Disease Symptom & Their Cure & Prevention

Click Each Disease to see their symptoms, preventions and cure

Updated

Hi J,

All door handles must comply with the ADA and Fire Safety Standards.
Door handles are the lever type with one step action to open.  In other
words, the person must be able to exit through the door in one step.
The lock must automatically release when turned. Both Home Depot and
Lowes sell the lever ADA fire safety door handles.

Good luck with your new business.

~Diane




--- In AskDianeProvidersWeb@yahoogroups.com, "jaaaagaccounting"
<jaaaagaccounting@...> wrote:
>
> I am putting in new bedroom door handles in my upcoming RCFE.  Are
> there restrictions on the type of locking mechanism they have?  Some
> doors unlock automaticly others need to have their knob/button
> unswitched.  If there are no restrictions, which do most
> administrators prefer to have?  I would appreciate any feedback.
>

I am putting in new bedroom door handles in my upcoming RCFE.  Are
there restrictions on the type of locking mechanism they have?  Some
doors unlock automaticly others need to have their knob/button
unswitched.  If there are no restrictions, which do most
administrators prefer to have?  I would appreciate any feedback.

Hi Stacy,

Please let me know what you find out.  I just finished writing two
documents on insurance.  Once editing gets finish with them, I will
send them to you.

Good Luck,
~Diane

--- In AskDianeProvidersWeb@yahoogroups.com, Stacy Spence
<stacyjspence@...> wrote:
>
> Thanks for your response Diane, I understand your position. 
However, is it more challenging to obtain liability insurance for
new business? I understand this may be a problem as I'm shopping
around, I just want to know what I'm up against.  Thank you much!
>  
> Stacy
>  
>  
>  
> Peace & Blessings,
>  
> Stace
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: Diane Morrow <feathrstar@...>
> To: AskDianeProvidersWeb@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Friday, August 22, 2008 9:05:43 AM
> Subject: [AskDianeProvidersWeb] Re: general liability ins
>
>
> Hi Stacy,
>
> I really could not indorse one insurance company over another at
> this time, but shop around look up companies on the internet.
>
> You can ask each insurance company for their application and
> insurance benefit packet for care facilities. Review those and the
> pricing, and you will get a better picture.
>
> Happy shopping,
> ~Diane
>
> --- In AskDianeProvidersWe b@yahoogroups. com, "Stacy Spence"
> <stacyjspence@ ...> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Diane,
> > I'm looking to open a 6 bed res. care home and wanted to know if
> you
> > have any suggestions for reputable liability insurance
> > companies/brokers? Thanks!
> >
> > Stacy
> >
>

Hi Stacy,

I really could not indorse one insurance company over another at
this time, but shop around look up companies on the internet.

You can ask each insurance company for their application and
insurance benefit packet for care facilities.  Review those and the
pricing, and you will get a better picture.

Happy shopping,
~Diane

--- In AskDianeProvidersWeb@yahoogroups.com, "Stacy Spence"
<stacyjspence@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Diane,
> I'm looking to open a 6 bed res. care home and wanted to know if
you
> have any suggestions for reputable liability insurance
> companies/brokers? Thanks!
>
> Stacy
>

Hi,

I am so sorry, I am sure it is difficult.  If it was me I would try
to get him on video tape him.  Get a "grandpa remembers" type book,
or buy mine its call "Life Journals" (to purchase please call my
office 209-736-2733) and create a video story of dad's life.

If you can show the court video evidence of his incompetence, that
would go a long way.

Good Luck,
~Diane

--- In AskDianeProvidersWeb@yahoogroups.com, "potent426"
<potent426@...> wrote:
>
> ANY SUGGESTIONS ON A ALZHEIMERS PATIENT WHO IS MY FATHER THAT
REMARRIED
> AFTER MY MOMS DAD AND HIS SPOUSE HAS SHUT US OUT AND IS TAKING
> EVERYTHING HE HAS IN SHORT ,WE  HAVE BEEN TO ATTORNEYS AND BECUSE
HE
> HAS NOT BEEN DEEMED INCOMPITENT ,SHE HAS ALL POWER AND ALL WE CAN
DO
> IS WATCH
>

Hi Diane,
I'm looking to open a 6 bed res. care home and wanted to know if you
have any suggestions for reputable liability insurance
companies/brokers? Thanks!

Stacy

ANY SUGGESTIONS ON A ALZHEIMERS PATIENT WHO IS MY FATHER THAT REMARRIED
AFTER MY MOMS DAD AND HIS SPOUSE HAS SHUT US OUT AND IS TAKING
EVERYTHING HE HAS IN SHORT ,WE  HAVE BEEN TO ATTORNEYS AND BECUSE HE
HAS NOT BEEN DEEMED INCOMPITENT ,SHE HAS ALL POWER AND ALL WE CAN DO
IS WATCH

Hi Brian,

I asked a friend who is an executive at an insurance company to
write you a response.   As soon as I get it from him, I will post it.

