The Partnership Between SRA's and Our Communities

Families in need of finding residential care communities for a loved one often only find themselves in need when they are at a crisis point. When dealing with a loved one who has been diagnosed with Dementia or Alzheimer's, families or spouses find themselves in an increasingly difficult position. These are progressive diseases that prominently affect short-term memory. What most do not know is that the brain is actually shrinking in an affected person. An average healthy brain weighs 3lbs. In advanced Dementia - it can weigh as little as 1lb. All the emotions that each of us feel are still present in an affected person - but they are increasingly disconnected to reality.

Senior Referral Agents (SRA) have a keen awareness of all the facts associated with Memory Care (MC) individuals. The best get involved with the loved ones and bring their knowledge and compassion to the them. They become not only a very valuable resource - but also a trusted partner.

What often prompts the call to a doctor or hospital by a loved one is that "crisis" situation; the gas on the stove gets turned on or some other dangerous possibility exposes the situation as no longer tenable by the family or loved one. It has become an impossible relationship.

SRA's never existed prior to the 1990's and were not "common" until the last 10 to 15 years. Hospitals, Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF's) and Rehab Centers increasingly find the SRA as a vast time save amongst other benefits. The SRA knows the communities that will best meet the needs of the prospective resident - and their services are free to the family. In the end - it is all about the care. A clean facility with a staff of experienced care givers led by a seasoned and committed Executive Director create a safe and active community for the resident. As a Marketing Director - this is the message that must come across to the SRA. They must understand the level of care that the resident will get. from my communities. It is a combination of social skills and connections that make the biggest difference - and then - the medical side - that makes for the best outcomes.

There are SRA's who do fall into a "paper-pusher" category. If you are a family or loved one who needs to find the best residential care within a specific budget - ask the SRA about their approach. Ask for a face-to-face visit. If they don't offer that - ask the Social Worker or Care Coordinator at the Hospital if they can refer an SRA that makes a more personal connection and will attend tours at communities with the family. These are the best SRAs.

Of course - if you know of a highly qualified community such as those known as the "Oaks" communities - Silver Oaks, Crescent Oaks and Pacific Oaks - you can visit us directly just by looking us up online. But - if you want the help of an excellent SRA - find one that will be personally involved and spend time with you.

In the end - you'll get to be a loving "family member" again and not a frustrated, stressed and exhausted "care-giver". Your affected loved one will be active and cared for in their new home - and your visits will be a cherished connection time once again.