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As the population of older adults continues to grow, the demand for high-quality assisted living facilities is increasing. For those who already own or are considering starting an assisted living facility, this presents a significant business opportunity. 

While the goal is to provide the best RCFE home for residents, it is also important to address the business considerations that allow the facility to keep running. Like any other business, maintaining high occupancy levels is crucial for long-term profitability and success. 

In the past, we’ve discussed the best steps for marketing your RCFE, now let’s look at further ways to grow the business.

This guide will explore effective strategies to increase occupancy at your assisted living facility while also addressing key considerations such as the profitability of owning such a facility.

Understanding the Demand for Residential Care for the Elderly

With our diverse population and aging Baby Boomer demographic, a growing number of elderly individuals require residential care. As seniors age, they often find it challenging to live independently due to health concerns or mobility issues. 

This has led to a rising demand for assisted living services, which provide housing, personal care, and assistance with daily activities like eating, bathing, and dressing.

While the demand for residential care for the elderly is rising, competition in the assisted living industry is also fierce. With thousands of facilities spread across a state like California, increasing occupancy requires strategic planning, superior care, and effective marketing.

Is Owning an Assisted Living Facility Profitable?

Before diving into strategies to boost occupancy, it’s important to understand whether opening an assisted living facility can be both a significant help to the lives of the elderly and a financially worthwhile endeavor. 

The short answer is yes, but like any business, profitability is dependent on several factors. 

These factors include:

• Location, 
• Facility size 
• The quality of care 
• Staffing
• Operational efficiency

The average cost of assisted living in California ranges between $3,000 and $7,000 per month, depending on the region and amenities offered. Given these rates, owning an assisted living home can be significantly profitable if you manage your expenses effectively and maintain a consistent occupancy rate. 

At the same time, these prices reflect significant operating costs.

However, achieving profitability requires more than just filling beds. The key to sustained profit in the assisted living industry is providing exceptional care that meets the needs of residents while managing operational costs. 

Additionally, staying compliant with state regulations for RCFE requirements and maintaining an appealing, safe environment is critical to ensuring positive reviews and long-term success.

Strategic marketing will improve your RCFE occupancy.

Strategies to Increase Occupancy at Your Assisted Living Facility

To stay competitive and boost your occupancy rates, consider implementing these strategies:

1. Enhance Your Assisted living Facility’s Online Presence

Having a strong online presence is crucial for attracting new residents. Many families begin their search for assisted living facilities online, so it’s important that your facility appears in search results and provides valuable information. 

Start by optimizing your website for search engines (SEO). This will help your website rank well for relevant keywords that reflect what family members would search for using platforms such as Google.

Additionally, make sure your website is user-friendly and provides key information, including services offered, staff qualifications, pricing, and testimonials from current or past residents. 

Consider using professional photography to showcase the facility’s amenities, living spaces, and common areas. You should also have a clear and easy-to-navigate contact page to encourage potential residents to reach out with inquiries.

Creating a Google Business Profile listing is another important step. 

This allows you to list your facility on Google’s search and map results, making it easier for potential clients to find your location and read reviews. Encourage satisfied residents or their families to leave positive reviews, as social proof can significantly influence prospective clients.

2. Offer a Personalized Experience

One way to stand out from other facilities is by offering a personalized experience for each resident. As an RCFE administrator, understanding the individual needs of your residents is key to improving their satisfaction and increasing your occupancy rates.

When potential residents or their families tour your facility, they should feel welcomed and understood. Train your staff and assisted living manager to engage with families and prospective residents in a caring and compassionate manner. 

Provide customized care plans that address the specific needs of each individual, ensuring they feel supported and respected. 

Offering tailored services, such as specialized memory care for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia, can help attract families who require those services. 

3. Improve the Facility’s Amenities

While quality care should be the priority of an RCFE, the physical environment also plays a vital role in attracting residents. 

Modern, clean, well-maintained facilities appeal more to families and prospective residents. Consider updating the decor, investing in comfortable furniture, and improving common areas with amenities like gardens, libraries, and fitness centers.

4. Develop Strong Relationships with Healthcare Providers

Building relationships with local healthcare providers, such as hospitals, physicians, and rehabilitation centers, can help increase your facility’s visibility and provide sources of referrals. Physicians often recommend assisted living homes to families of patients who are transitioning from hospital stays or recovering from surgeries.

