What is a Next Step Family Advisor?

To truly understand what a NextStep Family Advisor is, let me start by sharing a personal story.
In 2019 my dad passed away and it became glaringly apparent that my mom was experiencing
more severe cognitive impairment than we had realized. For years, my dad had been the
steadying force in her daily routine, and when he was gone, everything changed. The routine
they had established no longer existed and suddenly my mom was struggling.

I made the decision to move her in with me to provide the care she needed. For a while, with the
support of my sister, we were able to care for her at home. This was during COVID so we were
able to be home with her 24/7. Once things started to return to normal, and both my sister and I
went back to work, the situation changed quickly.

One day, while walking the dog, I received a call that my mom had gotten locked out of the
house. I had to leave work to let her in. Another day, she was found standing outside, lost and
unable to recognize our home or the surrounding area. It became clear that my mom needed
more specialized care and a safer living arrangement. But where do you even begin to find that?

This is where a NextStep Family Advisor comes into play.

Unlike online platforms or search engines for senior care, a NextStep Family Advisor is a trusted
local expert in senior living communities and adult family homes (AFHs). These professionals
routinely visit, tour, and engage with staff at these facilities. They stay up to date on any
changes in the communities and know which ones are reputable and which ones fall short.

A Family Advisor’s knowledge isn’t based solely on online research or listings. They have real,
first-hand experience with the communities in their area. Many advisors at NextStep have
decades of experience—some have worked in senior living for 30-40 years! When you work
with a NextStep Family Advisor, you’re tapping into their in-depth understanding of the best care
options in your area.

What to Expect from a NextStep Family Advisor

When you reach out to NextStep Family Advisory Services, an advisor will be assigned to you
based on your location. They will set up an appointment to talk through your specific needs,
concerns, and preferences. You may think you can handle the process on your own, but I can
tell you from my own experience, this is not easy. When my mom needed a new living
arrangement, even though I worked in the senior living industry, I still felt out of my depth. It’s
entirely different when you’re dealing with your own loved one. I worried about finding the right
community, the cost of care, my mom’s happiness, and her understanding of what was
happening. The emotional weight of all of these worries was overwhelming.

While a NextStep Family Advisor can’t completely erase those worries (I understand the guilt
firsthand), they do offer valuable resources to ease the burden. Some of the resources they can
help you with include:

• Financial assistance options
• Help with downsizing, estate sales, and moving
• Options for Home Care
• Information on other professionals, e.g. financial advisors, elder law attorneys, geriatric
  practitioners, etc.
• Resources if you’re moving out of the area
• And more!

No Fees for Services (Typically)

Working with a NextStep Family Advisor typically doesn’t come with any upfront costs. When
you and your loved one find the right adult family home or senior living community, the facility or
community pays the advisor’s fee. In this way, the process is designed to be accessible and
financially manageable for families.

When a Family Advisor Might Not Be the Right Choice

If you’ve already connected with an online service for senior living, a NextStep Family Advisor
won’t be able to work with you free of charge. The reason is that the online service will be
compensated for their work. However, if you find that you’ve been overwhelmed with too many
options or that some of the facilities suggested aren’t up to your standards, a NextStep Family
Advisor can still help you. They can work with you for a small fee, on an hourly basis, to narrow
down your choices and guide you to the best communities in your area.

The Bottom Line: Who We Are

At NextStep Family Advisory Services, we’re more than just consultants; we’re healthcare
servant leaders dedicated to helping modern agers and their families navigate the complex
world of senior living. Our mission is to help you find the best possible living situation for you or
your loved ones, ensuring that the transition is as smooth and supportive as possible.
If you’re in the process of making difficult decisions about senior care, a NextStep Family
Advisor can be a lifeline. Let us guide you through the process with compassion, knowledge,
and the hands-on expertise you need to make the right choice.