How to Operate an Adult Daycare Business in Dallas, Texas

More than 20 adult daycare businesses operate in Dallas, Texas.

Adult daycare businesses are on the rise, thanks to a combination of ever-increasing nursing costs and growing life expectancy rates. The 2000 Census recorded 3407 such facilities in the US alone. Designed to offer carers a much-needed break, these services are in high demand - nowhere more so that in Dallas, Texas. Operating an adult daycare business in Dallas, Texas is not without its challenges, but it certainly offers great rewards.

Things You'll Need

• Building
• Pen
• Paper
• PC
• Printer

Instructions

1. 

   DADS inspections ensure maximum safety for adult daycare clients.

   An adult daycare business license is required by any business offering this service in Dallas, Texas. Forms can be downloaded from the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) website (see resources). Once completed, you'll need to return the form to the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services in Austin - along with a licensing fee. Remember that this license will need to be updated as changes happen within the business, such as moving to a new facility, change of ownership, etc.

   Be prepared for scrutiny as inspectors will assess your business for health and life safety code compliance and run thorough background checks on your key staff.

2. 

   An inspection of your facility by a fire marshal is required by DADS before an adult daycare business license can be issued. Working with such vulnerable adults means that your building's evacuation protocols need to meet the needs and ability of your clients. These are outlined in the Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities. See resouces for additional information on the fire code for health care establishments.

   By law, any commerical occupancy within Dallas is subject to an inspection by Dallas Fire and Rescue. Call [phone] to request an local State Fire Marshal inspection.

3. 

   Be prepared to complete at least 12 documents when applying for a daycare operator's license in Dallas, Texas.

   While operating a privately funded adult daycare business or respite care in Dallas, Texas is possible, many operators rely on public sector reimbursement to keep operations running smoothly. To do this, you'll need to be certified as an ADC/DAHS provider. Anyone operating an adult daycare business in Dallas, Texas, can apply, providing the organization - including its facilities - complies with guidance on federal and state regulations. These are outlined by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS).

4. 

   Register as a Medicaid provider (see resources). This can be a time-consuming process, but do bear in mind that should you need to bill Medicaid, you'll need to bill within 95 days of treatment. So, it's best to register as early as possible to avoid losing out on funding.

5. Join ADCAT, the Adult Day Care Group of Texas (see resources). Belonging to a organization such as this is great for networking, adds weight to the services you offer and its membership extends to the national parent association, too.

References

• DADS: Become an ADC/DAHS provider
• Texas Medicaid & Health Partnership: Become a Medicaid provider
• ADCAT
• Texas Department of Insurance: Fire Safety Inspections
• Dallas City Hall: Fire and Rescue

Resources

• DADS: Become an ADC/DAHS provider
• Texas Medicaid & Health Partnership: Become a Medicaid provider
• ADCAT
• Adult Daycare Group: Booklets on operating adult daycare businesses
• Dallas Fire and Rescue: Fire Code for Health Care facilities