To help build these connections, consider hosting educational events or networking sessions with local healthcare providers. 

Offering to collaborate on patient care or become a preferred provider for specific medical services can also enhance your facility’s reputation and make it a go-to choice for healthcare professionals.

Happy RCFE staff members will make your facility grow through word-of-mouth.

5. Invest in Staff Training and Development

Your staff is one of the most important aspects of your assisted living facility. A team of caring, professional, and highly trained staff members is essential to attracting and retaining residents. The assisted living manager should lead the team in maintaining high standards of care and creating a positive atmosphere.

Investing in continuous staff training promotes the best care for your residents and improves employee satisfaction, reducing turnover rates. High turnover can harm your facility’s reputation and negatively affect the care your residents receive. 

Make sure that your staff feels valued and is given opportunities for growth within your organization.

6. Stay Engaged with the Community

Community engagement is another effective way to increase occupancy at your RCFE. Attend senior fairs, host informational sessions, and collaborate with local senior centers to build awareness about your facility. 

Being active in your community helps position your facility as an integral part of the local support network for elderly residents.

Hosting events like open houses, health workshops, or entertainment nights at your facility can also help draw attention. These events provide a low-pressure opportunity for families to visit your facility, meet staff, and experience the atmosphere firsthand.

7. Provide Flexible Payment Options

The cost of assisted living is often a significant barrier for many families. To increase occupancy, consider offering flexible payment options, including private pay, long-term care insurance, and Medicaid. 

Offering a range of pricing plans allows you to appeal to a broader spectrum of potential residents, from those with higher incomes to those on fixed budgets.

8. Ensure Compliance with State Regulations

California has strict regulations for assisted living facilities, and staying compliant is necessary for maintaining your reputation and avoiding legal issues. Ensure that your facility adheres to all state regulations related to resident care, staffing ratios, and building safety.

In this state, that means being compliant with California Title 22, among other regulations.

Regularly review and update your facility’s policies and procedures to reflect any changes in California law. Compliance promotes the safety and well-being of your residents and protects your RCFE from potential fines or legal action.

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Increasing occupancy at your assisted living facility requires a combination of strategies that focus on quality care, community relationships, effective marketing, and operational efficiency. 

By implementing these strategies, you can build your reputation, attract more residents, and help ensure the long-term profitability of your facility. 

Whether you’re just investigating how to start an assisted living facility or manage an existing one, investing in these areas will be the foundation for your RCFE’s success.

Running a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) in California brings both rewarding and challenging responsibilities. One of the job’s toughest yet most crucial aspects is navigating delicate conversations with family members about the care of their loved ones. These discussions can be emotionally charged, with families often feeling guilty, fearful, or frustrated. 

As an RCFE administrator, training yourself and your staff to handle these interactions with sensitivity, professionalism, and empathy is important. 

To help make these conversations helpful and productive, this guide outlines six key tips to help you through even the most difficult discussions. We will cover how to foster collaboration, trust, and better outcomes for everyone. 

If you want to learn more about RCFEs, see more information here: What is an RCFE facility?

1. Be Well-Prepared Before Starting the Conversation

Preparation is crucial when dealing with sensitive topics such as a resident’s health decline, financial obligations, or behavior changes. Before meeting with family members, be sure the resident’s care plan, medical records, and recent updates from your staff are thoroughly reviewed. This ensures your team is ready with accurate, up-to-date information and can answer any questions and respond to concerns confidently. 

Also consider the emotions and concerns the family might bring to the discussion. Some may feel overwhelmed by their loved one’s situation, while others could be grappling with guilt for being unable to provide care themselves. This guilt could even be misplaced onto your team, with anger and frustration driving a family member’s discourse.

Don’t allow yourself to be carried away by the family’s emotional reactions. Being mentally and emotionally prepared for a range of reactions will help you stay focused and calm, guiding the conversation toward solutions and avoiding unnecessary conflict.

Tip: Practice skills like active listening and have relevant documents like medical reports on hand to provide a solid foundation for the discussion.

2. A Compassionate, Non-Defensive Tone for Elderly Care Administrators

When addressing difficult issues, it’s easy for conversations to become defensive or confrontational. To avoid this, set a compassionate tone right from the start. Acknowledge the family’s concerns and show that you understand or at least have compassion for their emotional struggles. Statements like, “I know this is a tough time for you,” or “We’re here to help you through this process” can help defuse tension.

