What is an eMAR (Electronic Medication Administration Record)?
If you work in assisted living or long-term care, you may have heard of an eMAR. But what does it actually mean?
An Electronic Medication Administration Record (eMAR) is a digital system used to track and document medications. It takes the place of paper records. Caregivers use eMAR to see what medications are needed, when to give them, and how much to give.
Using an eMAR helps staff avoid mistakes and ensures residents get the right medications at the right times.
The Challenges of Traditional Medication Administration
Traditional or Paper Medication Administration Records (MARs) have been used for a long time. But they often create problems like:
Hard-to-read handwriting
Lost or incomplete records
Delayed updates
Missed or double doses
These issues can lead to serious medication errors. They also create stress for staff and make audits harder to manage.
According to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP, 2024), manual documentation significantly increases medication errors due to misinterpreted handwriting, abbreviations, and unclear symbols.
How an eMAR Works
An eMAR system helps staff manage medications by using a secure, digital platform. It replaces paper charts with clear, easy-to-use tools that show what medications to give and when.
Here’s how it works:
Medication schedules are entered electronically for each resident.
Staff record medications as they are given using a tablet or computer.
The system sends alerts if a dose is missed or if something looks off.
Everything is stored digitally, so you don’t lose records or worry about messy handwriting.
Reports are easy to run, helping you track medications and stay audit-ready.
Benefits of Using an eMAR
Enhanced Patient Safety
eMAR systems significantly reduce medication errors through real-time alerts and accurate documentation. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ, 2023) emphasizes the role of electronic records, like eMAR, in improving patient safety and care quality.
Improved Efficiency
By automating medication documentation, eMAR saves healthcare providers valuable time by allowing them to prioritize direct resident care over paperwork.
Better Regulatory Compliance
Accurate documentation is critical for regulatory compliance. Electronic medication systems directly support adherence to the standards required by regulatory bodies such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS, 2023).
Accurate Record-Keeping
Digital medication records enhance accuracy and facilitate better patient outcomes monitoring. Electronic systems offer secure, easily retrievable records, critical for quality improvement initiatives.
Addressing Common Myths about eMAR
“It’s too hard to use.” Synkwise is made for real-world use. Even teams with little tech experience can get comfortable fast.
“It’s only for big facilities.” Not true. Synkwise works just as well for smaller communities. It scales to fit your needs.
“It’s too expensive.” While there’s a cost to get started, eMAR helps avoid costly errors and saves hours of staff time every week.
Synkwise: A Comprehensive eMAR Solution
Synkwise is an eMAR system built for assisted living and long-term care. It’s easy to learn and even easier to use.
Here’s what makes Synkwise stand out:
A clean, simple interface that staff can pick up quickly
Real-time medication tracking, so you’re always up to date
Automatic alerts for missed or late medications
Built-in tools that help with compliance
With Synkwise, your team spends less time on paperwork and more time caring for residents.
Conclusion
Switching to an Electronic Medication Administration Record (eMAR) system helps your facility stay safe, efficient, and organized.
Synkwise makes the transition easy. It’s a powerful but simple tool to help caregivers manage medications the right way—every time.
If you’re ready to reduce errors, save time, and improve care, Synkwise is here to help.
Stay Ahead in 2025 with this essential Assisted Living Checklist!
At Synkwise, we understand that managing an assisted living facility requires balancing resident care, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. Facility administrators and senior care professionals must also navigate staffing challenges, risk management, and technology adoption to improve care quality and ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
A well-structured approach helps reduce inefficiencies, improve response times, and create a better experience for both staff and residents. By proactively addressing potential challenges, you can minimize disruptions and focus on delivering the highest standard of care.
That’s why we designed the 2025 Assisted Living Checklist: a clear, actionable guide that streamlines operations, enhances resident care, and ensures compliance with industry standards.
What’s Inside?
Whether you’re an administrator, executive director, or operations manager, this checklist will serve as a roadmap for success in the coming year.
Our FREE checklist provides framework to ensure your facility is organized and ready for success in 2025. Here’s what you’ll find:
Resident Care & Engagement – Strategies to enhance quality of life and satisfaction.
