How is Grand Rapids Senior Advisor paid?
Senior living communities that work with us pay a referral fee when a family we referred moves in. Families pay nothing, ever, whether or not they use our recommendations.
That arrangement is standard for senior living advisors, and it is a conflict of interest. We think the honest response is to name it, and to build the site so that it does not depend on it.
Does the referral fee affect which homes you show?
Not on this site. The directory lists every LARA-licensed home serving older adults and every CMS-certified nursing home in our five counties, with the same data for each, whether or not the home has any relationship with us.
Sort order on directory pages is by license type, size, rating or name -- never by who pays. Inspection findings are shown for every home, including homes we work with.
Will an advisor only suggest homes that pay a fee?
An advisor's short list naturally leans toward homes we know, which often are homes we work with. You can always ask which homes on your list pay a referral fee, and we will tell you.
If the best fit for your parent is a home that does not work with referral services, we will still say so. A placement that fails costs everyone more than a fee.
Do you take money from anyone else?
No. We take no advertising from facilities, sell no data to marketers, and are not paid by any government program.
See our privacy policy for how contact information you send us is used.
What happens to the information you send us?
An advisor uses it to understand your situation and, with your consent, shares it with homes that may fit. We do not sell it.
Details are in the privacy policy.
Can I use the site without talking to an advisor?
Yes. The directory, city pages, Michigan rules and cost guides are free to use with no sign-up.
If you do want help, the advisor service is also free to families.
Why not charge families instead?
Because most families looking for senior care are already facing large costs, and a free service reaches people who would never pay for advice. The referral model makes that possible; publishing the full record of every home is how we keep it honest.
If you ever feel an advisor is steering you, tell us. You can also use the directory and guides without ever talking to anyone.
Does the fee change the price a family pays the home?
It should not. Ask any home whether its rate differs for families who come through a referral service; a reputable home quotes the same rate either way.
If a home quotes you differently depending on how you found it, tell us.