Have a great day,
~Diane

--- In AskDianeProvidersWeb@yahoogroups.com, "RBH" <klbsf@...> wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
> In operating a home health agency in California using personal care
> attendants only - what would be reasonable/legal professional
liability or
> general liability coverage requirements? Do both types of
liability coverage
> protect clients in their home against injuries
> by the caregiver?
>
> Thank you
>
> Brian
>

Hi,

Sorry for the delay.  I did not get your message until today.  My
facility was in California.

Good Luck,
~Diane

--- In AskDianeProvidersWeb@yahoogroups.com, "Kim Mitchell"
<kimm@...> wrote:
>
> Diane:
>
>
>
> What state was your facility located ( trying to determine is the
costs you
> provided would be applicable to a southern Californian facility?
>
>
>
> Kim Mitchell
>
> Partner Portfolio Investments
>
> ICON CAPITAL PARTNERS LLC
>
> Direct 619.985.7024 Toll Free 800.950.4499 Fax 800.238.8999
>
>
>
>   _____
>
> From: AskDianeProvidersWeb@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:AskDianeProvidersWeb@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Diane
Morrow
> Sent: Thursday, April 24, 2008 11:40 AM
> To: AskDianeProvidersWeb@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [AskDianeProvidersWeb] Re: staffing an RCFE
>
>
>
> Hello Diane,
>
> My company will be opening 3-4 RCFE within about a 1-3 mile radius
> of each other.
> My questions are:
>
> 1. If the Administrator's duties were to be focused on managing
the
> care givers (2-3 per 6 bed facility), providing daily care for
> residents to include medication management and ensuring the
> facilities are in compliance with all California regulations,
would
> you say that the Administrator could manage 4 facilities located
> within the 1-3 mile radius? My partners and I would be handling
all
> other aspects of the business like marketing, food purchase,
general
> administration etc.
>
> Answer to Question 1: I know of some Administrators supervising
four
> 6-bed facilities. A lot will depend on the levels of care needed
by
> your residents, and the level of trained staff you have. We have
> two helpful documents at http://www.provider
<http://www.providersweb.com;>
> sweb.com; one is
> called "Staffing" and one called "Staffing Chart". You can find
> them using the search engine on the left hand side of the website.
> They contain suggestions on normal staffing standards.
>
> 2. What is your recommendation for the number of caregivers (on
> average) per 6-bed facility including covering a night shift? Is
it
> customary to have caregivers live on premises to cover the night
> shift? I know that this also depends on the kinds of services we
> will be providing like dementia care etc. We would just like to
> know what in general is customary and reasonable.
>
> Answer to question 2: Yes, a lot depends on the needs of your
> residents. You are required to have someone on duty, if they are
> sleeping and they have to wake up to respond to a resident you
have
> to pay them properly. We have a document called "Live-in Employee
> Wages" that explains the requirements. I know one provider ended
up
> paying over $100,000 in back wages to a live-in employee she did
not
> pay properly. It is essential to understand the pay requirements.
>
> You have to have a person "on call" and capable of responding
within
> 10 to 15 minutes depending on your state's laws.
>
> If you are taking persons with dementia, you may need someone "on
> call", someone else asleep at the facility and "on call as
needed",
> and another "on call" in case of emergency.
>
> 3. In your experience what were your average monthly food costs
per
> person?
>
> Kim
>
> That can depend on how picky your residents are and how many
special
> diets you have to accommodate. At my facility we spent $11.00 per
> resident per day. However, 1/3 of my residents were diabetic. It
> can range between a low of $7.00 a day on up. A lot will depend on
> your resident's needs.
>
> Thanks Diane!
>
> You are welcome. Sorry for the delay in answering, my email was
> delayed.
>
> --- In AskDianeProvidersWe <mailto:AskDianeProvidersWeb%
40yahoogroups.com>
> b@yahoogroups.com, "kimmaticon" <kimm@>
> wrote:
> >
> > Hello Diane
> >
> > My company will be opening 3-4 RCFE within about a 1-3 mile
radius
> of
> > each other. My questions are:
> >
> > 1. If the Administrator's duties were to be focused on managing
> the
> > care givers (2-3 per 6 bed facility), providing daily care for
> > residents to include medication management and ensuring the
> > facilities are in compliance with all California regs, would you
> say
> > that the Administrator could manage 4 facilities located within
> the 1-
> > 3 mile radius? I and my partners would be handling all other
> aspects
> > of the business like marketing, food purchase, general
> administration
> > etc.
> >
> > 2. What is your recommendation for the number of caregivers (on
> > average) per 6 bed facility including covering a night shift. Is
> it
> > customary to have caregivers live on premises to cover the night
> > shift? I know that this also depends on the kinds of services we
> will
> > be providing like dementia care etc. We would just like to know
> what
> > in general is customary and reasonable.
> >
> > 3. In your experience what were your average monthly food costs
> per
> > person?
> >
> > Thanks Diane!
> >
> > Kim
> >
>

