Ever since I met my bestie and business partner, she has been testing my aptitude for business.
When she introduced me to our soon to be 3rd and silent business partner, I was to present the idea, the pitch and and set the investment expectations. With my medical skills, I only really expected to provided the care for our potential residents, but not this. (After all, he was her contact and I assumed she would jump in to save me if I got in over my head.) I was able to explain our vision fully to him and initiate our contract which allowed us to get the ball rolling on our idea. We presented a self owned and run Adult Family Care Home in Southeastern Florida. A residential home, where we live and provide care for seniors. I provide the care, food, lodging, activities, transportation, and basics for my residents who can stay long term or short term. She provides the contacts and marketing skills to be successful. But I digress, let me get back to the subject at hand.
Just a day in the life...
How it all started
Shortly after we met she was planning to put her mother in a local Assisted Living Facility. We toured them together to get a feel for the atmosphere but never could arrive at one she felt adequate. She toured the commercialized ones, the large industrial ones, and the small, quaint ones that were more intimate but still lacking in personality. She reviewed payment options and even did a stint in an Adult Day care. However, she was never quite satisfied with the selection. So the idea of opening our home was born where seniors with or without dementia could come and be stimulated.
We started with the state mandated certification class. It was in Tampa and I carpooled with a friend, with similar goals, to Tampa which is on the Southwestern coast of Florida. It took us half a day to get there BUT the training and resources alone, provided in that class, made the difference in getting started fast!
Steps Forward
After securing the education, I began to develop resources within the field of referrals. One local rehabilitation facility I contacted, referred 2 potential clients. One of these referrals currently resides with us, for which they were paid a generous referral fee.
The other resident was referred to us by her son-in-law whom we met at a Kiwanis fundraiser for Attorney and Judge hopeful J. Shapiro-Harris for Broward County. In fact, we hosted the kick off for her run for Circuit Judge. It's funny, the daughter was at this second fundraiser we had at our home. She was introduced to us and began introducing us to her mother with dementia. She initially came to us on weekends only. Later after a brief vacation, we approached her about full time residence. Which she immediately took advantage of. Part of what we do here is respite care or what I like to ca-ll "Caregiver Relief". We are human, we all need a break! We'd be fools to think we are perfect and tireless.
Another resident was referred by Veterans Affairs Homeless Veterans Outreach Department. His ailment is mental, not at all physical. No dementia but other psychiatric issues. He came to us wounded by former indiscretions and fresh out of a state of depression. Some Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with a short term stay in recovery for drug abuse. He was religious but surprisingly paranoid about the information on the Internet despite being very intelligent and loquacious.
Yet another resident was a personal referral, from a Rainbow Ladies Our Space LLC. which is a non-profit organization who assists families in need and promotes health fairs in the community. Well, one member spoke to another member about how we assist family members whose health is failing. We were investigated. and were found to be competent, trustworthy and honest to care for a dear member of their family as our own.
We have now filled our home to the maximum with residents who dearly fill our hearts with love.
Like us on Facebook.
When she introduced me to our soon to be 3rd and silent business partner, I was to present the idea, the pitch and and set the investment expectations. With my medical skills, I only really expected to provided the care for our potential residents, but not this. (After all, he was her contact and I assumed she would jump in to save me if I got in over my head.) I was able to explain our vision fully to him and initiate our contract which allowed us to get the ball rolling on our idea. We presented a self owned and run Adult Family Care Home in Southeastern Florida. A residential home, where we live and provide care for seniors. I provide the care, food, lodging, activities, transportation, and basics for my residents who can stay long term or short term. She provides the contacts and marketing skills to be successful. But I digress, let me get back to the subject at hand.
Just a day in the life...
How it all started
Shortly after we met she was planning to put her mother in a local Assisted Living Facility. We toured them together to get a feel for the atmosphere but never could arrive at one she felt adequate. She toured the commercialized ones, the large industrial ones, and the small, quaint ones that were more intimate but still lacking in personality. She reviewed payment options and even did a stint in an Adult Day care. However, she was never quite satisfied with the selection. So the idea of opening our home was born where seniors with or without dementia could come and be stimulated.
We started with the state mandated certification class. It was in Tampa and I carpooled with a friend, with similar goals, to Tampa which is on the Southwestern coast of Florida. It took us half a day to get there BUT the training and resources alone, provided in that class, made the difference in getting started fast!
Steps Forward
After securing the education, I began to develop resources within the field of referrals. One local rehabilitation facility I contacted, referred 2 potential clients. One of these referrals currently resides with us, for which they were paid a generous referral fee.
The other resident was referred to us by her son-in-law whom we met at a Kiwanis fundraiser for Attorney and Judge hopeful J. Shapiro-Harris for Broward County. In fact, we hosted the kick off for her run for Circuit Judge. It's funny, the daughter was at this second fundraiser we had at our home. She was introduced to us and began introducing us to her mother with dementia. She initially came to us on weekends only. Later after a brief vacation, we approached her about full time residence. Which she immediately took advantage of. Part of what we do here is respite care or what I like to ca-ll "Caregiver Relief". We are human, we all need a break! We'd be fools to think we are perfect and tireless.
Another resident was referred by Veterans Affairs Homeless Veterans Outreach Department. His ailment is mental, not at all physical. No dementia but other psychiatric issues. He came to us wounded by former indiscretions and fresh out of a state of depression. Some Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with a short term stay in recovery for drug abuse. He was religious but surprisingly paranoid about the information on the Internet despite being very intelligent and loquacious.
Yet another resident was a personal referral, from a Rainbow Ladies Our Space LLC. which is a non-profit organization who assists families in need and promotes health fairs in the community. Well, one member spoke to another member about how we assist family members whose health is failing. We were investigated. and were found to be competent, trustworthy and honest to care for a dear member of their family as our own.
We have now filled our home to the maximum with residents who dearly fill our hearts with love.
Like us on Facebook.
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