Nurses
help seniors find assisted living, Aug.
9, 2004
- Arizona Republic Newspaper - Aaron
Royster
Certified Assisted Living Locators (CALLRN)
Owners: Angela Oleaand Tanya Smith.
Opened: September 2003.
Type of business: A service business that makes referrals
for senior citizens seeking assisted-living facilities.
Financial backing: Personally financed.
Motivation: As nurses, Olea and Smith realized a need
for an assisted-living referral agency staffed by experienced
professionals.
Planning: Olea and Smith researched existing referral
agencies in the Valley and contacted the Arizona Department
of Health Services to learn about regulations and policies.
Influenced by seeing what they believe is a lack of regulation
and education requirements, Olea and Smith saw an opportunity
to provide referrals from experienced nursing professionals.
Experience: Olea and Smith are registered nurses. Smith
has a degree in business marketing and attended law school.
Olea has worked with Alzheimer's patients in hospitals and
nursing homes.
Biggest obstacle: Breaking in to the market. Because
most business comes through referrals, Olea and Smith needed
to personally publicize their business to nurses, doctors
and the community.
Marketing: Olea and Smith have held community education
forums with nurses, doctors and community groups, including
several Lions Clubs. They also publicize through the print
media, their Web site and networking.
What makes the business unique: Every employee is an
experienced nurse. The employees and owners examine assisted-living
facilities and their staffs before referring clients. Olea
and Smith remain in constant contact with their customers
after placement.
Best part of the job: "The satisfaction of seeing
a good placement. Seeing someone (who was) depressed and lonely
thriving," Olea said.
Information: (480) 807-HELP (4357) and www.callRN.com
The Business Journal, February 13, 2004
Nurses help find assisted-living homes for seniors
Two Valley nurses have created an assisted-living placement
service. Called Certified Assisted Living Locators, or CALL,
the free service is available Valleywide.
To help match seniors to a suitable environment that provides
assisted living, a registered nurse goes to the senior's home
and develops a profile that best suits his or her priorities
and care needs, said co-owners Angela Olea and Tanya Smith.
"As registered nurses, we understand how difficult it
can be when you or loved one is no longer able to safely care
for themselves alone at home," Olea said. "We are
dedicated to helping you through this very emotional time
by taking the burden of researching and locating the best
homes."
When Olea and Smith worked as nurses in local hospitals, they
witnessed the national trend of patients being discharged
from hospitals sooner. They helped families look for places
to send their elderly relatives because adequate care wasn't
available in their own homes.
So last summer, Olea and Smith decided to form the business.
They formed the limited liability company in September and
have been developping the network of assisted-living homes
since then.
"When we evaluate an assisted-living home, we examine
not only the amenities, but the special features and characteristics,"
Smith said. "After we verify the services you need are
met by the facility, we consider the unique aspects that will
make the difference in selecting a home best suited for you
or your loved one."
Scottsdale
Views, February 25, 2004
Staff helps with long-term care issues
The business is centered on supporting seniors and their families
with long-term care placement. It offers a no-cost service
to those looking for an alternative to institutionalized long-term
care. Each assisted living home or facility is individually
toured and researched by a registered nurse. The staff provides
insight and support for those facing difficult decisions.
Certified Assisted Living Locators: 480-807-4357; www.callrn.com
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