Angela Olea, Founder and Brand President, Assisted Living Locators

Could you provide a brief introduction to Assisted Living Locators as it stands today?

Assisted Living Locators is a national organization dedicated to serving seniors and their families by providing tailored care solutions. Currently, we operate across 39 states, with 155 locations throughout the United States.

What have been the key factors in the organization’s success and its growth to this stage?

Our success stems from a strong vision and a deep understanding of the needs of seniors and their families. With my background as a registered nurse, I recognized a significant gap in senior advocacy, particularly when living independently was no longer feasible. By addressing this critical void and focusing on compassionate service, we’ve built a culture of servant leadership. This commitment has resonated with like-minded individuals who share a passion for making a meaningful difference in the lives of the families we assist, ultimately driving our sustained growth.

Given the diverse needs of the elderly, could you provide an overview of the range of care solutions you offer?

When families approach us, it is often during a period of crisis, precipitated by a health concern—whether physical, cognitive, or due to a lack of available caregivers. We conduct a comprehensive intake process to evaluate their needs. If remaining at home safely is a viable option, we advocate for support services to facilitate that choice. However, where staying at home is not feasible, we explore a spectrum of options, tailored to the individual’s care requirements, social needs, and financial situation. This customized approach ensures a solution that not only addresses their immediate needs but also anticipates future considerations.

In your experience, what care option is most frequently selected by families today?

By the time families reach out to us, their loved ones are often in their mid-to-late eighties, requiring assistance with multiple activities of daily living, such as medication management, personal hygiene, or dressing. For this reason, assisted living or memory care tends to be the most sought-after option. Our objective is to bridge the gap in care, enabling seniors to lead fulfilling lives in a supportive environment.

Are you open to potential partnerships, for instance, with healthcare professionals or organizations within the senior care sector?

We view Assisted Living Locators as the central hub of a larger ecosystem. Whether seniors opt to remain at home or transition to assisted living, we collaborate with various partners, including hospice care, home health providers, and skilled nursing services. We are always eager to strengthen our network and establish new partnerships that align with our mission of comprehensive senior care.

How would you address skepticism or reluctance from families who may hesitate to seek assistance?

Such hesitation is common, often surfacing after families witness a loved one’s decline during a holiday or similar visit. We emphasize the importance of proactive planning. It is always better to have a contingency plan in place, even if it isn’t immediately needed. Exploring care options dispels misconceptions about senior living, which is far removed from the outdated image of sterile nursing homes. Instead, families discover vibrant, nurturing environments where their loved ones can truly thrive.

Is the organization seeking to expand further, perhaps through franchise opportunities?

Indeed, we operate on a franchise model and continue to expand with deliberate care. Our selection process for franchisees is rigorous, ensuring alignment with our values and commitment to excellence. This approach has been instrumental in maintaining our reputation for quality and trustworthiness over the past two decades.

Can you elaborate on the training and support provided to advisors within your organization?

Our advisors undergo extensive training at our corporate headquarters and are required to achieve certification as Senior Advisors. This includes specialized training in dementia care, equipping them to navigate the complex journeys families often face. 

Additionally, ongoing professional development ensures that our advisors remain informed about the latest tools and resources.

We pride ourselves on a holistic approach, maintaining lifelong relationships with the families we assist. Whether we facilitate care at home or transition to a placement, we monitor and support the family throughout the individual’s care journey, conducting regular follow-ups to ensure that the care environment continues to meet their needs.

What is your long-term vision for the organization over the next three to five years?

Our vision is to champion ethical placement practices, setting ourselves apart in a field increasingly influenced by technology. While artificial intelligence offers certain efficiencies, it cannot replace the human touch and accountability necessary for such critical decisions. By ensuring that our recommendations are based on firsthand knowledge and experience, we aim to empower families to make informed decisions that prioritize their loved one’s well-being.

What message would you like to convey to families and the broader community through this discussion?

One key takeaway is that families have access to an incredible, yet often underutilized, resource in senior care placement advisors. Over the past 20 years, we’ve established the first senior placement franchise in the United States, yet many remain unaware of our services. Just as you’d consult a surgeon for heart surgery or a realtor for real estate, we want people to recognize the value of specialized senior care advisors who work with integrity and a deep sense of responsibility.