Knowing what potential residents desire most in a recovery home is critical. Many desperate residents still have wants and desires for their living situation.
Transitioning into recovery is difficult, and recovery that does not offer the basic needs or wants is nearly impossible to endure.
People in need of recovery are in a very vulnerable state.
When inebriated, they felt a sense of power because of choice. In recovery, they often feel powerless because their standard relief mechanism is absent. Therefore, the environment, your recovery home, must meet their needs and wants. It must be:
- A warm and inviting atmosphere.
- Clean and arranged nicely, without being cluttered.
- A place with calm colors to create an atmosphere conducive to recovery.
When dealing with potential residents, recovery homeowners must strongly consider what the resident’s family wants and needs.
Typically, these are the people who have struggled and endured with the addict, and they will make certain assurances and amenities.
They will want to know this place is optimal for the recovery of their loved ones.
CREATING AN OPTIMAL SOBRIETY HOME
When residents and family search for a Sobriety home, seven major factors influence their decision-making.
- Credibility
Simply put, is the home a qualified, safe, and effective home? Does the house have all of the necessary certifications to accept addicts? What about staff? Are they educated and qualified? What’s their success rate? Certifications are not easy to obtain. Sobriety homes must endure a rigorous process to be officially certified.
Ensure your home has the backing of well-known organizations like the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) and local associated organizations. - Rules
Potential residents and their families want to know the culture of the Sobriety home. What is the structure? What types of rules and regulations govern day-to-day operation and living? How are the guidelines enforced, and what degree of grace do the residents have? How about demographics? Does the home accept people of varying backgrounds and genders?
Make sure the rules are clear. Consider the following as you formulate residency rules.
- Will one-on-one peer accountability or sober coaches be an in-house requirement?
- Can residents participate in any recovery programming and 12-step group meetings?
- Will random drug testing be a part of residency requirements?
- What is the policy on drugs and alcohol within the home, including prescription medications?
- What is the visitor policy?
- What kinds of social activities are planned for the residents if any?
- What is the policy on romantic relationships?
Remember, recovery addicts have lives. They have family, some have romantic interests, and like any other person, they have ways in which they are accustomed to living.
However, they need to know what’s to be expected of them in your Sobriety home so they can choose wisely.
- Admission Criteria
The criteria for admission are central to treatment success. Residents who apply for housing should be fully aware of the requirements for entry, staying, and, if necessary, dismissal.
Recognizing criteria from the outset, residents and their families understand their expectations and can comfort themselves accordingly or search for another alternative. - Location
Owning a Sobriety home requires a location that is convenient for residents. Many may have lost their driving privileges, and the only form of transportation is walking, biking, or public transport.
Therefore, your home location should be in a central area. Proximity to grocery stores, employment, public transportation, and community support organizations should be walkable, even if that walk is extensive.
While some sobriety home locations are in rural areas, the homes tend to focus more on total rehab in removing from the rigors of life.
Sobriety homes necessitate a safe environment within the context of daily life. Therefore, a home within the town but removed from triggers for addictive practices is ideal.
Pose the following questions to yourself and any real estate professional as you contemplate location.
- Is the home located in a safe neighborhood that is conducive to recovery?
- Is the home close to your work opportunities or educational facilities?
- Will residents need a car to get to the necessary shopping?
- How easily can a resident get to a healthcare provider?
- If the sober living home does not have a washer and dryer, is there a laundromat nearby that can access?
- What types of activities are nearby that will provide sober fun?
- Is the city or town projected to grow, or is the population decreasing?
- How are the local economy and job market?
- Rent
The monthly fee associated with living in your Sobriety home is contingent upon many variables.
1. Location
2. Amenities
3. Service provided
4. Room options
Be sure your pricing is ideal and that residents and their families are fully aware of the benefit the monthly fee includes.
Additionally, understand the demographic and economic conditions of the community which you serve.
Make sure your investment justifies a return. You must ensure that you adequately renovate or build a home that suits the community you are serving economically for this to happen. In other words, do not build a $500k Sobriety home with rents over $2000 a month in a community where people can afford $750 a month max. Be wise.
The monthly fee is in the contract. However, what type of contracts/leases will you provide?
- Fixed Lease
- Flexible Lease
- Therapy-Prescribed Leasing Agreement
Knowing what types of leases are available helps residents and their families budget accordingly. It also allows you, as the Sobriety homeowner, to maintain a budget.
- Services
Resident experience needs to be pre-planned. As a sobriety homeowner, you must envision what a “day-in-the-life” of a resident will look like from the inside.
What will your home provide, and what will residents do from one moment to the next.
Most successful Sobriety homeowners create plans from sunrise to sunset. Consider the following: - Drug and Alcohol Testing
- Employment Assistance
- Educational Planning
- Volunteer Placement
- Recovery Programming
- Peer-monitoring Programs
- Counseling
- Group Therapy
- Games
Knowing what residents will experience helps to paint a good picture for potential residents and their families. People want to know what they can expect. Remember, if they are genuinely seeking help, they will want an idea of what life will look like for them in your home.
- Staffing
A well-staffed Sobriety home will be a well-run establishment. Whatever services you desire to offer your residents, make sure you have the staff to facilitate it. Find experienced staff persons who long to work with a smaller group of people.
These professionals typically are retiring from larger institutions or desire a change. Make sure they have the proper credentials, and a consummate background evaluation takes place.
As a new Sobriety homeowner, you want to avoid scandal at all costs. Find people who genuinely care about recovering addicts.
A Sobriety home that staffs strong but kind staff who enforce the rules consistently will result in an optimal home.
One of the essential things staff can do is ensure the home’s integrity – this includes a spotless residence.
The house should be clean at all times with constant repairs, and all appliances and furnishings should be warranted. As a result, replacement and repair are quick.
People seeking a sobriety home have needs and wants that may or may not find fulfillment within your home. Therefore, make sure your Sobriety home is clear on what matters most to recovering addicts and their families.
GETTING STARTED WITH YOUR SOBRIETY HOME
Owning and operating an optimal Sobriety home begins with education. The Shared Housing Academy provides outstanding education, training, and ongoing support.
Whether you are seeking to start a home, a new entrepreneur in the industry, or an existing sobriety homeowner, www.SharedHousingAcademy.com has something for you.
If you desire to make a difference in your community, contact the Shared Housing Academy today.