The residential care facility/RCFE industry is booming right now. As this population segment grows, so too do the facilities that cater to their needs. Many are starting to learn however that it is getting increasingly difficult to stand out from your competitors and develop a successful facility in any particular region or city. For those hoping to build prosperous RCFEs, realizing how important it is to master the fundamentals can go a long way towards helping the operations flourish. What follows is 5 tips for doing just that.
Adapt to Changes in the RCFE Industry
One of the most important things that any facility manager needs to understand about their market is how it has evolved over time. Not only do you need to fully grasp who these individuals are, but also what kind of services they require and what restrictions your local area may place upon them. Determining which care options will best suit the residents’ needs is absolutely critical.
Location, Location, Location
The second tip is to conduct a detailed assessment of what exists in and around the specific area being considered for the facility. Locating nearby medical facilities, grocery stores and even public transportation hubs will help you to get the full picture of the various amenities and conveniences residents will have access to. The more shopping centers and important services available close to the RCFE, the more appealing it becomes to prospective residents and their families.
Space is Key
Tip number three is to make certain that the building has enough physical space to easily accommodate necessary amenities. The RCFE needs to be able to contain all that residents require without being cramped, and also have a well-designed layout that is easy for staff and residents alike to navigate.
Plan for Large Occupancy
The fourth tip is to plan carefully for overall occupancy so that there are sufficient bedrooms and bathrooms included within. While some RCFEs may be able to expand their space if the logistics work, such a possibility should never be assumed. Rather, it’s best to think about how large of a facility one wants to operate up front, and also ensure that all state and local occupancy guidelines are strictly adhered to.
Tied closely to the previous suggestion, the fifth tip is to carefully determine how much square footage each room should be given with consideration to privacy, comfort, and convenience. As residents are likely to spend a lot of time in their rooms, it is of the utmost importance that the rooms themselves are spacious enough for comfort and configured in a way that provides as much privacy as possible.
RCFEs that are planned well from the very beginning stand a much better chance of succeeding long term than those put together with less consideration and insight. Having worked with many RCFE owners and managers over the years, we have a clear sense of what tends to work well, and what can quickly become problematic. The suggestions provided above can help set you on the right path as you chart the course for a prosperous facility. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to speak with a representative at (805) 413-5668.
