The Real Cost of Free Advice

Free Web sites are often a gravy train for eldercare service providers

During these tough economic times, more and more stressed caregivers are gravitating to the Web for help and guidance. With the plethora of “free” Internet referral, placement, and resource directories for families in search of eldercare products, home care services, and assisted living facilities, it is important to know exactly how these businesses make their money and how it might affect you and your loved one in the end.

Yes, Web sites do provide help at no charge; however, these sites receive money from service providers if they get business from the referral. Since most employees of these sites work on a commission basis, it stands to reason that most will refer caregivers to providers who have paid the site a fee, rather than to providers who offer the services best suited to your loved one’s needs.

Typically, the “free” service providers are only interested in assisting families that can afford to pay privately for eldercare. Those not financially “qualified” are, at best, given a cursory response referring them to their local Area Office on Aging. Sadly, “free” services that assist families regardless of their ability to pay are the exception, not the norm.

There are also a number of listing or directory services offering eldercare advice that are actually lead-generation services for senior care providers. Many lead-generation services gather information in the form of needs surveys or assessments and, in turn, convey these details to senior care providers who pay a fee for this information. Oftentimes, contact details and information are sent to several senior care providers, who then compete to be the first to make contact with the potential consumer. One overwhelmed caregiver who completed an online questionnaire at the Web site of a leading listing service received 16 telephone calls in a 30-minute time frame from a variety of eldercare service providers. Not only was she barraged by the calls, but also it happened at work since she included her work phone.

So, “buyers” beware! Be sure to read the fine print at these Web sites so you are prepared to deal with the cost of utilizing these so-called free services.
 
By Rita Files
Aging with Grace Blog