Set Goals That Actually Get You to the Finish Line: SMART+ Goals for Assisted Living

accountability for assisted living startups assisted living facility business plan how to start an assisted living business launch a care home residential assisted living startup set business goals smart goals for assisted living Jul 22, 2025

Starting an assisted living business is a big goal. Most people love the idea of getting started. Fewer take action. And even fewer follow through to make it a reality.

That’s why I use the SMART+ goal method—an expansion on SMART goals to help me be successful with my assisted living businesses.

Let’s dive in! 🎯

Check out this video, too:

Why SMART+ Goals Work So Well

Vague goals lead to slow progress. SMART+ goals help you move faster and stay focused by answering 6 key questions:

✅ What exactly do I want to do?
✅ How will I track my progress?
✅ Is this goal realistic for me right now?
✅ Does this help my bigger dream?
✅ When will I finish it?
✅ Who’s holding me accountable?

SMART+ goals are especially useful when you're doing something complex like launching an assisted living business

Step 1: Be Specific (S)

Get clear on what you want. Saying you want to start an assisted living business isn’t enough.

🧠 Ask yourself:
✅ Where will my facility be located?
✅ How many beds do I want?
✅ What kind of care will I provide?

Example:
You want to open a 6-bed memory care home in Des Moines, Iowa.

The more specific, the better. When you can picture it, you can plan for it.

Step 2: Make It Measurable (M)

If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.

Ask yourself:
✅ How many beds?
✅ How many properties?
✅ What’s your revenue goal?

Let’s get very specific. If your dream is a 16-bed facility, then don’t chase a 4-bed property, you'll just be wasting your time.

Step 3: Make It Achievable (A)

It’s okay to dream big—but start with something realistic.

✅ Do you have the capital to make it happen?
✅ Can you get financing or grants?
✅ Can you take the first step this month?

You want to stretch yourself. But don’t set a goal so big that you never get started.

If your first win is calling 3 brokers or researching your local market, that’s a great place to begin.

Step 4: Keep It Relevant (R)

Your goal should match where you are and what you want.

For example, if your main focus is starting a care home, don’t make your top goal launching a new business in a different industry.

🔍 Ask:
✅ Is this goal helping you open or grow your assisted living facility?
✅ Does it match my current phase in the process?

Everything you’re working on needs to support your bigger goal, your vision.

Step 5: Make It Time-Bound (T)

Deadlines matter. Without them, your goal can drag on for months, year, never even happen.

📅 Ask:
✅ When will you take the first step?
✅ What’s your 30-, 60-, or 90-day plan?
✅ What’s your final deadline?

Example:
By July 1, I will identify 10 assisted living properties in the Great Lakes area that fit my vision of a 10-bed memory care facility.

Time-bound goals get done. Period.

Step 6: Add Accountability (+)

This is the one that I have added to my SMART+ goals framework and I think it's the most powerful part—it's also one a lot of people overlook, but it's what will help you be more successful.

🧍🏾‍♀️🧍🏽‍♂️ Find someone who will check in on your progress:
✅ A mentor
✅ A business partner
✅ A group like our ALI Basics community

If you don’t have someone to hold you accountable, you’re more likely to stall or stop.

We all need a little push to stay consistent.

Example of a SMART+ Goal

Want an example? Here’s one to get you going:

By August 31, I will identify 5 assisted living properties with at least 6 beds by reviewing listings weekly on Loopnet and contacting 2 brokers per week. I'll report progress every Friday to my accountability partner.

✅ Specific
✅ Measurable
✅ Achievable
✅ Relevant
✅ Time-bound
✅ + Accountability

You’ve got this!

Ready to Launch Your Assisted Living Business?

🚀 Want to go from idea to income in the next 12 months? Here’s how to start:

✅ Step 1: Download the Business Plan Checklist
✅ Step 2: Join the ALI Basics community to get weekly support and accountability
✅ Step 3: Apply for the ALI Mastermind for high-level coaching

You've already got the vision. Now you’ve got the plan. Let’s make this your breakthrough year. 💪

Got questions? Drop them below—we’re here to help! ⬇️

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