Regulatory Compliance – Key areas to monitor to avoid fines and legal issues.
Staffing & Training – Best practices for hiring, retention, and team development.
Safety & Risk Management – Identifying potential hazards before they become issues.
Facility Operations & Maintenance – Ensuring a safe, welcoming environment.
Technology & Innovation – How digital tools can enhance efficiency and care delivery.
Many assisted living facilities struggle with juggling multiple priorities, leading to overlooked details that can impact compliance and resident satisfaction. This checklist acts as a proactive tool to help you stay ahead, offering structured steps to maintain high operational standards without feeling overwhelmed. It simplifies complex tasks, ensuring that you remain focused on providing quality care while meeting industry expectations.”
Get Your Free Copy Today!
Don’t leave anything to chance in 2025. Whether you’re a senior living executive, administrator, or operations manager, this checklist provides the essential best practices for assisted living facilities to stay ahead in 2025.
1) Can you describe your role at Synkwise and what a typical day looks like for you?
As a Customer Success representative at Synkwise, my role revolves around ensuring a smooth experience for users by providing timely assistance, entering and managing data accurately, and helping improve customer interactions.
My Typical Day:
Check emails and respond to any urgent support tickets.
Review scheduled tasks in Slack.
Handle incoming chat and phone inquiries.
Enter and verify data for accuracy.
Follow up on any unresolved customer issues.
Update “Knowledge Base” based on recent support trends.
Collaborate with the team on improvements to Synkwise for better customer experience.
Review and create training materials & test new features before deployment.
2) How has your role evolved since joining the team, and what are some key skills you’ve developed along the way?
Initially, I focused on basic Data Entry and over time started answering basic support queries. Anticipating user needs, identifying trends in issues, and helping refine self-service resources like “Knowledge Base” & guides.
Skills I developed throughout the years with Synkwise:
Deep understanding of the Synkwise platform and troubleshooting user issues.
Improved clarity and empathy in customer interactions.
Helping refine workflows and documentation.
Balancing support, data tasks, and internal projects efficiently.
Quickly adjusting to platform updates and helping users navigate changes.
Currently trying to learn AI to improve workflow and reduce task completion time.
My role has evolved into more than just support—it’s about ensuring a seamless user experience, optimizing data accuracy, and contributing to Synkwise’s growth. 🚀
3) What has been your proudest accomplishment at Synkwise so far?
My proudest moment was when Claud generously sponsored my outfits for our National Badminton Tournament. It was a defining experience, representing not just myself but also Synkwise on a bigger stage. Competing in the Synkwise jersey, I’ve already secured 5 regional badminton trophies, each one a testament to the support and encouragement I’ve received along the way from Synkwise Family.
4) What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Do you have any hobbies or passions?
My free time is limited, but when I do get a moment to unwind, I love playing Roblox with my 7-year-old daughter, sharing fun and memorable experiences together. Family is incredibly important to me, and I cherish the time spent with my parents, wife, and child, as we all live together. Beyond that, my greatest passion is badminton—a sport that fuels my competitive spirit and keeps me energized. 🏸
5) Is there something surprising about you that your colleagues might not know?
There’s nothing particularly surprising about me, but one thing most of my colleagues might not know is that I’m actually a software engineer. I once had a strong command of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, C, C++, and Java, but over time, my career path shifted.
To be honest, the salary for software developers in Bangladesh wasn’t very promising, so I ventured into freelancing, a decision that ultimately led me to an incredible opportunity. Through Upwork, I was fortunate to connect with Claud, which eventually brought me to Synkwise.
Beyond my professional work, I also have a YouTube channel called “TechClap”, though I haven’t uploaded any new content in over two years. Maybe one day, I’ll get back to it!
6) Do you have a personal motto or piece of advice that inspires you?
“Focus on solutions, not just problems.”
“Don’t pile up work; if you keep doing it, it becomes a mountain.”
“Family is the most important thing in the world.”
All these words came from my father
7) Where do you see Synkwise going in the next 3-5 years, and what are you most excited about?
