With such a wide range of senior services available, it’s difficult to know what’s right for you or your loved one when the time comes to make a change. You are unique and have unique needs. A Placement/Transition Coordinator can help you choose your best option and can also do a lot of the legwork for you. They may have some skills that are part geriatric care manager, part senior real estate specialist and part relocation specialist. They should be familiar with the area that you’re interested in settling and have good knowledge of the facilities that are available. Look for a Placement/Transition Coordinator to help you with:

• Support and access to available resources
• Narrowing your options and making initial contacts with facilities
• Accompanying you on preview visits to senior housing
• Getting help with the physical move
• Assisting you during the transition period

Look on the Internet or in your local yellow pages for Senior Transition Coordinators, Geriatric Care Managers, Relocation Services, Senior Housing Assistance, etc. to find someone in your area. Choose a coordinator that understands your specific situation, whether it’s selling a family home and moving into an assisted living facility or helping a loved one find the best nursing home in an area you’re unfamiliar with. Ask questions and find someone both you and your loved one feel comfortable with and trust.