Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to your questions about senior placement, assisted living, memory care, and our services in Wake County, NC.
About Our Services
What does Sorensen Senior Advisors do?
We help families navigate the transition from a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) to Assisted Living, Memory Care, or Independent Living communities in Wake County, NC. We work with families and discharge planners to assess care needs, research appropriate options, coordinate community tours, and provide guidance and support through move-in and beyond.
Our comprehensive services cover clinical assessment, community matching, emotional support for families facing difficult decisions, and 30-day post-placement follow-up—because the transition doesn't end on move-in day.
Is there really no cost to families?
Yes, our services are completely free to families. There are no hidden fees, contracts, or obligations. You pay nothing for our assessment, research, tour coordination, or post-placement support.
We are compensated by senior living communities when families move in via a standard referral fee—this is industry standard practice and does not affect what families pay the communities. We are transparent about this relationship from day one.
How are you different from A Place for Mom or other national services?
National services are excellent for consumer research, but we offer something they cannot: we are locally based in Wake County with direct clinical relationships with discharge planners and personal connections with every community we recommend.
We specialize in three care levels only (IL, AL, MC)—not spread thin across all services. We deliver same-day contact, 24-72 hour placement capability, weekend availability, clinical literacy in dementia staging and ADL assessment, and 30-day post-placement follow-up that no national competitor offers.
How quickly can you help us find a community?
We aim for same-day contact when you reach out. Most placements are completed within 24-72 hours because we have pre-existing relationships with communities and discharge planners, allowing us to move fast without sacrificing fit.
If your situation is urgent—such as an SNF discharge deadline—we have weekend availability and can prioritize your case. Speed combined with clinical accuracy is one of our core differentiators.
What areas do you serve?
We are based in and primarily serve Wake County, NC—including Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill, Apex, Holly Springs, and surrounding areas. We have direct relationships with communities throughout the Triangle region and surrounding counties.
If you need assistance outside our primary service area, contact us to discuss options and referral partners we trust.
Do you help with the actual move?
We help coordinate and manage move-in logistics—paperwork, communication with the community, family coordination, and addressing last-minute concerns. While we do not physically handle the move itself, we ensure all details are managed and nothing falls through the cracks.
We stay involved from packing day through the first weeks of adjustment to ensure a smooth transition.
What happens after my loved one moves in?
We provide 30-day post-placement follow-up with check-ins at weeks 1, 2, and 4 to ensure your loved one is adjusting well. We address concerns quickly and stay involved so you have peace of mind during this critical adjustment period.
Unlike most placement advisors, we do not disappear after move-in. This extended support is one of our eight core differentiators and is critical to long-term success.
Understanding Care Levels
What is the difference between assisted living and memory care?
Assisted Living (AL) communities provide support with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, medication management, and grooming for individuals who need help but can live semi-independently. Staff are available but individuals make many decisions about daily life.
Memory Care (MC) communities are specialized for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. They offer secured environments, specialized staffing trained in dementia care, behavior management, and programming tailored to cognitive decline. Memory care provides more intensive oversight and a therapeutic approach.
For a detailed comparison, see our assisted living vs. memory care guide.
How do I know if my loved one needs assisted living or memory care?
This depends on two factors: ADL abilities (can they eat, bathe, dress, manage hygiene independently?) and cognitive status (do they have dementia, significant memory loss, or behavioral changes?).
If your loved one has significant cognitive decline or dementia, memory care is typically appropriate even if ADLs are relatively preserved. If they have ADL limitations but clear cognition, assisted living is usually the right fit.
We assess these factors clinically and guide you through the decision. Call us to discuss your loved one's specific situation.
What is independent living?
Independent Living (IL) communities are for active seniors who do not need hands-on care but want community, social engagement, and support services available if needed. Residents are fully independent with ADLs and live in apartments within a community setting.
We specialize in Assisted Living and Memory Care, but can refer you to quality Independent Living communities if appropriate for your loved one's situation.
Can someone transition from assisted living to memory care later?
Yes. Many communities offer both assisted living and memory care units, which allows your loved one to transition to the memory care unit if their condition changes (dementia develops or cognitive decline accelerates). This reduces the disruption of another move to a new community.
When appropriate, we identify communities with this flexibility so your family has continuity and comfort knowing a transition plan exists.
What are ADLs and why do they matter?
ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) are basic self-care tasks: eating, hygiene, dressing, toileting, and mobility. They are the foundation of care planning because they determine the level and type of care your loved one needs.
Understanding ADL limitations helps us match families with communities that have appropriate staffing, equipment, and care protocols. We assess and communicate ADL needs clearly to communities to ensure a proper clinical fit.
The Placement Process
What information do you need to get started?
We start with a conversation about your loved one: their name, age, personality, current ADL abilities, cognitive status, any medical or behavioral considerations, and timeline for placement.
We also want to understand your family's priorities: preferred location within Wake County, community size preference, cost range, and any specific needs (dietary, dementia stage, etc.). The initial assessment is usually 15-20 minutes.
Get started with a free assessment by calling or filling out our contact form.
How does the assessment process work?
