When valley families are looking for the right senior living arrangement, Lauren Miller is a go-to expert. A mother of three sons and new grandmother, Lauren, has called Gilbert home for 25 years. "I love everything Gilbert has to offer, the hometown feel, the parks, events, and the great downtown," she says.
Even when Lauren was younger, she was drawn to helping others, exploring careers in teaching, nursing, and social work. She eventually trained as a physical therapist assistant, blending all her paths into a career spanning nearly three decades. “I’ve worked in hospitals, rehab facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health,” she says. “Those hundreds of home health visits taught me about long-term care options and the differences in quality between them.”
Lauren's patience and listening skills are some of her best traits, and she has become invaluable in the valley for senior placement. "I can get a sense of a family’s needs very quickly and come up with a plan of action," she explains. "This is useful when a client needs to move within a day or two.".
In 2015 Lauren started Sonoran Senior Placement, providing personal hands-on support to seniors and their families seeking long-term living options. “Our goal is to help families locate communities based on their specific medical, social, financial, and logistical needs,” Lauren explains. “Our service is free to clients, as we’re usually compensated by those senior communities with a finder’s fee.”
Lauren's knowledge of the discharge planning process in hospitals grew out of her background as a physical therapist assistant. She often worked with patients whose families realized they could no longer go home safely. "Prior to discharge, therapy teams recommend a safe plan, and a referral agent walks the family through next steps," she says. "Hearing that a loved one cannot return home is typically upsetting news. I assured families there were plenty of great options, even in small home environments."
Lauren's business mentor introduced her to the senior placement industry, and after she had earned her certification as a Senior Advisor, a Dementia Practitioner, and a Placement and Referral Specialist, she opened Sonoran Senior Placement. "It was the best decision," she says. "I love being a business owner while helping others."
For the uninformed, Lauren defines senior placement as having an advocate who can condense a complex and stressful process. "We narrow down choices to find the best fit," she says. "I love visiting clients after they've moved into an active community and hearing, 'I wish I'd done it sooner.'"
Senior living is at times opted for by families wanting to simplify life. "Many seniors downsize and enjoy communities that help them by eliminating yard work, cooking, and household chores while keeping them engaged socially," Lauren explains. Other times it’s needed when cognitive or physical decline happens, and they may need hands-on care or oversight. Such as after hospital stays, falls, or medical issues.
Lauren emphasizes the assistance that her agency provides during difficult transitions. "We take you step by step," she says. "Sometimes placement comes after a crisis. With our help, family members have time to nurture while we sort out alternatives. In Gilbert, there are nearly 200 residential assisted living homes, the majority of which don't have websites. Searching on their own, families may end up seeing only a small part of what is available.".
Her services also eschew multiple moves and unite families with trusted professionals. "I collaborate with home health providers, hospice, estate planning attorneys, transportation companies, senior movers, support groups, Medicaid specialists, and medical equipment companies," Lauren says. "This makes the move seamless in every way."
Lauren serves on the board of the Professional Association of Senior Referral Specialists (PASRS), pushing for high standards in senior care. She credits her overall success to careful listening and caring for others.
“I’m blessed to serve families across the valley and guide them through this next chapter,” she shares. “Every client has unique needs, and helping them navigate this transition is both an honor and a privilege.”
“I’m blessed to serve families across the valley and guide them through this next chapter.”