Tips for AFH providers: Finding Residents

My name is Patty Jones and I have been an adult foster home provider for SPD in Dallas for 10 years. I have been asked to share with you the things that have helped me market my business and stay full. Because of the struggle with the economy even I am working harder these days to place residents.

Here are some of my marketing strategies:
· Have a professional sign made for you front yard. This not only draws in business it keeps crooks out. My local police department has told me thieves stay away from places that they know have people home 24 hours. It is good for business and security!

· Make sure you build a good relationship with the office staff as well as the PCP of each of your residents. Give them all business cards and tell then about your business and how much better an AFH is than a nursing home or assisted living. I call them every time I have an opening. You need to sell yourself. Probably 50% of my referrals come from local doctors.

· When one of my residents’ family members tell me what a great job I am doing I ask them to write me a reference letter. I ask them If I can use the letter to attract other residents. I also ask them if I may give out their phone number to other prospective clients.

· I make flyers and brochures. I give them to doctors, I place then in senior centers, libraries, restaurants and stores. I put them almost everywhere they will be seen and has a bulletin board.

· I go to my local hospital and talk to the ER admitting clerk and look up the social service worker and tell them about my business and leave them business cards. Sometimes residents need placement when they are discharged out of the hospital. My card is handy and even if I don’t have a room I help them find a room.

· I keep names and numbers of home health care workers, case workers and hospice employees. I call all of them from time to time. I let them know I am still in business and have openings.

· I also network with AFH providers in surrounding areas. When they are full I ask them for referrals.

· I try to pass out one business card to one person every day. Don’t skimp on your cards. Have some professionally made. I get compliments on my cards all the time.

· Whenever I get a phone call about a placement I take that opportunity to tell that person how to find a foster home that is correct for their loved one. I will ask them over and go over every question they have about AFC and teach them what to look for in a foster home when looking for a placement. This alone has brought me many referrals. The family is so grateful for the time I spent with them they refer others to me. I always find time to teach people about AFC.

All in all, treat everyone you meet as a potential client and as if they were the most important person in the world. Everyone has a mom and dad. The kindness you pass on to those you meet will come back to you. I am happy to discuss all the techniques that I use to keep my home full with other providers you if you would like to call me.

Patty Jones
Adult Foster Home Provider
503-510-4209