Hello Diane,

My company will be opening 3-4 RCFE within about a 1-3 mile radius
of each other.
My questions are:

1. If the Administrator's duties were to be focused on managing the
care givers (2-3 per 6 bed facility), providing daily care for
residents to include medication management and ensuring the
facilities are in compliance with all California regulations, would
you say that the Administrator could manage 4 facilities located
within the 1-3 mile radius?  My partners and I would be handling all
other aspects of the business like marketing, food purchase, general
administration etc.

Answer to Question 1: I know of some Administrators supervising four
6-bed facilities.  A lot will depend on the levels of care needed by
your residents, and the level of trained staff you have.  We have
two helpful documents at http://www.providersweb.com; one is
called "Staffing" and one called "Staffing Chart".  You can find
them using the search engine on the left hand side of the website.
They contain suggestions on normal staffing standards.

2. What is your recommendation for the number of caregivers (on
average) per 6-bed facility including covering a night shift? Is it
customary to have caregivers live on premises to cover the night
shift? I know that this also depends on the kinds of services we
will be providing like dementia care etc.  We would just like to
know what in general is customary and reasonable.

Answer to question 2: Yes, a lot depends on the needs of your
residents. You are required to have someone on duty, if they are
sleeping and they have to wake up to respond to a resident you have
to pay them properly. We have a document called "Live-in Employee
Wages" that explains the requirements.  I know one provider ended up
paying over $100,000 in back wages to a live-in employee she did not
pay properly.  It is essential to understand the pay requirements.

You have to have a person "on call" and capable of responding within
10 to 15 minutes depending on your state's laws.

If you are taking persons with dementia, you may need someone "on
call", someone else asleep at the facility and "on call as needed",
and another "on call" in case of emergency.

3. In your experience what were your average monthly food costs per
person?

Kim

That can depend on how picky your residents are and how many special
diets you have to accommodate.  At my facility we spent $11.00 per
resident per day.  However, 1/3 of my residents were diabetic.  It
can range between a low of $7.00 a day on up.  A lot will depend on
your resident's needs.

Thanks Diane!

You are welcome.  Sorry for the delay in answering, my email was
delayed.


--- In AskDianeProvidersWeb@yahoogroups.com, "kimmaticon" <kimm@...>
wrote:
>
> Hello Diane
>
> My company will be opening 3-4 RCFE within about a 1-3 mile radius
of
> each other. My questions are:
>
> 1. If the Administrator's duties were to be focused on managing
the
> care givers (2-3 per 6 bed facility), providing daily care for
> residents to include medication management and ensuring the
> facilities are in compliance with all California regs, would you
say
> that the Administrator could manage 4 facilities located within
the 1-
> 3 mile radius?  I and my partners would be handling all other
aspects
> of the business like marketing, food purchase, general
administration
> etc.
>
> 2. What is your recommendation for the number of caregivers (on
> average) per 6 bed facility including covering a night shift. Is
it
> customary to have caregivers live on premises to cover the night
> shift? I know that this also depends on the kinds of services we
will
> be providing like dementia care etc.  We would just like to know
what
> in general is customary and reasonable.
>
> 3. In your experience what were your average monthly food costs
per
> person?
>
> Thanks Diane!
>
> Kim
>

Diane,

I am in process of submitting my application for a new 6bed RCFE.  I
formed an LLC for this purpose.  My part B is complete, but as I
started to fill out my part A I started having problems.  Does the
state want to see my personal information or that of my LLC only or
both?  My orientation certificate expires late next month.  I
registered for another class in June.  Should I just wait to submit
in June?

Hi,

My guess is they will want both.  They have to make sure you and
your company are in good financial shape.  They will also check at
least twice to make sure you have three months operating capital in
the bank.  I would get my application in right away before your
orientation certificate expires.  Most people get a response from
licensing indicating what they are lacking.   www.ProvidersWeb.com
has everything to you need to complete the California licensing
packet (other than your personal information).  Are you a
subscribing member?

Good Luck,
~Diane


--- In AskDianeProvidersWeb@yahoogroups.com, "jaaaagaccounting"
<jaaaagaccounting@...> wrote:
>
> Diane,
>
> I am in process of submitting my application for a new 6bed RCFE.
I
> formed an LLC for this purpose.  My part B is complete, but as I
> started to fill out my part A I started having problems.  Does the
> state want to see my personal information or that of my LLC only
or
> both?  My orientation certificate expires late next month. I
registred
> for another class in June.  Should I just wait to submit in June?
>

Diane,

I am in process of submitting my application for a new 6bed RCFE.  I
formed an LLC for this purpose.  My part B is complete, but as I
started to fill out my part A I started having problems.  Does the
state want to see my personal information or that of my LLC only or
both?  My orientation certificate expires late next month. I registred
for another class in June.  Should I just wait to submit in June?

Hello Diane

My company will be opening 3-4 RCFE within about a 1-3 mile radius of
each other. My questions are:

1. If the Administrator's duties were to be focused on managing the
care givers (2-3 per 6 bed facility), providing daily care for
residents to include medication management and ensuring the
facilities are in compliance with all California regs, would you say
that the Administrator could manage 4 facilities located within the 1-
3 mile radius?  I and my partners would be handling all other aspects
of the business like marketing, food purchase, general administration
etc.

2. What is your recommendation for the number of caregivers (on
average) per 6 bed facility including covering a night shift. Is it
customary to have caregivers live on premises to cover the night
shift? I know that this also depends on the kinds of services we will
be providing like dementia care etc.  We would just like to know what
in general is customary and reasonable.

3. In your experience what were your average monthly food costs per
person?

Thanks Diane!

Kim

Dear Joseph,

You replied: "I plan on being the person to fund the venture. I have
a friend who will be the Administrator and partner. She has 7yrs
experience as an Administrator in a Skilled nursing facility."

First, it's hard to make much profit, other than the real estate in a
6-bed facility, especially when you are not the owner/operator.
Secondly, why would a Licensed Nursing Homes Administrator want to
run a 6-bed facility, when she could be making a LOT more money
running a SNF?  Just because she is an Administrator doesn't mean
that she's a good "hands on" caregiver.  Many Administrators won't do
the "hands on" care, and that can increase your staffing cost
greatly.  In a 6-bed facility she will have to do many things
herself, it's not like an SNF where you have people to do things for
you.

In California, the licensing agency hosts orientation classes for
those interested in getting into the business.  I strongly recommend
you attend one, before going any further.  You can find out about
those by becoming a free ProvidersWeb Member and click on "State
Pages" and finding the nearest licensing office to you.  Contact them
to find out when the next class is.

You do need to look at the last three years of tax statements from
any business you buy.  If the sellers say they made cash money not on
the books, I wouldn't believe it.

You can easily look at any facility's reputation by going to the
licensing district office and looking at their public file to see
what problems they have been having.  It doesn't cost a thing, and it
is one of the most important things you can to when considering
buying an existing RCFE business.  Most facilities that are up for
sale usually are being sold due to problems.

Remodeling can cost you.  There are ramps, accessible bathrooms, fire
exits, and other costs to consider.  The cost can range from $15,000
to over $50,000.

If you don't know how to do a Profit and Loss statement, that's one
of the first things you need to learn.  I recommend you become a free
Member to www.ProvidersWeb.com, and download the following three
documents:


Getting Into Business - Free
http://www.ProvidersWeb.com/doc.aspx?id=1920

SBA Business Plans –Free
http://www.ProvidersWeb.com/doc.aspx?id=1928

Starting a 6 bed facility - Free
http://www.ProvidersWeb.com/doc.aspx?id=2811

Then if you are still serious, I recommend you join
www.ProvidersWeb.com and get a 6-month's Subscription for $189. Then
download these documents:

Building a Building
http://www.ProvidersWeb.com/doc.aspx?id=2869

Business Plans
http://www.ProvidersWeb.com/doc.aspx?id=1927

Business Ownership
http://www.ProvidersWeb.com/doc.aspx?id=1925

Business Legal Basics
http://www.ProvidersWeb.com/doc.aspx?id=1945

Monthly Operating Statement
http://www.ProvidersWeb.com/doc.aspx?id=1981

Financial Planning
http://www.ProvidersWeb.com/doc.aspx?id=2294

The legal responsibilities are different than other businesses.  If
you are the licensee and you don't provide good care, you could be
held accountable legally.  For example, if your facility is found
guilty of neglecting your residents, you could face a jail term.  Not
to scare you, but if you are in it for the money, usually a 6-bed
facility is not worth it.  If you are in the business because you
want to make the world a better place by helping people, and don't
mind not making very much money at it, then I would say you have a
chance for success.

