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Good communication skills are necessary for any career field. However, California RCFE Administrators must employ these skills at a high level to provide quality care. Resident care administrators interact with many different people every day, each of which may factor into daily operations. These people include residents, families of residents, staff, supervising agents, and members of the community.

In this article, we will discuss why communication is so crucial in RCFEs and provide actionable tips for communicating with residents, their families, and staff members.

What Role Does Communication Play in RCFEs?

As you might imagine, communication is exceedingly important in a healthcare setting. Effective communication is ultimately the catalyst that ensures the smooth operation of your RCFE. 

Communication is effective when a message is received, understood as intended, and shared at the appropriate time. Effective communication is a skill that both administrators and staff members should possess to provide the best care.

Quality communication ensures quality of care in several different ways:

1. Enhances resident care – Effective communication helps ensure that residents receive the care and attention they need. By listening to residents and their families, staff and administrators can better understand their needs and preferences, which can then be incorporated into individual care plans.
2. Builds trust – Open and honest communication builds trust between residents, their families, and RCFE staff members. Trust is essential to creating a positive environment where residents feel comfortable and safe.
3. Improves resident satisfaction – When residents feel that their voices are heard, and their needs are being met, they are more likely to feel satisfied with their living arrangements. This, in turn, can lead to improved mental and physical health outcomes.
4. Increases family involvement – Clear communication with family members can help keep them informed about their loved one’s care and increase their involvement in decision-making processes. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety for family members and improve overall satisfaction.

A fundamental goal of all California RCFE administrators should be clear and effective communication. Communication plays a vital role in ensuring that residents feel heard and valued and that their needs are being met with. Furthermore, clear and open communication with staff members can help promote a positive work environment and improve overall job satisfaction.

Implementing Effective Communication

So, how does an administrator employ these skills? An effective administrator will determine the atmosphere and mood of their facility simply by the way they carry themselves and go about their daily duties. 

Although effective communication can manifest itself in many ways and may look different in various situations, an effective administrator will approach day-to-day tasks with genuineness and the betterment of staff and residents in mind.

Here are some tips on how to effectively communicate with residents and their families:

1. Be available – Make yourself available to residents and their families. This can mean spending time with residents during mealtimes, participating in activities with them, or simply being available to talk and listen to their concerns.
2. Listen – Good communication requires one to listen well. Take the time to listen to residents and their families. Ask open-ended questions, show empathy, and take their concerns seriously.
3. Use clear language – Use clear, jargon-free language when communicating with residents and their families. Avoid using acronyms or technical terms that may be confusing. Some even recommend straying from using the term “facility” when discussing provided care.
4. Communicate regularly – Regularly communicate with residents and their families to keep them informed about changes in care plans, schedules, or policies. This can be done through regular meetings, newsletters, or email updates.
5. Be transparent – Be open and transparent with residents and their families. This can help to build trust and reduce anxiety about care decisions.

Being honest and transparent with your residents and their family is vital. However, sometimes honesty isn’t well received and must be conveyed gently. Administrators need to understand how to deliver an honest message delicately and concisely for the benefit of residents and families.

Communication and Staff

Good communication goes a long way with RCFE residents and is crucial for managing and interacting with staff members. Effective communication between coworkers is critical in any line of work and necessary to maintain a healthy work environment. 

In a rapidly expanding field, administrators and staff must work and communicate effectively to cater to the ever-changing needs of the senior population. Staying current with your assisted living courses will help you stay current with changing trends in this field.

Here are several reasons why communication between administrators and staff is important:

