Over the past thirty years, the senior care industry has undergone significant transformations, driven by advancements in technology. Initially, databases were used to track interactions with prospective residents. Over time, senior living companies and third-party agencies began marketing their services directly to consumers via the internet, revolutionizing how people locate senior care options within their communities.
While technology has made it easier for consumers to research options from home, it has also led to frustration due to the marketing-oriented nature of available information. From the late 1980s to early 1990s, the number of senior living options in the Greater Seattle area grew from several hundred options to thousands. These options became highly diversified, ranging from fully independent living to retirement living. Assisted living and specialty memory care buildings were constructed, and thousands of private homes opened their doors to care for two to six people in a home-like setting. The demand for in-home care has also surged, further diversifying available options.
Growth of Senior Care Referral Agencies
In the mid-1990s, only three senior care referral agencies operated in the Greater Seattle area, each with a unique approach. One agency focused solely on nursing needs with minimal technology, another integrated technology with in-person support, while the third relied almost entirely on technology.
1st CHOICE Advisory Services was established in 1993, opting for a balanced approach by combining advanced search features with personalized, in-person support. The agency has continued this model, maintaining a deep commitment to working directly with families and representing a full spectrum of community options.
The Rise of Technology-Driven Agencies
In contrast to 1st CHOICE, a different type of agency emerged in 2000—A Place for Mom (APFM). Unlike traditional referral agencies, APFM operates primarily as a lead generation company. Their business model relies on technology rather than personal interaction. Staff work remotely via phone and email, often lacking firsthand knowledge of the communities they recommend. Their revenue comes from referral fees, which means they only suggest facilities that pay for placement, leading to an overwhelming influx of unsolicited marketing calls for families seeking care.
Recently, APFM has come under scrutiny from the U.S. Senate due to its business practices. By operating under various websites without clear disclosure, they obscure their identity from consumers. Their high-profit, low-service model has inspired similar agencies, adding to the confusion for families seeking senior care.
1st CHOICE Advisory Services: A Personal Approach
Unlike technology-driven agencies, 1st CHOICE Advisory Services focuses on providing tailored recommendations based on individual needs. Over the years, the number of referral agents in the Greater Seattle area has grown to over 200, with 1st CHOICE being the most established and well-connected.
Rather than inundating families with numerous options, 1st CHOICE carefully narrows choices down to the two or three most suitable communities. The agency has expanded its services to cover the Greater Puget Sound, Spokane, Vancouver (WA), the Greater Portland-Metro, and Salem areas in Oregon.
Comprehensive and Personalized Assistance
The process at 1st CHOICE begins with an in-depth intake assessment. Advisors meet with families and older adults to evaluate a wide range of factors, including care and medical needs, psycho-social needs, and preferences of the older adult.
Additionally, the agency maintains detailed records on potential providers to match seniors with the best possible fit. Consider a senior in their late 70s with the following criteria:
- Alert and oriented but requiring a catheter
- Needs dietary guidance due to diabetes
- Physically frail and using a motorized scooter
- Limited financial resources that will require state assistance in five years
- Seeking a community with ample activities
- Has a spouse who is a veteran with benefits
- Wants to bring their beloved dog
By maintaining this level of detail, 1st CHOICE ensures that seniors receive appropriate recommendations tailored to their unique needs.
Emotional Support and Follow-Up
Beyond logistical assistance, 1st CHOICE provides crucial emotional support to both seniors and their families. Unlike lead-generating agencies, 1st CHOICE remains involved in the transition process, conducting follow-ups for 90 days after move-in to ensure a smooth adjustment.
With the increasing presence of technology in senior care, 1st CHOICE emphasizes discretion and security when handling sensitive information about older adults online.
Commitment to Excellence
1st CHOICE Advisory Services is widely recognized for its friendly and knowledgeable staff who simplify the process of finding senior care resources in the community. Founders Les Ostermeier and Clint Slater continue to play an active role in daily operations, ensuring that the agency remains dedicated to high-quality, personalized service.
As a testament to its excellence, 1st CHOICE has received four national recognition awards in the past ten years, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted and compassionate leader in senior care referral services.
