Not unlike online dating matching services, Chicago-based Referah launched Tuesday with an online referral service that works to match operators with older adults seeking to move into senior living communities.

President and CEO Lesley Durkan, who has worked in public and private senior living organizations in positions from community operator to senior vice president, said in a statement that the company aims to serve both providers and potential senior living residents “with a far higher degree of efficiency, compatibility and ease-of-use than what’s currently in the market.”

Prospects seeking information on senior living communities incur no charges for the services, according to Referah. The online marketplace is funded by investors from within the senior living industry.

The idea behind the service is to help older adults and their families navigate the search for senior living by matching up their social interests, health, finances and other factors with the prospective options.

People inquiring about senior living will be able to have a live conversation with a Referah family connection agent. During that discussion, the agent will gather data on the older adult’s social interests, health, finances, geographic location, special needs and services. Then Referah will match that person with the senior living communities deemed to best fit the individual.

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