Choosing the right retirement community can be overwhelming owing to the options available. Online review sites can offer information that can make it easier to find a top retirement community in Martin County, FL. The sites offer easy searching, support and a personalized approach from the comfort of your home. They claim to provide objective information and opinions from people who have lived in or toured the communities. But, can you trust online reviews?
How Review Sites Work
If you are looking for a retirement community for yourself or your loved one, online reviews are a good place to start your search. You can get recommendations that can help to narrow your search. However, your search should not end with the reviews. Getting all your information from the sites can leave you with an incomplete and skewed picture. You need to know that some companies offer incentives for references and pay for listings.
Review Sites and Vested Interests
Experts in the industry suggest that some online sites make thousands of dollars from the referrals they make. If you choose a community through the review site, they often receive a commission. Certain retirement communities are willing to pay to attract residents. Selecting one of these communities may mean that your loved one will end up in a place where they are not happy. The best retirement community should be a good cultural fit for the resident.
Google Search Listings
When performing an online search, the information you are likely to get is determined largely by Google’s algorithm. The nationwide sites that appear at the top of the search listings are not necessarily the best, but rather those that receive huge traffic. The information is not always the most reliable or valuable, but that with most visibility through getting the most clicks. This means your online research is limited to particular communities and may not be inclusive.
Limited Online Information
Many online reviews do not offer all the positive or negative reviews. Some review sites exclude communities that do not pay. It means that you get limited information and may end up choosing a retirement community that is not a good fit. The sites are a good place to start, but your search should not end there. They can help to narrow your choices, but you need to broaden your search. Contact the retirement community directly and plan to visit in person before making the final choice. The sites often omit vital details such as pricing and other information.
Protect Your Contact Information
Providing your contact information online, or working with an online advisor can mean that you receive frequent calls from the service. You will get calls from retirement communities they work with. You are more likely to get reliable information when you talk to people directly than when using online sites. You can learn more about fees, and other variables such as the size of the space and level of care.
While online reviews are helpful, they are not adequate when selecting a top retirement community in Martin County, FL. Online reviews cannot tell you about the overall type of care your loved one will receive.
