Resources2017-05-05T16:31:09+00:00

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know it’s time for my elderly loved one to make a move?2017-05-02T23:02:25+00:00

Generally, it is safe to say that when they are no longer safe in their current environment as evidenced by increased incidents of accidents, minor or major, then it is time to consider a move. Indicators that one needs a higher level of care are, falls, memory-related issues (forgetting, getting lost, lack of safety in kitchen, etc.), mobility limitations, increased instances of calling 911, and feedback from friends, family and neighbors.  However, with relatively healthy and mobile seniors many people overlook the emotional need to move. Isolation and depression are equally good indicators that someone needs to make a move to an environment where they can receive community with people their own age, good nutrition, exercise and activities. It is equally important to provide an environment where they can contribute as well as benefit from the community.

How do I get my Mom or Dad to make a move?2017-05-02T23:01:40+00:00

Change is difficult for anyone, but especially seniors. Many seniors wait until a crisis dictates their choices, however that can be devastating as that limits your choices, controls the timing and can be much more expensive. Having an open dialogue about the advantages of making a move (safety, community, activity, even a little luxury) on their terms is certainly the best way to go about it. Don’t be afraid of the conversation and remember that needing to make a move is not punitive or “settling for something less,” but rather an improvement in their quality of life and an opportunity to make positive changes for their future. Another important thing to remember is to schedule specific times when you and they are going begin making changes or begin the process of investigating what they need to do. Scheduling a discussion with an expert, like Frank and Juli is a good first step.

What is the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?2017-05-02T23:00:49+00:00

Dementia is a disease of the brain affecting one’s cognitive ability. There are many forms of dementia (vascular, Lewy Body, etc.) and Alzheimer’s is just one of them that is more commonly known.

Do nursing homes and convalescent hospitals still exist? Would my loved one be a good candidate for one?2017-05-02T22:59:05+00:00

Yes, they do still exist and are now more commonly referred to as, Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs.)  This is where most elderly hospital patients are discharged after a hospital stay for an event or procedure that requires some therapy (physical, occupational, and/or speech) to return to a baseline condition.  Medicare generally covers this rehabilitation for a limited time as long as the patient is making progress. While patients can stay in a SNF for long term after Medicare coverage, it is extremely expensive (usually in the $300-$500/day range), is very institutional, rarely private, and has limited care staffing.  The only type of patients that would require a long term SNF stay are ones requiring persistent IV treatment (non-Hospice) or life sustaining devices such as a respirator.

How do I get my elderly parent to give up driving?2017-05-02T22:58:04+00:00

There are several ways to approach this and as such it really depends on how receptive they are to having this discussion and how open minded they are to giving up this important symbol of their independence.  If you have a good mutually respectful relationship with your parent, honestly sharing your concerns is always the best place to start. If they are very closed to the idea, many people respond well to seeing the danger in what they will lose if they have an accident (independence, finances, mobility etc.) For a parent that wants to leave an inheritance, pointing out that they could lose their life savings in a wrongful accident suit may be a good motivator.  For an unsafe senior that refuses to accept or is unaware of their lack of ability, taking a note from their Dr. (indicating their potential for lack of driving safety) to the Dept. of Licensing, which will cause them to send a notice for a driving test, may be the only way to get your parent to surrender their license.

Does Medicare cover any of the costs for senior housing and care?2017-05-02T22:56:30+00:00

Medicare is for medical needs only and does not cover any housing costs.

What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?2018-01-02T17:52:19+00:00

In simple terms, Medicare is medical insurance provided by the government for the elderly or disabled to cover or help cover the cost of doctor’s visits, medical procedures and stays (both hospital and rehabilitation), therapy and prescription medication.  Medicare eligibility is based on age and disability.  Medicaid is state funded assistance for housing for those needing care. Medicaid eligibility is based upon low income, little to no assets and need for care.

