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Care Home Corner.

​Welcome to the Care Home Corner blog where we reflect on the business of caring for seniors and individuals with disabilities in Oregon. 

Seven Reasons to Open Your Own Adult Care Home (and four reasons not to)

8/30/2022

6 Comments

 
Updated and reposted from March 2019.
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You’re thinking of opening your own adult care home for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Congratulations! This is an exciting decision. Maybe you’ve worked as a caregiver for several years in an adult care home, assisted living facility, nursing facility, or as an in-home caregiver. Perhaps you've worked as a nurse and would like to take it to the next level and be your own boss.

You’ve now decided you’d like to take the next step and become an adult care home provider with your name listed on the license. You most likely feel passionate about caring for seniors and individuals living with disabilities. This is great, though this is not a decision to be made lightly. Owning your own adult care home business and being a caregiver for someone else are two very different experiences with their own unique challenges and benefits. 

When I started my own business in 2018, I had a vague idea of the level of commitment it would take, but in retrospect, I really had no idea. I consistently work more than I've ever worked before in my life. I haven't taken a true vacation in four years, and I regularly work 12-14 hours per day and work at least six days per week. Like most small business owners, I work a lot, but I also recognize I have the luxury of having some down time because I'm not caring for others. 
I've heard this same feedback from new providers, as well. They didn't realize how much time owning their own business would take, especially a business where you're providing 24/7 care to other people. ​

​Frankly, running a small business is not for everyone. Sometimes the best advice I can give someone is to consider a different path. Often, providers mention they spend a lot of time on business management, rather than solely direct caregiving. If you simply love being a caregiver, you might want to consider remaining a caregiver and working for someone else, but working in a capacity with more responsibility, rather than owning your own business. If you have management and leadership skills, you're highly organized, have strong ethics, and you're business-minded while also passionate about high-quality care, then owing a care home business might be the right move for you. It's an added benefit to have prior experience running a small business.
If you're considering this next step in your career path, now is a critical time to reflect on your motivation...while also taking inventory of both your skillset and your understanding of the level of commitment this role entails. 
If you're considering this next step in your career path, now is a critical time to reflect on your motivation for becoming an adult care home provider, while also taking inventory of both your skillset and your understanding of the level of commitment this role entails. Now is the time for a frank discussion: I’d like to talk about seven reasons to open your own adult care home, and four reasons to not open a care home. 
​Let’s start with four reasons not to open your own adult care home.
1. You're just going to see what happens.
Starting any business requires a lot of foundational work. You want to lay a solid foundation on which to build your care home business. Do you have a business plan? Do you have a realistic idea of the money you can make your first year? I've heard a lot of misinformation out there. It's vital to get the correct information and guidance and have a plan before taking the next step. 

2. All you see are dollar signs. 
Sure, you need to make money, as this is a business; however, people who go into this field mainly for the money quickly burn out, or realize the money isn’t worth it. When starting out, you might go months without income while you’re working through the licensing process and finding your first residents. Residents paying privately can pay well, but the Medicaid rate is fairly low with the highest standard Medicaid rate plus room and board at around $3,500/mo. You also have to factor in the cost of your lease or mortgage, insurance, food for a large household, and utilities.

You also have the cost to hire and keep good caregivers, as payroll is one of your largest expenses and will run into the thousands of dollars per month. If you've planned well and have made good business decisions along the way, you’ll make a good living, but it's going to be a lot of work. 

3. This will be your side business. 
The State of Oregon and Multnomah County require you, as the licensee, to be involved in the business. Frankly speaking, everything falls on your shoulders. You shouldn’t expect to simply hire a resident manager and take a hands-off approach to your adult foster home business. This work requires direct and ongoing involvement, especially when you're just starting your business. 

