How to Hire and Train an Awesome Manager for Assisted Living Success

Running an assisted living facility is a fulfilling but demanding endeavor. As a business owner, you wear many hats, but at some point, achieving time freedom and financial stability requires delegating key responsibilities. Enter the importance of hiring and training a top-notch manager who can help your business thrive while maintaining the high-quality care your residents deserve.

In this post, we’ll explore three essential strategies shared by Brett Chotkevys, a seasoned expert in the assisted living space, on how to find, hire, and train the right manager for your facility. By following these tips, you can unlock more time for yourself, achieve better financial results, and build a stronger foundation for your business.

1. Identify the Right Traits and Skills
The foundation of hiring an awesome manager lies in understanding what makes a candidate the right fit. According to Brett, the ideal manager for an assisted living facility possesses a combination of hard and soft skills that go beyond simple task management.
Key qualities to look for include:
* Empathy and Communication Skills: A great manager needs to connect with residents, staff, and families. Compassionate communication is vital in building trust and maintaining a positive atmosphere.
* Organizational Skills: Assisted living managers must juggle schedules, staff coordination, and compliance documentation. Attention to detail and effective time management are non-negotiable.
* Problem-Solving Ability: Day-to-day challenges are inevitable. Look for someone who can think on their feet and develop solutions that align with your facility’s standards.
When interviewing candidates, prioritize behavioral questions. For example, ask how they’ve resolved conflicts in the past or managed a challenging team dynamic. Their responses will give you insight into their thought process and ability to handle pressure.

2. Provide Comprehensive Onboarding and Training
Once you’ve hired the right person, it’s essential to invest in their training. Brett emphasizes the importance of setting clear expectations and providing resources to ensure your manager’s success.
Start with a Strong Onboarding Process:
* Introduce your facility’s mission, vision, and core values.
* Share detailed operational procedures, including staff schedules, resident care plans, and regulatory requirements.
* Encourage shadowing experienced staff members to gain a firsthand understanding of day-to-day operations.
Offer Ongoing Training Opportunities:
* Provide access to industry webinars, certification courses, and workshops.
* Schedule regular check-ins to offer feedback, address concerns, and celebrate achievements.
* Cultivate a culture of continuous learning, where managers feel empowered to seek out new knowledge and skills.

3. Empower Managers to Take Ownership
A manager isn’t just an employee—they are your partner in ensuring the success of your assisted living facility. Empowering them to take ownership of their role can significantly enhance their performance and job satisfaction.
How to Empower Your Manager:
* Delegate Decision-Making: Trust your manager to handle day-to-day operations and resolve minor issues without micromanagement. This autonomy builds confidence and allows you to focus on higher-level strategic planning.
* Set Measurable Goals: Work with your manager to establish KPIs, such as staff retention rates, resident satisfaction scores, or operational cost savings. Regularly review progress and adjust as needed.
* Foster Open Communication: Create an environment where your manager feels comfortable sharing ideas, challenges, and successes. Transparent communication strengthens your working relationship and drives better outcomes.

Why Hiring the Right Manager Matters
As Brett explains, the benefits of having a skilled manager extend far beyond operational efficiency. A strong manager frees up your time to focus on scaling your business or spending more quality time with loved ones. Additionally, having a reliable leader in place ensures that your residents consistently receive high-quality care, fostering trust with families and building your facility’s reputation.
By following these strategies, you can hire and train a manager who will not only run your assisted living facility smoothly but also help take your business to new heights.

Final Thoughts
Hiring and training the right manager is an investment in the future of your assisted living business. By identifying the right traits, providing thorough training, and empowering your manager to lead effectively, you set the stage for long-term success.
Ready to take the next step? Start by evaluating your current hiring process and making the necessary adjustments to attract top talent. The rewards—both personally and professionally—are well worth the effort.