Running an Adult Foster Care (AFC) home is a rewarding but demanding endeavor. From ensuring quality care for your residents to supporting your staff and staying compliant with regulations, the responsibilities can feel endless. Amidst these daily demands, one often-overlooked tool can make or break your operations: your employee AFC handbook.
For many AFC licensed home providers, the AFC handbook is seen as a “set-it-and-forget-it” document. However, neglecting it can lead to significant challenges, including compliance issues, legal disputes, and even financial penalties. To help you avoid these pitfalls, we spoke with Chris Lobb from Bator Lobb, P.C., who shared three critical AFC handbook management strategies that every provider should follow.
Picture this: An employee claims they’ve been unfairly disciplined while another is let off the hook for a similar issue. This inconsistency often stems from handbooks that use vague or absolute terms like “always” or “never,” leading to unclear documentation and uneven enforcement. Without well-documented performance issues or clear termination guidelines, you open yourself up to employee disputes and legal risks.
Laws and regulations are constantly evolving. If your handbook doesn’t keep pace, your compliance suffers. For example, beginning February 21, 2025, the Sick Time Leave Act will introduce new accommodation requirements (more information to come on this topic in January). Additionally, Michigan’s policies on marijuana use and health-related workplace accommodations continue to change. Overlooking these updates could result in costly liability claims or non-compliance penalties.
In today’s digital age, social media use by employees can significantly impact your AFC business’s reputation. However, many AFC home business handbooks lack clear social media guidelines, leaving the door open to reputational damage and potential legal issues. Other commonly missing policies include procedures for remote work and diversity and inclusion initiatives.
At Care Provider Solutions, we’ve seen firsthand how a well-maintained handbook can protect and empower your AFC home. Here are three actionable steps to ensure your handbook works for you:
Set aside time each year to review and update your handbook. Consulting with an HR specialist or a firm like Bator & Lobb, P.C. ensures your policies align with current laws and best practices, helping you avoid costly mistakes and operational disruptions.
Knowledge is power. Subscribe to Michigan’s Labor & Economic Opportunity newsletters and platforms like SHRM.org to receive free weekly HR updates. Staying informed allows you to quickly adapt your policies to reflect the latest legal and regulatory changes.
We’re here to support you. Our free weekly updates provide actionable insights on AFC best practices, including regulatory changes and operational tips. By staying engaged with our content, you’ll always be one step ahead.
Failing to manage your handbook proactively can result in:
However, the rewards of staying on top of your handbook are equally significant. By reviewing and updating it regularly, you’ll:
Running an AFC home comes with its own set of hurdles. Whether you’re facing issues like filling open beds, hiring the right staff, managing finances, or preparing for audits, Care Provider Solutions can help.
Take the first step today by completing our free assessment for personalized support. We’ll help you:
If you or someone you know is considering opening an Adult Foster Care facility, join us for our free webinar on November 20 at 11 a.m. We’ll cover everything you need to know about starting an AFC home, including requirements, first steps, and whether it’s the right move for you.
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