Establishing and maintaining convalescent homes requires a keen business sense, an understanding of the needs of your population and an ability to adhere to state regulations. Prior to opening a convalescent home, you should gather convalescent homes information and then go beyond the paper and into the field.

When you find convalescent homes to visit, think about what you can do to make your own convalescent home shine. While you want to replicate the good things that well-established homes are doing, you also want to find something that makes your home stand out among the rest. Consider the following characteristics of convalescent homes as you’re in the field:

1. Convalescent homes offer a wide range of amenities, such as banks, salons, gift shops, athletic centers and theaters.

2. There are various levels of care in convalescent homes including residential care, personal care, rehabilitation and convalescent nursing care and medical care.

3. Costs vary from one home to the next, with the nationwide average yearly cost for convalescent home care sitting at approximately $76,460 per person.

4. Many convalescent homes are Medicare and Medicaid certified; however, other convalescent homes don't have this certification.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Review state and federal regulations for the operation of convalescent homes

Proper maintenance of a convalescent home requires adherence to state and federal regulations. Failure to adhere to regulations can cost you clients and your business.

I recommend: The University of Minnesota offers a website called NH Regulations Plus. Here, you can review federal regulations for convalescent homes. To find your state's regulations for convalescent homes, go to the American Health Care Association website, where you'll find a list of the states and links to their regulations.

Consider some of the questions that potential clients may ask you as a convalescent homes provider

One of the best ways to build a business is to put yourself in the shoes of your client. Therefore, ask yourself the questions that a client may ask you when they try to find convalescent homes.

I recommend: The State of Florida's Agency for Healthcare Administration provides a list of questions clients frequently ask convalescent home staff. The Tennessee Health Care Association also provides an extensive list of questions to expect during a potential client interview as they try to find convalescent homes.

Identify senior activities that could make your convalescent homes unique

It's important to keep the residents of your convalescent home active and enjoying life, much like what you would expect to see at a retirement home. Therefore, you should invest significant time into researching different senior activities. You should also find a recreation director or therapist who can manage the activities.

I recommend: Review the activities recommended at Seniors-Site. Here you'll find activities that pertain to rehabilitation as well as activities that help seniors celebrate holidays, birthdays and other special events. Find information about recreation therapists at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Learn more about the qualifications you should look for in a recreation director or therapist.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Even though you don't want to send someone to your competition, there may be times when you don't have room for new patients or you don't offer the exact services a patient needs. However, you still want to provide exceptional customer service. Use a convalescent homes directory, a convalescent homes list or a referral service to provide information about other quality convalescent homes or retirement homes in your area.