From sprawling retirement communities with hundreds of residents to adult family homes with only a few, the options for senior living are endless. Working alone, most people will be overwhelmed with the choices available and will pick something because it is close or familiar, later discovering that it does not meet their needs. Finding the right placement is important for the success of the senior and due to the high need for assistance, referral agencies have become a popular service business in recent years. Simply because any Tom, Dick, or Harriet tells you they can help with placement, doesn’t mean they are following the laws that regulate placement agencies.
As much as we would like to believe that everyone has the best of intentions, unfortunately that is not always the case. A reputable agency will ensure that they are following the laws set out by the Elder and Vulnerable Adult Placement Referral Agency Act (RCW 18.330) providing you, as the consumer, information about their agency and the communities or care providers they are referring.
You will read and sign a Disclosure of Services statement that includes agency and client information, details regarding the fee to be received (and refund policy) for the referral, a description of the services provided, and frequency of facility tours by the agency. Included will be contact information for the Office of the Attorney General if a complaint needs to be filed.
They will use a standardized intake form for each vulnerable adult, which is covered by healthcare confidentiality laws (HIPAA). These questions may be asked by an agency staff member who will ask about your recent medical history, diagnoses, medications, and health concerns. They will inquire as to why you are seeking services and will want to know about the current living situation, as well as if assistance is needed with activities of daily living and if there are any behavioral concerns, dementia, or developmental disabilities.
The intake process also requires a basic understanding of the current financial situation, preferences on location, and other issues that are important to your specific situation. Referral agencies operate on a private pay basis with the senior or their family. If you are on Medicaid or Medicare, a referral agency cannot collect a referral fee for services covered by Federal or State health care programs.
Within 30 days of making a referral, a referral agency must inform you if any of the referred facilities or agencies is in enforcement (violation of RCW or WAC) status. Referral agencies are required to keep records of all services provided to clients for at least six months, to maintain at least $1 million of general and professional liability insurance, and they are mandatory reporters. They are required to perform a criminal background check every two years on owners, operators, and employees who have contact with vulnerable adults.
When it is time to seek out housing or care, you will benefit from the experience of a referral agency. Having experts in your corner will reduce your stress and save you time. Knowing what to look for in a referral agency, will help you find the best results.
Learn more about the Elder and Vulnerable Adult Referral Agency Act
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