A Brief Guide to Starting a Group Home For the Elderly

Elderly group homes, often known as elderly foster care homes, are becoming more common. Learning how to build a small group senior foster home will grow increasingly important as the “baby boom” generation ages. People require varied degrees of assistance as they age. An elderly foster care facility responds to those unique requirements while providing the elderly person as much independence as possible.
Many states require the facility to have a live-in manager. Also, keep in mind that certain states will limit the amount you can charge and the number of residents you can have.
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Degree of Care

You can provide services to the elderly who do not require continuous medical attention. If you accept people who require 24-hour medical care, you will need to engage professional medical assistants or a practical nurse to be on duty at all times. Even daily medications must be provided by a professional medical assistant, unless the senior residents are capable of managing their own prescriptions.

Undertake Market Research

Investigate the need of your local area for an elderly foster care home to be established. You can start by contacting local nursing homes. Get their lists of residents that are not being cared for by family and see if they would recommend any of their residents to your facility.
In addition, the elderly are often part of community groups that can be very helpful in finding residents for your facility. These groups often include people who have no family members to care for them and they are grateful to be given a place to live.

Research Your State’s Requirements

You’ll also need to research any state regulations on the establishment of an elderly foster care home. This can be accomplished by contacting your county’s department of public welfare.
Make a written business plan for your new business. Include all expenses, fees, potential market for services and the address of the building you would use for the facility. Talk over your business plan with your state agency to see if it meets the current regulations.

Get Quotes For Insurance

You will need to have liability insurance for your business. Check with your insurance agent for the best coverage for your needs. Be sure to check on the costs of the premiums.

Assemble Your Personnel

Next, assemble a team of highly trained and dedicated staff. This team will include the administrator, medical aid, maintenance person, and cooks.
The administrator will oversee the residents, make sure all residents are cared for, and maintain records and do the payroll. The medical aid will also be available 24 hours a day for all residents requiring around-the-clock medical attention. The maintenance person and cooks are necessary to keep the facility clean and prepare meals.

Residents’ Contracts

This form would specify the type of care to be offered. Before the resident or a family member may be approved, this contract must be signed. Have it drawn out by an attorney who is knowledgeable with such contracts. This ensures that all conditions are legally binding and that you, the owner, and the resident are protected.

Promoting Your Business

After you have opened your facility, you will need to promote it. Contact local newspapers and radio stations. Offer tours of your facility to local businesses, churches, and other community organizations. Offer meals for residents, their families and community groups.

Conclusion

Establishing an elderly foster care home can be a profitable business venture. Make sure you research your state laws and any regulations they may have. Get as much advice as you can from the social workers in your local area. Investigate the need in your area for your services.
Group Home Riches helps people make a difference in people’s lives while achieving their financial goals simultaneously. Whether you want to start a group home business or build your own halfway house, we give you the training resources and skills you need to do it. Help others and be financially rewarded by enrolling in our Gold course today!
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