249. New Texas Laws Keep Senior Placement Services in Check (Senate Bill 1383)
When finding suitable senior housing for yourself or a loved one, the journey can seem daunting and filled with unknowns. But if you're in the state of Texas, recent legislative changes promise a safer and more transparent path forward. With the enactment of Senate Bill 1383, the senior placement industry is set to undergo significant shifts towards enhanced oversight and accountability, bringing peace of mind to families navigating these critical life decisions.
As a senior living expert who's been in the trenches for 18+ years, I've seen firsthand the pressing need for these changes. The industry can often feel like the wild west because it lacks uniform standards and checks. But now, with these new regulations, families can breathe a little easier knowing that the people they trust are held to higher standards of integrity and professionalism.
Chapters:
- 00:45 Understanding Senior Placement Services
- 01:10 How Senior Placement Agencies Operate
- 03:40 The Need for Senate Bill 1383
- 06:31 Key Requirements of Senate Bill 1383
- 10:23 What This Means for Consumers
- 13:21 Lori's Personal Stories and Experiences
At the heart of Senate Bill 1383 is the need to protect our most vulnerable population. Why was this necessary? Simply put, not everyone in the senior placement world played by the rules. Before this legislative change, entering the industry was relatively easy, leading to a patchwork of service providers. Although many are motivated by a genuine passion for helping seniors, others joined without a full understanding of the responsibilities involved.
The law requires a criminal background check on anyone involved with seniors and their families. It's crucial that we trust those who are meant to guide us through these pivotal transitions. Additionally, the mandate for liability insurance while it might seem like a no-brainer is sometimes overlooked. This insurance protects not only the families we serve but also the agencies themselves.
Documented proof of a valid license and a community's good standing are now prerequisites for referral agencies, ensuring that the places we recommend meet state standards. I've always emphasized the importance of walking through these spaces, being boots on the ground, and ensuring that they live up to their promises. However, for many, this bill will be a needed push in that direction.
Full disclosure now extends to compensation methods as well. Although placement services are free for families, there's often confusion about how businesses like mine sustain themselves. We receive payment directly from the senior living communities but are obligated to reveal how and why we are compensated. No more guessing games for families trying to understand the process.
The right to discontinue a service without consequence is now enshrined in law. In the past, families frequently found themselves tied to agencies without proper informed consent. This often happened when they mistakenly contacted a national service instead of a local one. Now, any family unhappy with a service can easily transition to another without any strings attached.
Additionally, disclosure requirements mean families must be informed if they're not being presented with every available option. Sometimes families need to be reminded that there might be places we do not recommend due to contractual or quality reasons, but that should never limit their right to explore all their options. The power is now back in the hands of the families.
Lastly, I must say, my agency's been adhering to these best practices even before the legislation required it. But knowing that now everyone must follow the same rigorous standards gives me great comfort. These measures set a precedent for excellence and integrity across the state that should serve as a model elsewhere.
The journey to find the right living arrangement for a loved one can be overwhelming, but you are never alone. Thanks to Senate Bill 1383, the path is clearer and safer for families in Texas. If you find yourself in need of guidance, especially in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, my service is here, free of charge, for you and your loved ones. I invite you to reach out via my website for any assistance or to access more resources. Remember, sharing knowledge empowers others, so please spread the word about our podcast and blog to anyone navigating the same waters.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Get my new book, 'Surrounded by Love: One's Family Journey Through Stroke Recovery': https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/book
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The role of local Senior Placement Service and why you need one: https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/1b161ed2/196-the-role-of-local-senior-placement-service-and-why-you-need-one
The 4 types of families we help in our senior placement service:
Are Unlicensed Care Homes Legal? Scams, Red Flags, and How to Vet Licensed & Unlicensed Care Homes:
5 strategies to follow before moving your loved one from their current senior living:
