Experience & Ethics: Choosing the Right Guides for Your Care Home Journey

Article by Alyssa Elting McGuire, founder of Oregon Care Home Consulting & Training.

In our recent weekly newsletter series on the topic of business ethics, we explored how integrity in the workplace is more than a personal virtue—it creates a ripple effect that shapes an entire organization, and even the entire adult care home field.

Today, I want to dig deeper into the importance of integrity and experience in consulting, especially within the care home industry.

Lately, I’ve experienced an increase in referrals from prospective licensees looking to start a care home who felt stranded after working with someone else on their licensing process. These individuals stated they were care home consultants, but no matter how good their intentions, they provided incomplete or outdated guidance. We discovered one person was using modified copies of our forms from several years ago that we created for the benefit our clients, and that we regularly update to make sure they continue to meet licensing requirements. 

Unfortunately, the future care home providers who reached out to us after working with these other individuals were left with incorrect documents and information, stalled progress, and in all cases, had to withdraw their applications, sometimes multiple times, before seeking proper assistance. Not only were they out money, but time. 

Similarly, I’ve seen care homes that were deemed compliant by individuals touting themselves as care home inspectors, only to uncover serious deficiencies: unpermitted remodeling, non-ADA-compliant ramps, and bedroom windows too small to meet safety standards.

These oversights carry significant consequences, underscoring the irreplaceable value of both expertise and integrity in this line of work.

Success requires a detailed understanding of the system, the ability to troubleshoot issues, and a proactive approach to identifying challenges before they arise. This is the value of experience. 

A Trusted Guide on Your Journey

Integrity is invaluable, especially when lives and livelihoods depend on it. Our business is built on proven success stories over the past six years, backed by our core values: integrity, professionalism, equity, respect, passion of purpose, and ethical leadership.

Consulting is not just about filling out forms. If it were, my job would be much easier! What we do is about having a deep understanding of processes, applicable regulations, trust from the powers that be, and understanding how to successfully navigate it all for the benefit of our clients.

With 13 years of experience in adult foster care homes in Oregon and unique insights from our team—including a founder who worked as an adult foster home licensor and a co-owner with nearly 30 years of expertise as a building code specialist—we provide the guidance needed to avoid pitfalls and achieve success.
Surface-level knowledge isn’t enough to tackle the complexities of licensing and compliance. Success requires a detailed understanding of the system, the ability to troubleshoot issues, and a proactive approach to identifying challenges before they arise. This is the value of experience. 

Do we know it all? I’ll be the first to tell you the answer is “no" - we're not bookkeepers, marketing professionals, attorneys, or placement agents. That's why we specialize in what we do know, which is the licensing process, building code, AFH/ACH Rules, and compliance, and we recognize how this all plays a significant role in our clients' success. Most importantly, due to years of experience, we know where the roadblocks and pitfalls are located along the road and how to navigate the road successfully. We specialize in what we do and partner and contract with others who specialize in what they do to provide comprehensive support and services along the journey.

We don’t just provide services; we build partnerships. We walk alongside our clients, helping them avoid pitfalls and navigate detours. That’s the level of expertise and integrity you need in a consultant, and this is essential in the care home industry. 

Expertise = Your GPS System

Not all consultants are created equal, and this goes for any line of work. Many claim to understand licensing or compliance, but a little knowledge can be dangerous. Working with individuals who only see part of the complete picture often leads to more problems and expenses in the long run.

Here’s how to assess a consultant’s qualifications:

1. Relevant Experience: Do they have extensive, hands-on knowledge of the licensing process and/or the operational requirements of a care home?
2. Reputation: Are they well-regarded in the community? By licensing agencies? By community partners?
3. Legitimacy: Do they have a legitimate business? Is their business registered with the Secretary of State? Are they following applicable business-related requirements that they also expect you to follow?
4. Insurance and Contracts: Do they carry professional liability insurance and use clear service contracts?
5. Proven track record: Do they have history of success with other clients? Are you able to verify this information?

Expertise + Ethics = Success

The care home industry is serious business with significant responsibilities. The value of integrity cannot be overstated. It ensures that every document, inspection, and decision is backed by expertise, professionalism, and genuine care for your success.
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Partnering with a consultant, and other professionals, who combine expertise with integrity ensures you’ll receive accurate, reliable information that prioritizes both the safety and well-being of those in your care and your success.

When you’re ready to invest in your care home’s future, choose professionals who can support you on your journey, and who stand on their principles. Because in this business, integrity isn’t just a value, it’s the foundation on which to build a successful business. 

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Author

Alyssa Elting McGuire, MA, MPA is founder and consulting & training director for Oregon Care Home Consulting & Training.
Also see Alyssa's article here about reasons why you shouldn't open a care home, and reasons why you should.
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​Email Alyssa