Over the next 3-5 years, I envision Synkwise evolving into a premier industry leader, transforming the way healthcare providers streamline workflows, maintain compliance, and enhance resident care all over the world.
At Synkwise, we are passionate about helping assisted living communities thrive by simplifying operations with cutting-edge technology. That’s why we are excited to be a proud sponsor of the Legato Living Franchisee Convention 2025!
Legato Living has built a reputation for providing exceptional, person-centered care, and we proudly support their mission by equipping their communities with Synkwise’s innovative platform. As they continue to expand and innovate, Synkwise will evolve alongside them to meet any of their growing needs.
We can’t wait to connect with franchise owners and share insights at this year’s convention!
Synkwise + Legato Living A Strong Partnership Built on Innovation
Legato Living has been a valued Synkwise partner for years, always integrating our all-in-one platform across all their homes. By doing so, Legato Living franchise owners benefit from:
Real-Time Visibility & Task Management – Not only does this provide live updates on resident care, staff activities, and operational tasks, but it also helps teams stay efficient.
Employee Accountability – Tracks staff actions and responsibilities, ensuring high-quality care and compliance.
Easy To Use eMAR – Streamlines medication administration and health records, reducing errors and improving resident safety.
Continuous Product Innovation – Regular software updates keep Legato Living at the forefront of senior care technology.
Plus much more
With Synkwise, Legato Living is able to deliver high-quality, personalized care while making operations more efficient for all franchise owners and staff.
Why the Legato Living Franchisee Convention Matters
This convention is more than just an event, it’s a major milestone, as this is Legato Living’s first-ever franchisee convention, made possible by the unwavering dedication of its franchise owners and the support of incredible partners.
This convention brings together franchise owners to collaborate, share insights, and explore new ways to expand their success. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge through:
Expert-Led Sessions – Hear from industry leaders on senior care trends, compliance, and best practices
Networking Opportunities – Connect with other franchise owners, operators, and caregivers to exchange ideas and strategies
Technology & Innovation – Explore how cutting-edge tools like Synkwise can transform operations and improve efficiency
As a proud sponsor, Synkwise is honored to support this landmark event, empowering franchise owners with the technology and tools they need to keep growing.
Excited to Connect!
We’re beyond excited to connect with all the incredible franchisees at this landmark event!
📅 Event Date: April 9–11th, 2025 📍 Location: Hotel Deco, 1504 Harney St, Omaha, NE 68102 🔗 Learn More Here
At Synkwise, we’re proud to support the exceptional work of Arizona’s residential assisted living providers. For years, we’ve helped facilities in Arizona simplify operations and improve care with our easy-to-use platform.
We’re thrilled to announce that we’ll be joining the 21st Annual Arizona Assisted Living Homes Association (AALHA) Conference on March 5th. The event will take place at the Moon Valley Country Club in Phoenix, Arizona. As proud partners, we are excited to showcase how we’re empowering Arizona providers with smarter tools for residential assisted living.
Why Arizona Residential Assisted Living Providers Choose Synkwise
Running a residential assisted living facility in Arizona comes with its own set of challenges, from meeting strict compliance requirements to providing exceptional care. That’s why we built Synkwise, to simplify operations, reduce stress, and empower providers to focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional care for residents.
Here’s how Synkwise makes it happen:
Simplify Daily Operations: Tired of endless binders and paper documents? Synkwise’s all-in-one platform makes care planning and documentation seamless and organized.
Be Inspection-Ready: Compliance doesn’t have to be complicated. Synkwise provides easy-to-use tools for tracking vital records, medication logs, and physician orders, so audits are smooth and stress-free.
Save Time Where It Counts: With automated processes and efficient workflows, Synkwise frees up your time so you can focus on delivering exceptional care to your residents.
Supporting Arizona Residential Assisted Living Providers
We are proud to be part of Arizona’s residential assisted living community. Over the years, we’ve helped facilities across the state reduce errors and improve the care they provide.
We’ve attended events like RAL NATCON for several years. Through these experiences, we’ve connected with providers, understood their challenges, and tailored Synkwise to meet their needs. These connections have allowed us to improve and raise the bar for assisted living software.