1. Providing training – Provide staff members with training on effective communication and RCFE management techniques.  Administrators cannot be in the facility at all times. Staff may need to communicate effectively with emergency personnel and families. This can include RCFE recertification classes, staff training, and other courses about assisted living. 
2. Encouraging open communication – Encourage staff members to communicate openly and honestly with each other. Open communication can help promote a positive work environment and improve overall job satisfaction.
3. Setting clear expectations – Set clear expectations for communication between staff members. These expectations can include regular team meetings, daily check-ins, or other forms of communication.
4. Providing feedback – Provide regular feedback to staff members on their communication skills. This can help to identify areas for improvement and encourage continued growth.
5. Leading by example – As the administrator, model effective communication techniques for staff members. Such techniques can include active listening, clear and concise language, and empathy.
6. Managing conflicts – Effective communication can help to prevent conflicts and misunderstandings between staff members. By encouraging open and honest communication, administrators can create an environment where staff members feel comfortable discussing issues and resolving conflicts in a constructive manner.
7. Maintaining safety and security – Clear and consistent communication is essential for maintaining safety and security in an RCFE. Administrators must communicate safety and emergency procedures, and any changes in policies or regulations to ensure the facility remains safe and secure for residents and staff.

The facility administrator can only be in so many places at once, so the importance of good communication must also be acknowledged and embodied by staff. Facility staff are the ones directly administering care to residents. 

Effective communication between RCFE administrators and staff is an essential component of facility culture. Residents will receive the best possible care when staff understand the expectations set forth by the administrator. A positive work environment and promoting safety and security within the facility is a result of effective communication.

Empathy is also very important when communicating with residents, staff, and others who may be frequenting the premises. Administrators must be able to put themselves in another’s shoes to understand situations from a different perspective. 

When dealing with an unhappy resident, staff member, or a worried family member, empathy will help you mediate the situation with kindness and compassion. Following these guidelines are part of what makes a good RCFE administrator. 

To stay on top of training requirements to ensure your effectiveness as an administrator, see the continuing education RCFE schedule.

Communication and your RCFE

Effective and efficient communication is critical to the success of any RCFE.   Prioritizing communication with residents, their families, and staff members, administrators can create a positive and supportive environment that promotes high-quality care and job satisfaction. 

Remember to be available, listen, use clear language, communicate regularly, be transparent, provide training, encourage open communication, set clear expectations, provide feedback, and lead by example.

Who is Assisted Living Education? 

If you’re interested in how to  start an assisted living facility or offering RCFE staff training to your employees, Assisted Living Education is here to assist you. As a certified vendor in California, we provide a range of state-approved learning opportunities and guidance to help you fulfill your objectives for California’s assisted living administrator certification. Reach out to us today to discover how we can support you in reaching your goals.

As the world slowly recovers from the pandemic, many industries, including residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFEs), have had to adapt to new protocols and guidelines to ensure the safety of their residents and staff. Assisted living administrators are the first line of defense in ensuring protective protocols are applied to RCFE facilities.

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, RCFE residents have been heavily impacted by the virus. In Los Angeles County, for example, almost four times as many RCFE residents have tested positive compared to RCFE staff.

The elderly are especially vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus. The nature of facilities with large numbers of individuals living close to each other contributes to the vulnerability of residents. 

Compared to staff, this high ratio of infected residents highlights residents’ vulnerability within the RCFE ecosystem. Staying on top of post-pandemic protocols will help you keep your RCFE as safe as possible.

In California, the Department of Social Services (DSS) has released updated guidelines and protocols for RCFEs in response to the pandemic. 

Ensuring your RCFE remains up to date on the latest protocols will help you protect your clients and your staff, as well as keep your RCFE up to code. Need help keeping your staff informed? Contact us.

In this article, we will discuss these post-pandemic protocols for RCFEs in California.

Screening of Residents and Staff

One of the most important protocols is screening residents and staff for COVID-19 symptoms. RCFEs must screen all staff and residents daily for symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Daily screening is not required for visitors.

This protocol includes screening for potential exposure to COVID-19, such as contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus. Any staff or residents who exhibit symptoms or have been exposed to the virus must be isolated and tested immediately.

Screening can be done passively. This can be accomplished by:

• Posting signs at RCFE entrance points to remind people to self-screen and not to visit the RCFE if they have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing any symptoms.
• Exclude any visitors from entering who display COVID-19 symptoms.
• Educating visitors on methods of self-screening before entering the facility
• Sending information about COVID-19 self-screening information, including symptoms.

Notably, diagnostic testing is not required. This is also the case for workers exempt from vaccination for specific medical reasons or personal religious beliefs. Also, if it is decided to make testing mandatory at a given RCFE, testing must include all workers, even if they are already vaccinated.

