Does a senior living referral agency cost me anything?
Usually not directly: communities pay the agency. Here is how that money works, what you give up instead, and free options with no referral fee.
By Nana’s List. Updated September 29, 2026. 4 minute read.
The short answer
Usually, no. Most senior-living referral and placement agencies don’t charge families anything. They are paid by the assisted living, memory care or independent living community when a family they referred moves in. Fees vary by agency and contract; reporting on the largest national service described a fee of roughly a month’s fees per move-in. Ask any agency you talk to what it is paid, because the answer is different for each one.
How the money works
The agency signs agreements with communities in your area. You tell the agency what you need and give it your contact details. It suggests communities, often passes your details to them, and may help set up tours. If you move into one of them, that community pays the agency. Communities without an agreement usually don’t appear in the agency’s suggestions, even if they would suit you well. Some local advisors work differently and charge families a flat fee instead; if so, they should tell you up front.
What you give instead of money
Your time and your contact details. Once you fill in a form, your phone number and email may go to several communities as well as the agency, and you may get calls and texts from each of them. Ask before you share: who will receive my details, and how do I make the calls stop? You can reply STOP to marketing texts, ask each caller to put you on their do-not-call list, and withdraw consent you gave earlier. The FCC explains your rights about unwanted calls and texts.
Can it cost you later?
We know of no public data showing that referral fees raise the rent a family pays, so we won’t claim they do. It is still worth asking each community two things: is the price the same whether we come through an agency or contact you directly, and if an agency referred us once, does that affect anything if we later deal with you directly? Get prices and terms in writing either way.
Paid help that works for you
Aging life care professionals, sometimes called geriatric care managers, are usually paid by the family by the hour rather than by the communities. That changes whose interests they represent. They are not free, so ask about rates and what’s included before you start.
Free options with no referral fee
The Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) connects you with your local Area Agency on Aging for free, non-commercial help. Medicare Care Compare shows nursing home ratings, inspections, staffing and fines. Your state licensing agency lists assisted living records, and the long-term care ombudsman can tell you about complaints. Nana’s List is free too: facilities pay us nothing today, we take no referral fees, your tour request goes only to the one community you choose, and Nana’s grade ignores payment. Try the quiz to compare places near you.