Frequently Asked Questions
How are Horizon’s services free to families?
Senior living communities value our services to bring them residents who are a great fit. We are paid a commission by these communities when we successfully place a client into their care. This partnership allows us to offer our services to families at no cost.
We must be the first to contact the community on your behalf to be compensated for our services. If another online referral service (such as Caring.com or aPlaceforMom.com) captures your information, or if you’ve made calls or done online research and provided your name or email to a community, we cannot receive payment for our services. If you’ve already taken action, please let us know. We can still offer our services for a fee (call us to discuss specifics).
I’m seeing a decline in my loved one, and home may not be the safest option anymore. What should I do first?
Start by calling us! This ensures the most streamlined process for finding the best care for your loved one. We have established relationships with local communities and an intimate understanding of their availability and unique services. When you reach out to us first, we will directly contact communities on your behalf – saving you time, insulating you from persistent salespeople, and allowing you to focus on family!
How long does the process take?
The timeline for placement depends on several factors, such as whether your loved one is coming from a rehab setting or their home, the uniqueness of their care needs, and the specific availability of the communities. You should expect the process to take 3-4 weeks at a comfortable pace. However, if everything aligns perfectly, we’ve been able to move people in as quickly as 24 hours from first contact.
What happens during the initial consultation?
We provide a safe place to share your story and your concerns. We will ask you a set of thorough questions to best understand your loved one’s care needs, timeline, and unique situation.
What happens after the initial consultation?
If you would like to utilize our services, we'll have you review and sign a (very short) client contract. We'll create a comparison sheet of suggested communities tailored to your particular needs. After you review the options, we’ll communicate with communities on your behalf to schedule tours. We’ll be there in-person (whenever possible) to guide you through the process, ensure the right questions are asked, and help you evaluate your options after the tours.
When can we tour communities?
Most communities prefer visits during weekday business hours, but if weekends or evenings are your only option we can coordinate with the communities to ensure a visit at a time that works for you (with advance notice).
Once I’ve chosen a community, what happens next?
Horizon Advisors will allow the community’s admissions director to take control of the process, but we’re still here for support! For assisted living or memory care placements, the required paperwork can be extensive, including medical forms and medication list signed by a doctor, a TB test to rule out tuberculosis, resident information forms, and a lease signing. However, if the move is into independent living, the process is simpler and typically only requires a signed move-in lease.
What areas do you work in?
We serve the Greater Chattanooga area, extending south to Ringgold, GA and northeast to Cleveland, TN.
Do you work with adults on Medicaid?
Unfortunately no, we work exclusively with clients who will be paying for living expenses privately (Long-Term Care policies and VA benefits are acceptable). However, if you are on Medicaid, we can provide you with a list of communities who accept government assistance.
Can I just do the research myself?
Our creative problem solving abilities and years of experience in this industry are tough to match, especially when time is of the essence, care needs are complex, and/or finances are tight! Online information is often out of date or inaccurate. We’re in touch with communities on a regular basis, we follow up on other clients’ experiences, and we review State Health Department inspection reports regularly so that we can offer you a lot of value!
Why should I work with Horizon Advisors?
We are a local small business founded by two friends who know what it’s like to care for an aging loved one. We don’t think anyone should have to face these weighty decisions alone. Our mission is to serve seniors and their families in life’s transitions with wisdom and compassion while affirming their dignity. If you’re still not sure, hear more from our past clients in our Google reviews!