This year, we’re excited to attend the AALHA Annual Conference for the first time. It’s an opportunity to strengthen our presence in Arizona and show how Synkwise supports providers and leaders in the residential assisted living space.
Together, we’re working to make exceptional care the standard in Arizona and beyond.
Exciting Highlights You Don’t Want to Miss at Synkwise’s AALHA Booth
As we make our first appearance at the AALHA Annual Conference, we’re bringing fresh ideas and innovative tools to share with Arizona’s assisted living community. Here’s what you can look forward to at our booth:
Interactive Demonstrations: Experience Synkwise in action and see how our platform simplifies daily operations, reduces stress, and elevates care quality in residential facilities.
Exclusive Insights: Chat with our team to learn how Synkwise is transforming compliance, documentation, and resident care—tailored specifically for Arizona providers.
Exciting Giveaways: Stop by our booth for a chance to win exclusive prizes and make your AALHA conference experience unforgettable!
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with Synkwise and explore how we can support your operations.
Visit Us at AALHA’s 21st Annual Conference
The AALHA Annual Conference is a top event for Arizona providers. It’s a day full of insights, networking opportunities, and valuable resources for caregiving professionals.
Synkwise is proud to attend this year as a proud partner. We look forward to meeting you! Stop by our booth to discover how Synkwise can simplify your work and improve care in your facility.
📅 Event Details: When: March 5th, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Where: Moon Valley Country Club, 151 W Moon Valley Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85023
As we kick off 2025, it’s the perfect time to evaluate how you can enhance your operations and provide even better care in the year ahead. Running an assisted living facility is no small task. From managing daily operations to ensuring resident care is top-notch, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. If you’ve ever found yourself buried in paperwork or worried about compliance deadlines, it might be time to consider assisted living software.
Here are 10 clear signs that upgrading your facility’s management tools could make all the difference:
1. Difficulty Managing Paper-Based Documentation
Are you buried in binders full of paperwork? If keeping track of resident records, care plans, and daily reports has turned into a paper chase, it’s time to go digital.
Assisted living software, like Synkwise, simplifies document management by digitizing all essential information. That means no more lost files or frantic searches through binders. You’ll have everything you need at your fingertips, so you always have quick, secure access to the information you need.
2. Struggling to Stay Compliant with Regulations
Assisted living facilities are required to follow strict regulations, and keeping up with changing state and federal requirements can be overwhelming. Failure to comply can lead to fines, audits, or worse.
With assisted living software, compliance tracking becomes automated, keeping you audit-ready at all times. You can monitor deadlines, store necessary reports, and stay up-to-date on licensing requirements without the last-minute panic.
3. Frequent Errors in Medication Management
Medication errors are a serious issue in assisted living, and manually tracking medication schedules increases the risk of mistakes. These errors can lead to harmful consequences for residents and create legal trouble for your facility.
Assisted living software helps you manage medication schedules and tracking automatically. It ensures that each resident receives the correct medication at the right time, reducing errors and promoting safety.
Are tasks slipping through the cracks? Managing daily tasks, deadlines, and staff responsibilities manually can result in missed appointments or unfinished work.
Software like Synkwise offers real-time task management, allowing you to assign, track, and monitor tasks effortlessly. With automated reminders and updates, staff members stay on top of their responsibilities, ensuring nothing is forgotten.
5. Increased Staff Turnover
High staff turnover is a common problem in assisted living facilities, and it’s often a sign that employees are feeling overworked or unsupported.
By adopting assisted living software, you can simplify administrative tasks, reducing the burden on your team and saving much more time. This creates a more efficient and less stressful work environment, which boosts morale and leads to better staff retention. A happy team means better care for residents.
6. Poor Communication Between Care Teams
Without proper communication tools, staff can miss critical updates, leading to inconsistent care and confusion among team members. This not only affects the quality of care but also creates frustration for staff.
Assisted living software centralizes communication so that updates, tasks, and resident information are shared instantly across teams. This way, everyone stays on the same page, and care transitions become seamless, providing a better experience for residents and staff alike.
