Plain-English definitions of the key words and phrases you'll see when researching how to open an ALF, Transitional Home, or Group Home. Written so anyone can understand them.
44 terms found
A federal law that requires buildings and businesses to be accessible to people with disabilities. This means things like wheelchair ramps, wide doorways, accessible bathrooms, and other modifications.
The basic everyday tasks that people need to do to take care of themselves. These include things like bathing, getting dressed, eating, using the bathroom, and moving around. Assisted living facilities help residents who can't do some of these on their own.
The person who is in charge of running the facility day-to-day. Most states require the administrator to have specific education, experience, and a state-issued license or certification.
The money you pay to the state when you first apply for a license. This fee is usually non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
A residential home or building where older adults or people with disabilities can live and get help with daily tasks, meals, and some health care — but don't need the full-time medical care of a nursing home.
A search of a person's criminal history to make sure they don't have a record that would make them unsafe to work with vulnerable people. Almost every state requires background checks for all staff and owners of care facilities.
The process of officially registering your business with the state government. This gives your business a legal identity and is usually required before you can apply for a care facility license.
The maximum number of people your facility is allowed to have living there at one time. Your license will specify your capacity.
A service where a trained professional (called a case manager) helps a resident create a plan to improve their life — like finding a job, getting health care, or applying for benefits. Case managers check in regularly and connect people with resources.
Wisconsin's name for a group home. It's a place where adults with disabilities, mental illness, or other needs live together and receive support services in a home-like setting.
A special approval that proves you or your facility has met a specific set of standards. It's different from a license — a license lets you operate, while a certification shows you've completed extra training or met higher standards.
Following all the rules and requirements set by the government. If you're 'in compliance,' it means you're doing everything correctly. If you're 'out of compliance,' you could get fined or lose your license.
An emergency technique used when someone's heart stops beating or they stop breathing. It involves chest compressions and rescue breaths to keep blood flowing to the brain. Most states require at least some staff to be CPR certified.
Specialized care for people with Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia — conditions that affect memory, thinking, and behavior. Staff who work with dementia patients need extra training.
A trained staff member who works directly with people with disabilities in a group home or community setting. DSPs help residents with daily tasks, personal care, and achieving their personal goals.
A higher level of care that some assisted living facilities are licensed to provide. It allows residents with more serious health needs — like those who need nursing services — to stay in the ALF instead of moving to a nursing home.
A small residential home where a group of people with disabilities, mental health conditions, or other special needs live together and receive support from trained staff. The goal is to help residents live as independently as possible.
A type of group home that provides more intensive medical and behavioral support for people with intellectual disabilities. These facilities are regulated by both the state and the federal government (Medicaid).
Ongoing training that staff complete while they are already working at the facility. It keeps their skills up to date and teaches them about new regulations or care techniques.
When a government official visits your facility to check that everything is safe and that you're following all the rules. Inspections can be scheduled or surprise visits.
Insurance that protects you financially if someone gets hurt at your facility or sues you. Most states require you to have it before you can get a license.
Getting official permission from the government to run a care facility. Think of it like a driver's license — you have to pass certain tests and meet requirements before you're allowed to operate.
A type of business structure that protects the owners' personal money and property if the business gets sued or goes into debt. Many care facility owners form an LLC before applying for a license.
A government health insurance program for people with low incomes or disabilities. If your facility is certified to accept Medicaid, the government will pay for some or all of your residents' care costs.
A special government program that pays for home and community-based services (like group homes) for people with disabilities who would otherwise need to live in a nursing home or institution. Getting a Medicaid waiver certification allows your facility to receive government funding.
A federal health insurance program mainly for people who are 65 or older. Unlike Medicaid, Medicare is based on age (and certain disabilities), not income.
Helping residents take the right medications at the right time and in the right amount. Depending on the state, staff may be allowed to remind residents to take their own medications, or they may need special training to actually give medications.
Official written permission from a local government (like your city or county) to do something specific — like build a ramp, operate a business, or change how a building is used.
A way of providing care that focuses on what the individual person wants and needs — not just what's easiest for the staff or facility. It means listening to residents, respecting their choices, and helping them live the life they want.
Hands-on help with basic daily tasks like bathing, grooming, dressing, and eating. This is different from medical care — personal care doesn't require a nurse or doctor.
California's name for what most other states call an Assisted Living Facility. It's a home or building where elderly residents get housing, meals, and personal care services.
A program that helps people who have been released from jail or prison successfully return to society. Re-entry programs often include transitional housing, job training, and counseling.
Services and activities that help people stay sober and build a healthy life after addiction treatment. This can include counseling, support groups, job help, and stable housing.
The official set of rules written by the government that you must follow. Every state has its own regulatory code for care facilities, and it tells you exactly what you can and can't do.
The money you pay to keep your license active after the first year. Most licenses must be renewed every 1–3 years.
A person who lives in your care facility. This is the person you are responsible for taking care of.
A type of transitional home specifically for people recovering from drug or alcohol addiction. Residents must stay sober and follow house rules. It's a supportive environment that helps people practice living without substances.
The education, training, experience, and certifications that a person must have before they can work at a care facility. Different jobs have different qualification requirements.
The rule about how many staff members must be on duty for every certain number of residents. This ensures residents always have enough people to help them.
A law that was officially passed by a state or federal government. Statutes are the big laws that give agencies the power to create more detailed rules.
Another word for an official inspection. When the government does a 'survey,' they're doing a detailed review of your facility to make sure you meet all the required standards.
A temporary place to live for people who are going through a major life change — like getting out of prison, recovering from addiction, leaving a homeless shelter, or aging out of foster care. The goal is to help them get stable enough to live on their own.
Insurance that pays for medical bills and lost wages if one of your employees gets hurt while working at your facility. Most states require employers to have this.
Local government rules about what kinds of buildings or businesses are allowed in certain neighborhoods. Before opening a care facility, you need to make sure the property is 'zoned' for that type of use.