Diagnostic testing is required for staff who have been in close contact with someone who was COVID-19 positive while infectious. This close contact is defined as being within six feet continuously for at least 15 minutes during a 24-hour period.

How Long Do People Stay Contagious?

Different illnesses present different time windows where infected individuals may be contagious. Staying aware of these time windows will help protect everyone located at your RCFE:

• COVID-19: 8-10 days (on average). The only way to know for certain if an individual is still contagious is through testing. A positive test tells you someone is still contagious, regardless of how long they have been sick.
• Flu: 5-7 days
• RSV (respiratory syncytial virus): 3-8 days

Vaccination Requirements and Recommendations

Vaccination is also an essential component of post-pandemic protocols for RCFEs in California. The state requires all staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 (except for those with medical or religious exemptions). Staff must have had their primary series vaccination and one booster.

While it is strongly encouraged, it is not required for staff to be fully up to date on boosters. Additionally, residents are not required to be vaccinated, although it is also encouraged.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Another important protocol is the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). RCFEs must ensure that staff have access to PPE, such as masks, gloves, and face shields, as appropriate. 

Additionally, as an RCFE administrator, it is important to establish workplace safety for your RCFE by ensuring staff receive training on the proper use of PPE and that PPE is properly disposed of after use.

Masking requirements serve as an important layer of protection. For visitors and staff:

• Must wear when in indoor settings (unless eating or drinking)
• Required when located with residents who are in isolation
• Encouraged (but not required) in outdoor settings
• Mask requirements do not change due to vaccination status
• The most effective masks are the N95, KN95, or KF94

Cleaning and Disinfecting

RCFE administrators need to ensure their facilities adhere to strict cleaning and disinfecting protocols. High-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, and handrails, must be cleaned and disinfected regularly. 

Additionally, common areas, such as dining rooms and lounges, must also be cleaned and disinfected regularly. RCFEs must ensure that all equipment and relevant supplies, such as blood pressure cuffs, are cleaned and disinfected each time they are used.

When a client has a communicable disease, areas the client may have impacted must be cleaned and disinfected. Additionally, proper cleaning should occur after personal contact with a client who has a communicable disease.

Social Distancing

Social distancing is another valuable protocol for RCFEs. Facilities should consider distancing between persons to enable individuals to maintain a safe distance from others, both inside and outside the facility for those who are:

• Not vaccinated
• Have not yet received an available booster, and are eligible
• Have an unknown vaccination status

Social distancing should be enabled to the extent it is feasible.

Group activities should be conducted with these recommendations in mind, again to the extent such precautions are feasible. Additionally, staff should be trained on the proper use of social distancing measures and how to communicate the importance of social distancing to residents.

Reporting Requirements

As of March 13, 2023, facilities no longer need to report when a single resident tests positive for COVID-19.

Isolate for 5 Days

The resident that has tested positive needs to self isolate for a minimum of 5 days. The resident may leave isolation only if they have no symptoms or symptoms are mild/improving AND they have had no fever for 24 hrs without the aid of a fever-reducing medication. The person should wear a well-fitting face mask for 10 days.

Leaving Isolation

The person leaving isolation may remove their mask sooner than day 10 if they have no symptoms or symptoms are mild or improving and they are fever free without the use of a fever-reducing medication. They also need 2 sequential negative tests one day apart.

Reporting

If 3 or more residents are positive for COVID-19, then reporting to the appropriate authorities for an outbreak must still occur.

These reporting requirements help to track the spread of the virus and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to prevent further transmission.

Training and Education

Finally, RCFEs must ensure that staff receive training and education on COVID-19 protocols and procedures. 

Staff should be trained on the proper use of PPE, cleaning and disinfecting protocols, social distancing measures, and how to screen residents and staff for symptoms of COVID-19. Knowledge of the most recent training requirements will be necessary to obtain your RCFE licensure.

Additionally, RCFE administrators must ensure ongoing education and training are provided to staff as new information and guidelines become available. Ongoing education efforts are important to ensure workplace safety for your RCFE.

