Besides being an AFH trainer since 1996, I have my own AFH - and yes, after 5 years living in as owner/operator, burnout took me out in a big way. I became so ill that I doubted my ability to survive.I never expected that stress would get me down...  after all, I am a nurse, a trainer, and I thought I was doing everything "right". 
You know the statisticians tell us that @ 90% of illnesses are stress related, but they don't tell us what to do about it or how to prevent it. Many people feel that they are somehow "lacking in character" if they
experience burnout. 

A basic awareness of the different kinds of stress and the cellular physiology of how our bodies react to stress is the first critical step in combating it.  Then, there is a five step process that I teach on how to stop stress in it's tracks, and regain good health. Even better news is that there are specific ways to prevent burnout from happening in the first place, and a special approach you can take to keep the energy in your home peaceful and nurturing - even in crisis.

Don't let burnout get you down.  There's ways to heal, and even to prevent it.  Contact me for more information.
Add Comment
 
 
"February 16, 2010
Dear Providers:
Recently the Seattle Times newspaper published a series of articles on Adult Family Homes. (You can find the articles at http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/seniorsforsale/2010963980_seniors03.html.) From what we understand, there may be more follow‐up articles in the future. The series of articles were not favorable to our industry. They depicted some serious and heart‐wrenching cases of abuse by Adult Family Home (AFH) providers
Add Comment
 
 
From John Wright:
"Good morning Jo Lyn! I was reading further and the Internet to the entire series is located here:  http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/seniorsforsale/    Choose the installment you want to see in the left column, and  then select the first bullet in the right column “Read More” to read  that series’ installment.
Add Comment
 
 
To Reporter Michael Berens of the Seattle Times: 
"Michael,
From the calls I've received about your article today - you're ruffling a few feathers and waking people up. That's a good thing - Most people don't pay any attention to Long Term Care issues until they are in a crisis - and then it's an emergency and they don't always make great decisions. Looks like those providers who abused or neglected clients got shut down, as they should.

I'm looking forward to the next 2 installments of your article... I hope you'll be
1 Comment
 
 
The AFH Business continues to be a viable home based business, despite the challenges in our economy.  Did you know, you can take in one private pay client without a license?  This can keep the mortgage paid while you work through the licensing process, and give you an excellent opportunity to fine-tune your AFH operating procedures before you get really busy with a full house.   

Want to know how to run a great AFH?  Register for the 48 Hour AFH Administrator Training!  Our next class begins Monday, August 31, 2009.
Add Comment
 
 

Yes, it's true!  New license application fees increase  to $900 in July 2009. Here is is, straight from the State Website:

  "Per recent legislation, the fee to be submitted with the AFH license application is $900, for all AFH applications postmarked on or after July 26, 2009. The $900 fee is based on a $100 licensing fee for first year of licensure, and an $800 application processing fee.  If the applicant is not licensed, the $100 licensing fee will be returned to the applicant, but not the $800 application processing fee."   C  http://www.adsa.dshs.wa.gov/professional/afh/applications.htm

1 Comment
 
 

Need to get the word out about your Care Services?  The internet is here to stay.  Online research for everything is now the norm, and every business or individual service provider needs a web presence.  But how do you get that website noticed?  Through Social Media Networking!  Just be careful... each social network has its own rules of etiquette.  Follow the "rules" of the group, add value to the community,  and you'll find yourself perceived as a leader and expert in your field.  Then, when someone needs the service you offer, they will immediately think of you as someone they can trust, and seek you out. 

Need help creating your own website?  Need to learn about social media networking and other low or no cost marketing methods?  QNC's AFH Business Coaching includes this and more. One of our monthly calls is focused on marketing methods... because you may have the best care business in the world, but if you are unknown, your bank account will remain empty.  Learn to work ON your business as well as IN it. 

1 Comment
 
 

Aaron Mountain, WSRCC President, contacted me today... He has 15 years experience as an AFH Care Provider.  We spoke of online medical records, which he has used in his Care Homes.  My licensor told me that with any online system, the caregivers must be able to print out in paper form at any time.  He corrected that... Aaron said he verified that state law requires that licensors be allowed access to resident records in EITHER electronic OR hard copy form.  That means that when we use online systems, we are not required to print on demand.

Each small piece of knowledge can save a care provider both time and money. It's important to know the ins and outs of your business... one way to keep up is to work with your local AFH Association.  Working as a team benefits everyone.

2 Comments