Clark County Senior Resources

I'm a family advocate registered with the State of Washington who helps you navigate the complex world of senior care. Unlike a traditional referral agent, I operate with a 'truth and tenderness' philosophy—I'm here to walk alongside you through difficult decisions with honesty, compassion, and practical guidance. My goal is to help overwhelmed families find clarity and relief during one of life's most challenging transitions.

  Transparency about fees and relationships

Ask who pays the agent and how much. In Washington state, referral agents are required by law to disclose their fee structure in writing before making referrals. I provide complete transparency about how I'm compensated and ensure you understand there's never a cost to you.

Recent facility tours and current knowledge

Washington state law requires referral agents to disclose when they last toured a facility. I regularly visit communities in Clark County and can tell you exactly when I was last at each location. This matters—facilities change, and I need current firsthand knowledge to guide you well.

Comprehensive care assessment

A qualified agent should conduct a thorough intake assessment covering medical history, care needs, sleeping habits, behavioral considerations, and personal preferences. This isn't a five-minute phone call—it's a detailed conversation that ensures appropriate matches.

Disclosure of enforcement violations

Before recommending any community, I check the Washington Department of Social and Health Services website for current enforcement status and violations. If a facility has licensing issues, you deserve to know—and Washington law requires me to tell you.

Background check compliance

Washington state requires all referral agents to pass background checks every two years. This protects vulnerable adults from those with histories of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. Don't hesitate to ask about an agent's compliance with this requirement.

Experience and professional qualifications

Ask about the agent's background in senior care. Do they have healthcare experience? Have they worked in senior living? How long have they been helping families? My 20+ years in senior living sales and revenue generation, combined with my current advocacy work, gives me deep knowledge of both the business and the human side of care.

Personal attention vs. call center approach

Will you work with one dedicated person who gets to know your family, or will you be passed between multiple advisors? I work personally with every family—you'll have my direct contact information and consistent support throughout your journey.

Values and philosophy alignment

Does the agent see you as a transaction or as a family in crisis? My 'truth and tenderness' philosophy means I balance honest guidance with emotional support. I acknowledge the guilt, grief, and complexity of these decisions while helping you move forward.

Ongoing support after placement

What happens after move-in day? I remain available to help troubleshoot issues, advocate for your loved one, and provide support during the transition period. My relationship with families doesn't end when the contract is signed 

 Washington was the first state in the nation to regulate senior housing referral agencies through the Elder and Vulnerable Adult Referral Agency Act of 2011 (RCW 18.330). This law protects families by establishing minimum standards of conduct and transparency. Here's what the law requires:

Written Disclosure Requirements

Before making any referral, agents must provide written disclosure including:

• Clear description of services provided

• Who pays the agent's fee and how much

• How frequently the agent tours facilities

• Date of most recent tour for each referred facility

• Statement that clients can switch agents without penalty

• Refund policy and complaint process

Comprehensive Intake Assessment

Referral agents must complete a standardized care plan intake form that includes the vulnerable adult's medical history, sleeping habits, assistance needs, behavioral considerations, payment sources, languages spoken, and preferences for activities and special services.

Provider Information Verification

Before making referrals, agents must verify and maintain current information about each provider, including license numbers, services offered, payment sources accepted, languages spoken, activities available, behavioral needs they can or cannot meet, and any special care services. This information must be updated annually.

Enforcement Status Disclosure

Within 30 days before referring a client to a supportive housing provider, the agent must check the Department of Social and Health Services website for current enforcement violations and disclose any enforcement history to the client in writing.

Background Check Requirements

All owners, operators, and employees of referral agencies must pass background checks every two years. Individuals are disqualified from providing referral services if they have certain criminal convictions or any finding of abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, or abandonment of a child or vulnerable adult.

Prohibition on Medicaid Kickbacks

Referral agents cannot charge fees when providing referrals for services that will be paid for, in whole or in part, by Medicaid or other public assistance programs. This protects vulnerable adults from being exploited when seeking publicly funded care.

Confidentiality and Authorization

Agents must obtain written authorization from clients or their representatives before obtaining or disclosing confidential health care information. If making referrals by sharing the client's name with providers, the agent must be specifically authorized to do so.

Record Keeping

Agencies must maintain accurate records of client information, facilities referred to, and fees received for each placement. These records must be available for inspection if violations are suspected.

Yes. The Association of Senior Referral Professionals of Washington (ASRPWA) exists to establish and promote professional and ethical standards within the senior housing and care referral industry. 