Links

Senior Services of Snohomish County:
http://www.sssc.org/index
Sound Generations (formerly Senior Services of King County):
https://soundgenerations.org/
Northshore Senior Center:
http://northshoreseniorcenter.org/
US Dept. of Veterans Affairs:
https://www.va.gov/
Medicare information:
http://www.medicare.gov/
Alzheimer’s Association:
http://www.alz.org/

National Institute on Aging:
https://www.nia.nih.gov/

National Center for Assisted Living:
https://www.ahcancal.org/ncal/Pages/index.aspx

Discover

what's right for you.

The first step towards determining the right senior living option

is to understand the needs of you and your family.

In-Home Care?

Assisted Living?

Skilled Nursing?

We'll be your advocates

in finding the place

that's right for you.

Individualized attention

to your specific needs

We'll take you on a private tour

of facilities that meet your emotional,

physical and financial needs

What we do

From learning about the stages of aging to assistance in evaluating the right senior living community, we’re here to guide you and your loved one along the way.

You’re making some of the most important decisions of your life – and Senior Care Consultants will guide you every step of the way. We’ll help you navigate the complex choices of senior care, offering an individualized, supportive and compassionate process to finding the best senior care option for you and your loved one.

Our service is offered at no cost to you, and we work with all levels of senior care in the Puget Sound area. We take great pride in recommending communities that not only meet the specific needs of you and your senior, but also excel in the quality of care provided.

Our process starts by evaluating the level of care needed based on the diagnosis and care requirements of your family member.  We’ll help you understand your financial position, and work with communities that match your budget. For seniors needing care, we’ll arrange a medical assessment, ensuring that we recommend options that meet the medical and individual care needs of your loved one.  Based on our evaluation, we’ll set up personalized tours of the communities that best meet your needs, accompany you during your tour to be sure all your questions are answered, and leave you with a thorough understanding of what each community has to offer.

Senior Care Consultants are here to support you and your loved one 24/7 – please contact us today!

Who we are

Senior Care Consultants is owned and operated by Frank and Juli Simons,
who together have more than 25 years’ experience in senior care consulting and placement.

Frank Simons

I love people and get recharged by being with people. I like to make them laugh and love hearing their stories! I also really enjoy technology and problem solving – puzzles, troubleshooting and fixing things. I began my career serving the US Navy before entering corporate America.  Today, I use the skills I learned in the Navy and Corporate America – combined with my entrepreneurial nature, to help families care for their loved ones.

My early career filled my desire to serve our country, see the world and widen my knowledge of electronics. I joined the Navy and volunteered for the submarine service. I was proud to have served, built life-long friendships and had great adventures! I have also held both lay and pastoral positions at several churches. I have a heart for ministry, and have always been involved in training and working with people in search of answers. My entire career led me to where I am today.

My wife Juli, had been working in the senior housing industry. Her heart and passion was helping seniors and their families directly. In 2013, we started Senior Care Consultants and it has been amazing. With Juli, I’m able to combine my joy for ministry and love of teaching, with a passion to serve others through Senior Care Consultants. It’s a win-win, Juli and I get to do what we love, and we get to do it together. It is so fulfilling because we educate people and help them walk through, and navigate, one of the most difficult time in their lives. We have met some of the most amazing people, and have had the opportunity to laugh, cry and pray with them – but most of all, we get to know them!

Juli Simons

I am a problem solver, and a natural matchmaker. I have been in the placement business for over twenty-five years. I worked in the recruiting industry helping local businesses find great employees. In 2008, I was ready for a change and knew I wanted to continue my career path but was seeking something more meaningful. I started working in an assisted living community and fell in love with seniors and their families. It was a natural fit. I was able to utilize the wonderful training and experience I gained in the placement industry to help families find solutions that would keep their loved ones safe without compromising their quality of life. I had a fantastic mentor who trained me in this industry. I worked for two referral agencies, but wanted to start my own so I could spend more time focused on the families I served without sales quotas. This is how Senior Care Consultants came to be!