Being non-confrontational doesn’t mean agreeing with everything, but it does mean validating the family’s feelings. Even when you need to correct misunderstandings or provide an alternative viewpoint, do so in a considerate and understanding way. RCFE caregiver training that teaches empathic communication is critical for you and your staff.

Tip: Use “I” statements, such as “I’ve noticed changes in your mother’s health,” instead of “You should have noticed these changes.” This language helps keep the conversation neutral and avoids placing blame.

3. Be Clear and Transparent About Residential Care Options

Families may not fully grasp the extent of care an RCFE can offer, especially when new health challenges arise. It’s important to communicate clearly about what care services are available and any limitations your facility may have. For instance, if a resident’s needs surpass what your facility can provide, such as requiring skilled nursing care, you’ll need to explain that and guide the family toward other options.

Transparency is also vital when discussing costs, the potential need for additional services, and the long-term care plan. Be honest but compassionate when addressing the realities of their loved one’s condition and the resources required to maintain quality care.

Additionally, consider further care and activity options your RCFE could offer. For example, offering senior exercise programs can go a long way toward improving the physical health, mental health, and quality of life of your residents.

4. Include the Resident in the Conversation Whenever Possible

Whenever feasible, ensure your RCFE involves the resident in caregiving discussions. This not only demonstrates respect for their autonomy but also helps alleviate some of the family’s stress around decision-making. If the resident can still competently express their preferences, their input is invaluable to shaping a care plan that honors their wishes.

Even in cases where the resident has advanced cognitive decline or is nonverbal, it’s still important to include them in the conversation as much as possible. Their presence and dignity should always be acknowledged, and the family can be encouraged to make decisions in line with the resident’s known preferences or advance directives.

Also, consider supporting residents’ emotional well being and mental health, which can help them keep a clear mind and take stress off your staff and the resident’s family members. For example, providing means to help seniors cope with depression can be invaluable to your residents and your RCFE staff.

Tip: If the resident has a valid advance directive or living will, use it to guide discussions. This guide should serve as an outline to help the family focus on respecting the resident’s stated desires.

5. Be Patient and Give Space for Emotional Reactions

Strong emotional responses are common in family caregiving conversations, with loved ones often dealing with guilt, fear, sadness, or even anger. These emotions can make discussions more challenging, but as an RCFE administrator, it’s essential for you and your staff to be patient and allow family members the time they need to process the information.

Encourage open dialogue and be understanding when emotions run high. Rather than pushing for immediate solutions or rushing through the conversation, give the family time to express their feelings. Allowing space for the expression of emotions can serve as a necessary precondition for moving toward effective problem-solving. 

Often, just being a compassionate listener can help ease tensions and move the discussion toward a more constructive path. If the family needs more time to think things over, offer to schedule a follow-up meeting. 

This flexibility can give family members the opportunity to reflect on what was discussed and return with additional questions or decisions. They may return in a place (emotionally) where they are more able to problem solve.

Tip: Acknowledge the difficulty of the situation by saying things like, “I know this is an incredibly tough decision, and it’s completely understandable that you need time to think about it.”

6. Encourage a Collaborative Approach

The ultimate goal of any caregiving conversation should be to establish a collaborative partnership between the family members, the resident, and the RCFE care team. Make it clear to families that you’re all working toward the same goal: ensuring the best care and quality of life for their loved one. Position yourself as a supportive partner who is there to offer guidance and expertise.

Whenever possible, give families options rather than hard directives. For example, instead of saying, “We can’t provide the level of care your father needs,” try framing it as, “We’ve noticed your father’s care needs are increasing, and we’d like to explore the best ways to meet them moving forward.”

By encouraging family members to ask questions, explore concerns, and participate in the care planning process, you can foster a stronger sense of trust and engagement. This also helps to minimize misunderstandings or miscommunication down the road.

Tip: When appropriate, bring in third-party professionals like case managers or social workers to help mediate difficult discussions or offer additional support and guidance.

Navigating challenging family caregiving conversations is a critical part of running an RCFE in California. However, you can handle these discussions with care and professionalism by preparing thoroughly, maintaining a compassionate tone, being clear and transparent, involving the resident where possible, allowing time for emotional processing, and fostering a collaborative approach.

When families feel heard, respected, and supported, it strengthens the relationship between the RCFE team and the resident’s family. Ultimately, this leads to better outcomes for the resident, a stronger reputation for your facility, and a more fulfilling experience for everyone involved.

