After plastic surgery, a minimum number of days are required to remain under basic medical care as the body starts to recover. Rather than staying in the hospital, many women prefer to stay at a local recovery house for plastic or elective surgeries. Investing in a recovery house is a great way to build capital for other real estate ventures. A variety of topics involved with starting a recovery house are outlined below, starting with a little history.
The History of Recovery Houses
Most have heard of recovery houses and centers for those recovering from alcohol, eating, drug abuse, addiction, disorders, and disease. Recovery houses for surgeries started in the 1970s and grew over the next 25 years. Once deemed 'aftercare', these rooms, hotel wings, and houses often used the term 'Beverly Hills' in their name. Yet, most of these recovery locations were not worthy and did not provide services as promised and advertised. As the aftercare industry imploded, there were a handful of
locations that flourished because of their top-notch amenities and 24/7 medical care. Other patients continued to opt to stay in hospitals, but they have begun hiring 24/7 in-home nurse care over the last decade. For a more affordable option, patients are looking for recovery houses. As plastic surgery and aftercare are growing, recovery houses need wherever highly-visited surgery facilities are located.
Starting a Recovery House
One of the first things to know is that recovery houses are unregulated. Depending on zoning and local regulations, there will be restrictions or regulations to follow. It is vital to uphold the expectations marketed to ensure word of mouth and online reviews keep the business on a natural trajectory for success. The first step is to decide how big you want to start. A typical recovery house will have one medical staff ratio per three patients per shift, and one administrative staff per 5 patients.
Ideally, more extended stays will have a more extensive personal suite and bathroom, while short one or two night stays can be in shared rooms or smaller suites. Patients with mobility limitations, rooms, hallways, and bathrooms will need configuration for disability access. For homes with multiple floors, remember to consider elevator access as well. Don't let these details overwhelm the opportunities a recovery house can offer as a business line. There's more to come about pricing potential later.
Amenities That Feel Like Home
One of the realities of plastic surgery and elective surgery is that it is still a stressful and anxiety-ridden experience while it may be to 'correct' something seemingly simple. Knowing that there is a place to prepare the night before and recover after the procedure can help calm the nerves and reduce overall stress. So what should be provided in this pre-and post-op recovery house? While the list can quickly go beyond what is listed below, these are expected amenities and options:
Licensed medical caretakers should be on staff and available for patient care. There are a variety of certified and licensed practitioners, including a medical assistant (MA), a licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN), or nurse practitioner (NP). Medical provider services include medication distribution, changing dressings, sponge/cloth baths, changing clothing, and checking for any signs of infection or medical issues.
Transportation to and from the airport, the surgery center, and follow-up appointments. This is often provided as an add-on service.
Administrative staff to run with scheduling, check-in, check-out, and handle laundry.
Appropriate visitation rules and policies. While visitors can be helpful for a patient's recovery, it can be distracting to other patients. Extra noise alone can be annoying for those trying to rest. For example, it is reasonable to have a guest stay with the patient, but constant visitors are problematic throughout the day.
Meal plans are another essential aspect for recovering patients. Eating regular and properly nutritious meals help aid healing. Whether an on-staff chef or catered, the food must be fresh and well-made with three meals and snacks each day.
In-suite individual coffee machines, a small fridge, bottled or filtered water, and microwave. This provides an opportunity for patients to bring some of their favorites or special diet-restrictions. Be flexible and provide options for add-ons for each day of the patient's stay.
5-star luxury hotel amenities, including sheets, bedding, and towels.
Outdoor seating for lounging, with umbrellas or shading.
Consider providing a "Pillow Menu" with a variety of soft, medium, firm, feather, and buckwheat pillows.
Fully adjustable beds to allow for the most comfort of patients.
Complimentary Wifi.
Vanity area and full-length mirror.
Large screen Smart TV with quality speakers, and, of course, connected to the internet.
Adjustable lighting options, including soft ambient lighting.
Phone for in-house calls to staff, calling friends and family.
Parking for those driving to the recovery house.
Provide a "Guide to Successful Recovery" including information about relaxation, recovery, and tips on what the patient should bring. If possible, work with a surgery center to provide related information. Tips should include bringing comfortable and easy to put on/take off (button-up pajamas with loose-fitting bottoms, shirts, or nightgowns with large neck openings) and electronic devices with charges.
Have extra charging cords for loan or purchase, as these are often forgotten.
What To Charge and Packages to Offer
When providing available options and packages for patients, start with the basic post-recovery per night charge. Generally, this ranges from $200 to $1000 per night, depending on location and demand, medical providers and staffing levels, and included amenities. Additional pricing options vary and will depend on going rates for meal plans or single meal selections. One option for pricing meals is to find per diem rates for your location at gsa.gov (for US locations or catalog.data.gov for international locations). Most items can be offered à la carte, including transportation, gauze, bandages, bathing assistance. Always provide a last-minute cancellation policy, which is generally 50% of the first night's stay if less than 24 hours' notice is provided. One great way to generate additional nightly fees is by offering extended recovery stays, where after the initial recovery, medical services are no longer provided.
Marketing A Recovery House
As mentioned early on in this article, providing quality services as marketed is vital to success. Patients know how to research and find reputable recovery houses and gladly leave high-scoring reviews when needs are met or exceeded. Be sure to have a professional website and Facebook page that provides precise package details and additional upgrade options, floor plans, bathroom modification information, private or shared room specifics, disability access, and medical care staff profiles. Those recovering will be women of all ages and transgender men and women. Over 50% of women will have children at home, where recovery is more likely to be continuously interrupted. Likewise, depending on the surgery centers nearby, demographics may vary.
The recovery house is once again in need and is not likely to slow any time soon. For those recovering from surgery, services like facelifts and body sculpting, having a third party provide meals, medical aftercare, and other services are helpful during the initial recovery process. It's the prime time for purchasing mini-mansions, large estate homes, or neighboring houses to convert them into recovery houses.
We hope this article has inspired your real estate potential. If you have any questions, please contact Women Pushing Dirt. We love talking The Dirt on real estate, especially for women. Join us today!