EP 87 - Leadership, Legacy & the Future of Senior Placement With Anita Varelas

Simplify Senior Transitions Podcast

🎙️ When a family calls in tears, unsure how to help their aging parent transition safely — who do they turn to?
For many families across the Bay Area, that person has been Anita Varelas, Founder and CEO of Neighborly Senior Placement.
In this episode, we’re going beyond the basics of what senior placement advisors do. Anita joins me to share her incredible 22-year journey in senior living — from starting as a part-time dining room server at age 15 to leading one of Northern California’s most respected senior placement teams.
We talk about:
✅ How the senior placement industry is evolving and why regulation matters
✅ The values and ethics that set Neighborly Senior Placement apart
✅ How collaboration between realtors and placement advisors better serves families
✅ What “leadership” and “legacy” truly mean in senior care
✅ The importance of proactive planning — before a crisis hits
Anita’s story is one of heart, purpose, and integrity — and she’s raising the standard for how families and professionals navigate one of life’s hardest transitions.
💬 About Anita Varelas
Anita Varelas’s journey in senior living began at just 15 years old, working as a part-time server at an assisted living community. That early exposure sparked a lifelong passion that led her through operational and sales roles — ultimately becoming a Sales Director, Regional Sales Director, and now, CEO & Founder of Neighborly Senior Placement.
With over 22 years in the industry, Anita has served in senior living leadership roles across California, Oklahoma, and Texas. She holds her RCFE license and certifications in gerontology and dementia care, and has personally guided multiple family members through their own senior living transitions — experiences that fuel her compassionate, knowledgeable approach.
Anita is also the President of the National Placement & Referral Alliance (NPRA) — Bay Area Chapter, and Event Chair for the San Mateo Senior Round Table, where she continues her mission to advocate for ethics, education, and collaboration across the senior care industry.
💡 Her philosophy is simple:
“Lead with integrity, serve with empathy, and always do what’s right for the family.”

📄 Show notes: https://simplifyseniortransitions.com/building-a-legacy-of-care-insider-tips-for-senior-transitions-in-the-bay-area

🤝 Connect with Anita Varelas
📞 C: 510.301.7099
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.NeighborlySeniorPlacement.com
📸 Instagram: @neighborlyseniorplacement
📘 Facebook: Neighborly Senior Placement
▶️ YouTube: Neighborly Senior Placement
🔗 LinkedIn: Neighborly Senior Placement
💼 Connect with Dale Corpus
📞 Schedule a FREE consultation and learn more about my services at: www.simplifyseniortransitions.com
📲 Have a quick question? DM me on Instagram: @soldbydale
🎧 Listen to all podcast episodes at: www.simplifyseniortransitions.com/podcast
⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it helps more families discover the show.
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