When it comes to choosing an assisted living facility for their loved ones, family members undertake a rigorous evaluation process. They want to ensure that the Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) they select provides a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment. 

As an assisted living manager, understanding and addressing these concerns effectively can make a significant difference. This guide will explore key areas that family members scrutinize and provide insights on ensuring they recognize your RCFE as the best choice for their loved ones.

1. The quality of care in your assisted living facility

The foremost concern for any family member is the quality of care their loved one will receive. This encompasses several aspects:

• Staff training and qualifications: Ensure that your staff is not only adequately trained but also possesses specialized training in areas like dementia training and Alzheimer’s care. Highlight any ongoing education programs or certifications your staff has achieved.
• Staff-to-resident ratio: Families look for facilities with a manageable number of residents per caregiver. This ratio ensures personalized and attentive care.
• Additional services: Provide detailed information about the healthcare services available at your RCFE, including medication management, on-site medical staff, and partnerships with local healthcare providers.

2. Safety and security

Safety should be a paramount concern at residential care facilities for the elderly. Families want to feel assured that their loved ones are in a secure environment.

• Emergency preparedness: Describe your emergency response plans, including fire drills, evacuation procedures, and disaster preparedness measures.
• Security measures: Discuss the security systems in place, such as secure entry points, surveillance cameras, and protocols for visitor management.
• Fall prevention: Highlight the measures taken to prevent falls, such as handrails, non-slip flooring, and well-lit hallways.

3. Cleanliness and maintenance

A clean and well-maintained facility is a strong indicator of the overall quality of care and management. The cleanliness and appearance of your California RCFE become the basis for initial impressions and imply how much care the facility and its residents are given by its staff.

• Housekeeping standards: Share details about your housekeeping schedules and the measures taken to ensure a hygienic environment.
• Odor: Smell is a powerful influence on how people perceive an RCFE. Ensure no odors present could indicate a lack of hygiene or maintenance. This includes biological smells from the rooms and residents, mold, mildew, and certain chemical smells. Consider that overpowering ‘masking’ smells from chemical odor treatments may suggest to visitors that something unhygienic is being hidden.
• Facility upkeep: Regular maintenance schedules and prompt repair of any issues are critical. Emphasize the attention given to the upkeep of the facility, including common areas, residents’ rooms, and outdoor spaces.

There are a number of important guidelines and factors to consider before turning your home into an assisted living facility, which will help ensure you have a clean and high-quality assisted living facility.

4. Nutrition and dining experience

Proper nutrition is essential for the health and well-being of residents.

• Meal plans: Provide sample menus that showcase a variety of healthy and appetizing meals. Mention any special dietary accommodations available for residents with specific needs.
• Dining environment: Describe the dining setting and emphasize the importance of mealtimes as social opportunities. A pleasant dining experience can greatly enhance residents’ quality of life.

5. Activities and social engagement

An active and socially engaging environment is crucial for residents’ mental and emotional well-being.

• Daily activities: List a variety of daily activities and events that cater to different interests and abilities. Highlight unique programs or partnerships with local organizations.
• Outings and day trips: Mention planned outings and trips residents can look forward to. Ensure these are regularly updated and visible to residents and their families.
• Social interaction: Foster a community atmosphere where residents can build friendships. Discuss social clubs, group activities, and events that encourage interaction.

6. Personalization and individual attention

Families want to know that their loved one’s individual needs and preferences will be respected and catered to.

• Personalized care plans: Explain how care plans are tailored to each resident’s specific needs, preferences, and medical conditions.
• Resident input: Show that you value residents’ opinions by involving them in decision-making processes related to activities, menus, and other aspects of daily life.

7. Communication with families

Certified assisted living managers need to ensure open and transparent communication with families. Building trust and informing them about their loved one’s well-being is essential.

• Regular updates: Provide regular updates on residents’ health, activities, and any changes in care plans. Utilize multiple channels, such as phone calls, emails, and family meetings.
• Family involvement: Encourage family participation in events, care planning meetings, and other activities. This helps families feel connected and reassured about their loved one’s care.

8. Transparent pricing and financial considerations

Families need clarity and transparency regarding the costs associated with care.

• Clear pricing: Provide a detailed breakdown of costs and what is included in the fees. Avoid hidden charges and be upfront about any additional costs.
• Financial assistance: Inform families about any available financial assistance programs, payment plans, or insurance options.