The Provider Information Notice (PIN) contains additional information regarding COVID-19 policies. Specifically, this PIN notice has further instructions covering new visitation guidance, with related clarifications and other safety information.

California RCFEs are required to subscribe to an RCFE regulation update service.

Pandemic Protocols for Assisted Living Administrators

In conclusion, post-pandemic protocols for RCFEs in California focus on screening residents and staff for COVID-19 symptoms, vaccination, the use of PPE, cleaning and disinfecting, social distancing, reporting requirements, and staff training and education. 

These protocols are essential to facilitating the safety and well-being of RCFE residents and staff. By adhering to these protocols, RCFEs can help prevent the further spread of the virus and protect the vulnerable populations residing at RCFEs.

To help stay on top of changing requirements and to keep your licensure requirements current, continuing education RCFE classes are now required to include 20 hours Live and 20 hours online as of March 1, 2023. available online.

Assisted Living Education 

If you want to ensure that your facility meets regulatory compliance and provides top-quality care to its residents, then you need to work with an approved vendor who can offer comprehensive RCFE administrator certification courses and staff training. 

That’s where Assisted Living Education comes in – we’re here to help you stay up-to-date with the latest regulations, provide ongoing support and consultation services, and make sure that your staff is trained to deliver the best possible care. 

Don’t wait to take the next step in improving your facility – contact us today to learn more about how we can help.

Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) serve those who require some level of physical assistance and supervision but do not need around-the-clock medical care.

RCFEs come in several sizes from the large facilities that may have 200 residents to a small home with 6 or less residents. These smaller facilities have a better ability to provide more specialized care because of client to staff ratios of 1 to 3, in most cases.

If you are thinking about opening a new RCFE, you need to know a thing or two about RCFE licensure. 

An RCFE license is required to operate such a facility. All current and prospective RCFE owners and administrators should be familiar with their state’s licensing processes.  

Keep in mind that states individually regulate RCFE requirements. If you are thinking about opening your own RCFE, it’s important to stay current with laws specific to your region. For people in California, there’s a lot that goes into opening a new RCFE facility. If you need help, contact us about  RCFE licensing.

1. Regulation

RCFEs in California are regulated by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) enforces their respective laws and regulations via RCFE licensing and periodic inspections.

Facilities are governed by the California Code of Regulations Title 22, Division 6, Chapter 8 and the California Health and Safety Codes. These regulations provide guidance on topics such as maintenance and operations, resident care standards, resident rights and staff training requirements, to name a few. 

See here for the full California code of regulations.

2. Assisted Living Administrator Certification

All RCFEs have an assisted living administrator. Whether you plan on hiring one or administrating your own facility, this role requires a certificate. 

Assisted living administrators are directly responsible for the care and well-being of RCFE residents. They are also responsible for overseeing operations and supervising other staff members. It goes without saying that having a qualified administrator is vital to a successful RCFE. 

California law mandates all RCFE administrators to be certified. To become an RCFE administrator, CDSS requires an individual to complete the 80 hour Initial Administrator Certification Course.

This program requires applicants to pass an 80-hour certification course, followed by a state exam with a score of 70% or better. This program covers most aspects of RCFE training, such as regulations, laws, employee requirements, and acceptable vs. unacceptable facility conditions.

It is important to note that the exam must be completed within 60 days of course completion, and any supplementing paperwork and fees must be submitted within 30 days of passing the exam. 

All RCFE administrator certificate applications must be sent to the California DSS office, and newly issued certificates will be valid for a period of two years.

Administrator Requirements

Aside from certification, administrators must also meet some basic requirements. The CDSS requires the following of administrators: 

• Administrators must hold a high school diploma or GED to care for 1-15 residents.
• Administrators must have a minimum of 15 college units and one year of experience to care for 16-49 residents. 
• Must have two years of college and three years’ experience for a facility with 50 or more residents. 
• Must pass a criminal background check. 

This process certifies that administrators have the knowledge to oversee an RCFE competently and efficiently. A certified administrator will also provide peace of mind for the respective owner.

3. Facility Licensure

In California, CDSS has a three-part licensure requirement for all facilities.  

