You've Been Searching
Long Enough. Let Me Help.
I'm Dakota Perry. I started Guiding Hands because I watched too many Arizona families navigate one of the hardest decisions of their lives completely alone — or handed off to an advisor who never even visited the homes they recommended.
That's not how I work. I visit every home personally, I listen before I recommend, and I stay with you through the entire process. And it's completely free for families.
- Free service — no cost to families, ever
- I personally visit every home I recommend
- I stay with you from first call through move-in

Dakota Perry
Founder & Senior Placement Advisor

There's a Difference Between
Placing Someone and Finding
the Right Place
Most placement services work the phones — they take your info, send a list, and collect a fee. I do it differently. I sit down with your family, I understand who your loved one is as a person, and I go find the environment where they'll actually thrive.
I know the communities across Scottsdale, Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Mesa, and Chandler personally. That local knowledge makes all the difference when you're trying to find the right fit — not just an available bed.
More About How I WorkHow We Help You Find the Right Care
From your first call to move-in day, we guide your family through every step — at no cost to you.
Tell Us About Your Loved One
Reach out by phone or complete our quick form. We'll ask about your loved one's care needs, medical situation, personality, preferences, and budget — everything that matters when choosing the right community.
We Research the Best Options
Using our knowledge of communities across the Phoenix Valley, we identify the options that best match your specific criteria — from care level and staffing ratios to location, amenities, and cost.
We Schedule & Join Your Tours
We arrange tours at the best-matched communities and can accompany you in person or help you prepare with the right questions to ask. We're with you every step of the way.
We Help You Make the Decision
Once you've toured and found the right fit, we help you navigate the move-in process, understand agreements, and ensure your loved one transitions smoothly and comfortably to their new home.
Senior Care Guidance Tailored to Your Loved One
Every family's situation is different. We offer free placement guidance for all senior care types across Arizona.
Assisted Living Placement
We help families find the right assisted living community when a loved one needs daily support with meals, medications, personal care, or activities — while maintaining their independence and dignity.
- Personalized community matching
- All budgets and care levels
- Scottsdale, Phoenix & Valley-wide
Memory Care Placement
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia brings unique challenges. We specialize in finding memory care communities with the secure environments, trained staff, and compassionate culture your family needs.
- Dementia & Alzheimer's care specialists
- Secured memory care communities
- Expert guidance through a difficult transition
Independent Living Options
Not every senior needs significant care support. If your loved one is active and independent but ready to simplify their lifestyle, we can help explore independent living or active adult communities.
- Active senior communities
- Maintenance-free living options
- Social and recreational amenities
Were you referred to us by a partner or provider?
Complete your intake forms, service agreement, and HIPAA consent online — takes about 10 minutes.
Serving Families Across the Greater Phoenix Valley
We have deep local knowledge of senior communities throughout the Valley — from Scottsdale to Chandler and everywhere in between.
Scottsdale, AZ
Senior Placement ScottsdaleFrom Old Town to North Scottsdale, we know the finest assisted living and memory care communities along the 101 and beyond.
View Scottsdale OptionsPhoenix, AZ
Senior Placement PhoenixHelping Phoenix families navigate an extensive range of assisted living and memory care options across the city's many neighborhoods.
View Phoenix OptionsParadise Valley, AZ
Senior Placement Paradise ValleyWe work with premium communities in Paradise Valley offering exceptional care, amenities, and the beautiful Arizona lifestyle.
View Paradise Valley OptionsMesa, AZ
Senior Placement MesaMesa offers a wide range of senior living options at various price points. We help Mesa families find the right fit quickly.
View Mesa OptionsChandler, AZ
Senior Placement ChandlerGrowing and family-friendly, Chandler has excellent senior care options. Let us help you find the right community for your loved one.
View Chandler OptionsGlendale, AZ
Senior Placement GlendaleWe also serve Glendale and surrounding West Valley communities. Contact us to discuss options in your area.
View Glendale OptionsNot Sure Where to Start?
That's Exactly Why I'm Here.
Most families I talk to have the same feeling — they know something needs to change, but they don't know where to even begin. That's okay. I'll ask the right questions and walk you through everything, step by step.
- I'll listen before I ever make a recommendation
- I explain your options in plain English
- I find places that fit your loved one — not just your budget
- I stay involved through every step, including move-in
Tell Me About Your Loved One
I'll personally reach out within a few hours during business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions from families navigating the search for senior care.
Our service is completely free for families. We are compensated by the senior communities we work with, which means you receive personalized, expert guidance at no cost to you. There are no hidden fees or obligations.
We primarily serve the greater Phoenix Valley, including Scottsdale, Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Mesa, Chandler, and Glendale. If your loved one lives in a surrounding area, please contact us and we will do our best to help.
Assisted living provides support with daily activities like meals, bathing, and medication management while residents maintain a level of independence. Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living specifically designed for individuals with Alzheimer's, dementia, or other cognitive impairments. Memory care communities offer secured environments, specially trained staff, and tailored programming.
In many cases, we can help families schedule tours within 24–48 hours of initial contact. We understand that many families are dealing with urgent situations, and we work quickly to find appropriate options while making sure the fit is right for your loved one's specific needs.
No. Our goal is to find the right fit for your loved one — not to fill a bed at a particular community. We work with a wide range of communities across all price points and care levels, and our recommendations are always based on your loved one's needs, your family's preferences, and your budget.
That's exactly why we're here. Many families come to us unsure of what options exist or which type of care is appropriate. We'll walk you through everything — asking the right questions about your loved one's care needs, medical situation, budget, and preferences — and help you understand the differences between care types before making any decisions.
You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone.
One conversation is all it takes to get clarity. My guidance is completely free for families — and I've helped over 200 Arizona families find a place that felt right.