7. Difficulty Tracking Resident Care Plans
Every resident has unique needs, and their care plans need to reflect that. If you’re relying on outdated or paper-based systems, keeping those care plans updated and accurate becomes a challenge.
With software, you can create, update, and monitor personalized care plans for each resident. This ensures that their care evolves as their needs change. This allows staff to always have the most up-to-date information at hand.
8. Lack of Insights into Facility Operations
How often are you just guessing what’s really happening in your facility or feeling like you can never take time for yourself because you don’t know what’s happening at your facility? Without real-time data and insights, it’s hard to know what’s going on or identify areas for improvement.
Assisted living software provides real-time reporting and analytics, giving you the ability to make informed decisions. Having real-time data at your fingertips empowers you to make smarter decisions and run your facility more effectively.
9. Delays in Responding to Resident Needs
Timely care is crucial to maintaining high-quality service and ensuring resident well-being. Delays caused by outdated systems or communication breakdowns can negatively impact resident care, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction from both residents and their families.
Synkwise offers real-time alerts and notifications, allowing staff to stay updated on changes in care needs. This ensures immediate action, improves care quality, and strengthens trust between residents, families, and your facility.
10. Residents or Families Expressing Concerns
If residents or their families are voicing concerns about care quality or facility management, it’s a sign that something needs to change. Clear communication, transparency, and quality care are key to building trust.
Assisted living software improves communication and transparency by providing families with timely updates. When families are kept in the loop, concerns diminish, and trust in your facility grows.
Turn resident and family concerns into trust and satisfaction. Discover Synkwise with a demo now!
Conclusion
Running a successful assisted living facility requires more than just good intentions—it takes the right tools to make operations smooth, compliance seamless, and care consistent.
By streamlining task management, enhancing communication, and providing real-time reporting, assisted living software doesn’t just help your facility run more efficiently—it helps you provide the highest quality care for your residents.
Don’t wait for the challenges to build up. Act now and see how Synkwise can streamline your operations and enhance the quality of care you provide. Book A Demo today and discover how we can help transform your facility into a more efficient, stress-free environment.
The Synkwise Compassion Project has returned for its second year, and we couldn’t be more excited to share its impact with you! This initiative, driven by our commitment to recognizing the extraordinary efforts of caregivers, has become a highlight of the holiday season for our team.
To kick things off, we released a heartfelt video announcing this year’s project and inviting nominations for caregivers who exemplify compassion and dedication. Here is the video:
The response this year was overwhelming with stories of resilience, kindness, and unwavering commitment poured in, reminding us why we started this project in the first place.
This year, we set out to honor 10 exceptional caregivers, and that’s exactly what we did. Each recipient embodies the spirit of caregiving, going above and beyond to provide comfort, care, and joy to their residents and communities.
Their stories highlight extraordinary acts of kindness, unwavering dedication, and resilience in the face of challenges. From working long hours to ensuring every resident feels valued and loved, these caregivers remind us of the profound impact compassion can have on individuals and the community as a whole. Their efforts not only improve the lives of those they care for but also inspire others to embrace compassion in their daily lives.
At Synkwise, we believe in making meaningful contributions that ripple outwards, creating a positive impact that extends beyond individuals, but to entire communities. This project aims not only to support these incredible caregivers but also to inspire others to embrace the spirit of giving, showing that even small acts of kindness can lead to transformative change. Together, we can foster a culture of compassion that uplifts everyone involved.
Check out the graphic below showcasing this year’s winners!
From all of us at Synkwise, we wish you a Merry Christmas filled with joy and compassion!🎄✨
Here is A Thanksgiving Activity For You To Try Creating meaningful and enjoyable activities during the holiday season is a wonderful way to engage residents and bring out their creativity. One activity that Tina Ogden of Golden Year Activities shared with us at Synkwise, is making personalized placemats for Thanksgiving. This craft not only allows residents to express their creativity but also encourages meaningful conversations and reflection.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating these Thanksgiving placemats with your residents:
What You’ll Need:
Large pieces of construction paper (or other sturdy paper for the placemat base)
Scissors
Stickers
Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
Glue sticks
Decorative cutouts (holiday shapes, fall leaves, turkeys, etc.)