4. You take issue with government regulation. 
This adult foster care home industry in Oregon is highly regulated. Let me say that again. This field is highly regulated. Did I mention this is a highly-regulated field? To put this into perspective, not only do you have state or county regulations, but there are both federal and local regulations you must follow as a small business and an adult care home. To top things off, state licensors will show up to your home unannounced, and you might have periodic visits from Adult Protective Services (APS), case managers, and a long-term care ombudsman.​ If you take issue with government regulation, this might not be the right fit for you. 
The purpose of mentioning this is not to scare you away from this business, but to make sure you’re going into this business for the right reasons and with a solid plan.
​I will admit, the reasons not to open a care home are a bit intense, but over the past decade working in adult care homes in several capacities, I’ve seen a lot. The purpose of mentioning this is not to scare you away from this business, but to make sure you’re going into this business for the right reasons and with a solid plan.
What are seven reasons you should open your own adult care home?
1. You've done your research and homework.
You've gathered the correct information you need to make an informed decision about starting your own care home. You know that you qualify and you know the requirements of the classification for which you'll be applying. You understand the differences between licensing types and State and County requirements. 
You know the training requirements and have started your training. You know how to market your business and find residents and you have a plan to recruit and train staff. You understand the importance of the home you choose and the role it plays in your business success. You understand the steps in the process and haven't skipped important steps.    

2. You have a plan.

You're willing to take a risk, but you take calculated risks that are well-planned. You've started a business plan and have a realistic idea of your possible income and have done a cost-benefit analysis of your option(s). You have enough funds saved to weather months where a resident moves out or passes away. You also have a plan, in advance, to find and retain quality care staff.      

3. You have a solid idea of the commitment this decision involves.
You understand going into this business often requires a complete lifestyle change. You've communicated with other providers to get an idea of their day-to-day experience and understand this is not like a typical job where you can go home and leave work at work. 
You’re okay with living where you work, and working where you live. Frankly, you’re excited about living in a multi-generational household. You enjoy talking with older individuals and hearing about their amazing life stories.

4. You've taken inventory of your own skills and abilities.
You've taken some time to really reflect on your own KSAs (knowledge, skills, and attitude). Are you highly organized? Do you have leadership and management experience? Have you ever recruited or hired staff? Do you have experience supervising staff or have the skills to do so effectively? Have you been responsible for communicating with doctors and overseeing all recordkeeping?  Are you a go-getter and a self-starter? Are you good at prioritizing, delegating, and effective time management? Do you have the skills, or willingness to learn, about how to run a small business?
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5. You’re an organizational wizard. 

Following along the lines of number four, the providers who we find are most successful are highly-organized. The Oregon Adult Foster Home Administrative Rules (OARs) and Multnomah County Administrative Rules (MCARs) require you to document practically everything. Are you organized enough to keep resident records, facility records, personnel records, and business/financial records straight, in addition to meeting the care needs of residents?

6. This is your passion and your calling. 
You know this is what you’re meant to do, whether it's a personal or spiritual calling. Working with older adults and/or individuals living with disabilities brings you immense joy and fulfillment. You feel called to do this work, and you’re committed to helping seniors live in a safe, home-like environment where you help them remain as independent and engaged as possible. You want to provide top-notch care and are willing to go above and beyond to meet the holistic care needs of residents and provide an enriching environment and experience for residents. 

​7. You’re ready to commit yourself 110% to the business, and everything that entails.​
​You've reflected on, and have completed the previous six steps and are ready to fully commit yourself to the success of your adult care home business. You recognize you don't need to do this alone and can get support along the way. 
Now is the perfect opportunity to really reflect on your skills, passions, interests, personality, and lifestyle before you make the leap into becoming an adult foster care home owner and licensee. It can be a challenging, yet highly rewarding career, especially if you go into the business for the right reasons and with a solid plan. As the old adage goes, find a job you enjoy doing, and you'll never have to work a day in your life. 
Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work, and the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking and don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it." - Steve Jobs

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Author

Alyssa Elting McGuire, MA, MPA is founder and consulting & training director for Oregon Care Home Consulting & Training.
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​Email Alyssa

6 Comments

7 Ways an Accountant will Benefit Your Care Home Business

1/30/2021

0 Comments

 
By Guest Author Yohannes Zewudie with Yohannes Tax & Accounting
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The Oregon Department of Human Services identifies adult foster care home licensees as independent business owners. Owners, who are responsible for Adult Foster Home (AFH) businesses are usually expected to wear so many hats to discharge their responsibilities and achieve their company’s vision. Trust and relationships created with owner(s), customers, employees, government (federal & state) agencies and the society determine the success of businesses.
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Small businesses, including adult foster homes, deserve the opportunity to be successful in their line of business. Regardless of the business size, accounting as a profession plays a significant role in creating a conducive environment for success. It is with this in mind that I argue small businesses should consider having an accountant if not a certified public accountant (CPA) to achieve their ultimate goal. 
Here are seven ways an accountant will benefit your adult care home business:
1. Effective and Efficient Business Management

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Businesses need historical, current and projected financial information to make the right decision in their business. Without complete and accurate financial recordkeeping and reporting, a small business owner cannot say for sure the true profitability of his/her business. Small businesses that tend to measure their profitability and success based on available cash flow or bank balance are only looking at one criterion. Business owners who rely on incomplete or wrong information usually make decisions that impact their business negatively.  
 
