Dementia Care Coach Corner: Written by Kristen Romea, LCSW
When it comes to finding the right memory care community for a loved one, there are a lot of factors to consider. It can easily become overwhelming to navigate the placement process. There are also complicated emotions that can come up as families navigate this together. Placement agencies can help with some of the logistical burdens of finding a care community. However, it is important to understand how they work before using them.
What are Placement Agencies?
Placement agencies are companies that provide free assistance with finding a care community. Placement agents are knowledgeable about all types of communities, including memory care and assisted living communities. They can be incredibly helpful in narrowing down your options based on considerations such as:
- Budget
- Location
- Amenities
- Size
- Levels of care
- Medical needs
If you are considering using a placement agency, keep these important factors in mind:
- Work with a local agency that is familiar with San Diego County and its care facilities.
- Ensure the agency follows ethical standards. Ask if they adhere to the National Placement & Referral Alliance (NPRA) Code of Ethics. You can read more about best practices for placement agents on their website, here.
- Be cautious of online placement and referral services. Many online placement services use questionable business practices and may not provide the level of personalized support that families need.
Understanding How Placement Agencies Work
Placement agencies offer free services because they receive referral fees from the care communities that they recommend. While this keeps their services accessible, it also means that recommendations may not always be unbiased. For this reason, families should always do their own research on any care community that they are considering. To make the most informed decision, families should conduct their own research by:
- Calling a Dementia Care Coach at Alzheimer’s San Diego to receive personalized guidance on navigating the placement process.
- Reviewing facility licensing records, which are available on the CCLD website.
- Visiting facilities in person and requesting a tour to assess the environment and care quality.
You’re Not Alone in This Process
Choosing a care facility for the person you are caring for is a big responsibility, but you do not need to do this alone. Trusted professionals are available to assist you, and resources exist to support families during and after placement. Our caring team can help guide you toward reputable placement agencies and care facilities. We also have helpful tip sheets on the topic of placement and a support group for those who have already placed a loved one in care.
With the right information and support, you can make a well-informed decision that ensures the best possible care for your loved one. Call us at 858.492.4400 to speak with one of our dementia experts who are here to help San Diego County residents and/or those caring for someone living in San Diego County (Spanish speakers available). Also check out our free education classes, social activities, caregiver support groups, & more.
Our “Dementia Care Coach Corner” series is where our team of dementia experts weigh in on unique topics and provide insight that can help people impacted by dementia.
RECOMMENDED: The Hidden Costs of Caregiving
Posted on April 21st, 2025
