How to Start Assisted Living at Home

Assisted living is a service provided to adults ages 18 to 59 needing assistance with daily living tasks and as well as seniors age 60 and over. Requirements are state-specific and based on the size of the facility and the number of residents. The steps below provide information on the process of starting an assisted living at home facility.

Things You'll Need

• State license
• Private residence
• Registered business
• Qualified staff
• Adequate finances

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Instructions

Meeting your state’s requirements for starting an assisted living at home

• 1

  Attend a required orientation. Here is where professionals from your state’s local Social and Family Services Licensing Division address specific questions, concerns, and provide information on the licensing process. A nominal fee is required to attend a local orientation and must be paid at the time of registration or the day of orientation. Contact your local Family Services Licensing Division to receive a schedule of orientations.

• 2

  Register your business with the Secretary of State either as a corporation, nonprofit, or sole proprietor. Contact a tax attorney or a Certified Public Accountant to cover which business structure you benefit most from, based on your new assisted living at home facility. There may be certain tax benefits and credits for you at the end of the year.

• 3

  Select a facility. It is necessary to purchase or convert your current living space to operate your assisted living and group home. Converting a private residence requires inspections by your local Department of Social Services Licensing Division to determine compliance of your kitchen, resident quarters, and the private living quarters of the home.

• 4

  Identify and hire qualified staff. The number of staff members you need depends on the number of adult residents you will serve. During orientation your local licensing division will provide a packet of information to assist in determining the number of adults feasible for your business size and structure.

• 5

  Establish a business bank account with three times the projected operational expenses. Your local licensing division may require verification of this financial requirement before you can begin operations. A Certified Public Accountant can assist with accurately determining your operating expenses.