My husband Frank would listen to my stories about the families I was helping and was ready to leave the corporate world where he was a technical trainer for many years. In 2013 we started Senior Care Consultants and never looked back. We are grateful that we get to work together and walk with families HAND IN HAND in this very daunting time in their lives. It is very heartbreaking at times, but also so fulfilling to know that we are making a difference.

Our Approach

We’ll help you navigate the complex choices of senior care.

When you’re looking into senior care, whether it’s for yourself or a loved one, you’ll have lots of different decisions to weigh. We understand that each individual has their own unique needs. We’ll take the time to learn about you and assess your situation, help to create a plan and implement solutions. We’ll help you understand your options and make the choices that are best for you.

STEP 1

We will meet with your family and your loved one in person to discuss your options. We will go over medical needs, the financial picture, and best location. We will also get a sense of what type of a setting will provide the safest place where your loved one will also have the highest quality of life.

STEP 2

We will coordinate a medical assessment with an approved Registered Nurse. This is a very detailed evaluation that helps everyone understand not just the medical needs of the senior, but which settings will provide the families’ peace of mind and ensure your loved one is being well taken care of.

STEP 3

We will personally accompany you to several communities/homes that will be able to care for your family member. We only take you to places that we have physically been in and we check with the State to make sure that they are in compliance with the current rules and regulations.

STEP 4

You select the home/community. The care plan will be established and you will know all the details necessary to make a smooth transition into your loved one’s new home.

STEP 5

We consistently follow up with both the family and the home to make sure it is an ideal fit. We are available to help with any concerns or feedback you have. We know that this is one of the most important decisions you will ever make and we support our families’ during and after this transitional time.

Find the best options

for your loved one.

Care Options

Once we have determined your particular needs and desires, we will accompany you on a professional tour with our prescreened and pre-toured communities. We are independent from the communities that we contract with so our clients can take comfort in knowing that we are guiding them to the best places for their family at no cost to them. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

Our Clients

At Senior Care Consultants, we build extraordinary relationships with our clients. It is so fulfilling to know that we are making a difference, and are humbled by the compliments we receive from clients and their families. We thank them for sharing their stories with us!

Julie’s Story

Julie George
My mother, Julie George, was a resident at University House/Wallingford for ten years—from 2006 – 2016.  I cannot possibly tell you the number of times she told me how perfect it was for her.  The surroundings are beautiful, the educational and recreational opportunities plentiful and the staff exceptionally caring.  She was very sad when, this February at age 93, she needed to find a residence that could provide 24-hour care, following three hospitalizations and a month long stay at Ida Culver House Skilled Nursing.

Knowing that this would be the likely scenario, I asked my trusted contact Gillian Mukula of University House who she would recommend to help me find the best “next place” for my Mom.  Without hesitation, she said, “The husband-wife team Juli and Frank Simons, owners of Senior Care Consultants.”  Gillian said she routinely refers University House families to them, and has received nothing but highly positive feedback.

I contacted Juli right away, and from the first phone conversation I felt a sense of relief.  I could tell right away that Juli really “knew her stuff.” Julie has had over two decades of placement experience and has worked in the senior housing industry for over eight years. In order to best serve clients, she and her husband have worked together in their own company doing this work for many years.

Juli explained that when working with them, clients always speak to either her and/or her husband directly, and both of them come to in-person meetings.  I liked that.  During a high-stress time, I did not want to be passed around and have to re-explain things, or get to know many different professionals.