The organization provides education, networking, and advocacy for senior housing advisors. Membership demonstrates a commitment to professional standards and ongoing education. Though it's not legally required, you know your agent is compliant if they are already on this agent verification website. 

 This is one of the most common—and most difficult—questions families face. There's rarely a perfect moment, but common signs include: increasing safety concerns (falls, wandering, medication errors), caregiver burnout, social isolation, declining hygiene or home maintenance, or medical professionals expressing concerns. Remember: love alone is not a care plan. Sometimes the most loving choice is recognizing when professional care is needed.

Here's a breakdown of common payment methods and considerations:

Paying for senior housing involves a variety of options, including personal savings, retirement income, long-term care insurance, and potentially government assistance like Medicaid or veterans' benefits. Costs vary significantly depending on the type of care (e.g., independent living, assisted living, memory care), location, and specific services needed.

1. Personal Funds:

Savings and Investments:

Many seniors use savings accounts, retirement accounts (401(k)s, IRAs), and investment income to cover senior living costs.

Home Equity:

Consider selling or renting out a home, or using a reverse mortgage to access home equity for payments.

Life Insurance:

Life insurance policies can be sold or surrendered for cash value or used to set up living benefit programs.

2. Retirement Income:

Social Security: Social Security benefits can contribute to the cost but may not cover the full expense.

Pensions and Annuities: These provide a regular income stream that can be used for senior living.

3. Government Assistance:

Medicaid:

A joint federal and state program, Medicaid, may cover assisted living costs for low-income individuals, often after other assets are depleted.

Veterans' Benefits:

The Aid and Attendance benefit can help veterans and surviving spouses with assisted living costs.

4.Insurance:

Long-Term Care Insurance:

This type of insurance can help cover the costs of care in a variety of settings, including assisted living and memory care.

Medicare:

Medicare does not cover long-term care in assisted living facilities, but it may cover some home health care services.

5.Other Options:

Bridge Loans:

Short-term loans that can provide immediate cash flow while waiting for other funds to become available, like from a home sale.

Selling or Renting Assets:

Consider selling or renting out belongings, or even a vacation home, to generate additional funds.

6.Community-Specific Programs:

HUD's Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly:

This program provides affordable housing with supportive services for low-income seniors.

PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly):

PACE provides comprehensive care for low-income seniors, allowing them to remain in their homes if possible.

Important Considerations:

Tiered Pricing:

Some assisted living communities use tiered pricing, where costs are based on the level of care needed and the time spent receiving services.

State Variations:

Costs for senior living and the availability of assistance programs can vary significantly by state.

Professional Advice:

It's important to consult with a financial advisor, elder law attorney, or social worker to understand your options and make informed decisions.

https://www.helpingelders.org/

  Resistance is completely normal and often rooted in fear of loss—loss of independence, familiar surroundings, or control. I help families have these difficult conversations with truth and tenderness. Sometimes reframing the move as gaining support (rather than losing independence) helps. Other times, focusing on safety concerns or the relief it provides family caregivers opens the door. We'll work together to find an approach that honors your parent while addressing real needs.

Working with me is less like hiring a service and more like gaining a knowledgeable friend who happens to know every senior living option in Clark County — and isn't afraid to tell you the truth about them.

Here's how it typically unfolds:

We start with a conversation. I listen — really listen — to what's happening in your family, what your loved one needs, what your gut is telling you, and what keeps you up at night. From there, I do the legwork: researching communities, vetting options, and narrowing the list to places that are actually a good fit.

Then I walk alongside you. I'll help you know what questions to ask on tours, what red flags to watch for, and what the paperwork really means. I'm not handing you a brochure and wishing you luck — I'm in it with you until your family lands somewhere that feels right.

And it won't cost you anything. My services are free to families. I'm compensated by communities when a placement is made, which means you get a dedicated advocate without adding another bill to an already overwhelming season.

From overwhelmed to relieved — that's the goal.

 I position myself as a family advocate, not just a referral service. My 'truth and tenderness' philosophy means I'll give you honest guidance about difficult realities while honoring the emotional weight of these decisions. I understand that love alone is not a care plan, but I also recognize that guilt, grief, and family dynamics complicate every choice. You'll work with me personally—not get passed around a call center. I comply fully with Washington state regulations, conduct regular facility tours, disclose all enforcement violations, and maintain current background checks. And I'll be here not just for the placement, but for the journey.

You're navigating one of life's most difficult transitions. You don't have to figure it out alone.

Shannon at Clark County Senior Resources

Vancouver, Washington

564-227-8847

shannon@clarkcountysr.com