A Place for Mom: No-cost help finding a senior living option that fits your family elder's needs

Finding an appropriate, affordable place for a family elder can be a daunting, stressful task, especially if a decision has to be made quickly. There are myriad options, levels of care, and a wide range of price points to consider.

Launched in 2000, Seattle-based A Place for Mom (APFM) is a national senior living referral service that offers seniors and their families an easier way to find senior care. Although the company name focuses on "mom," they help dads, uncles, aunts, brothers, and sisters, too -- anyone who may need help finding senior living options. (Full disclosure: Back in 2009, APFM put me in touch with a local West Michigan advisor, who helped me find a great retirement community that fit within my elderly mother's budget. Mom couldn't be happier.)

APFM's knowledgeable Senior Living Advisors and online resources help families and seniors make informed decisions, save time, and feel less alone as they face the many challenges of caring for aging parents or other loved ones. The advisors work one-on-one over the phone with families to understand a loved one's needs, and help them navigate through available care options to find the best fit for each family situation. This includes providing specifics on costs and potential resources to help finance senior care.

Participating communities and providers pay APFM to be listed in their national network, so the service is offered at no charge to families. The organization does not endorse or recommend any particular community or provider. The Senior Living Advisors visit communities in their local area to experience the features firsthand and build relationships with the local staff. Each year, APFM conducts an annual licensing review and violations audit.

Get involved:
- If you need help finding a place for your family elder, call toll-free (866) 344-8005. After answering a few initial questions you will be connected with a Senior Living Advisor in your local area or near the location where you need to find care. Multiple searches across the country are also made easier.
- Take a needs assessment here.
- Visit APFM's Facebook page.

Source: A Place for Mom website
Writer: Victoria Mullen, Do Good Editor

Images: Courtesy of A Place for Mom website