Good Luck,
~Diane


--- In AskDianeProvidersWeb@yahoogroups.com, "Joseph_LD"
<joseph_ld@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Diane,
> Happy New year! Well let me answer your response.
>
> 1. No. I plan on being the person to fund the venture. I have a
> friend who will be the administrator and partner. She has 7yrs
> experience as an administrator in a Skilled nursing facility.
> 2. Yes, see #1 above.
> 3. No, my partner does.
> 4. Yes.
> 5. yes, I've calculated tax and insurance, except remodeling
> cost? How do I calculate that?
> 6. No, I don't know how to do a "real" P&L.
> 7. I've only seen ads and some advertise they will provide some
> training.
> 8. yes.
> 9. I don't know but I am sure you are correct.
> 10. No. I have only looked at ads. I am sure the 3yrs tax record
> is to analyze their profit and loss?
> 11. No. How do I check out the owners/facilities repuation?
> 12. I am not a member of providers.
>
> 2yrs on hand cash is a lot of money.
>
> Thanks for the detailed reply. I look forward to more of your
> response.
>
> Joseph
>
>
> --- In AskDianeProvidersWeb@yahoogroups.com, "Diane Morrow"
> <feathrstar@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Joseph,
> >
> > Thank you for writing.  The answer to your question is not easy.
> In
> > order to answer I need more information from you.
> > 1. How much experience do you have taking care of people?
> > 2. Do you have family or friends that can help you - that do have
> job
> > experience in caring for others?
> > 3. Do you have any experience in marketing?
> > 4. Is the primary reason you want to open an RCFE is to
> make "good"
> > money?
> > 5. Do you have a home in mind to buy?  If so, have you calculated
> the
> > monthly payment, plus insurance, taxes and the cost to remodel?
> > 6. Have you ever been in business for yourself and do you know
how
> to
> > do a real profit and loss statement?
> > 7. If you were to buy the existing home, how much training will
> the
> > current owner provide for you?
> > 8. Since the current owner's mortgage payments, taxes and
> insurance
> > will be based on when the home was purchased, have you factored
in
> > the increases you will have to pay in your projected profit and
> loss?
> > 9.  Is the current owner paying the live-in staff according to
> > federal and state law requirements?  (In many cases, I have found
> > they are not. Check out ProvidersWeb's past newsletters for info
> on
> > live in wages.)
> > 10. Have you reviewed the last 3 years tax records of the
business
> > you want to buy?
> > 11. Have you checked out the reputation (from outside sources)
for
> > the business you are interested in buying?
> > 12. Are you a member of ProvidersWeb.com?
> >
> > By the way, if you are starting your own business, the rule of
> thumb
> > is to have enough money to carry your business for 2 years on
> hand,
> > and that is very important.  You cannot run out of money for
food,
> > staff, utilities, etc.. when you are taking care of people.
> >
> > As for the questions about my two lawsuits, I will share more
> about
> > those in ProvidersWeb's January Newsletter.
> >
> > Sincerely,
> > ~Diane
> >
> >
> > --- In AskDianeProvidersWeb@yahoogroups.com, "Joseph_LD"
> > <joseph_ld@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Diane,
> > > I plan on starting an RCFE as a business owner, and hire an
> > > administrator to run the facility. From a cash flow stand
point,
> > will
> > > I net more monthly income if I purchase a 6bedroom RCFE that
> > already
> > > is 100% occupied or buy a home and turn it into a 6bedroom RCFE
> and
> > > have it fully occupied?
> > >
> > > Also, may you elaborate on the 2 lawsuits you had?
> > >
> > > thanks,
> > > Joseph
> > >
> >
>

Hi Diane,
Happy New year! Well let me answer your response.

1. No. I plan on being the person to fund the venture. I have a
friend who will be the administrator and partner. She has 7yrs
experience as an administrator in a Skilled nursing facility.
2. Yes, see #1 above.
3. No, my partner does.
4. Yes.
5. yes, I've calculated tax and insurance, except remodeling
cost? How do I calculate that?
6. No, I don't know how to do a "real" P&L.
7. I've only seen ads and some advertise they will provide some
training.
8. yes.
9. I don't know but I am sure you are correct.
10. No. I have only looked at ads. I am sure the 3yrs tax record
is to analyze their profit and loss?
11. No. How do I check out the owners/facilities repuation?
12. I am not a member of providers.

2yrs on hand cash is a lot of money.

Thanks for the detailed reply. I look forward to more of your
response.

