Margaret R.

Since my 1 star review of the Addison Assisted Living on Dec. 6,2022 the new director contacted me so I'd like to update my review. The old director which was part source of my complaint is no longer with the Addison of Durham, and the new director assured me he was taking steps to improve training and internal communication of staff. So a good start going forward.

During my search for an assisted living facility for my mother I came across A Place for Mom so gave them a call to find out what they were about. After talking at length with my consultant I was excited they would help in my search and seemed to be a great resource. What was never divulged is the minute you give them your loved ones full name and the area you are looking they put you into their large database and you are 'locked in' for two years to their company. What then happens is whatever place you decide on has to pay A Place for Mom a large commission out of their operating budget. Most folks don't know this nor do they care as it's of no cost to you, just the facility. Where this backfired on me is I later found another competing company but whom are actually local and had a much better grasp on the area facilities so I wanted to work with them but A Place for Mom locked everyone else out. A Place for Mom is located across the country but does use area consultants. You may luck out with a much better one than I had. After my lengthy conversation with my consultant about being interested in only assisted living facilities he provided with a list which included appointments for mostly 'Independent Living' facilities! I explained my mothers long term care insurance would not cover, nor is she able to live independently. Followup from this consultant was practically non existent. I was back on my own. Several weeks of no contact from him I called a Place for Mom to place a complaint. The woman I spoke with was so sorry I had that experience and said she would have a new consultant call me within a day or two at most as I stated my situation was urgent. I never received a call back or email from anyone with a Place for Mom yet they received their commission from the facility my mom is now in. If you are looking for a referral service I would recommend finding one local to your area. The one who actually helped me and explained how these services actually work is called 'All About Seniors'. The owner went out of his one late evening to contact the director of the facility my mother is now in to help facilitate an in home assessment that took place the next morning. I spent considerable time talking to them all while they knew I was locked into A Place for Mom. They did this out of the goodness of their heart, not for the commission. I hope this review helps as I know first hand how difficult and stressful this process is.
Good luck to all!