---
title: "How Free Senior Living Referral Services Work"
description: "How free senior living referral services work: who pays them, what they do and don't do, questions to ask, and how to still decide for yourself."
url: https://seniortransitionassistance.com/for-families/how-free-referral-services-work/
updated: 2026-10-09
site: Senior Transition Assistance
---

About us

# How free senior living referral services work

Many families wonder how a service can be free. The short answer: the providers pay. Here's how that works, including how it works with us, so you can use any referral service wisely.

Talk it through with a person[  (800) 614-8388 ](tel:+18006148388)

Free. We listen, explain your options, and introduce you to a few that fit. You decide.

Quick answer

Free senior living referral services are paid by the communities and providers they refer families to, usually a fee when a family moves in or starts service. Families aren't charged. A good referral service listens, suggests options that fit your needs and budget, and helps you compare, but you should still tour, check inspection records and decide for yourself. Senior Transition Assistance works this way: partners pay us a referral fee when they serve a family we introduce, and you're never charged. [(800) 614-8388](tel:+18006148388).

**Last updated October 9, 2026** Costs are published medians or typical ranges with a named source, never quotes. Every community and agency prices differently.

**On this page**

1. [ Who pays](#g-who-pays)
2. [What a referral service does](#g-what-a-referral-service-does)
3. [What it doesn't do](#g-what-it-doesn-t-do)
4. [Questions to ask any referral service](#g-questions-to-ask-any-referral-service)
5. [Use it wisely](#g-use-it-wisely)
6. [Questions](#g-faq)

## Who pays

- Communities, agencies and other providers pay the referral service, usually after a family moves in or starts service.
- The family isn't charged for the referral.
- Because they're paid by providers, referral services usually suggest providers they work with. Ask which ones.

## What a referral service does

- Listens to your needs, budget and location.
- Suggests options that may fit.
- Helps arrange tours and answers questions.
- Shares what they know about pricing and availability.

## What it doesn't do

- Provide care itself.
- Make the decision for you.
- Replace checking licenses and inspection records.

## Questions to ask any referral service

1. How are you paid, and by whom?
2. Do you only suggest providers you have agreements with?
3. Will you share my information with providers? Which ones, and when?
4. Can I talk to providers directly without going through you?

## Use it wisely

- Tour more than one place.
- Check records: KDADS in Kansas, Show Me Long Term Care in Missouri, Medicare Care Compare for nursing homes.
- Read contracts carefully.
- It's fine to say no, or to look at places on your own too.

### Want a second pair of hands?

We'll listen, suggest options that fit and help you compare. You decide. Free.

[  (800) 614-8388 ](tel:+18006148388)[Have us call you](#g-form)

## Questions families ask

### Are senior living referral services really free?

Yes, for families. Providers pay the referral service.

### Why would a free service help me?

They're paid by providers when families they introduce move in or start service.

### Do I have to use the places they suggest?

No. You can look at any option and decide for yourself.

### How do you get paid?

Partners pay us a referral fee when they serve a family we introduce. You're never charged.

## Sources

- [KDADS Facilities Directory](https://webapps.kdads.ks.gov/prod/f?p=113:901)
- [Missouri DHSS: Show Me Long Term Care (inspection results)](https://healthapps.dhss.mo.gov/showmeltc/default.aspx)
- [Medicare.gov Care Compare (nursing homes, home health agencies, hospice)](https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/)

## Related guides

- [About us](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/about/)
- [How to choose](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/assisted-living/how-to-choose/)
- [How to choose](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/memory-care/how-to-choose/)
- [Area Agency on Aging](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/for-families/area-agency-on-aging/)

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