“Free Advice is often overpriced.”
- Charles S. McKenzie
I think I am usually a pretty trusting man - I like to give everyone the benefit of the doubt - but anytime someone offers me something for free, it always raises a “caution flag” in my mind. And why is this? Well, most of us know that nothing is ever really free. Someone has paid for whatever is being given away or the “free” thing is really attached to lots of other things that end up costing us a whole lot.
These hidden agendas, hidden fees, hidden strings and hidden costs always mean that the thing that initially appears to be free ends up costing us a whole lot!
This is completely true about “free” advice in elder care as well.
Recently, an internet search on “Free Consulting for Elderly/Elder Care” left me totally dismayed. Many companies, both local and national, touted themselves as Certified Elder Advisors and offered “Free Consultations” and “Free Placement Assistance” to those seeking care for their loved ones. Upon further investigation, my concerns were proven accurate.
3 REASONS
“Certified Elder Advisor” (CEA) is a designation that anyone can use once they have paid a fee, taken a class and passed a test. Most CEA’s do not have any real-time elder care experience or industry experience. While many are genuine and well-meaning, without experience, they lack real insight into particular elder care needs as well as lack the ability to truly assess facility care indicators and provide fully informed counsel.
Most Certified Elder Advisors are paid by corporate partnerships with healthcare providers. This partnership is actually nothing more than a fee for referral or placement. This creates a conflict of interest and should cause you to question their recommendations. Did they make the recommendation that was in your best interest or theirs?
Large national firms make recommendations based upon what makes them money. These companies have several streams of revenue including: advertisements on their website by Healthcare providers, fees paid by providers to get “Approved” or “Certified”. and by selling your referrals to providers. This creates many conflicts of interest and should cause you to question their recommendations.
We at the Hatton Group are hired by you and work for you! We have no conflict of interest! All of our reports are unique, original and specific to you and your needs.
704-450-5549