Senior Care Expertise

Your Google Reviews Strategy Is Costing You Move-Ins

Written by Mike Theodore | Apr 3, 2025 10:27:20 PM

For senior living communities, Google Reviews aren’t just a nice-to-have. They’re often the first impression your brand makes. Before a family ever schedules a tour, checks your website, or speaks to your team, they’re scanning those stars. And if your reviews are sparse, outdated, or inconsistent, you’re losing move-ins without even knowing it.

93% of consumers say online reviews influence their decisions. In healthcare and senior services, that number climbs even higher.

So why do so many senior living communities still treat their review strategy like an afterthought?

The Real Impact of Reviews on Move-Ins

Google Reviews are a trust shortcut. When a family is choosing between multiple communities, they’re not reading your brochure first — they’re comparing:

  • Star ratings
  • Volume of reviews
  • Recency of feedback
  • Tone and specifics of the experiences

A community with 15 glowing reviews from 6 years ago will often lose out to one with 3-4 star feedback that’s current, honest, and visible.

And it’s not just families.

  • Referral sources Google you before they refer
  • Job candidates look at reviews before applying
  • Local media consider public perception when covering providers
Where Most Communities Get It Wrong

1. They Don’t Ask Consistently

The number one reason communities don’t have strong reviews is simple: they don’t ask. Or they ask once, then forget.

Fix it: Build reviews into your move-in, move-out, and family update rhythms. Ask when people are most emotionally connected to their experience.

2. They Rely on Email or Flyers Alone

Printed requests or email links can work, but they’re passive. They get buried, tossed, or ignored.

Fix it: Use text messages or in-person asks with QR codes. Make the process instant and easy.

3. They Don’t Coach Their Champions

Your happy families and staff want to support you — but they don’t know what to say.

Fix it: Provide light guidance. Let them know what kind of feedback is helpful (e.g., “mention how the team supported your dad’s transition”).

4. They Don’t Respond

When you ignore reviews, it signals apathy. Worse: it makes negative reviews stand unchallenged.

Fix it: Respond to every review. Thank positive reviewers and acknowledge issues in a HIPAA-safe, professional way. Show that you care and that you're listening.

Build a Review System, Not a One-Off

Reviews aren’t a campaign. They’re a rhythm. Your community should have a simple, repeatable review system that:

  • Identifies when to ask (e.g., 1 week after move-in)
  • Assigns ownership (e.g., Sales Director or Community Relations)
  • Uses a standard request method (text, QR code, etc.)
  • Tracks and celebrates results

Communities that increase their reviews see improved occupancy rates, faster lead conversion, and stronger staff morale.

RaisedCare’s Take

We help senior living communities create review systems that reflect the real experiences of their residents and families. It’s not about gaming the system — it’s about letting your reputation shine through.

If your reviews don’t reflect the quality of care you deliver, you’re missing your most powerful marketing tool.

Let’s fix that.

Sources
  • BrightLocal. "Local Consumer Review Survey 2023."
  • Senior Housing News. "Why Reviews Matter More Than Ever for Senior Living Communities."