What is a Certified senior advisor?

Tyice Strahl (CSA, CHW)

 
Sometimes it can be helpful having a professional available to help with an aging relative. A Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) is usually a professional who has worked in the senior living industry for many years. Families hire a CSA to evaluate and assess a senior’s needs and to coordinate care through community resources. The cost of an initial evaluation varies and may be expensive but depending on your family circumstances a CSA may offer a useful service.

The Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) is the leading certification for professionals serving older adults, and is a designation awarded only to qualified individuals. Earning the CSA certification requires individuals to pass a rigorous exam and to uphold the highest ethical standards for the benefit and protection of the health and welfare of seniors. CSAs are multidisciplinary professionals who have demonstrated advanced knowledge in the multiple processes of aging.

A CSA is there to help you and your family to identify needs and find ways to meet your needs. These professionals can also help by leading family discussions about sensitive subjects. If you are seeking the advice of any senior advisor, you probably have a lot of questions however there is one question you should always ask first; Are you a fiduciary?
 
A fiduciary is a person or organization that acts on behalf of another person. While often associated with finance there are several other roles that a fiduciary may fulfill. Money managers, financial advisors, trustees, accountants, executors, board members, corporate officers and Certified Senior Advisors (CSA) all have fiduciary responsibility. Acting in a fiduciary capacity requires that the person put the needs of their client ahead of all other considerations. This is the highest legal duty of one person to another, being a fiduciary requires being bound ethically to act in the other's best interests.
When interviewing a CSA you might want to ask:

• How long have you been providing professional services?
• Are you available for emergencies around the clock?
• What are your fees?
• Are you a fiduciary?

 
Making critical decisions for yourself or a loved one can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to discuss your preferences in advance. A CSA will be able to assist with planning for your Legal, Medical, Financial and Personal needs, giving a person peace of mind. If you or a loved one are in need of assistance you can contact me here.