How to Open a Special Needs Adult Daycare
The number of special needs patients is substantial. According to a 1994 National Health Interview and Disability Survey, 18 percent of children under 18 met the definition of Special Needs. Over half a million of special needs children become adults each year when they turn 18 years old.
Special Needs adults may suffer a variety of chronic health condition from both cognitive conditions like Down syndrome or Autism or debilitating physical affections like Cystic Fibrosis. Parents and caregivers need competent caregivers for their adult family member with special needs when they are work. This is the role of a Special Needs adult daycare.
Opening a Special Needs Adult Daycare
Familiar yourself with the types of adult day care and consider what is appropriate for you and your business. Select a facility for your adult special needs daycare center. This might be your home or another facility where the adult day care center will be located. The goal of is to create a facility where Special Needs adults can be safe, engaged through activities, and feed while their primary caregiver works.
Contact the local Child Care Licensing office of your state Department of Family and Protective Services nearest you. Let staff know you are interested in starting a child care business and request literature for starting a business. You will get a number of forms to complete, as well as information about registering for orientation sessions, and training sources for CPR and first aid. Familiarize yourself with the state’s minimum standard rules for a center and home-based daycare.
Contact your local municipal government to see if there are any ordinances you will need to follow regarding zoning, fire safety and related inspections as well as food service permits and inspections.
Select a facility that provides adequate access by persons in wheelchairs such as outside entrance ramps as well as other adaptive equipment for various clients including walkers, bathing assist devices, modified toilet and restroom facilities, bed rails, and others.
Hire your staff. Look for people who have degrees in Early Childhood Education or certificates from recognized training facilities. You will also want to evaluate the temperament of potential candidates as patience is a primary skill needed when working with special needs adults. You may want to provide transportation to and from your facility and will need to have qualified drivers as well as a modified vehicle such as a van for transport of people in wheelchairs.
Contact the federal Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services to enroll as an approved non-physician provider to receive payments directly from the government under the Special Needs Plans that are part of the Medicare Modernization Act.