To open a new RCFE, you are first required to complete a three-hour orientation. This is a facility-specific component detailing the ins and outs of facility operation. An application for licensure should be submitted subsequently, after you have proven ownership of the facility grounds.

The second part is a one-on-one interview conducted by a state analyst. This part is carried out once the initial application is submitted for review. 

Part three is an on-site survey consisting of category-specific training  This is designed to promote successful facility operation and is conducted prior to licensure finalization. 

The license application is tedious and can be denied if filled out incorrectly. We can help prepare your entire RCFE application and customize  it to your specific needs.

4. RCFE Staff Requirements

Although RCFE caregivers don’t need to be medically competent to the degree of a registered nurse, California does mandate minimal requirements for RCFE staff. California law states that each community must have “sufficient staff at all times and competent to provide the services necessary to meet residential needs.” 

Aside from this broad statement, RCFE staff must meet the following criteria:

• Staff providing direct care to residents and employees who supervise employees must be at least 18 years of age. 
• Administrators must be at least 21 years of age.
• A CPR-certified staff member is required to be on the premises 24/7. 
• First-aid certifications are required for staffers giving care to residents.  
• Criminal background checks are required for all facility personnel, along with a health screening and negative tuberculosis test. 
• Additional employees may be required to perform day-to-day duties such as paperwork, cooking, cleaning, activities, etc.

Since RCFEs do not administer medical care, nurses and doctors are not required to be on the premises. If RCFE staff are caring for residents with dementia, they must have a certain amount of  training hours on dementia to  provide care. 

Also, for similar reasons, RCFEs do not need to abide by regulated staff-to-client ratios. This means that owners need to have a sufficient amount of staff based on residents’ needs.

5. Online Licensure Renewal in California

Per California law, RCFE administrators are required to complete 40 hours of continuing education units every two years, while facility licenses must be renewed annually. This is required to keep facilities and their staff current with new or changing RCFE procedures.

The Importance of Licensure

Aside from it being required by law, RCFE licenses ensure facilities and staff provide the best care for their residents. Licensure ensures that facilities have the proper space and equipment to operate and that their employees can carry out their duties. These may include but are not limited to: 

• Assistance with eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, and mobility.
• Medication and Health-related services
• Meals
• Social and recreational activities
• Housekeeping services
• Dementia care

The licensing and training requirements of RCFEs, administrators, and their staff certify that all personnel are capable and competent in their duties. A study by the California Assisted Living Association (CALA) concluded that well-trained RCFE staff were vital to the mental, physical, and emotional health of their residents.

6. The RCFE licensure process

Obtaining a California RCFE license is not a simple process by any means, but the care these facilities provide fills a growing need. 

The National Institute of Health projects America’s elderly population to double over the next three decades and this is especially true in California. Nearly 20% of the state’s entire population is projected to be 65+ by 2030. 

Large capacity RCFE’s become increasingly more desirable among aging adults looking to downsize. These facilities offer a variety of activity choices, dining options and assistance with personal care. 

Families have more options to choose from and care is based on a resident assessment of the specific care the resident needs assistance with. Small facilities, such as a 6-bed, often charge a flat rate that includes room and care.

Both large and small communities have the same goal: to provide care that best suits the needs of the resident. 

Assisted Living Education is the premier provider of RCFE certification, RCFE classes, licensing, products and services for assisted living. Our teachers are experienced  industry professionals that are engaging, entertaining and highly informative. We offer RCFE consulting services and share real RCFE experience that will give you an edge in this growing and highly competitive industry. Contact us today.

Every administrator guiding a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE)  in California has a unique story. Whether you first became involved with caregiving while helping a special relative or working at a local RCFE, making a difference in the lives of seniors is often a motivating factor for obtaining assisted living administrator certification. 

One thing almost all administrators have in common, however, is a desire to keep progressing and become better at their job.

As you carry out daily duties in your facility, it soon becomes apparent that improving your performance as an administrator affects many other people and your career. 

Not only are you responsible for the safety and well-being of the residents, but you also influence the lives of your employees, communicate with the families who’ve entrusted loved ones to your care, and interact daily with vendors and state regulators. 