We conduct a clinical assessment by phone or in-person that covers medical history, ADL abilities, cognitive function, behavioral profile, and family preferences. This typically takes 15-30 minutes.
Based on this assessment, we identify communities that are clinically appropriate and match your family's priorities—considering care capabilities, community culture, location, and budget. We then present options and coordinate tours at your pace.
Will you come with us on community tours?
Yes, absolutely. We accompany you on tours of 3-5 communities we've carefully selected based on our assessment. We help you know what questions to ask, what to look for in terms of care quality and community atmosphere, and what concerns are normal versus serious red flags.
Our clinical knowledge, personal relationships with community leadership, and experience help you make an informed decision you can feel confident about.
How do you match families with the right community?
We match based on four pillars: clinical fit (care level, ADL support, specialized services), culture (community atmosphere and values), location (proximity to family in Wake County), and cost (within family's budget).
We know our communities personally—their strengths, limitations, staff quality, and culture. Placement is never one-size-fits-all. We believe the right fit makes all the difference in your loved one's happiness and well-being.
What if we are not happy with the placement?
We stay involved during the 30-day adjustment period to catch concerns early. Some adjustment is normal, but we listen carefully to your feedback and address legitimate concerns quickly.
If a community truly is not the right fit after a reasonable adjustment period, we help facilitate a transition to another option. Our goal is your family's satisfaction and your loved one's well-being, not just completing a placement.
After Skilled Nursing / Discharge Planning
What happens when Medicare coverage at a skilled nursing facility ends?
Medicare covers skilled nursing care for up to 100 days following a qualifying hospital stay (3+ days admitted). When coverage ends—or runs out before 100 days—your family must decide the next step.
Options include: return home with care services, transition to assisted living, or move to memory care. Many families face this decision under time pressure from the SNF. We specialize in this exact transition, called post-SNF placement.
How does the SNF discharge process work?
The SNF assigns a discharge planner who coordinates the transition plan. They assess your loved one's post-discharge needs and likely timeline. We can work directly with the discharge planner to understand clinical requirements and accelerate the process.
A good placement advisor—like us—communicates care needs clearly to communities, coordinates the handoff, and manages logistics so the discharge planner and family can focus on your loved one's health.
Can you work directly with our discharge planner?
Yes, absolutely. We work directly with SNF discharge planners regularly and speak their clinical language fluently. We understand ADL scores, dementia staging, behavioral assessments, and discharge protocols.
Working with your discharge planner directly reduces family burden and accelerates the placement process. This is one of our core strengths—we are a trusted partner to discharge planners across Wake County.
How quickly do we need to find a community after discharge?
The timeline depends on your loved one's situation and Medicare coverage. Most SNFs provide 5-14 days notice before coverage ends. We typically can identify, tour, and complete placement within this timeframe because of our pre-existing community relationships.
If a discharge deadline is approaching urgently, contact us immediately. We have weekend availability and can fast-track cases. This is exactly what we do best.
Costs & Financial Questions
How much does assisted living cost in Wake County?
Assisted living costs in Wake County typically range from $3,000 to $6,500 per month, depending on the community, level of care, amenities, and location.
Costs vary significantly by area: Raleigh, Cary, and Chapel Hill communities may cost more than communities in surrounding areas. Level of care (ADL support), meal plans, activities, and transportation also affect pricing.
We help families understand what pricing includes and find quality options within their budget.
How much does memory care cost in Wake County?
Memory care in Wake County typically costs $4,500 to $8,000 per month due to specialized staffing, dementia-focused programming, and secured environments.
Costs depend on community location, specialized services (behavior management, dementia-specific activities), and care intensity. We help families understand what specialized programming is included and find the right fit within budget.
Does Medicare or Medicaid cover assisted living?
Medicare does not cover assisted living or memory care. Medicaid may cover some costs in North Carolina communities if your loved one meets eligibility requirements (income and asset limits), but policies vary.
We recommend consulting with an elder law attorney for financial and legal planning around Medicaid eligibility and spend-down strategies. We can connect you with trusted attorneys in the Wake County area who specialize in elder law.
How are you compensated if the service is free to us?
We are compensated by senior living communities when families move in via a standard referral fee—typically 70-100% of the first month's rent. This is a normal, industry-standard practice and is built into community operating costs. It does not increase what families pay.
We are transparent about this relationship from day one. We will never recommend a community primarily because they pay more. Our reputation and success depend on quality matches that work for families. If you have questions about how this affects our recommendations, ask us directly.
Still Have Questions?
We are here to help. Every family's situation is different. Call us to discuss your loved one's specific needs, timeline, and concerns—no obligation, no pressure.
Serving Wake County, Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill, and the Triangle area in North Carolina
Learn More About Our Services
Explore detailed guides and resources to help you understand the placement process.
Post-SNF Placement
Learn about transitioning from skilled nursing to assisted living or memory care.
Memory Care Placement
Specialized guidance for families navigating dementia care options.
AL vs. Memory Care
Detailed comparison to help you understand which level of care fits best.
Our Services
Full breakdown of how we guide families through the placement journey.
About Us
Meet the team and learn our story and commitment to families.
Blog & Resources
Read articles and guides about senior placement and care transitions.