How to Find the Perfect Home for Residential Assisted Living

assisted living facility requirements best home for assisted living fire suppression for assisted living homes how to choose an assisted living property residential assisted living licensing Apr 28, 2025

Finding the right home for your assisted living business is a critical step—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re converting a house, buying an existing facility, or building from scratch, the right property can set you up for long-term success.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about choosing the best home for assisted living. From size and layout to licensing and fire safety, we’ll cover it all.

Let’s dive in! 🚀

Check out this video, too; 

Why Choosing the Right Home Matters

Your property impacts everything—resident experience, profitability, and even licensing approval. Before searching for a home, ask yourself:

✅ How many residents do I want to serve?
✅ What’s my budget for buying or leasing a property?
✅ Do I understand my state’s licensing and safety requirements?

The goal is to find a home that meets your business needs while staying compliant with state regulations. If you need guidance, check out The Assisted Living Accelerator for a step-by-step process for launching your facility.

Step 1: Understand the Ideal Home Size & Layout

The "perfect" home looks different for everyone, but here are some general guidelines to follow:

🏡 Number of Beds – Aim for at least 10-12 beds for a profitable operation. More beds = better cash flow.
📏 Bedroom Size Requirements – Most states require 100 sq. ft. for private rooms and 80 sq. ft. per resident in shared rooms.
🍽️ Common Areas – You’ll need space for a kitchen, dining, and living areas. Some states also require a dedicated visiting space.
🛗 Stairs vs. Single Level – Some states don’t allow stairs, while others require that all residents can navigate them.

💡 Pro Tip: Before you purchase, check your state’s assisted living licensing requirements to avoid costly surprises!

Step 2: Make Sure the Property is Profitable

Even if a home looks perfect, the numbers need to work. Here’s how to evaluate financial viability:

✅ Purchase or Lease Costs – Can you afford the mortgage or rent while ramping up occupancy?
✅ Renovation Expenses – Will you need to remodel to meet state regulations?
✅ Expected Revenue – How much will you charge per resident, and does it cover costs?
✅ Profit Margins – More residents typically mean better profitability. A 16-bed home often outperforms a 6-bed home in cash flow.

💡 Use our free Underwriting Calculator to analyze financial feasibility before making an offer!

Step 3: Check Fire Safety & Licensing Requirements

Each state has specific requirements for assisted living homes. Here are some key areas to check:

🔥 Fire Suppression – Some states require sprinkler systems, while others don’t.
📦 Storage Space – You may need locked storage for medical supplies and food.
🛏️ Resident Safety – Wide hallways, proper lighting, and ADA compliance may be required.
📑 Licensing Approval – A home that doesn’t meet state codes could lead to delays or denied license applications.

💡 Pro Tip: Contact your state's licensing department and the local fire marshal before committing to a property!

Step 4: Find the Best Location for Demand & Growth

Location is just as important as the home itself. Here’s what to research:

🔍 Market Demand – Are there enough seniors in need of care in your area?
⚖️ Competition – Are there already too many facilities, or is there room for growth?
🏛️ Zoning & Regulations – Ensure assisted living is allowed in the neighborhood before purchasing.

💡 The Assisted Living Launchpad includes a full market research guide to help you find the best location!

Step 5: Take Action & Get Expert Guidance

Choosing the right home is a huge step, but you don’t have to do it alone! Here’s how to move forward:

🚀 Step 1: Download the Business Plan Checklist to structure your facility setup.
🚀 Step 2: Apply to the ALI Mastermind for expert coaching and step-by-step guidance.
🚀 Step 3: Use the Underwriting Calculator to analyze properties before making a decision.

 

 

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