How to Start a Dementia-Focused Adult Day Care
Starting a dementia-focused adult day care can be rewarding and profitable. But it’s critical to understand the unique challenges and considerations that come with the territory before you begin.
You can contact Town Square any time for more information about how our business model benefits seniors and communities and how we support our franchisees. Or read below to be guided through the steps of starting your own dementia-focused adult day care. These tips and resources are meant to help you succeed as you get started in the dementia care franchising field.
What type of adult day care should I start?
When starting an adult day care, there are several different types to consider. The most common include the following:
- Adult day care centers: Adult day care centers provide social and recreational activities for older adults.
- Adult day health centers: Adult day health centers offer more comprehensive medical and therapeutic services.
- Dementia-focused adult day care centers: Dementia-specific adult day care centers focus specifically on providing care and support for older adults with dementia and their families.
As you weigh your options, think about your own interests and expertise, as well as the needs of your local community. While each type of facility has its own challenges and considerations, dementia-specific adult day care centers can be particularly rewarding. These facilities serve a growing demand in all parts of the US, utilizing compassion and expertise to help seniors with cognitive disorders and their families.
What are my state's regulations for starting an adult day care?
Each state has its own set of regulations and requirements for starting an adult day care, so it’s vital to research your state’s specific rules. These regulations may include provisions for staff qualifications, health and safety standards, and building codes. Additionally, you may need to obtain a license to operate an adult day care in your state.
For further information and guidance, be sure to read the Regulatory Review of Adult Day Services published by the US Department of Health and Human Services.
How do I get in touch with someone who owns an adult day care center?
Reaching out to other adult day care owners can provide an incredibly valuable resource as you embark on your business ownership journey. You can start by searching on LinkedIn or other websites, or by attending industry conferences and networking events.
These contacts can provide practical, real-world advice and insights on starting and running an adult day care and can also serve as a trusted resource and confidant as you navigate the ups and downs of the industry.
Where should I look to build an adult day care?
Finding the right area for your adult day care is crucial to its profitability. One way to determine the best location for your adult day care is to conduct market research. Consider the demographics and competition in the regions you are considering – you want to target a town or city with a relatively high proportion of older people, because this will mean a high demand for your services.
How do I conduct market research for adult day cares?
Conducting market research is key to unlocking adult day care success. Sources such as US Census data can be a great way to identify hotspots. Additionally, conducting research on competitors in the area can provide valuable insights on what works and what doesn’t – for example, examine their websites, social media accounts, digital and print marketing materials, and other collateral to get an idea of their messaging, brand identity, and point of difference.
How can I get additional funding for an adult day care?
Starting an adult day care can be a significant investment, but several funding options are available to help you get started. Some options include small business grants, social services block grants, Older Americans Act funding, RWJ Foundation grants, Alzheimer’s Foundation for America grants, and more. Research the various funding options available to you and speak with an expert in small business funding to find the best fit for your long-term professional and lifestyle goals.
Ready to start your journey?
If you’re interested in learning more about how Town Square can help you get started on this journey, visit our franchising page. With Town Square as your franchise partner, you can make a powerful positive difference in the lives of those with dementia and their families – all while building a successful and legacy business.