Joseph


--- In AskDianeProvidersWeb@yahoogroups.com, "Diane Morrow"
<feathrstar@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Joseph,
>
> Thank you for writing.  The answer to your question is not easy.
In
> order to answer I need more information from you.
> 1. How much experience do you have taking care of people?
> 2. Do you have family or friends that can help you - that do have
job
> experience in caring for others?
> 3. Do you have any experience in marketing?
> 4. Is the primary reason you want to open an RCFE is to
make "good"
> money?
> 5. Do you have a home in mind to buy?  If so, have you calculated
the
> monthly payment, plus insurance, taxes and the cost to remodel?
> 6. Have you ever been in business for yourself and do you know how
to
> do a real profit and loss statement?
> 7. If you were to buy the existing home, how much training will
the
> current owner provide for you?
> 8. Since the current owner's mortgage payments, taxes and
insurance
> will be based on when the home was purchased, have you factored in
> the increases you will have to pay in your projected profit and
loss?
> 9.  Is the current owner paying the live-in staff according to
> federal and state law requirements?  (In many cases, I have found
> they are not. Check out ProvidersWeb's past newsletters for info
on
> live in wages.)
> 10. Have you reviewed the last 3 years tax records of the business
> you want to buy?
> 11. Have you checked out the reputation (from outside sources) for
> the business you are interested in buying?
> 12. Are you a member of ProvidersWeb.com?
>
> By the way, if you are starting your own business, the rule of
thumb
> is to have enough money to carry your business for 2 years on
hand,
> and that is very important.  You cannot run out of money for food,
> staff, utilities, etc.. when you are taking care of people.
>
> As for the questions about my two lawsuits, I will share more
about
> those in ProvidersWeb's January Newsletter.
>
> Sincerely,
> ~Diane
>
>
> --- In AskDianeProvidersWeb@yahoogroups.com, "Joseph_LD"
> <joseph_ld@> wrote:
> >
> > Diane,
> > I plan on starting an RCFE as a business owner, and hire an
> > administrator to run the facility. From a cash flow stand point,
> will
> > I net more monthly income if I purchase a 6bedroom RCFE that
> already
> > is 100% occupied or buy a home and turn it into a 6bedroom RCFE
and
> > have it fully occupied?
> >
> > Also, may you elaborate on the 2 lawsuits you had?
> >
> > thanks,
> > Joseph
> >
>

Hi Joseph,

Thank you for writing.  The answer to your question is not easy.  In
order to answer I need more information from you.
1. How much experience do you have taking care of people?
2. Do you have family or friends that can help you - that do have job
experience in caring for others?
3. Do you have any experience in marketing?
4. Is the primary reason you want to open an RCFE is to make "good"
money?
5. Do you have a home in mind to buy?  If so, have you calculated the
monthly payment, plus insurance, taxes and the cost to remodel?
6. Have you ever been in business for yourself and do you know how to
do a real profit and loss statement?
7. If you were to buy the existing home, how much training will the
current owner provide for you?
8. Since the current owner's mortgage payments, taxes and insurance
will be based on when the home was purchased, have you factored in
the increases you will have to pay in your projected profit and loss?
9.  Is the current owner paying the live-in staff according to
federal and state law requirements?  (In many cases, I have found
they are not. Check out ProvidersWeb's past newsletters for info on
live in wages.)
10. Have you reviewed the last 3 years tax records of the business
you want to buy?
11. Have you checked out the reputation (from outside sources) for
the business you are interested in buying?
12. Are you a member of ProvidersWeb.com?

By the way, if you are starting your own business, the rule of thumb
is to have enough money to carry your business for 2 years on hand,
and that is very important.  You cannot run out of money for food,
staff, utilities, etc.. when you are taking care of people.

As for the questions about my two lawsuits, I will share more about
those in ProvidersWeb's January Newsletter.

Sincerely,
~Diane


--- In AskDianeProvidersWeb@yahoogroups.com, "Joseph_LD"
<joseph_ld@...> wrote:
>
> Diane,
> I plan on starting an RCFE as a business owner, and hire an
> administrator to run the facility. From a cash flow stand point,
will
> I net more monthly income if I purchase a 6bedroom RCFE that
already
> is 100% occupied or buy a home and turn it into a 6bedroom RCFE and
> have it fully occupied?
>
> Also, may you elaborate on the 2 lawsuits you had?
>
> thanks,
> Joseph
>

Diane,
I plan on starting an RCFE as a business owner, and hire an
administrator to run the facility. From a cash flow stand point, will
I net more monthly income if I purchase a 6bedroom RCFE that already
is 100% occupied or buy a home and turn it into a 6bedroom RCFE and
have it fully occupied?

Also, may you elaborate on the 2 lawsuits you had?

thanks,
Joseph

--- In AskDianeProvidersWeb@yahoogroups.com, "sleekskinwax"
<sleekskinwax@...> wrote:
>
> Dear Diane,
>
> I am interested in buying a home and turning it into an RCFE. How
is
> marketing done in this business? Who do you market to? Where are
the
> prosepective customers coming from? Any help would be greatly
> appreciated.  Thanks.
>

Hi,

I just received your message. Good questions. Sorry for the delay, my
email has been bouncing from yahoo.  This is the third time its
happened this year.

Buying a home and converting it to an Residential Care Faciity is
commonly done.  However, keep in mind, that the fire regulations will
eventually be changing, and a fire sprinkler system will most likely
have to be installed.

I almost always had a waiting list.  How you do it is by selling
yourself and your business to each person you meet.  Word of mouth is
the most important part of getting referral business.  You market to
hospital discharge planners, doctors, senior centers, and others.
There is a lot to marketing and you need to create a personalized
marketing plan.  There is a downloadable marketing packet at
ProvidersWeb.com for paid subscribers.

