Picture this: a sweet lady, one of my dear clients, called me in a complete tizzy last week. Her phone and email were overwhelmed with messages from senior living communities she had no interest in. Rightfully, she was frustrated and initially thought I had inadvertently shared her contact information with these communities. Fortunately, after clarifying, we discovered the true culprit: a classic case of accidental online misdirection.

My client had been researching a senior living option—a community I'd intentionally excluded from my recommended list because it wasn't suitable for her loved one's needs. When she Googled this community, she ended up on a national senior referral website instead. These platforms cleverly advertise above the intended search result using paid ads and search engine optimization, resulting in confusion and unwanted solicitation.

This experience isn't unique to her. Many of us have encountered similar frustrations while searching for hotels, products, or services online. Big companies pay for prominent website placement, making it easy to click on a seemingly relevant site that ultimately leads somewhere else entirely.

Chapters:

1. 0:00 A Stressful Situation Unfolds
2. 01:12 Click with Caution: A Cautionary Tale
3. 02:54 The Google Mishap
4. 06:20 Tips for Safer Searching
5. 10:08 Conclusion and Contact Information

So, how can we avoid these frustrating mishaps in the future, especially when dealing with something as important as senior living? Here are four tips to help you "click with caution":

1. Scrutinize the URL: Always double-check the web address before entering personal information. Ensure the domain includes the name of the community or service you're actually seeking. On your browser, this will appear at the top bar—it's usually gray on my computer.
2. Make a Call Instead of Clicking: When in doubt, call the community directly. Beware of toll-free numbers like 888; these often belong to national services, not local communities.
3. Be Wary About Sharing Personal Information: If a website prompts you to enter your details immediately, pause and confirm you're on the right site. Verify that the URL corresponds to what you expect, for instance, ensuring you're not on a hotel aggregation site when seeking a specific hotel.
4. Work with a Trusted Professional: Having a knowledgeable guide, like me, can ensure your information is shared only with relevant places. We vet communities and tailor our recommendations to your needs—plus, we offer valuable insights, like how a garden could enhance your mom's living experience.

Remember, the online world is a fantastic resource, but it's vital to navigate it carefully. When feeling overwhelmed or unsure, seek guidance from someone you trust. And if you're in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, my team and I are here to help you through this process with confidence and peace of mind.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Get my new book, 'Surrounded by Love: One's Family Journey Through Stroke Recovery': https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/book

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