An assisted living manager checklist for evaluating your RCFE

Here is a checklist to ensure your assisted living facility meets the expectations of prospective families. This list will also be important to use when opening a California RCFE.

• Are all staff members trained in dementia care and other specialized needs?
• Is there a low staff-to-resident ratio ensuring personalized attention?
• Are emergency preparedness plans and security measures in place and well-documented?
• Are cleanliness and maintenance standards consistently high throughout the facility?
• Do meal plans offer a variety of nutritious and appealing options with accommodations for special diets?
• Are daily activities and social events varied and inclusive, with regular outings planned?
• Are care plans personalized to meet the unique needs and preferences of each resident?
• Is there a system for regular communication with families, including updates on health and activities?
• Are pricing structures transparent with no hidden fees, and is there information on financial assistance available?

Presenting your California RCFE

First impressions matter, and how you present your RCFE can significantly influence a family’s decision. Below are additional tips to help ensure your facility stands out:

• Professionalism: Ensure all interactions, whether in person, over the phone, or online, are handled professionally and courteously. Staff should be knowledgeable and able to answer questions confidently.
• Tours and visits: Offer comprehensive tours that showcase your facility’s best features. Allow families to meet staff and residents, observe activities, and get a feel for the community atmosphere.
• Marketing materials: Maintain up-to-date brochures, websites, and social media profiles that provide detailed information and highlight the strengths of your facility. Include testimonials from residents and their families.
• Community Involvement: Demonstrate your facility’s engagement with the local community. This can include partnerships with local organizations, participation in community events, and volunteer programs.

For further information and important concepts to know when opening your California RCFE, you can refer to this RCFE administrator list. 

Choosing an assisted living facility is a significant decision for families, and they look for a place that not only meets their loved one’s physical needs but also provides a supportive and enriching environment. 

By focusing on quality care, safety, cleanliness, nutrition, social engagement, personalization, communication, and transparency, your RCFE can present itself as a top choice. Remember, the key is to consistently demonstrate that you are committed to the well-being and happiness of your residents.

By addressing these critical areas, you can ensure that your RCFE not only meets but exceeds the expectations of families, making it a trusted and respected choice in your community.

A commonly overlooked area of senior health is proper skin care. Skin is our first line of defense from toxins, bacteria, and injury. As we age, our skin becomes thinner and more susceptible to scratches, bruising, and infection. It is critical for longevity and high quality of life to treat our skin well, and not just for aesthetic purposes. For seniors, products that once worked might not have the same effect that they used to. This is why extra care and sustained attention must be paid to proper skin treatment.

The Risks of Poor Skin Care

In addition to being at heightened risk of contracting skin cancer, seniors are more likely to develop the following conditions without proper care:

Senile Purpura presents as purplish spots that appear most often on the arms and legs due to the thinness of the elder person’s skin and frailty of the capillaries and blood vessels.

Exfoliative Dermatitis is characterized by excessive peeling and shedding of skin. It is of particular concern in the elderly because the severe itching can lead to broken skin and subsequent infections.

Stasis Dermatitis is more common in elderly women than men and is characterized by dry, itchy skin.

To prevent skin infections, help your residents with the following tips and guidelines to promote overall skin health. Depending on the individual, you may need to assist them in practicing these routines. However, always check with the primary care physician or the resident’s dermatology specialist before making any changes to their medical, nutritional, or overall health care plan.

Hydration

In order to prevent or cure dry skin, it’s important to make sure each of your residents consume enough water and other fluids. Eight glasses of water per day is a standard recommendation. On hot days, be sure your residents take in  more to compensate for sweat loss. Also be mindful of environments with excessively dry air. Utilizing a humidifier can be helpful if air conditions are too dry. In addition, applying moisturizers, lotions, creams, or other beneficial ointments on a daily basis is important to keep skin healthy and reverse the effects of aging. Incorporating this as part of their daily routine, with the approval of the attending physician, can help keep residents’ skin strong and less likely to peel, crack, or dry out.

