanding service. I worked hard for those families and equally to become a trusted partner to senior living operators. In those days, most of our work was directed toward Assisted Living Homes. Corporate entities ran several assisted-living centers and were less likely to pay referral fees to us for the families we represented. We were seen by most as greedy, unprofessional, and unethical as a whole.

A little over 14 years ago, a dear colleague and I were challenged to do something about those “damn placement people.” We didn’t know what to do, but with help, we used this inspiration to establish a group known today as PASRS. The group incorporated and became a 501(c)6 trade association. This put us closer to being viewed as dependable professionals and respected in the senior living profession.

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Over the years, we debated whether or not licensure was in our future. I was against convincing our state and others about becoming licensed professionals. This may exist someday – I believe, from watching the struggle of other industries, this is highly unlikely. We did begin to see the vision. Can an agent become certified? This would validate our mission. I served as the president of PASRS from its inception in 2010 through the end of 2017. In 2017, I was asked to serve on the national board of directors for a new group called the National Placement and Referral Alliance (NPRA).

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As we organized nationally, it became imperative to adopt initiatives that agents from across the country could rally behind. Agents voluntarily sign our National Best Practices. This supports our commitment to move in the direction of being a respected professional industry. I want us to become trusted by Senior Living providers, the families we serve, and our referral partners. When there is no regulation, there is a sense – nothing is out of bounds, and everything is OK. Many individuals have taken advantage of vulnerable people over the years in this process. Victims include both families and Senior Living providers. Agents control business flow from a good portion of the healthcare system, and many have been wounded when money and compensation are the highest priority for referral agents.

Our national initiatives also included the pursuit of the development of a national certification program. This concept seems out of reach, perhaps pie-in-the-sky. However, in early 2018, the first conversations were had between our national alliance and a nationally recognized company that builds and develops these certification programs for emerging industries.

In August 2018, a dozen dedicated professionals met in Denver to begin taking the first steps toward developing such a program. It took over a year to get another twelve people in a room again with a national company to lead us in developing test questions. Finally, on a Saturday morning in January 2020, the first 77 candidates took the national certification examination. Since then, several dozen more have taken the test. I have taken the test as well. Of course, I had some apprehension, but I expected to pass. The industry I have worked in has evolved, and many have earned great trust and respect. They have served hundreds and hundreds of families exceptionally well and managed their business with Senior Living providers.

However, many still operate with no boundaries or limits to the practice. They still operate corruptly, involving referral sources, Senior Living providers, and the families they are supposed to serve. This year’s narrative has to change and promote the agents who willingly ascribe to our national best practices and have chosen certification as agents of the highest order. Of course, there will be exceptions, but we have to trust that the people who have put themselves into the public space with their trade association membership and have achieved certification are the agents to be seen in the highest regard.

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Without licensure and with minimal legislation across the country, these two things, coupled together, are the best we can do to elevate the industry and the professionals who are engaged in the work of the sector. I am so proud to have taken this test and be counted among my peers as a professional who truly cares about our industry, our reputation with our senior living provider partners, our referral sources, and the families we serve.

Veronica Guzman, one of our Certified Placement Experts, currently serves on the PASRS board. Furthermore, as of 2023, our entire team holds CPRS certifications.

The Options for Senior Living team continues to be dedicated to serving families to the highest degree possible, and we wish to be counted among the best in the nation for our work.



Excellent
Based on 37 reviews
Sharon Boivin
Sharon Boivin
2022-07-21
We needed immediate assistance with placing our family member into assisted living. The staff was amazing! Kim took down all the information and put us in touch with Tammy. She was so fast but yet very efficient in getting some tours set up right away. The process was so easy and effortless. We are so pleased! If you need help finding just the right place for your loved one, I highly recommend using Options for Senior Living. Both Tammy and Kim followed up with us to be sure everything went smoothly after placement. Thanks again Ladies for all your help!
Daniel Tinlin
Daniel Tinlin
2022-07-16
This is an outstanding placement service and they have gone above and beyond to assist me with appropriate placements for my mother as her needs changed. I highly recommend them.
Diane Sepanski
Diane Sepanski
2022-07-08
This is an essential service and so well done. Thank you so much.
Dave Murray
Dave Murray
2022-07-07
Working with Erica Martinez was amazing. She was extremely knowledgeable and quickly provided us with numerous options explaining the benefits of each. We picked a private room in a group home at a reasonable price. Prior to talking to her we were picturing having to go to the dreaded Skilled Nursing Homes... I am more than pleased and highly recommend you ask for her by name. Thank You Erica!!
Tracy Martens
Tracy Martens
2022-07-06
I wanted to take the time to tell you that Amanda is a great addition to the Options for Senior Living Team, I met her at a lunch and learn today at the doctors office I work for and she was very professional and knowledgeable and cannot wait to work more closely with her.
Gregory Baisden
Gregory Baisden
2022-06-30
Ramie provided assistance in the best possible way: expertly knowledgeable, expertly communicative, abundantly kind, entirely pleasant, deeply personable. All of these qualities joined with efficiency, responsiveness, and patience during a process made trying and difficult by health concerns and, admittedly, a fussy primary client, assured us an excellent result. We bless her heart, and thank heaven for her guidance, both crucial to our satisfaction.
Jaime Ryum
Jaime Ryum
2022-06-30
We have been blessed to work with Erica and have her help our patients find placement. She has such a kind heart and goes above and beyond!
Pat Fox (Nanny)
Pat Fox (Nanny)
2022-06-10
I needed help finding my stepmom a better safer living option when her dementia/alzheimers accelerated rapidly. Suncrest Hospice group recommended and put me in touch with Erica. Once I spoke with her about what I thought we should look for it was only a couple of days before she had a list of places for us to see. We found a great one in our first day! Erica has continued to provide support which I find invaluable. Highly recommend at least calling her and explaining your concerns for your loved one(s). You won't be disappointed!
dennis clair
dennis clair
2022-05-23
Scott helped my brother in law during an extremely difficult situation. Within a few days, Scott located the care facility, set up conference calls with the facility, the hospital and my brother on law to make sure everyone was satisfied the facility she was being placed met her needs. Scott and his team are amazing and there is no way we could have done this without him. Thank you so much!!

How our service works

Options for Senior Living is a referral service committed to placing your aging loved one in the best possible care for their needs. Since 2003, we have helped thousands of families find the right senior living community and care for their loved ones. Our Certified Placement Experts have years of experience and can provide localized expertise and referrals based on your area.

All at no cost to you

Our services are completely free of charge with no hidden fees. Guaranteed. We are paid by the facility you choose once you and your family have decided on the best option for your aging loved one. Our Certified Placement Experts are here to help.

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602-845-1320

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