This article dives into some effective actions you can take to enhance the operation of your RCFE and make living, working, and visiting in the facility more satisfying for residents, employees and families.

Assisted Living Administrator Certification Sets the Bar

The Adult and Senior Care Licensing Program of the California Department of Social Services is responsible for the certification of RCFE administrators and for issuing a California RCFE license for assisted living facilities. 

As part of the certification process for administrators, candidates must complete an 80-hour assisted living administrator certification class from a DSS approved vendor and pass the California Initial RCFE Administrator exam.

When you decide to pursue administrator certification, the topics and discussions covered in the certification class will give you a sound foundation for performing your duties. You  will learn the required skills for operating an RCFE as a business: caring for the residents in your facility, understanding the California laws governing assisted living facilities, and studying the state-required Core of Knowledge. As you strive to enhance your administrative skills, you can build on this information.

Effective Tips Require Effort

These strategies involve more than easy ideas such as starting a book club for residents or putting out a suggestion box. They take some time, planning, and commitment to carry out. Since running an RCFE is both a mission and a business, these methods can help you work on soft skills, such as understanding your residents’ needs, as well as hard skills, including budget creation and employee retention.

1. Build a Support System to Help Your Personal Growth

Each administrator’s support system looks different, but identifying others in the field who can answer your questions, advise you on best practices when you hit a snag, and encourage you to keep going despite setbacks definitely boosts your performance.

Although you’ll want to rely on some colleagues who have more experience and knowledge than you, cultivate friendships with others who are in a similar situation and can empathize with your frustrations and struggles. 

You can build supportive relationships with co-workers in many areas of the assisted living field:

• Instructors and fellow students from your assisted living courses 
• Administrators in other assisted living facilities nearby or online
• Contacts in the California Department of Social Services
• Administrators who work under you, such as the activities director
• Provider Membership in the California Assisted Living Association

2. Polish Your Communication Skills

The ability to communicate clearly and effectively with various groups of people is vital to your work as the administrator of your assisted living facility. 

You need to build rapport and learn about the needs of your residents and their families, the employees who run the facility, state regulators who keep tabs on your operation, and vendors who are critical in furnishing supplies to keep your RCFE running smoothly.

Good communication encompasses skills in several important areas:

• Listening: The most important part of communicating with residents and others involves taking time to focus and to listen to what they are saying.
• Empathizing: It can become a challenge to put yourself in someone else’s place, especially if you have never experienced what they are going through. Don’t jump to conclusions about what the other person is thinking and feeling, but ask questions to clarify what the individual is experiencing.
• Soliciting Input: When you listen to stakeholders’ ideas about a situation, you show respect and empower them. This can become a critical component of creating a positive workplace and retaining employees.

3. Lead by Example

Few things turn employees off faster than administrators who make a big deal of implementing a new directive but never follow it themselves. Your employees are watching closely to see if you do what you tell them to do. They respect and support a leader who walks the talk.

When you set an example of living up to the values you promote for your facility, you show trustworthiness. You demonstrate you are serious about the vision you advance, and this builds a desirable work culture and boosts morale. 

Bonus: your leadership skills will attract new employees to your RCFE.

4. Prepare for Emergencies with Alternative Plans

Any administrator who takes steps to open an assisted living facility and obtain a California RCFE license must comprehend the need to create contingency plans for all possible emergencies.

Few situations challenge the abilities of an administrator more than an unexpected crisis. If you want to become a better-assisted living administrator, have an emergency disaster plan in place for any situation that could arise:

• Critical staffing shortages
• The outbreak of a contagious illness
• Interruption of power supplies
• Severe supply chain issues

Work with your staff and other resources to develop a detailed plan for each situation. Once the process is in place, initiate training for employees and residents. Coordinate teams to work together as necessary and set up a clear communication process.

Don’t forget to contact colleagues in your support system if you have questions or need any advice to work out emergency plans. You may also want to choose online assisted living administrator CEU classes that can help you plan.

Assisted Living Administrator Certification is Just the Start

At Assisted Living Education, we provide the classes and tools to get you on the way to success. Whether you need help with your assisted living certification, obtaining a California RCFE license, or have other online assisted living administrator needs, contact us now to learn how we can assist you.

