AgingCare

AgingCare, a resource guide for senior care

AgingCare is a website aimed at family members who take on the care of an older adult. Its main purpose is to guide users in finding care and housing solutions, as well as to offer practical information on the various aspects surrounding the care of an older adult. The portal is organized into two main areas: one for searching services and another for content and a forum.

Finding care and housing

The site allows users to locate two main types of service: in-home care and senior housing. The search is done by entering the postal code where care is needed, and the system connects the user with providers in the area. Among the housing and care categories it mentions are independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing homes, adult day care, and hospice. It also includes in-home care as an alternative for those who remain in their own home.

Content and advisory topics

The resources section brings together guides and articles organized by topic areas. Among the topics covered are in-home care, elder law, senior housing, Alzheimer's and dementia care, paying for care, and caregiver support. The content addresses issues such as how to select an in-home care company, how to pay for that service, the services that allow seniors to continue living independently, the differences between the various types of housing, powers of attorney and their legal scope, or the stages of Alzheimer's disease. The portal also has a forum for caregivers.

Assessment and personalized guidance

The site offers an online assessment that, based on questions about the person being cared for — their mobility, hygiene, medication management, safety of the environment, memory loss, and social life — generates guidance on the level of care they may need. Depending on the result, the system may recommend continuous supervision or occasional hiring of in-home care services. The tool warns that it does not replace professional advice.

How it works and transparency

The service is provided through A Place For Mom (APFM), which acts as an intermediary between families and care providers. According to the information published, the user pays no fee: it is the participating providers who pay APFM a percentage of the first month's standard rate for the rent and care services selected. The company states that it does not allow its advisors to have an ownership interest in participating providers and that it does not endorse or recommend any specific provider, with the user being responsible for choosing the appropriate care. The site indicates that APFM tours certain participating providers and that, in the twelve-month period prior to December 31, 2017, it toured 86.2% of providers with capacity for twenty or more residents. It also notes that the user is under no obligation to use or continue using the service.

Customer service and complaints

For inquiries or complaints, the portal provides a customer service line and a support email address. It also indicates that consumers can file complaints with the Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General's office, located in Seattle. The information about the service refers specifically to the state of Washington.