Assisted Living•Costs and Affordability•Health and Care Needs•Senior Living•Living Preferences•Independent Living•Memory Care
Senior Living Counselors vs. Advisors: What’s the Difference—and Why It Matters
Assisted Living•Costs and Affordability•Health and Care Needs•Senior Living•Living Preferences•Independent Living•Memory Care
Senior Living Counselors vs. Advisors: What’s the Difference—and Why It Matters
When it comes to finding the right assisted living or senior care option for an elderly loved one, families are often overwhelmed with questions. What kind of care is needed? How do I compare communities? Who can I trust to guide me through this process? At Purple Door Finders, we believe the first step to peace of mind is understanding the support available to you. One of the most critical distinctions in this journey is the difference between a Senior Living Counselor and a Senior Living Advisor.
While these terms are often used interchangeably, they represent fundamentally different approaches. And knowing that difference can make a world of difference in the quality of support you receive.
What Is a Senior Living Advisor?
Senior Living Advisors are typically affiliated with large, national ONLINE referral agencies. They work as part of a sales department and are compensated by commissions from the senior living communities they refer clients to. These commissions are only paid when someone signs a lease with a community, creating a clear financial incentive.
Because of this structure, advisors tend to focus on communities they already have contracts with—which means their recommendations may be limited, even if better or more suitable options are available. Advisors often work from a central office, and may not have personal knowledge of the communities they suggest. In some cases, they may never meet the family in person or tour facilities themselves.
While some advisors genuinely want to help, this pay-for-placement model can lead to biases, rushed decisions, and limited transparency. Simply put, they may not be working solely in your best interest.
What Is a Senior Living Counselor?
At Purple Door Finders, our Senior Living Counselors take a completely different approach. We are educators and guides—not salespeople. Our counselors do not receive commissions, do not have quotas, and are not incentivized to push you toward any specific community.
Instead, we listen to you. We help you understand the different levels of senior care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and hospice. We walk you through the process, explain how it works, and highlight what to look for when evaluating communities. Our goal is to empower you with information so you can make decisions with confidence.
We also show you how to use the Purple Door Finders platform to its fullest potential. You stay in control, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
The Purple Door Difference
Our mission is to educate and support individuals and families navigating the senior living journey. Here’s how our Senior Living Counselors make a difference:
- Unbiased Support: No commissions mean our only goal is your satisfaction and confidence.
- Clear Communication: We explain the entire process in plain language, from types of care to how communities operate.
- Empowerment Through Technology: We teach you how to leverage our search tools to explore communities at your own pace.
- Referrals to Trusted Local Experts: If you decide you want in-person assistance, we can connect you with local referral agents who know your area and offer personalized support.
- No Pressure, Just Guidance: We don’t tell you which community to move into. We guide you with information, options, and empathy.
When to Consider a Local Referral Agent
Sometimes, families prefer more hands-on help. In those cases, we may recommend working with a trusted local referral agent. These professionals are not only familiar with the communities in your area, but they also tour them regularly, meet with staff, and understand the culture and amenities of each location.
Unlike national online-only advisors, local agents can:
- Accompany you on tours
- Ask the right questions
- Help you compare communities
- Support you through to the lease signing
Think of them like a real estate broker—they’re in your corner, and they know the landscape.
The Risks of National Referral Advisors
While the convenience of national referral services can be tempting, they come with significant drawbacks:
- Limited Knowledge: They often don’t know all the communities in your area.
- Biased Recommendations: They may steer you toward communities they have contracts with, regardless of your needs.
- Sales-Driven Motives: As part of a sales team with quotas, their focus may be on closing deals, not supporting families.
These issues can result in rushed decisions that don’t fully serve your loved one’s best interests.
As a side note, their practices are in question and a part of a Senate investigation. Read more here.
Empowering Families with Confidence
At Purple Door Finders, we understand that finding senior living for a loved one is one of the most significant decisions you’ll ever make. That’s why our Senior Living Counselors are committed to providing education, clarity, and confidence at every step.
You don’t need a salesperson. You need a trusted guide.
Let us help you:
- Understand your options
- Clarify your priorities
- Use our platform to take control of your search
- Get the support you need, when and how you need it
Whether you choose to navigate the journey independently with our tools, or want to connect with a trusted local referral agent, we’re here to ensure you make the best decision for your family—on your terms.
Ready to Get Started?
Connect with a Senior Living Counselor today and take the first step toward a confident, empowered senior living decision. With Purple Door Finders, you’re never alone on this journey.
FAQ
What is assisted living?
Assisted living is when a caregiver provides help with the "Activities of Daily Living"(ADL's) or personal care. Some examples of assistance are meals, eating, dressing, personal hygiene, toileting, bathing or showering, transfers to and from bed or chair, medication management, housekeeping, maintaining personal safety. A caregiver provides these services in a home, apartment-style home, or residential facility. The emphasis in assisted living is encouraging the resident to maintain independence.
What is the difference between residential care and assisted living?
An assisted living community offers care and assistance with the "Activities of Daily Living" (ADL's) and is licensed by their state as a "Residential Care Facility for the Elderly" (RCFE). A residential care community typically has fewer than 20 residents and is often located in a suburban private home. This type of community name varies state by state. For example, they are called "Board and Care Homes in California." A residential care community may also offer care and assistance with ADL's as long as they have an RCFE license with their state.
Is assisted living considered a long-term care facility?
Assisted living is one of 3 types of long-term care facilities. The other two types are nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities. These three types of long-term care facilities offer many medical and personal care services. The residents are people who are no longer able to live independently.