How to Build Relationships as a Senior Living Advisor

An estimated 27 million Americans will come to rely on formal care services by 2050. That means a staggering number of families seeking safe and comprehensive assisted living facilities, nursing home facilities, and more. For this, and many other reasons, becoming a senior care advisor is one of the best franchise opportunities available right now and diving into the future.

To make the most of this great opportunity, interested entrepreneurs need to be next-level relationship-builders. They need to set roots in their markets, establishing a well-felt presence to offer necessary care recommendation services. 

At CarePatrol, we’ve been in this business for over 20 years, and in that time we’ve learned a lot about how to build relationships with four key groups: your community, your clients, your referral partners, and your fellow franchisees. Let’s dive into some best practices for nurturing your network.

Get Involved in Your Local Community

Getting involved locally can help establish you as a trustworthy, positive presence. The value of the services that you provide as a senior care advisor can’t be understated. But without visibility, many people won’t know that your services are available, much less that they’re available at no cost to them. Here are just a few ways you can engage:

• Volunteer at local fundraisers or charity drives, especially ones that help older populations.
• Donate to local healthcare organizations.
• Sponsor a community event, local youth sports team, or other cause.
• Host an informational talk, lunch and learn, or Q&A session (ask your local library).
• Simply show up to community events and talk to local people about what you do!

Take the Time to Listen to Your Clients

As a senior care advisor, you’ll be a wellspring of knowledge, information, and advice about senior living communities in your area. And that’s, of course, what your clients need you for. But don’t let doing your job get in the way of taking the time to truly listen to your clients. That added time makes a huge impact in the lives of people who find themselves in a delicate moment. 

A happy client is your biggest asset. If you can keep relationships open with them, checking in on their loved one after they’ve moved into an assisted living facility or nursing home, you show them that you truly care. All it takes is one phone call to show that you’re thinking about their well-being! Then, they’re more likely to return, spread the word, and help you build your reputation as a trusted resource.

Build Referral Relationships on a Strong Foundation

As a senior care advisor, your relationships with referral sources are critical to your success. During your CarePatrol training, you’ll gain a lot of insights about building goodwill, credibility, and understanding with community partners. But it’s up to you to put those lessons to good work in your market. Consider building relationships with various types of referral sources, such as: 

• Healthcare providers: actively engage with discharge planners and coordinators at local hospitals and skilled nursing facilities in your area so they know they can refer clients to you for help planning the next stage.
• Other trusted advisors: financial planners and attorneys are often involved at some level in a family’s decision to move their loved one into a senior living community. Getting your name out there in these local firms could be a promising source of referrals.
• Community leaders: administrators at local libraries, chambers of commerce, senior centers, and even houses of worship can be great allies in getting the word out about the services you provide to their patrons.

Clear and frequent communication is key to nurturing these important relationships. Meet with people one-on-one when you can, check in with them, and keep those channels open. Of course, don’t be pushy—find a schedule that will allow you to gently remind them of your availability without placing too high a burden on their time.

Don’t Forget Your Fellow Franchisees

Don’t neglect to nurture your relationships with your fellow franchisees! Many new franchise owners are surprised (and delighted) to find themselves welcomed into a family of like-minded entrepreneurs. With this group of people, you have a unique chance to strategize, innovate, and commiserate about any challenges you may face, working together to solve them.

As a member of the Best Life Brands family, CarePatrol provides many opportunities for franchisees to connect and network at annual conferences, team-building events, and more. Even if you simply maintain a regular video conference or group chat with other CarePatrol franchisees, you’ll be doing yourself, your business, and your peers a major service!

Expand Your Network with CarePatrol

If you have a passion for people and are seeking opportunities to run a business with real purpose, we’d love to get to know you. At CarePatrol, we believe that helping families is a way of giving back to the community, and all of our franchisees enjoy this culture of care that we cultivate together. Download your free Franchise Information Report today for more information about franchising with us!

CarePatrol: Help Others, Work from Home, & Be Your Own Boss

CarePatrol is one of the leading senior care franchises in the United States, proudly serving over 150 communities and counting. Our franchisees come from all walks of life, but they’re all driven by a passion for helping others and a desire to realize their full entrepreneurial potential. If this sounds like you, get in touch for a no-obligation informational chat today!