A Place for Mom

https://www.aplaceformom.com/

Have you seen the commercials?

Looks like a great service, doesn’t it?

If you’re looking for Assisted Living and Memory Care, contact them.

They can help.

And the best part...it’s a FREE service.

But you know, nothing is truly free, so who pays for the service?

Literally you do.

First, the facilities kick back a “finder’s fee” to A Place for Mom for every person they refer and who moves in. Usually it’s one month of “rent.” In this case, that can be anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 or more.

Second, APFM sends your information to MANY facilities. So many, that you get inundated with calls. And, since they want you to move quickly, the first two weeks are incredibly hounded with options – which exhausts you and limits thoughtful consideration.

Third, the recommendations they make are mostly related to landing you in a facility. Why? Because that’s when they get paid.

I’m sure they consider your situation and are mostly well-intentioned, but this is not a free counseling service, and they are not a non-profit. In fact, they are owned by private equity firms and led by Tatyana Zlotsky.

And, of course, your elder care facilities don’t eat the referral fees, as they’re corporate entities as well. I’m sure they pass these off to you via their entry and monthly fee structures.

Be aware of this when you engage A Place for Mom or any other organizations that operate in a similar fashion.

In fact, if you’re getting elder care advice, recommendations, or referrals from anyone, your first questions should be—Who is paying for your services?

First, I’m not saying you should ignore services like these. I’m saying that they are for-profit, so you have to—

• Do your own research to validate their recommendations

• Find alternative sources of information (friends, neighbors, your church. senior centers, social workers, support groups, and from people like me 😉)

• Even if there is urgency, breathe, slow down, and make a thoughtful decision.

Is to not wait for an emergency that forces you to make a rushed, and often wrong or less-than-best decision.

Start your research and planning early. That way you have a better understanding of the landscape and a start on your strategy.

Take care of yourself,

Bob.

Share