Besides marketing, there are a lot of things you will need to know to
run an RCFE.  If you don't provide quality care, your business will
go no where but down, and no amount of marketing will help you once
your reputation gets tarnished in the "local care community".
ProvidersWeb.com is pack full of information you need to run your
business.  A complete package for $189, its the best deal of its
kind, by far.

If you are serious about getting into the business, find our when
your local licensing agency (see ProvidersWeb's State Pages)is having
their oriention and attend that.  If you are still interested, you
will need to complete your licensing packet.  ProvidersWeb again will
have all the information you need to complete your application to be
a licensee.

Good Luck,
~Diane

Dear Diane,

I am interested in buying a home and turning it into an RCFE. How is
marketing done in this business? Who do you market to? Where are the
prosepective customers coming from? Any help would be greatly
appreciated.  Thanks.

Dear Diane,

I live in central CA and my mom and I are interested in starting a RCFE. She is an RN and has worked in nursing homes and currently in an alzheimers living center facility. We have both attained our Administrators' Licenses. But going through the 40 hour required course and talking to different people has raised several questions for us. We are wondering if a 6-bed facility can really make it financially. We are both willing to be the main staff there and would look to hire a possible live in staff member as soon as feasible.

A.  Can a 6-bed facility make it financially? Yes, I believe that is still possible, however, it may be better to license for 8 or 10.  Since most facilities are now required to have fire sprinkler systems, or eventually will be required to have them (in my opinion), the 6-bed cut off is really no longer applicable.

If you do your business plan right, then you will know if the business you want to do will make it financially.  Quality sells, and you can create a niche market just catering to those who can afford your services.  In a 6 bed, it will take more than just you and your mother to run it.  I would recommend that you budget for at least a 30 to 40 hour employee weekly.  Your success will depend on the needs in your area.  You can look at all the statistic and census data you want, but doing good marketing research by calling the competition and seeing what services they provide and their vacancies is the most important research to do.  Call the hospital discharge planners to find out what there is a need for.  “See a need and fill it”, is one of the most important business principles to follow.  See Your Product

Q. 1) In your opinion what are the optimal states to do this in?

A.  Washington State, Florida, New York and Oregon and the best organized systems in my opinion, and have decent rates for Providers.  California is testing supplementing Providers, but the rates just barely cover what it cost to take care of the person.

Q. 2) What is the best size (number of clients)? The staffing issue was confusing to us, it sounded like 2 staff all the time from 1-99 clients.

A. Staff is always based on what the residents’ needs are.  If you have residents that have a lot of care needs you will need to have more staff.  See Staffing

3) Do you have any idea of how long it is taking a new facility to be filled and are most of them taking private pay only or a mixture of state/private, clients??

A. Each City will be different. So Cities need more care homes, others have too many.   However, in general, if you are doing your marketing right, about 6 months to a year.  See Marketing

4) Are there resources either online or otherwise that have some of this data - I have been a subscriber to your service for almost 6 months, and admittedly have not used it much yet. It seems like a very valuable resource for those actually in the business. What I'm
looking for is some preliminary data to make an informed decision on what size and where to open one.

A. If you decide to get licensed, you will find everything you need on our website.  Have you followed our “Getting into the business” recommendations?  Have you created your Business Plan see SBA Business Plans  There is no data, like the kind you what, that I know of for small facilities.  Remember success is an individual thing.

Thank you for any info you can provide...............John

Good Luck in finding your niche.

~Diane

Please note, the links will be active in the ProvidersWeb's newsletter in the Ask Diane section.

Dear Diane,

I live in central CA and my mom and I are interested in starting a
RCFE.  She is an RN and has worked in nursing homes and currently in
an alzheimers living center facility.  We have both attained our
Administrators' Licenses.  But going through the 40 hour required
course and talking to different people has raised several questions
for us.  We are wondering if a 6 bed facility can really make it
financially.  We are both willing to be the main staff there and
would look to hire a possible live in staff member as soon as
feasible.

1) In your opinion what are the optimal states to do this in?

2)What is the best size (number of clients)?  The staffing issue was
confusing to us, it sounded like 2 staff all the time from 1-99
clients.

3)  Do you have any idea of how long it is taking a new facility to
be filled and are most of them taking private pay only or a mixture
of state/private, clients??

4) Are there resources either online or otherwise that have some of
this data - I have been a subscriber to your service for almost 6
months, and admittedly have not used it much yet.  It seems like a
very valuable resource for those actually in the business.  What I'm
looking for is some preliminary data to make an informed decision on
what size and where to open one.

Thank you for any info you can provide...............John

I have a couple concerns regarding starting my own adult care service.
I was looking at the site, but unable to join.   How can I get answers
to my question?