Juli was empathic and understood what a difficult time this was.  She spoke words of encouragement to me on a personal level, as well as on a practical level:  together, she was sure she and Frank could help me and my husband find an ideal place for my Mom.  It was clear that Juli cared, and that she wanted to get to know my both my Mom and me, so as to be able to find the best placement possible, in whatever timeframe necessary…

Testimonials

Juli and Frank expertly and rapidly found the ideal placement for my 93 year old Mom. It is obvious that they are passionate about what they do, and they are very good at it. They meet with families, the elder who is needing to make a change in residence, and the seniors’ professional caregivers. They work as an integral part of the team to find the best solution for each of their clients’ unique circumstances. Every home they showed me (and all of them were good) was pre-screened and selected specifically for my Mom. Juli and Frank provided caring support to me and my husband, as well as my Mom, and worked under the constraints of a very fast timeline (my Mom was given short notice that Medicare would no longer pay for Skilled Nursing Care following several hospitalizations). They helped match my Mom with a place beyond my expectations, and my Mom is doing well settling in. I recommend Juli and Frank highly, and without reservation.

Mary Douglas

Juli and Frank expertly and rapidly found the ideal placement for my 93 year old Mom. It is obvious that they are passionate about what they do, and they are very good at it. They meet with families, the elder who is needing to make a change in residence, and the seniors’ professional caregivers. They work as an integral part of the team to find the best solution for each of their clients’ unique circumstances. Every home they showed me (and all of them were good) was pre-screened and selected specifically for my Mom. Juli and Frank provided caring support to me and my husband, as well as my Mom, and worked under the constraints of a very fast timeline (my Mom was given short notice that Medicare would no longer pay for Skilled Nursing Care following several hospitalizations). They helped match my Mom with a place beyond my expectations, and my Mom is doing well settling in. I recommend Juli and Frank highly, and without reservation.

Cindy Reynolds

Juli and Frank are the absolute best!! They helped me step by step with my mom. The day we met to discuss my moms options Juli made everything so much easier. It was very emotional and difficult to talk about, even though everyone already knew what needed to happen. It’s not an easy thing to discuss. She helped my mom understand what would be best for her. She was so understanding and compassionate even crying with us at times and hugging us afterwards. I really cannot express how much that meant to me!! You found my mom a wonderful home, and I am so very grateful!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Amanda Cordell

I have worked with Senior Care Consultants for the past 4 years as a director of nursing in a senior care community and they have been nothing but professional, empathetic and people of integrity.  I usually go to them with resident’s whose placement can be challenging and have never been disappointed with the quality of care they have found.  Resident’s families have even called me after placement to thank me for recommending them.  I would trust them with my parents.  What a blessing they are to our aging community!

Cindy, RN - Community Health Director

Just a little over a year ago, my family and I met Juli and Frank Simons (our senior care consultants).They helped us place our 89 year old mother in an adult living home. We had no idea what to do, it was very emotional and frightening for us. Juli and Frank were so diligent and compassionate in finding the best place for my mom. It was a very smooth transition for our family, only wanting to do the best for our mom. They were so kind and really put our mind at ease. Recently I had to call on Juli for some advice regarding my mom and once again, Juli and Frank were there for me and my family and went the extra mile to meet with us and address our concerns. We are so thankful we have them as our senior consultants and our advocate. We would highly recommend Juli and Frank to anyone who may be looking for a home for there mom and dad, or any other loved one, they are the best!

Cheri Doyle

I cannot say enough about how much we enjoyed working with Senior Care Consultants. Over the last 4 years, my mom has had to make two moves as her dementia progressed. The first was a move from an independent living building to a facility that specialized in memory care. Recently my mom needed to find an Adult Family Home and Juli was great in lining up visits and helping us make the decision.
I was in denial in both cases as to what was best for my mom and I really appreciated Juli’s guidance and thoughtful approach with me as I made these difficult decisions. With the move to the memory care facility, Juli worked with us for over three months. We looked at a number of places and she did all the heavy lifting such as making calls, setting up appointments, asking the difficult questions. The recent move to the Adult Family Home was difficult and Juli and Frank were very professional as they helped us find the right home for my mom.
Juli and Frank worked with us to find a places that were both good for my mom and was responsive to our needs. They brought compassion, professionalism and most of all, caring to our efforts. They are respected by the facilities we visited which meant that we always were treated well. Together we have found two good homes for my mom and not a day goes by when I don’t thank Juli and Frank for their help.

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