Have a Backup Plan for Your Group Home

Have a Backup Plan for Your Group Home

Things will go wrong sometimes. The city might cut off the water, the AC could fail, or the power could go out. Your success as a group home owner depends on having a backup plan in place so your home continues running smoothly—no matter what.

In the military, this kind of preparation is called “continuity of operations.” In your group home business, it’s simply about being ready for the unexpected. A contingency plan is just a list of “what ifs” and “here’s what we’ll do.” Once you’ve brainstormed the possibilities, write down your solutions and make sure your operations manager knows exactly what to do.

A Real-Life Example

When the AC went out at my 15-bed home on a 110° day, residents were frustrated and calling nonstop. Here’s how I handled it:

·       Called a local AC company right away.

·       Sent a notification through RentRedi so residents knew we were on top of the situation.

·       Ordered a portable AC online and had it delivered directly to the house.

·       Had my operations manager set it up in the living room so residents had a cool space to gather.

That portable AC unit has stayed in the house ever since—ready for the next time we need it.

Water, Power, and Other Utilities

Some issues are out of your control. For example, when the city shuts off water for maintenance, you don’t owe tenants water service. But as a goodwill gesture, I like to have bottled water delivered. Small touches like this show your residents that you care.

Other challenges, like power outages, require extra thought. Assisted living facilities are legally required to have backup generators because residents often depend on refrigerated medication or oxygen. In an independent group home, you are not responsible for providing those services, but you should still:

·       Consider investing in a generator for peace of mind.

·       Include a note in your lease stating you are not responsible for unexpected outages.

·       Require residents with refrigerated medication or oxygen to have their own contingency plans.

The Big Picture

Running a group home means serving people who need stable housing and community. Challenges will come up—it’s part of the business. But when you have a backup plan in place, you can handle problems with confidence and keep your house running smoothly.

And always remember: you’re doing an amazing job. You’re providing stability, safety, and community for your residents. That’s something to be proud of.