Coloring sheets
Wax paper
An iron (for the final step)
Instructions:
Set the Stage Start by gathering residents together and explaining the activity. Let them know they’ll be creating personalized placemats to celebrate Thanksgiving. This can be a wonderful opportunity to talk about the holiday, share stories, or discuss what Thanksgiving means to them.
Write Gratitude Notes Provide each resident with a piece of paper to write down what they are thankful for. Encourage them to share their thoughts if they’re comfortable. This step can act as a great icebreaker and conversation starter, sparking meaningful exchanges among the group.
Get Creative Give each resident a large piece of construction paper as their placemat base. Hand out the materials like stickers, coloring sheets, cutouts, and markers. Let them decorate their placemats however they like—there’s no wrong way to do it! Encourage residents to personalize their designs to reflect their personalities or memories.
Assemble the Placemat Once the decorating is complete, you’ll move to the final step: laminating the placemats. Lay one piece of wax paper on top of the placemat and another on the bottom, completely covering both sides. Carefully iron over the wax paper on low heat to seal the placemat and make it durable.
Enjoy the Finished Product Once cooled, the placemats are ready to use! They’re not only festive and functional but also a great keepsake that residents can show off to their families or use year-round.
Here are some examples:
Why This Activity Works
This placemat-making activity offers more than just a creative outlet—it fosters community, reflection, and engagement. By sharing what they’re thankful for, residents can connect with one another and celebrate the holiday spirit. Plus, the hands-on nature of the craft is ideal for residents of varying abilities, making it an inclusive and meaningful way to spend time together.
Give it a try this holiday season, and let us know how it goes!
Need More Activity Ideas?
Looking for more engaging activities to brighten your residents’ days? Or maybe you’d like a dedicated activities coordinator to bring creativity and connection to your home or facility?
Reach out to Tina Ogden at Golden Year Activities for tailored ideas and support.
1) Can you describe your role at Synkwise and what a typical day looks like for you?
As a Customer Support Specialist, my primary responsibility is to assist customers by addressing their concerns, resolving issues, and ensuring their satisfaction with the solutions provided. My day typically begins by reviewing and responding to any emails, texts, or calls that came in after hours the previous day. When customer inquiries are low, I focus on completing assigned tasks and other administrative duties as required.
2) How has your role evolved since joining the team, and what are some key skills you’ve developed along the way?
I initially joined Synkwise as a part-time employee, providing on-call support to assist with tasks such as addressing operational needs. Over time, I transitioned to a full-time role as a Customer Support Specialist. Throughout my journey, I’ve gained a wealth of skills and experience, thanks to the invaluable guidance of our CEO, Claud, and my direct supervisor, Isaiah, who also serves as the Director of Customer Support.
Some of the key skills I’ve developed include verbal and written communication, active listening, attention to detail, and adaptability. However, the most significant skill I have honed at Synkwise is my empathy and patience. Given that many of our customers may not be familiar with new technology or devices, being able to approach each interaction with understanding and care has been essential to providing exceptional service.
3) What accomplishment are you most proud of at Synkwise so far?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role at Synkwise has been witnessing the transformation of customers who initially struggled with technology. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see them become proficient in using Synkwise, and it’s especially gratifying when they no longer need to reach out for assistance. Knowing that we’ve empowered them to navigate our platform independently is a testament to the positive impact we have on our customers’ lives.
However, the accomplishment that I am most proud of during my time at Synkwise occurred last December, when I had the privilege of contributing to our Synkwise Compassion Program. Growing up on the small island of Camiguin in the Philippines, I’ve always carried a deep sense of connection to my hometown. Through the program, I was able to provide food and groceries to more than 25 families in need, including elderly residents who have no one to care for them and families struggling with the daily challenges of life. Being able to give back to the community that raised me was a truly humbling and meaningful experience.
4) What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Do you have any hobbies or passions?
During my free time, I love going out with my family, like going to a mountain to view scenery and going to the beach. When I’m home I love to play video games.
