Summary

In this episode, Jerry Vinci speaks with Andrea Donovan, founder of Chicago Senior Living Advisors, about the importance of advocating for families in the senior living industry. Andrea shares her unique approach to helping families navigate placement decisions, emphasizing the need for personalized guidance over commission-based services. The conversation explores the challenges families face when choosing senior living options, the emotional stakes involved, and the shifting dynamics within the industry that prioritize filling beds over resident care. Andrea's insights highlight the critical role of advocacy in ensuring families make informed decisions that truly meet their loved ones' needs.

Learn More:

• Visit Chicago Senior Living Advisors
• Connect with Andrea Donovan

Takeaways

• Families need someone on their side when choosing senior living.
• Andrea Donovan's model focuses on long-term fit over quick solutions.
• Many placement agents prioritize community incentives over family needs.
• Judging a senior living community by aesthetics can lead to poor decisions.
• Understanding staffing ratios is crucial for families.
• The pressure to fill beds in senior living communities is increasing.
• Families often lack the right questions to ask during tours.
• A structured schedule is essential for effective memory care.
• The emotional stakes in senior living decisions are high for families.
• Advocacy in senior care is vital for better outcomes.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to From Leads to Leases - A Senior Living Podcast

01:35 Andrea Donovan's Unique Approach to Senior Placement

05:29 What Families Risk Using Free Placement Services

07:20 Dangerous Mistakes When Choosing a Senior Living Option

08:29 How Andrea Handles Complex Placement Cases

15:47 What Placement Failures Look LIke for Older Adults

20:04 Sales Teams are Being Pressured More Than Ever

21:10 Issues with Senior Living Staffing and Culture

23:35 Changes in How Families Make Decisions

28:25 Proper Evaluation of Memory Care Communities

31:31 Do Operators Understand The Family Perspective?

35:01 How Placement Agents can Maintain Relationships with Communities

36:19 How Communities Should View Advocates for Seniors

39:42 Andrea's Self-Reflections and What Keeps Her Motivated