Perhaps you’ve just started to think about converting your home into an assisted living facility (RCFE), or maybe you’ve already done much of the research but just can’t come to a final decision. Take your time and consider all the aspects and ramifications involved. The decision you make not only affects you, but also family members, future residents, and employees.

Deciding whether to start any new business is challenging, but starting an assisted living business requires particular deliberations. Running an RCFE takes dedication, tenacity, and a love for the seniors you bring into your home. This article looks at five essential questions to examine before reaching a definite conclusion.

1. Is My Home in a Good Location for an RCFE?

Since we’re focusing on turning your home into an RCFE, this question is pivotal. Although not all potential residents look for the same things when considering the location of a facility, most mention basic requirements:

• Safe, peaceful surroundings without excessive noise or traffic
• Interesting walking routes with sidewalks in good repair
• Proximity to medical facilities and quick-response emergency care
• Nearby amenities such as parks, libraries, or stores

Additionally, if your home cannot meet zoning requirements or state regulations, you cannot use it for assisted living. 

2. Is There Enough Demand in This Area for Another Assisted Living Facility?

If your home, marketing research is the next critical step. You can hire a consultant or you can also find information online and through interviews yourself.

Determine the number of seniors in your area who may need assisted living services now or soon. Take a close look at current competitors and their facility occupancy rates. If facilities exist that are not operating at full capacity, it would be futile to open another RCFE.

City, county, and state government agencies as well as senior advocacy groups are good places to start your research. You can also obtain help from trade associations, such as the California Assisted Living Association. Finally, visit any nearby assisted living facilities and talk with staff members to determine if the current needs of area seniors are met.

3. Do I Have Sufficient Financial Resources for Facility Upgrades, Equipment, Licensing Fees, and Initial Operating Expenses?

If you’ve compared quotes from reputable contractors for converting your home, researched the California Department of Social Services website for licensing information, and drawn up a business plan, you should have an idea of whether you are financially ready to operate an RCFE out of your home. If you are coming up short, you can put your plans on hold until you save more money or find an investor to help get your facility running.

Before your RCFE license application is approved, California regulations require evidence that you have three months of operating expenses in a savings account. This doesn’t just mean you can pay the utility bills on time so power isn’t shut off. You must have the full amount of money to cover all payroll and other expenses needed to operate your new RCFE for at least 90 days.

4. Do I Have the Perseverance and Passion For Completing the Lengthy Planning, Certification, Hiring, and Marketing Processes?

Starting a new assisted living facility is a long, complicated process that requires time, money, and research. A good barometer for determining your suitability is to obtain an RCFE administrator certification. Not only is an assisted living manager certification informational, but it is also required by California law. You or your staff member must be a certified administrator before your home can become an RCFE.

Even after opening, you may have to deal with difficult experiences such as the illness of a resident or an important employee deciding to leave. Can you manage change and stress? 

Many people open an RCFE because they find deep satisfaction in caring for a special friend or relative, but business competencies are also required to succeed. You can learn these skills, but they take work. You need a firm commitment to your mission, the ability to stay focused on your goals, and the perseverance to keep going.

5. Can I Find, Inspire and Train the Right Employees To Make This Vision a Reality?

Finding the right people to staff an assisted living facility has always been a challenge, but the current shortage of workers in all sectors has made it even more difficult. Before finalizing your decision, talk to as many prospective employees as possible to gauge interest.

Ask what is important to them in a career. Many people want to feel they are making a difference, and they prioritize work-life balance. Support potential staff members with experience by helping them enroll in RCFE continuing education classes. Your ability to arouse interest in improving the quality of life for seniors indicates how successfully you can motivate future employees. 

Several tactics can be used to retain and attract employees to your RCFE. 

Assisted Living Education Can Help With Decisions, Certifications, and Licenses

You are not alone in your journey to convert your home to an RCFE. We can assist you with the multiple steps involved in completing an RCFE license application and making sure you and your staff members are certified before you open. Contact us today.

Assisted Living Education is a certified vendor providing RCFE classes for employees and guidance in keeping your RCFE compliant and running smoothly.