What does a senior housing and care advisor do?

I help seniors and families with aging loved ones navigate decisions about care and housing options when staying at home is no longer the safest or best fit. This might mean that your mom had a recent medical event that has impacted her long-term mobility, or your father is experiencing cognitive changes and is not safe to live alone anymore- or maybe your Aunt longs for more connection and is eager to find an Independent Living Community so she can build her community and not feels so isolated living alone. I take the time to learn about your loved one, spending time getting to know and understand each individual's care needs, cognitive concerns, daily routines, personality, values and budget. Then, I introduce you to appropriate care homes or senior living communities that align with your unique needs. We tour these care homes/communities together. I stay involved throughout the entire process helping advocate for you and your loved ones needs - ensuring a smooth and well-supported transition.

How can I trust you to help me and my loved one?

Trust is at the heart of everything I do. I bring over 10 years of Occupational Therapy experience and 5 years of senior case management experience. I am certified through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and licensed in Oregon as a COTA/L. In my role as an advisor I do not provide medical treatment; these credentials simply mean I am a trained healthcare professional who adheres to high ethical standards, including prioritizing safety, dignity, and well-being.

I am a member of Oregon Senior Referral Agency Association (OSRAA). OSRRA supports advisors by providing education and advocacy opportunities and strengthening collaboration within Oregon’s senior housing and care industry. My heart is in this work and I approach every client as if they were my own family. 

Do you only recommend certain communities?

I work with care homes and communities that meet my safety, enrichment and quality standards. I utilize the licensed long term care website through DHS to research and interpret violations and substantiated claims. I also use my experience in the industry working closely with care homes and caregivers to guide my assessment of what homes and communities would be the best fit for my clients. My priority is always finding the right fit for each person. If I don’t think a place is a safe or appropriate match, I won’t recommend it. No exceptions. 

How much does it cost to work with you?

There is no cost to families and clients for my services. I am compensated by the care homes and communities my clients move into.

Why not just call communities myself?

You can! That said, it can quickly feel overwhelming to navigate all the options - let alone knowing where to start. I help you figure out what level of care is really needed, show you options that actually fit your situation, and help you compare them so you don’t waste time touring places that aren’t the right fit. I advocate for your loved one and help you navigate concerns and questions you might have for the care homes and communities; we become a team. I stay with you through the whole process so you’re not left to navigate it alone.

What kinds of living options do you help with?

I help families explore a variety of options including assisted living communities, adult foster homes, memory care and rehab care facilities. Together, we find what makes the most sense for your loved one’s health, memory, mobility, values and budget.

How do you figure out what level of care is needed?

I start with an in-person conversation and observation. I look at things like medication management, mobility and leisure engagement, daily routines as well as memory, behavioral or emotional challenges. With my background in Occupational Therapy and senior case management, I bring my clinical lens to my work as an advisor.  This helps guide my assessments and collaboration with families.

How quickly can we get started?

I respond quickly and am easy to reach by phone/text 207.841.5352 or email, rebecca@nestrightsenior.com. Usually, we can schedule an initial meeting in just a few days, and if there’s an urgent situation- like a hospital discharge or safety concern, I will prioritize those cases.

Can you help if it’s an urgent situation, like coming home from the hospital or a skilled rehabilitation stay?

Absolutely. I work closely with families and care teams to make sure these transitions are safe, well-planned, and as stress-free as possible.

What if my loved one doesn’t want to move?

It’s very common for seniors to feel hesitant about leaving a home they love.  Together, we start building a care team. This often involves the family, care/medical staff and community partners. Building these relationships early on helps to foster trusting relationships that develop over time. This way, when the time comes to consider a move, the senior and/or family feels supported, understood, and more confident in the decision. My goal is never to pressure anyone, but to guide families thoughtfully and compassionately toward the best outcome.

Do you work with the whole family? What if people don’t agree?

Yes! I work with the whole family, because decisions about senior care often involve multiple voices and perspectives. I understand that everyone may see things differently and that personalities and opinions can vary. My role is to listen to each person’s concerns, honor the senior’s wishes, and help the family communicate effectively. By facilitating collaborative and respectful conversation, I help families reach decisions that feel informed, balanced, and aligned with what’s best for their loved one.

How will I know I’m making the right decision for my loved one’s placement?

Deciding on a care home or senior living community can feel overwhelming, and it’s normal to worry about making the “right” choice. My role is to guide you step by step- helping you understand your loved one’s needs, compare options, and ask the right questions. I focus on matching care settings to their medical, cognitive, behavioral, and social needs, as well as their  lifestyle, values, and budget. While no decision is ever perfect, families tell me that having a trusted advisor by their side helps them feel informed, confident, and reassured that the placement is the right fit for their loved one.

What is my obligation if I work with you?

There’s no obligation or pressure when you work with me. My goal is to provide guidance, information, and support so families can make the best decisions for their loved one. You can ask questions, explore options, and take your time. You are in control of every decision. I’m here to help and guide you.

If you’re working with a senior advisor, it’s important to choose one person to work with. This ensures clear communication and helps avoid confusion or conflicting guidance. It’s completely okay to change your mind or switch advisors if needed- but out of respect for everyone involved, it’s best to let all parties know so transitions are smooth and professional.

Will you stay involved after the move?

I remain available to answer questions and provide guidance after the move. My support is limited to advising and helping problem-solve, rather than ongoing hands-on care. I’ll help ensure the move is smooth, address immediate concerns that come up and provide resources if new questions arise. The day-to-day care and management will become the responsibility of the family and care team at the community they move into.

How do waitlists work, and will my loved one be treated fairly?

Many care homes and senior living communities have waitlists because demand can be high, especially for specific levels of care or memory care units. Being on a waitlist simply means your loved one has a spot reserved in the order that applications are received and based on the facility’s criteria.

Families sometimes worry that if they work with a senior advisor, the facility might prioritize or deprioritize residents based on referral arrangements. I want to reassure you this is not the case. Communities follow their own policies for waitlists, and your loved one’s position is determined by the facility, not by whether a senior advisor is involved. While waitlists can feel stressful, I help families navigate the process, communicate clearly with the community, and explore alternative options if timing or availability is a concern. 

Can you help us find a home outside Oregon or Washington?

At this time, I only provide guidance and placement support within Oregon and Washington. My knowledge of local care homes, licensing, and quality standards is strongest in these states, and I want every recommendation I give to be safe, reliable, and well-informed.

If you’re looking for options in another state, I can help connect you with a trusted senior advisor in your area who can guide you locally. I can also provide tips on what to look for in a care home, questions to ask, and how to evaluate options safely. This way, even if you’re outside my region, you’ll have professional guidance and support.