Hi Tesha,

You have come to the right place for answers.  What concerns do you
have about starting your own Adult Care Service?

Have you looked at your state regulations yet?  You can become a
member of www.ProvidersWeb.com for free, and use our "State Pages" to
find them.  We have many free resources for you to help you get going
in the right direction.  In fact, about 20% of our website is free.

Sincerely,
~Diane Morrow, CEO
ProvidersWeb.com

Dear Diane,

I too, am very interested in starting a home care business in my
home. I however, am having such trouble in getting started. It is
only going to be my husband and I running it and, I already have two
people waiting to come but, I do not know how or if I need a
License for just two or three people? Or even how to begin the
whole process for that matter. If you have any good advice or
anything it would be most appreciated.

Thank-you and I do hope to
hear from you soon.
C. L. B.

Hi CLB,

Even if you only have one person, some states require you to get
licensed.  You can find your licensing requirements free for your
state at http://www.providersweb.com's/ "State Pages". It's a free
service we provide for our Registered Members (free membership).
Please let me know if I can be of additional help.

Sincerely,
~Diane Morrow, CEO
ProvidersWeb

Hi.......  I was looking for a group to help with my job working
with developmental disabled adults....
I work in an ADT and we are looking for an easier way to track
progress with our daily not writing...any suggestions?  Thanks, Anne

Hi Anne,

Interesting question. Homes for the developmentally disabled have
not only state but federal laws to abide by, more so than homes for
the elderly or group homes for kids.  Documentation is one of the
most important parts of your job.  Tracking progress allows other
persons involved with the care to get an instant picture of what is
going on with the resident's health. As the old saying goes, "Not
documented, not done."  Anytime public funding is involved, proper
documentation is the rule even if there is little progress to report.

As for an easier way to track progress... www.ProvidersWeb.com
provides over 600 downloadable  forms which were designed to make
documenting easier.  On our website you will find many short cut
documents in the areas of Care Services; Dietary Services;
Emergency Services; even Housekeeping and Laundry.  Plus, our
documents are labeled to comply with confidentiality laws to protect
both the residents and the business.

Forms are a way of reducing the writing time and a way to prompt
staff to follow procedure. Proper documentation can greatly reduce
your liability.  Many of the larger providers rely on software
programs to assist in the tracking, but using the computer leads to
a whole bunch of other issues and may not be cost effective for a
small facility.

Happy Tracking,
~Diane

Hi,
My name is Katherine and I live in Wisconsin.  I'm in the process of
getting our home certified by the county.  My question is that our
neighbors are really upset about us wanting to do this and trying to
stop us with everything they have.  What ammunition do you know of
that can be used...legal terms, etc. that will educate them and
hopefully stop a lawsuit they are pursuing.  We are scheduled for a
court date this upcoming Thursday, September 14 at 8:30am.  We are
building our home and told the Village Board that we want to do an
Adult Family Home and everyone of the immediate neighbors (new
subdivision) tell us that we can't run a business out of a single
family residence and if we are planning on having anyone live with
us that isn't family, it is against the subdivision
covenents/restrictions.  Please help us if you can and guide us.  We
have an attorney who is going to do what he can but would like any
advice you may have for us.  It seems that the neighbors are just
dead set against disabled and business in our home.
Thanking you in advance.

Katherine


Dear Katherine,

Small care facilities are considered single family homes.  Adult
family homes are required to be located in residential
neighborhoods.

HFS 88.05(1)

(1) LOCATION AND ACCESS TO THE COMMUNITY.  An adult family home
shall be located so that residents can easily get to community
activities and supportive services by walking or by means of
convenient private or public transportation, or the licensee shall
ensure that residents receive the assistance necessary to enable
them to get to those activities and services.  The home shall be
located in a residential area which is typical of residential areas
in that community.

I used ProvidersWeb.com's State Pages link to find the section of
the law that pertains. It came up instantly.  You can use the state
pages free for being a member of ProvidersWeb.com.

The link is: http://folio.legis.state.wi.us/cgi-bin/om_isapi.dll?
clientID=32425941&infobase=code.nfo&jump=ch.%20HFS%2088

In some states there is a provision in the law that states if the
subdivision
covenants/restrictions prohibit small care homes from operating,
then it might be legal.  However, the federal housing and American
with Disabilities Act's non-discrimination laws may overrule the
subdivision's rule.   You should give your attorney this
information.  You could also try the state Office of Civil Rights.
I would also call your licensing agency and ask for assistance.  I
do believe you will be in the right.  However, sometimes these
things are hard to fight.

What you are experiencing is unfortunately commonplace.
Neighborhood homeowners need to understand that we all have a
responsibility to assist our society's disadvantaged.  Its one of
the best laws our country has going for it. Good luck.  Please
update us about the results of the meeting.

Sincerely,
~Diane