Questions to Ask an Eldercare Advisor to Get at the Truth

When seeking guidance on eldercare, it's crucial to find a professional advisor who truly understands the complexities of aging, healthcare, and long-term planning. A qualified eldercare advisor should provide informed recommendations based on your unique situation, rather than simply pushing a sale. Asking the right questions can help you determine whether they are the right fit for you or your loved one. Below examines the Five C’s Framework for Evaluating an Eldercare Advisor

First, Communication – Can They Clearly Explain Things to You?

Effective communication is key when working with an eldercare advisor. If you don’t understand what they are saying, ask questions. They should be able to adjust their explanations to your level of understanding—whether you're familiar with medical terminology or new to the subject. Beware of professionals who:

• Speak over your head or use excessive jargon.
• Overcomplicate matters instead of simplifying them.
• Focus on showcasing their knowledge rather than addressing your needs.
• Push for a sale rather than engaging in meaningful dialogue.

Additionally, ask about the frequency of interactions and follow-ups. Will they be available for ongoing guidance, or is their service a one-time consultation with little follow-up support?

Second, Competence – Do They Have the Knowledge and Experience?

An eldercare advisor should have the education and experience necessary to assess various levels of care and help you navigate the complexities of aging. Key areas of expertise should include:

• Assessing health, functional, and cognitive needs.
• Matching individuals to the right level of care (e.g., home care, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care).
• Understanding progressive conditions such as dementia or chronic illnesses and their trajectory.
• Providing guidance on health insurance, long-term care policies, Medicare/Medicaid, and available services.
• Navigating family dynamics and financial considerations related to eldercare.

Ask them:

• Have they handled cases similar to your situation? Can they provide examples?
• Do they have specific training or certifications related to eldercare advising?
• How do they stay updated on changes in healthcare and eldercare services?

Third, Care Advising – Are They Providing Meaningful Support?

The best advisors act as partners in your decision-making process, not salespeople looking for a quick commission. Questions to consider:

• Are they taking the time to understand your situation?
• Do they differentiate between urgent issues and those that can wait?
• Do they provide quality referrals and check in to see how things are going?
• Are they genuinely involved, or is their goal simply to place an elder, get paid, and move on?
• How do they manage conflicts of interest? Every professional has them—what matters is their transparency in handling them.

Fourth, Costs and Compensation – How Are They Paid?

Understanding an advisor’s compensation structure is essential to determining whether their recommendations are unbiased. Important questions include:

• What is their fee structure, and can they clearly explain how they get paid?
• Who is paying them—you or a third party (such as a care facility offering commissions)?
• Are their recommendations based on your best interest or the financial incentives they receive?
• Is $2,000 for an evaluation too much or too little? How do they justify their pricing?
• Are they “bounty hunters” steering clients toward facilities or services that pay them the highest commissions?

Compensation should not be the first question you ask, but it is a vital one to address in early conversations.

Fifth, Connections and Track Record – What’s Their Reputation?

A reliable eldercare advisor should have a proven track record of placing individuals in quality care environments. Some key questions include:

• What level of clinical and caregiver quality do they work with?
• Do the facilities or services they recommend have a strong reputation for care?
• Is ongoing training provided by the caregiver company, or is the family expected to figure things out on their own?
• Can they provide references or testimonials from previous clients?
• What does your payment go toward, and what additional costs should you anticipate?

Final Thoughts

Finding the right eldercare advisor requires careful vetting. Use these questions to cut through the sales pitches and identify professionals who genuinely care about your well-being. The best advisors will prioritize your needs, communicate clearly, and provide expert guidance without hidden financial motives. Take your time, ask tough questions, and trust your instincts—because the right advisor can make all the difference in navigating the complexities of eldercare.