Senior living guidance from a real senior living expert

Summer Patel, Occupational Therapist, sitting at her desk in her home office.

I'm Summer Patel, MS, OTR/L, and I've spent more than 24 years as an occupational therapist working with seniors across home health, assisted living, memory care, and rehabilitation.

Through Safe Haven, I help families navigate senior living decisions from home modifications to community living.

If you suspect a loved one is not thriving as much as they could be, schedule a free discovery call. Many clients learn of resources they didn't know are available with the benefit of my experience and resources.

Schedule a Free Discovery Call

Need help right away? Call me directly at 704-352-3587.

A licensed and registered Occupational Therapist on your side · Over 40 Charlotte-area communities seen from the inside · Free for most families

Where are you right now?

Families rarely start this journey on a calm day. Pick the card that sounds like your week and start there.

The hospital says discharge is coming

When you have days, not months, call me first. This is the situation I handle most often.

Mom or Dad is not safe living alone

The signs you are seeing, what they mean, and what to do first.

A fall changed everything

Why a second fall matters and how to lower the risk of the next one.

Memory changes or a new dementia diagnosis

How to tell whether assisted living or memory care fits, and what sundowning means.

They will not accept help

What works when a loved one says no, and how to build consensus on next steps.

We're planning ahead

Comparing continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs)? I offer a flat-fee planning service.

Not sure where you fit? Describe your situation and get personalized next steps

What working with me feels like

Summer Patel on the phone at her desk, checking in with a family.

Knowing the community you chose can actually meet your loved one's needs.
Walking into every tour with someone who knows what to look for.
Your family on the same page, with no pressure.
Someone to call if week two doesn't feel like the tour.

Summer Patel, Occupational Therapist, guiding an older woman using a walker at home.

Meet Summer, your Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist. Advocate. Your guide on every tour.

I look beyond the brochure at what matters day to day: bathroom safety, mobility, medication routines, staffing and how residents actually spend their time. That's the lens I bring to every community I recommend.

How it works: 3 simple steps

Finding a community is easy. Finding the right fit is hard. Here's how we do it together.

Step 01

Tour Together

We start with a free discovery call. I build a short list from rate sheets and what I've seen inside each community. Then I tour with you, asking the questions you don't need to worry about forgetting.

Learn more

Step 02

You Decide

I don't choose for you. I help you make a better-informed choice, drawing on my experience alongside other families making this same decision.

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Step 03

Move-in

I stay with you through the move and the first weeks after, and I check in regularly. If week two doesn't feel like the tour, you can call me.

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See the full CareFit Method

Schedule a Free Discovery Call

What Charlotte families say

“I couldn't have made it through this very stressful emotional journey without Summer. She was patient, knowledgeable and understanding during this difficult time finding the perfect place for mom.”

Annagret W.

Read all family reviews

Ready to talk it through?

Thirty minutes with me and you'll know what level of care makes sense and what the next step looks like. Free for most families, no pressure.

Schedule a Free Discovery Call

Need help right away? Call me directly at 704-352-3587.

How our service is free