In the digital age, first impressions often happen online. Your online profile often serves as the first point of contact many seniors have. For Caring.com partners looking to create or update their profile, it’s important to showcase your community or agency and connect with care seekers. Here are some tips to help you craft a compelling online profile that leaves a lasting impression.

1. Using High-Quality Visuals

When it comes to online profiles, high-quality professional photos speak volumes. Invest time and resources into capturing images that showcase your community or agency in its best light. Professional photos not only highlight the physical beauty of your space but also convey a sense of reliability and trustworthiness. Remember, potential residents or clients want to envision themselves in your community or using your services, and striking visuals provide the first step towards creating that connection.

For communities, this can include photos of the front entrance, grounds, lobby, community room, exercise room, dining room, and model apartments - things you would normally show during a tour. For agencies, this can include photos of the services you provide and your team engaging with seniors - things you would normally discuss. 

2. Showcase What Makes Your Community Unique

Set yourself apart by showcasing your unique offerings. Highlight the activities and services that make your space special, and emphasize how these features contribute to a supportive and enriching environment. This is your chance to stand out in a crowded digital landscape, so be specific!

3. Personalize Your Description

Connect with your audience on a personal level by tailoring your description to reflect the essence of your community or agency. Share what you offer beyond the surface-level amenities or basic services. Are there heartwarming stories or personal testimonials that speak to the essence of what you offer? Personalizing your description adds authenticity and helps potential residents or clients envision the meaningful experiences they could have.

4. Community Involvement and Programs

Describe any community programs or initiatives that involve residents, such as support groups, wellness initiatives, or collaborative projects. Highlighting these programs shows that you prioritize the well-being and participation of your residents or clients.

5. Describe Your Community and Curb Appeal

For senior living communities, it’s important to provide not only pictures but also a detailed description for those unable to tour your space physically. Help potential residents imagine themselves within the walls of your community beyond a simple list of amenities. 

Prioritizing creating a unique and detailed description can set you apart from the competition and help care seekers better understand what makes your community or agency special. If you aren’t a partner with Caring.com and want to maximize your online presence, you can reach out to us at sales@caring.com or call us at (888) 808-0453. 

The holiday season is not just a time for festivities; it's a crucial period for senior living and senior care to strategically prepare for the January lead rush. Here's how senior living communities and senior care agencies can make the most of the holidays and gear up:

Maximizing Holiday Engagement with Existing Leads

Before January, communities and agencies can capitalize on the holiday spirit to strengthen connections with existing leads. Here are key strategies to employ:

• Send Holiday Cards: Take advantage of the festive season by sending personalized holiday cards to leads already in your system. This thoughtful gesture not only expresses goodwill but also serves as a gentle reminder of your community or agency.

• Invite to Tour and/or Holiday Gathering: Extend invitations to potential residents and clients for a tour or a holiday gathering. This provides an excellent opportunity for leads to experience the warmth and atmosphere firsthand.

Strategic Improvements Ahead of January Lead Rush

As the new year approaches, senior living and senior care teams must be prepared to handle the surge in leads. Here are crucial steps to ensure a smooth transition into the new year:

• Continue to Work HOT Leads: Prioritize and actively engage with high-potential leads. Consistent communication during the holiday season keeps your community top of mind when individuals are making decisions about care options.

• Improve Information Accuracy: Information on leads can be hard to maintain during the year. Allocate time and resources to ensure that your CRM or other lead information solution reflects the most current information.

• Get Sales Pipeline Up to Date: Conduct a thorough review of your sales pipeline. Update progress, identify bottlenecks, and streamline the process to ensure a well-functioning and efficient system.

• Update Brochure and Other Print Material: Review and update all printed materials, including brochures, to align with the new year. Incorporate any changes in pricing, services, or offerings to present accurate and enticing information to seniors and their families.

• Prep Teams and Backups for January Rush: Anticipate the increase in inquiries in January. Ensure that your teams are well-prepared, and establish backup plans to guarantee someone is available to assist in case of unexpected surges in activity.

By strategically utilizing the holiday season to connect with existing leads and implementing proactive measures, senior living communities and senior care agencies can navigate the busy period with confidence. 

If you are interested in learning more about how you can prepare your team for the January lead rush or how you can access leads seeking care in your area, you can contact us at sales@caring.com or call us at (888) 808-0453. 

Many Veterans and their families are unaware of the benefits available to them, especially when it relates to paying for senior living and senior care later in life. Navigating the VA system can be challenging, with complex rules and requirements. Helping senior Veterans navigate finding care and receiving applicable VA benefits is an important way to help them be able to make a choice to move into a facility sooner or stay at home longer. 

Understanding the Aid and Attendance Program

The Aid and Attendance benefit is designed to provide financial assistance to Veterans and their spouses who need assistance with daily living activities or require care in a protective environment. The program was created with the goal of supplementing the cost of care for Veterans as they age.

The VA may provide financial assistance to eligible Veterans and surviving spouses, with the following monthly amounts:

• Single Veteran: Up to $2,229

• Married Veteran: Up to $2,642

• Surviving Spouse: Up to $1,432

• Two Married Veterans: Up to $3,536

This financial support can significantly contribute to covering the expenses of senior care or senior living. As Social Security benefits increase, these amounts may also rise, offering even more financial assistance.

Eligibility for Aid and Attendance

The eligibility criteria for VA benefits to cover senior living and care can be slightly complex in nature, and eligibility periods may be based on the specific conflict. Veterans or their spouses can qualify if they meet the following conditions:

1. The Veteran must be at least 65 years of age or 100% disabled. Even if they are under 65 but unable to work due to a disability, they may still be eligible.

2. They must have served at least 90 days of active duty during their military service, excluding training periods.

3. At least one of these active duty days must have occurred during a declared wartime period, such as World War II, Korea, Vietnam, or the Persian Gulf.

4. The Veteran must have received an honorable, medical, or general discharge.

5. Widows can also qualify for these benefits, regardless of their age, if they were married to the Veteran for at least one year, even if that year was at the end of the Veteran's life, and if they remain single.

Types of Care Covered

VA benefits can be applied to various types of care, including:

• Skilled nursing care (private pay only)

• Independent living*

• Assisted living

• Memory care

• In-home care

• Adult day care

• Paying a non-spousal family caregiver (spouses cannot be paid)

*Independent living communities must meet specific criteria, such as having 24-hour caregivers or providing evidence that the client receives at least two Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). These ADLs can be administered by a third party, including family members.

How to Help Veterans Access VA Benefits

Many Veterans and their families are unaware of these benefits due to a lack of information and the complex application process. Many Veterans who left the military when they were young may not remember or know that some of these benefits exist. There are several ways senior living and senior care partners can help Veterans and their families in accessing these VA benefits. 

• Identify Eligible Individuals: Ask potential residents or their families if they are Veterans or widows and if they meet the criteria for VA benefits.

• Encourage Contact with the VA: Advise eligible individuals to contact the VA to explore their options and initiate the process.

• Understand the Application Process: Familiarize yourself with the VA application process to provide guidance to residents and their families.

• Offer Support: Offer support to residents and their families throughout the application process to ensure a smooth and successful outcome.

Whether you have helped veterans and their families navigate the search for care or haven’t been sure where to start, any help in this complex process can make a difference. 

If you have any questions or would like more information about how working with Caring.com can help you support your residents and put you in touch with organizations like Patriot Angels (who specializes in assisting veterans with VA benefits applications) reach out to us at sales@caring.com or call us at (888) 808-0453.