Accounting, as a support function to owners, is tasked with recording business financial data, analyzing them and generating timely and reliable financial reports to show the true picture of business status and profitability. It is for this reason that small businesses need accountant who can assist them in running and evaluating their business.  
2. Peace of Mind

In the ever increasing federal and state regulatory environment, small businesses are required to comply with various tax laws and regulations. Among other, businesses including AFHs have to report:  
  • Federal Payroll & Income Taxes
    • Social Security and Medicare Taxes (FICA taxes)
    • Federal Unemployment Insurance Taxes (FUTA)
    • Federal Income Taxes
  • State Payroll & Income Taxes
    • State Payroll Taxes
    • Transit taxes (Tri-County Metropolitan Transit District (TriMet) and Lane Transit District (LTD)
    • Employment Taxes (State Unemployment Insurance or SUTA):
    • Workers’ Benefit Fund Assessment (WBF)
    • Workers’ Compensation Insurance
  • Local and City taxes
  • Periodic Payroll Reporting
  • W-2, W-3, 1099 and other annual reporting

​Many AFHs are not well-equipped to meet these and other regulatory and compliance requirements. Having an accountant who properly handles these mandatory compliance requirements gives AFH owners peace of mind for them to focus on other important business matters. 
Having an accountant who properly handles these mandatory compliance requirements gives AFH owners peace of mind for them to focus on other important business matters. 
3. Ease of  Annual Business and Personal Income Tax Reporting

The United State Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the State of Oregon expect taxpayers to:
  • File a timely return;
  • Make accurate reporting; and
  • Pay the required tax amount by the due date. 

Small businesses and their owners face challenges in compiling the necessary business records during tax season. Without a good recordkeeping and tracking method, it is daunting for small businesses to fully meet the tax reporting requirement.

Lack of proper accounting system could result in understated business income and/or deductions that may result in higher taxes, interest and penalties.  If the owner or business deliberately attempt to evade taxes or willfully fails to file or pay taxes, they could be subjected to criminal tax fraud cases.
 
AFH owners can ease the stress associated to tax return filing by hiring an accountant who:
  • Maintains proper financial recordkeeping throughout the year;
  • Maintains proper classification of taxable income and non-taxable income;
  • Claims all available and qualifying business deductions;
  • Files annual & quarterly tax returns in a timely manner; and
  • Pays timely quarterly estimated payments.
4. Utilize Available Business and Financing Opportunities

More than large and medium businesses, small businesses tend to miss out on available business and financing opportunities due to lack of information or poor financial recordkeeping. The missed opportunity to utilize the Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is a very good example. Significant number of small businesses failed to utilize federally available PPP. An accountant comes handy to assist small businesses to have the necessary records and enable them seize these available business and financing opportunities.
5. Quality of Life

AFH owners assume so many duties and responsibilities (manager, receptionist, purchaser, accountant, janitor and many others) in a single day to be successful. Since AFH owners are not expected to be knowledgeable or proficient in every task, they might have to work more than 12 hours a day to accomplish all these tasks. These business burdens make the owners unhappy and inefficient. The opportunity cost of spending too much time at work may also negatively impact their health, family dynamics and other social life.
 
An accountant can shoulder one burden and perform the accounting-related duties in the right way. Delegating the accounting tasks to the right professional would result in the following:
  • Improved quality of work.
  • Standardized financial reporting.
  • Reduced owner work-related stress.
  • Increased owner productivity and job satisfaction
  • Potential long term cost reduction.
6. Financial Consultation

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Based on available company financial data and their business environment, a certified public accountant can provide knowledge-based financial consultation to AFH businesses. These consultations could have a significant impact on tax savings and business growth.
7. Representation in Federal and State Audits

In case of federal or state audits, a CPA can represent an AFH to handle their audit. Unlike an accountant, which is limited to the return prepared by him/her, a CPA can represent any business in federal or state audits. 

