Founded in 2009, Senior Care Authority (SCA) positions itself as a boutique placement service that goes beyond referrals by conducting in-depth evaluations of senior living communities. Its advisors are trained to review state inspection reports, visit communities personally, and guide families through a decision-making process that emphasizes quality and compliance. With franchises across the U.S., Senior Care Authority offers personalized support tailored to each family’s needs.
Pros and Cons
Strengths
- Advisors review state inspection reports for added transparency
- Hands-on, boutique approach to placement
- Free to families, paid by providers
- Compassionate advisors with local expertise
Weaknesses
- Smaller scale than A Place for Mom or Caring.com
- Availability of advisors varies by region
- Some families may prefer a larger database for broader searches
Process
Families begin by speaking with a local Senior Care Authority advisor, who gathers details about care needs, budget, and lifestyle. Unlike many referral services, SCA advisors also research state inspection records and tour facilities to ensure recommendations are credible. Advisors often accompany families on tours and provide support during transitions. Families frequently describe the experience as “high-touch” and supportive during an emotional time.”
Costs and Fees
Senior Care Authority is free to families, compensated by communities when a placement occurs. Advisors are upfront about this model but emphasize their additional vetting process as a safeguard for families.
Customer Experience
SCA holds an A+ BBB rating and receives consistently positive feedback. Families highlight the advisors’ compassion and diligence, especially in helping them avoid communities with concerning state inspection histories. Some note, however, that in less populated areas, options may be limited.
Comparison to Competitors
Compared to Assisted Living Locators, Senior Care Authority places greater emphasis on compliance and inspection records, while Assisted Living Locators focuses on certified advisor training. Families who prefer data and oversight may opt for SCA, while those who value credentialed advisors may lean toward Assisted Living Locators.
Against CarePatrol, SCA feels more boutique. CarePatrol’s advisors grade and tour communities, but Senior Care Authority takes it a step further by integrating official inspection reports into the process. CarePatrol has a broader reach, while SCA feels more customized.
When stacked against A Place for Mom, Senior Care Authority is far smaller in scale but offers a more personalized and investigative approach. Families often use APFM as a starting point but turn to SCA for a more curated, trustworthy short list.
Our Rating
We compared Senior Care Authority to the best assisted living services, and here’s where it landed in the rankings:
- Customer Experience (30%): 9 / 10
- Fees & Costs (25%): 9 / 10
- Service Options (20%): 8 / 10
- Speed of Process (15%): 8 / 10
- Overall Score: 8.5 / 10
AssistedKin’s Top 5 Assisted Living Locator Services
| Recommended For | Company | Starting Cost | Advisor Support | Editor's Rating (Out of 10) | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for Modern Tools and Transparency | Seniorly | Free | Optional | 8.8 | Find Senior Care |
| Best for Large Referral Network | A Place for Mom | Free | Yes | 8.4 | Find Senior Care |
| Best for Certified Advisors and Local Help | Assisted Living Locators | Free | Yes | 8.8 | Find Senior Care |
| Best for In-Home Caregiver Marketplace | Care.com | $12–$39/mo | None | 8.0 | Find Senior Care |
| Best for Reviews & Caregiver Resources | Caring.com | Free | Limited | 8.5 | Find Senior Care |
Final Thoughts
Senior Care Authority stands out for families who want not just referrals but thoroughly vetted recommendations based on state compliance records and personal evaluations. Its boutique feel makes it especially appealing for families who value peace of mind and a highly personalized process. While smaller in scale, it excels at providing quality over quantity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Senior Care Authority.
Its advisors go beyond referrals by reviewing state inspection reports and personally evaluating communities.
Yes, it’s free to families. Communities pay referral fees when a placement occurs.
Yes, though advisor coverage and community options vary by region.
Families who want a boutique, investigative-style approach with advisors who dig deeper into compliance and safety.
