Options for Senior Living Team Member Highlight


Nathan Glasco
 

Nathan entered the senior living - senior care world when it became necessary to find better care for his loved ones in Phoenix, Albuquerque, and Denver, all within a few years. After understanding the difficulties in the search for the perfect place to call home for each family member, through diligent research and countless visits to the various types communities, he knew he wanted to help others through this process moving forward.
 
When meeting Options founder and owner Scott Fischer, Nathan was moved by his motivation and felt he mirrored his compassion for the families. He decided to reach out to Scott for some tips on how to get started with helping families find their new and needed option.
 
Scott comments, “I saw in Nathan a finely tuned, attention-to-detail individual with a desire to work hard in helping families through what is often a complicated process.” He projects the level of empathy for each person he meets, added Scott. After a couple of encounters, Scott brought Nathan on board to the Options team and Nathan today is proud to serve Central Phoenix and Ahwatukee. Nathan is an active member of the Professional Association of Senior Referral Specialists and frequently participates in other meetings and events throughout the senior living industry.
 
Why did you get into this industry?
I was the family member charged with finding new homes for my loved ones; once their care levels increased so much that we could no longer care for them ourselves. It was so challenging to do on our own, and we, unfortunately, wore ourselves thin in the process. It took a lot of work weeding out the bad to find the good. Once I found out this profession existed, I knew I had discovered a new purposeful career helping others in their time of need.
 
What is the number one thing you enjoy in your role?
Work with the families during often-stressful time in their lives. I've met such great, caring people since I've been a referral specialist, and being able to provide them with helpful resources and peace of mind has been a real blessing.
 
Are there challenges?
Every family that reaches out to us has very different needs from one another, so the biggest challenge is solving the equation for each, as to what environment will suit them best.
 
What's the most fulfilling part of your day?
Hearing how grateful the families are that they reached out to us, and found the help they needed. Being able to provide that sense of relief is no doubt the best part of my day.
 
What advice, so you have for those transitioning or those working with loved ones to transition to senior living?
Go with your gut. These are often the most difficult decisions facing you and your loved one. If your gut says it's time to make the necessary changes in your living situation, it probably is. When out there searching, if your gut tells you 'this is not a good option,' address it. If necessary, go with that instinct, and keep searching for your referral specialist.
 
What activities do you do after work?
I head for the woods. I very much enjoy getting lost in nature, and coming across new bugs, plants, birds, and other animals. I also enjoy cooking, listening to music, and watching movies.
 
When asked, what do you tell people you do for your career?
When individuals have care needs (or social needs) that necessitate a change in their living situation, I assist them with finding the perfect new home. I thoroughly research what's available, and their offerings. I also do a lot of groundwork in our industry to be able to provide them with any other resources during their transition.