For updated COVID-19 precautions and FAQs, please click here for more information.
September 2, 2024
.png)
Featuring Christine Grmolyes of Senior Care Solutions, in conversation with Heather Chubb, Attorney at Law
When a loved one receives a diagnosis like dementia or begins to need more care, families are often overwhelmed. One of the most confusing parts? Figuring out the right place for them to live safely and comfortably.
In a recent video interview, elder law attorney Heather Chubb sat down with Christine Grmolyes, a certified geriatric care manager and co-founder of Senior Care Solutions, to discuss how families can confidently choose a senior placement agent.
Heather Chubb: “One of the big issues we run into with clients is trying to find the right care setting. That’s why I invited Christine on—to help demystify the process.”
Christine Grmolyes: “A placement agent helps you navigate and determine the best care options—and of those, which ones best suit your needs. A good agent will guide and support you not only through the placement but beyond that if challenges arise.”
Christine explained that many families are unfamiliar with placement agents until they’re in the middle of a crisis. The goal is to avoid getting to that point in the first place.
Christine: “Local is key. We know the facilities, we meet with families face-to-face, and we support them all the way through.”
Here are a few questions she recommends asking when choosing an agency:
Christine: “With over 500 licensed assisted living and board-and-care homes in Sacramento County alone, one person can’t possibly know them all. That’s why our agency uses a team approach.”
Christine: “Every client is different. Some start with a phone call, others we meet in-person to assess care needs. We guide them through every step—from understanding care options, getting physician reports, to scheduling tours and coordinating the move.”
She also emphasized that her agency follows up after placement.
“There’s no such thing as a perfect scenario,” Christine shared, “but we’re here for the bumps along the way, too.”
Heather: “I think it's important families know what to look for. What kind of credentials or background should a placement agent have?”
Christine: “Experience in the senior care world is vital. Our team includes geriatric care managers, social workers, and nurses. I’ve been in the field for over 25 years.”
She also noted that Senior Care Solutions gives back—offering monthly education events, participating in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s advocacy, and maintaining high ethical standards.
Christine: “The biggest challenge is cost. Around-the-clock in-home care can be $30,000 a month or more. At a certain point—usually around 4 to 6 hours of daily care—it makes more sense to consider assisted living or board-and-care homes.”
Heather: “Families often come in with a checklist of 10 non-negotiables and a tight budget. That might not always be realistic.”
Christine: “That’s why we help families set priorities: What matters most—location, amenities, cost? And when it comes time to place a loved one, be prepared to shift as needs change.”
Christine: “Start planning early. One of my past clients said it best: ‘I don’t know what I don’t know—I just know this is going to be a journey.’ That’s what we’re here for—to walk the journey with you.”
🎥 Watch the Full Interview
You can catch the entire video interview with Christine Grmolyes on our YouTube channel, where we go even deeper into what makes a placement agency trustworthy, effective, and compassionate.
Need Help Navigating the Elder Care Journey?
At Chubb Law Firm PC, we don’t just handle legal documents—we walk with families through life’s most difficult transitions. If you’re beginning to think about care options for yourself or a loved one, contact us today at 916-241-9661 to schedule a Discovery Meeting.
Associations
.jpg)
