Do you feel like you’re playing darts in the dark?

Finding the right senior care home can feel just like that.

That’s why I became a Certified Placement Referral Agent!

Just like you, I’ve traveled this journey

I’ve personally experienced the emotional turmoil of finding senior care for a loved one. Both my parents spent their final days in assisted living.

Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2007. When it was time, I moved him to residential memory care where he lived until 2015. During the dementia journey, I learned what it means to find meaning in-the-moment. 

After dad’s passing, mom continued living in her own condo with family support. But over time, her health and memory declined until she became too frail. Then I moved her to assisted living where she ended up on hospice and passed away in 2021.

In the process, I struggled to overcome fear and sadness about their future. And felt anxious that no one would love, appreciate, and care for them like me.

And it’s true…no one could love and care for them in the same way. But the caregivers in each facility brought compassion and dedication to their calling every day. They became an extension of our family.

Face-to-Face Meetings

Why it matters – It’s easier to connect when we’re face to face. I’m fully committed to understanding you and your situation. We’ll discuss your long-term goals, interests, hobbies, and preferences. I need to ask personal questions about your health and finances so you can best plan for your future.

And that’s best done in person. Your health diagnoses and care needs play a large factor in choosing a care option.

Making decisions about senior living is a big deal. It can feel overwhelming. I take plenty of time discussing your options – the pros and cons of different care settings. You can ask me direct questions.  Meeting face-to-face also helps me identify potential anxiety or confusion you might have.

Personal Guided Tours

Why it matters – When visiting a senior community, you see the “company face”. But I’ve already pre-viewed and pre-screened the home, usually multiple times. Now I can help “pull back the curtain” so you can glimpse behind the scenes.

I help you ask the right questions as we tour places together. It’s important to clearly understand a facility’s care threshold. And to get a real sense of the community culture. Together we'll accurately compare care, amenities, and pricing. Visiting communities as a team ensures you find the best match for your loved one.

A Little History                      

After earning an MBA, I began working in the corporate insurance industry. Many of my clients were nursing homes and assisted living communities. Based on Workman's Compensation claims, it was apparent which providers emphasized staff safety. Those with low claims usually had better training, procedures, and safety equipment.

I noticed that lower claims were also indicators of overall attention to quality of care. Caring for staff equates to caring for residents.

This type of insider information became the basis for how I pre-qualify senior living communities for referrals.

During my 14 years in the industry, I built relationships with providers at a corporate level. I saw that philosophy-of-care matters. Better budgets, lower staff turnover, and leadership competence contribute to better resident experiences.

In 2007, I left the corporate insurance industry and established Living Right Senior Referrals. Then, in 2018 I rebranded my agency to Portland Senior Housing.

In 2024, after 16 years of working solo, 1st CHOICE Advisory asked me to join their team.

1st CHOICE Advisory opened in 1993 and I’ve enjoyed working in the industry as colleagues with CHOICE. We've cross-referred, and have served together on professional boards. So, when they asked me to join forces, I said, “Yes!”

Now I can assist you better. Same mission of advising seniors about their long-term care options. Still meeting with them and helping them find the right housing and care.

But with the added support of an experienced team.

Professional Associations        

Alzheimer's Association, Oregon Chapter

Metropolitan Senior Network

Oregon Senior Referral Agency Association (OSRAA)

Board member 2013 – 2021

Board member 2019 – current

Board member 2014 - 2022

Additionally, I led a team of colleagues in collaborating with the Department of Aging Services & Oregon State Legislators to write rules governing long-term care referral agents.

Awards and Certifications        

Metropolitan Senior Network - Integrity Award 2020

Elders in Action – Certified Age Friendly

In 2020, I became a Certified Placement Referral Service Agent

Registered with Oregon Department of Aging Services # 1008