Navigating senior living and transitions is never easy for families. That’s where Senior Resource Specialists comes in. It’s easy to see why they’ve earned the recognition of both their peers and the community. This family-owned business was recently named one of Mount Pleasant’s Best Senior Advocates and also recognized as one of the Best Employers.
But for owners Joshua and Anne Marie Long, along with their team, the real reward isn’t in awards, it’s in the families they help. “We love what we do,” Joshua said. “It’s wonderful to be recognized, but the real joy is seeing families feel confident, supported and at peace. When, after talking with us, they tell friends and neighbors about SRS, that’s what makes us proud.”
The story of Senior Resource Specialists began humbly. As a young married couple, the Longs noticed a need in the Charleston community. People were struggling to help aging citizens transition into senior living because information was scattered and overwhelming. They decided to step in and guide families through the process by offering not just knowledge, but empathy and reassurance. Word spread quickly. Families recommended their services to neighbors, friends and other senior care professionals, drawn to their mission, joined the team.
From the start, they were committed to a guiding ideal: families would never pay a dime for their services. They make their living by referring clients to community resources but pride themselves on unbiased advice. Many families receive guidance pro bono because Joshua and Anne Marie will always do what’s best for the client first. Joshua often recalls a Cub Scout rule: “Whenever we stayed at a campsite, we had to leave it a little better than we found it. That’s how we approach every family. Even if a situation arises that is outside of our wheelhouse, we will always exhaust every resource to leave a family better than when they came to us.”
Senior Resource Specialists are deeply rooted in the community. Working closely with hospitals, local nonprofits and other professionals is key in ensuring they understand not only the senior living options but also the families they serve. They know the Charleston area, its care landscape and its families – inside and out. Unlike call center-based organizations, their boots-on-the-ground approach and personal relationships set them apart. The group is raising the standard in the industry and locally by sharing their expertise and expanding their network nationwide.
Every day, they help families that may be experiencing emotional turmoil make confident choices. The team listens carefully to each family’s needs, preferences and budget, and then narrows down options so they can walk into a tour with clarity and confidence. There are well over 100 community and caregiving options in the Lowcountry alone. It’s not just about finding a place to live; it’s a personal journey that gives peace of mind, dignity and a sense of security to both seniors and their children.
The community has voted Senior Resource Specialists as Best of Mount Pleasant for four years in a row. That recognition reflects what they’ve always known. This work isn’t just a business, it’s a mission. Local families helping local families is the heart of what they do. It turns what can be a stressful, confusing process into one grounded in care, compassion and respect. And in doing so they’re making a real difference, one family at a time.
For more information, visit srspecialists.com.
By Cari Lawson
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