5) Is there something surprising about you that your colleagues might not know?
I’ve always felt comfortable expressing myself and sharing my thoughts and challenges with my colleagues, which has helped build strong, supportive relationships within the team. However, there is one thing I haven’t yet shared with them: my passion for exotic pets, such as tarantulas, and other fascinating creatures. I’ve actually owned a few of them in the past, but with the exciting addition of a baby to our family, I had to find them new homes. It’s a bit of a humorous shift, but one that I’m happy to make as I embrace this new chapter in my life!
6) Do you have a personal motto or piece of advice that inspires you?
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
7) Where do you see Synkwise going in the next 3-5 years, and what are you most excited about?
I can see Synkwise Dominating the US market within 3-5 years. I can’t wait to see Synkwise going world wide and having a team building experience with the whole team.
Running a Adult Family Home/AFH (4-20beds) is more than just providing care—it’s about creating a community that families trust and residents love. While names vary across states, such as RCFE or RAL, this guide applies to them all, offering strategies to help your facility thrive in a competitive landscape.
To help us dive deeper into this topic, Claud Covaci, CEO of Synkwise spoke with Sara Scheetz, owner of Senior Living Locator, a placement agency in Vancouver, Washington. With years of experience in the long-term care industry and a passion for helping families find the right fit for their loved ones, Sara brings valuable insights into effective marketing strategies for smaller residential care homes.
Drawing from Sara’s expertise, we’ll share practical strategies that can help improve your outreach, fill your beds, and ensure your adult family home stands out from the competition.
1. Build a Strong Online Presence
Most potential residents and their families start their search online. If your facility doesn’t have a strong digital presence, you’re missing out on reaching families who may need your services. Here’s how to make sure your facility is easy to find:
Update Your Website: Your website is often the first impression people have of your AFH. Make it modern, easy to navigate, and mobile-friendly. Highlight your services, care options, and staff expertise with high-quality images and testimonials. As Sara emphasizes, “Families are more educated now and want to see a website link.” Even a basic website can make a difference, especially when potential residents want to compare options before scheduling a visit.
Leverage Free Resources: Use Google My Business to ensure your facility appears in local search results, and create a Facebook page to share updates. “Utilizing the free things that are already out there, especially when you’re new, is super important,” Sara advises. These tools can help establish your online presence without breaking the bank.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Optimize your website for local searches, such as “Adult Family Homes in [city].” SEO ensures that your facility ranks higher in search results, reaching families searching for specific services. Tools like Google Keyword Planner can help you identify the search terms your target audience is using.
2. Use Social Media to Build Relationships
Social media isn’t just for big brands; it’s a valuable tool for smaller facilities too. It’s where families, caregivers, and potential residents spend their time. Your strategy should showcase the life and warmth of your facility.
Share Resident Stories and Activities: Posting photos and videos of residents enjoying activities can humanize your brand and show the vibrancy of life at your AFH. Sara points out, “Don’t be afraid to show off what you’re doing. If you have a Super Bowl party, take a picture of the snacks and decorations.” Even if you’re not comfortable featuring residents directly, share images of events and setups to demonstrate that there’s always something happening.
Engage With Your Audience: Respond to comments and messages promptly. By actively participating in conversations, you show that you value your community’s input. This personal touch builds trust and reinforces your commitment to providing exceptional care.
3. Leverage Reviews and Testimonials
Word-of-mouth remains incredibly powerful in the assisted living space. Families want to hear from others who’ve had positive experiences with your home.
Encourage Reviews: Sara emphasizes the importance of reviews, stating, “There’s no better marketing tool than word of mouth.” Encourage residents and families to leave reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and Facebook. A collection of positive reviews provides social proof and helps potential residents see the quality of your AFH.
Use Testimonials Strategically: Feature testimonials prominently on your website and marketing materials. Real-life stories from satisfied families can help build trust with prospective residents. Keep testimonials updated to ensure they remain relevant and impactful.
4. Offer Virtual and In-Person Tours
A strong marketing strategy includes giving potential residents and families a firsthand look at your home. In today’s world, offering both virtual and in-person tours is crucial.