"While all CPAs are accountants, not all accountants are CPAs”. A CPA is an accountant that passed the rigorous testing and strict licensing requirement to practice in the state. CPAs are expected to abide by the code of ethics and must update themselves by taking the required continuing educations every year.
A CPA is an accountant that passed the rigorous testing and strict licensing requirement to practice in the state. CPAs are expected to abide by the code of ethics and must update themselves by taking the required continuing educations every year.
​The benefits listed above are not an exhaustive list as to why adult foster care homes need an accountant, if not a CPA. It is always advisable for small businesses to reach out to professionals and seek advice on how they can achieve their ultimate business goals.

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About the Author

Yohannes Zewudie is a certified public accountant with over 15 years of experience. He owns Yohannes Tax & Accounting Services, located in Clackamas County, Oregon. His company's mission is to provide complete and accurate tax and accounting services to small and medium businesses at a competitive price. You can reach Yohannes at [email protected] or at 612-987-0621 (cell).

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Why Your Adult Care Home Business Needs an Online Presence

3/2/2019

2 Comments

 
Article by Alyssa Elting McGuire, MA, MPA
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I was recently sitting in a class on the topic of website marketing offered through the Small Business Development Center, and I started thinking to myself, “why do so many adult care home businesses not have websites?” I’ll be the first to admit I’m no marketing expert, but I can say I recognize the value of a small business having an online presence.

Why, as an adult care home provider, should you invest the time and money into having a website or an alternative web presence for your adult care home business? I’d like to give you seven reasons why you need an online presence that showcases you and your adult care home.
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  • It’s part of your overall marketing plan. This is your passion, but it is also your business. You need a marketing plan, and you can’t ignore the fact an online presence can be an important marketing tool.
  • Families are looking online for housing options for their loved ones. A business website probably won’t come up first on search engines, but you can make your presence known by using services such as Laria Care Finder where people can find detailed information about your home. Additionally, you can create a Google My Business account to be found through Google and on Google Maps. Also, Google My Business allows you to create a free basic website for your business.
  • It lends you some credibility. In this day-and-age, if nobody can find your business online, they can become a bit skeptical about your business. This is also true if they visit your website, and it’s obvious you haven’t updated it since 2005.
  • You have control over the content. You can post beautiful pictures of the inside and outside of your home, and offer any details that might be of interest to people looking to move to your adult care home.
  • It gives people a personal connection to you, as a caregiver. Post photos of yourself and give information about your approach to providing care, and why you chose to go into this business.
  • It gives you a forum to post client testimonials. Let people know about the great care you provide by posting client and family testimonials (while always keeping confidentiality in mind).
  • Make it easy for people to find you. You want to make it as easy as possible for people to find information about your care home and your contact information.
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You don’t have to be a web designer or developer to create your web presence. If you have some understanding of website development and design, you can create your own site, but your time is money, so I would encourage you to consider hiring out this service, or using a service that will do the work for you to market your home. Let the professionals handle it. It will be worth your time and money, and you’ll be on the right path to creating a professional, online presence for your adult care home business.
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About Oregon Care Home Consulting

Oregon Care Home Consulting & Training is the compass that helps current and future APD adult foster care home licensees successfully navigate the licensing process and have a successful adult foster care home business. ORCHC provides coaching, consultation, training, and ongoing support. This ultimately saves time, reduces stress, and improves compliance, which allows AFH/ACH licensees to focus more time on providing excellent care to seniors and individuals with disabilities.

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Office hours by appointment only

​Oregon Care Home Consulting LLC
​1500 NW Bethany Blvd., Ste. 200
Beaverton, OR 97006
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​Disclaimer: Oregon Care Home Consulting LLC is not affiliated with the State of Oregon or Multnomah County Adult Care Home Program (ACHP). We are not State licensors, therefore we are unable to require compliance or guarantee your adult care home is in full compliance with current state and/or federal requirements. State and/or County licensors make the final determination of compliance. Additionally, we are unable to offer legal or medical advice, and no guidance provided by Oregon Care Home Consulting LLC should be construed as legal or medical advice. Always consult an attorney or doctor, when necessary. 


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  • About
  • Services
    • Coaching or Consultation
    • Dementia Care Support Services
    • Pre-Purchase Assessment
    • Pre-Remodel Inspection
    • Open Your Home - Full Support
    • Open Your Home - Complete Package
    • Open Your Home - Existing Care Home
    • Open Your Second Home - Essential Package
    • Comprehensive First-Year Support Package
    • Pre-Renewal Inspection Service
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