ElderClub Caregiver's Corner: Growing Pains

Undertaking a new business often brings unexpected challenges, as many entrepreneurs  can attest. Opening an Adult Day Center (ADC) is no exception, with there being unique challenges associated with the process. Therefore, as both a bid of self-therapy and a way to educate those excited to join this industry I want to give you three important challenges that we have faced when opening up our first center. However, I want to be clear, in no way in this article am I trying to discourage and undermine people trying to join this space. It is an incredibly fulfilling and exciting career, and there is a huge need for it across the country.  Yet, I believe it would be doing a disservice if I did not inform my future colleagues of the challenges they will face when opening a center. 

One of the initial hurdles is obtaining the necessary local permits, a process that can be both time-consuming and complex. Despite meticulous planning, securing permits can sometimes extend over several months due to bureaucratic delays or unforeseen regulatory requirements. This can stall the project’s timeline, causing frustration and necessitating adjustments to the initial plans. The biggest recommendation I would state is whenever starting a project, connect with a General Contractor who is knowledgeable about the county’s regulations, and can provide proper support to help you implement the vision for the ADC.

Another significant challenge that can arise during renovation is the installation of new systems, such as a sprinkler system. While these systems are crucial for safety and compliance, they can also be a source of unexpected complications. Installing a new sprinkler system requires careful coordination with other aspects of the renovation, ensuring that all components are correctly integrated and functional. This process often involves specialized contractors and can be further complicated by the need to update or reroute existing infrastructure, leading to additional time and expense. Especially when considering a fire sprinkler system, every piece of it will require different inspections and permits to proceed in completing the work which costs both additional time and money. Again, having a GC that is knowledgeable or a fire sprinkler company that thoroughly goes through this process will save you a significant headache down the road.

Budget overruns are a common issue in renovation projects, often becoming a compounded problem from unforeseen complications like those already mentioned. One may find themselves facing additional expenses for labor, materials, and permits that were not accounted for in the initial budget. These financial challenges can be daunting, requiring you to make tough decisions about prioritizing certain aspects of the renovation or seeking additional funding. For those wanting to start, I would recommend both having a significant amount of budget dedicated to unforeseen expenses and to create a priority list based on things you can compromise when implementing your vision. 

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that we have a franchisee program where ElderClub takes a majority of these headaches off your shoulders so you can focus primarily on ensuring the  services and operations for your future ADC participants are perfect. Despite these challenges, with careful planning, flexibility, and resilience anyone can be successful in this endeavor.