Virtual Tours: Create high-quality virtual tours showcasing common areas, resident rooms, and activity spaces. “Show that there’s life going on,” says Sara. Highlight the vibrancy of your facility. Virtual tours allow families to get a feel for your facility without needing to visit in person.
In-Person Tours: Make this experience personal. Have a friendly staff member guide the tour, answer questions, and showcase what makes your facility feel like home. “Highlight your unique features,” Sara advises. Let families see what sets you apart from other options.
5. Community Involvement & Networking
Building trust means being an active part of your community. Positioning your home as a hub shows that you care beyond your walls.
Host Events and Open Houses: Organize family days, health workshops, or open house events. This allows potential residents and their families to experience your adult family home in a warm, non-salesy environment. Think of these events as planting seeds for future admissions.
Educating Families on Quality Standards:
Establishing trust with potential residents and their families starts with transparency about your home’s quality standards. As Sara noted, “There’s a misconception that adult family homes aren’t as regulated as larger communities, but they are, with annual inspections and high standards.” Educating families about these rigorous requirements can help dispel doubts and highlight the high level of care your facility provides. Making sure families understand the regulations you adhere to reinforces your commitment to quality and sets your home apart as a trusted choice in senior care.
6. Utilize Email Marketing
Email marketing is a powerful tool for staying connected with potential residents and their families.
Highlight Updates and Events: Use newsletters to share information about upcoming events, new services, or improvements in your facility. Being transparent and sharing what’s happening helps families feel more connected to your home.
Provide Valuable Content: Share helpful articles, tips, or resources related to eldercare. “Knowledge is power,” Sara says, and using email marketing to educate your audience will build trust.
7. Focus on Your Unique Selling Points (USPs)
Identify what sets your home apart in a crowded market. Is it a specialized care program, a higher staff-to-resident ratio, or a home-like environment?
Create Differentiators: Highlight your niche in your marketing materials and while working with referral agents. “If you have a specialty—like hospice or memory care—make sure everyone knows,” Sara suggests. Whether it’s offering personalized activities or unique therapies, make it a core part of your messaging.
8. Work With Placement Agents
Placement agents can be invaluable partners for adult family homes. They help families navigate the long-term care world, making it easier to find the right fit.
Embrace Transparency: Working with placement agents who prioritize the best interests of the residents can build trust. As Sara shared, “I’m a flat rate placement agent versus a percentage-based one, which gives families confidence in my recommendations.” Find a reliable placement agent you can trust and will help you keep your beds full.
Prepare for Multiple Moves if Necessary: While families often desire a one-and-done solution, Sara advises that it’s crucial to be transparent about the potential need for a secondary move if circumstances change. As a result, setting realistic expectations will helps families feel prepared but also ensures they’re equipped for any future adjustments, particularly in assisted living.
Conclusion: Make Your Marketing Work for You
With the right marketing strategy, your adult family home can thrive by attracting new residents and building trust. As Sara shared, “The right fit goes beyond just meeting care needs; it’s about finding where residents will truly thrive.” Emphasizing the quality of life at your home and helping families make informed decisions will set you apart from the competition.
Embrace these strategies to take control of your marketing efforts and create meaningful connections. By using online tools, engaging authentically with your community, and highlighting what sets your AFH apart, you can build a strong reputation that attracts the right residents. When you focus on building trust, you not only fill beds, but also establish a lasting reputation as a place where people genuinely want to be.
“There’s a misconception that adult family homes aren’t as regulated as larger communities, but they are, with annual inspections and high standards.”
Sara has over 18 years experience in Long Term Care including the inception and operation of an in-home care agency and is certified in Adult Family Home Administration. She is the co-founder of A Caring Closet, a local nonprofit that provides medical equipment to seniors for free. Sarah has been recognized as one of the Washington State University Women of Distinction and the Vancouver Business Journals Accomplished and Under 40 and was the recipient of the Metropolitan Senior Network Care Award. She serves on the Caring Closet Board of Directors and the Hope Dementia Support Group Advisory Board. Sara grew up in Vancouver and is passionate about her community.
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