Enforce Safety Precautions

Sun protection should be one of the highest priorities to promote healthy skin. The sun’s rays make our skin age quicker; this effect is known by dermatologists as photoaging. Be sure to keep your residents out of direct sun exposure between 10 A.M. and 2 P.M. Keep them covered when outside; have them dressed in pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and long sleeves. Sunglasses help reduce fine lines around our eyes and even protect the eyes themselves. Utilize a broad spectrum sunscreen that offers a protection of SPF 30 (or higher). Verify that the sunscreen is water resistant to avoid running off from sweat.  Even keeping them in shady areas will help reduce the risk of sun overexposure.

Additionally, the skin begins to wrinkle over time. Environmental factors, like ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun, can make the skin less elastic. Contaminants like cigarette smoke and smog can increase the stress put on your skin. If there are residents who do smoke, educating them and even their families (if involved) about the all-encompassing dangers and effects of smoking/tobacco use is beneficial to encourage a change toward healthier habits.

Staying ahead of health concerns before they progress is critical. Check your resident’s skin at least once a month for signs of cancer. Skin cancer is rarely painful, therefore the resident likely won’t complain or indicate there is a problem. Look for changes such as a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, a bleeding mole, or moles/growths that appear oddly-colored, asymmetrical, or have irregular edges.

Nutrition

The skin benefits from proper nutrition just like the rest of our body. This is why everybody, especially seniors, should eat foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These foods are immensely beneficial to an overall healthy body and healthy skin. Foods rich in Vitamin A, B, C, E, and K are especially important, including melons, berries, walnuts, salmon, and avocados. Click here to learn more about creating a full nutritional plan for your residents.

It’s also advisable to avoid foods with excessive sugar. Simple carbohydrates such as refined sugars, high fructose corn syrup, and white bread products cause insulin levels to spike which causes inflammation throughout the body. During inflammation, our bodies break down collagen and elastin, causing wrinkles and sagging in our skin.

This is also why everyone needs to be on the same page with the individualized healthcare plan. The attending dietician will adjust the resident’s diet and provide supplemental options according to the medical needs of the individual.

Beyond nutrition, creating safe senior exercise programs will also promote greater health and wellness – not just for the senior’s skin – but his or her overall physical and mental health.

Avoid Over-Washing

Vigorously scrubbing skin or washing with water that is too hot can damage skin and cause irritation. Utilizing a mild, fragrance-free bath soap is ideal to prevent irritation, especially for residents with more sensitive skin. Follow the cleaning and hygiene protocol according to your specific facility, and ask for further guidance if a question or issue arises concerning a particular resident or their circumstances.

Overall Health

Maintaining good overall health is one of the best ways to ensure healthy skin. Getting enough sleep provides your residents’ bodies time to rest and renew themselves. It is also advised that you have your residents participate in regular exercise to promote good cardiovascular health, which helps cuts down on the inflammation.

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Assisted Living Education is dedicated to providing the highest quality education and continuing education for those in the elder care field. We offer the most in-depth certification and online training programs available with instructors possessing years of real-world and research-backed knowledge. Learn more about RCFE certifications, online training, or visit our contact page to reach us directly.

Many residential care facilities for the elderly emphasize resident safety. For example, RCFEs prioritize fall prevention, security, and other measures. However, disaster preparation might not get the same level of attention that it deserves. The good news is that informed preparation can go a long way if you own or operate such a facility. Similarly, if you’re exploring or completing education regarding senior care communities, your RCFE education should include disaster training.

1. Meet State Requirements

In California, Title 22, Section 87212 and Health and Safety Codes 1569.695 cover emergency disaster plans. RCFEs also need a current LIC 610E and facility sketch.

It’s important to learn about these requirements, among others, when you start an assisted living business. The guidelines cover areas such as utility shutoff, resident assembly points, and making disaster plans available to residents and others. Many of these requirements can be found below.

2. Train Staff

Your facility needs a comprehensive disaster binder. It should include contingencies for different types of disasters and various types of contact information. Staff members must know where it is and what information is in it. Here’s an overview of a disaster training module that ALE offers. It covers much of what to include in your binder.

• During regular reviews of your disaster plan, ensure that staffers’ first aid cards are current. Hold quarterly fire and disaster drills for each shift.
• Staff training should cover areas such as utility shut offs and emergency exits (including those leading directly outside).
• Train staff on how to work with residents who have dementia or who are bedridden. For example, how to evacuate them? How to supervise them?
• Orientation for new employees should cover disaster procedures.
• Residents and their family members should get disaster training, too.

Have a plan for keeping residents’ family members in the loop. Staff training should include who contacts DSS, families, hospice, doctors, and others, as well as what contact channels to use.

3. Prepare for Specific Disasters as Well as General Disasters

There are two types of disaster conditions: internal and external. As the name implies, internal disasters originate inside RCFEs. Fire is one example, and RCFE caregiver training needs to include preparedness and response for fire situations. These trainings come with unique prevention strategies, like changing smoke detector batteries at least once a year.

Power, water, and gas outages are other types of internal disasters that you should prepare and train for.

External disasters originate outside of the facility. Earthquakes and heat waves (or extreme heat), for example, fall under the category of external disasters and should be included in your training.

4. Go Online and Stay Current

Store all documents online as soon as you can so that emergency responders, residents’ caregivers, family members, and others can access what they need to, when they need it. Of course, this registry needs to be secure and compliant with regulations. Staff members must input details about medication changes and ADL care notes in this registry.

Both online and physical disaster plans need to be kept complete and up-to-date at all times. For example, it’s crucial to keep your resident rosters current and include ability details, such as whether a resident is bedridden. DSS Form LIC 9020 can serve as your resident roster. Other good information to include:

• LIC 601s (emergency information)
• Physician reports
• Medication lists
• Insurance cards
• DNRs, POLSTs, and similar orders

5. Encourage Individual Disaster Kits

It’s a good idea for each resident to have their own kit. These can include:

• Contact information of the resident’s doctor
• Extra ID bracelets
• Copies of power of attorney and other legal documents
• Copies of medical details about the resident’s condition and current medications
• Copies of Social Security and insurance cards

The kits should be accessible, with waterproof bags for the documents and medications.

6. Remain Up-to-Date

RCFE administrators need to stay current on their training, too. Stay in touch with local contacts such as the fire department and your Red Cross chapter. They can help with disaster prevention, preparation, mitigation, and training.

RCFE staff should be trained in emergency procedures, especially evacuation preparedness.

7. Prioritize Evacuations

There’s a lot involved to facilitate smooth evacuations. If you have only one evacuation site, what happens if it’s inaccessible? It’s crucial to designate at least two sites for evacuation.

You must also evacuate medications and support devices as well as residents. Keep in mind that some medications may need refrigeration. Having online medication records for the residents can be vital, so start building online files if you do not have them already.

Some residents may be able to evacuate using walkers and wheelchairs. Staffers may also be able to roll some residents out in their beds. Carries include hip, saddle, and blanket. Educate RCFE caregivers about these and have them practice using them regularly.

Transportation is an important consideration. Will residents leave the premises in cars or by bus? If by bus, you should triage residents for specific buses. 

Load residents who can move on their own first. The last residents to load should be the ones who need the most support. They should also be the first to unload at the destination. Try to put roommates together on the bus since familiarity can be a great asset in a difficult time.

8. Plan for a Smooth Reentry

Evacuations may have gone well, and all residents are safe. However, your work is not quite done. A chaotic, jumbled reentry can pose safety issues that jeopardize your RCFE license. Your disaster plan should be able to answer questions such as these.

• Who authorizes reentry?
• What are the RCFE inspection procedures, and how do you determine whether returning is safe?
• How do you transport residents back?

Some residents may have trauma from what happened (transfer trauma or relocation stress syndrome). Watch for signs of this trauma, and remember that these situations affect residents differently. Distress may also occur when residents move into your RCFE for the first time from home, so administrators and staffers may just need to tap into already-established support skills.

9. Plan for Sheltering in Place

Aim for your RCFE to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours (about three days) during a disaster. Think about food and resident activities as well as employees who may worry about their families. If you lose power, what happens when residents use motorized scooters, oxygen, or nebulizers? These are crucial aspects to consider.

Emergency call buttons probably won’t work during power outages. You can try to compensate with strategies such as constant supervision of residents with dementia, hourly checks on other residents, or whistles and bells.

For food, DSS mandates two days of perishables and seven days of nonperishables. The requirements do not explicitly mention water. It’s a good practice  to have a three-day supply of water, with about a gallon of water per resident every day. Don’t forget to include your staff in preparing for emergency supplies.

Get Training for Your RCFE

Whether you already operate your RCFE or want to be an administrator someday, comprehensive, professional response training can open many doors. At Assisted Living Education, we offer many certification and training (CEU) opportunities.

Learn more today about disaster preparation, dementia plans of operation, RCFE regulations, and much more.