CALA CALA Marketing & Admissions 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'occupancy rate' and why is it important to an assisted living administrator?
- The ratio of staff to residents; important for quality of care
- The percentage of units that are filled with paying residents; directly impacts revenue (Correct answer)
- The number of resident activities offered per week; important for satisfaction
- The ratio of licensed beds to operating beds; important for licensing
Correct answer: The percentage of units that are filled with paying residents; directly impacts revenue
Occupancy rate is the percentage of available units occupied by paying residents, and it directly determines the facility's revenue and financial viability.
Question 2: Which HIPAA provision must an assisted living facility comply with during the marketing and admissions process?
- Residents must consent before their health information is shared with referral sources or used in marketing (Correct answer)
- All prospective resident information must be published on the facility website
- Physicians must authorize all marketing activities
- Families must receive a financial audit before touring
Correct answer: Residents must consent before their health information is shared with referral sources or used in marketing
HIPAA requires that protected health information (PHI) not be used for marketing purposes without resident authorization, and confidentiality must be maintained during the admissions process.
Question 3: What is a 'preadmission screening' in the context of assisted living admissions?
- A credit check for prospective residents
- An evaluation to determine whether the prospective resident's needs fall within the facility's scope of care (Correct answer)
- A background check on the resident's family
- A marketing survey about competitor facilities
Correct answer: An evaluation to determine whether the prospective resident's needs fall within the facility's scope of care
Preadmission screening evaluates a prospective resident's physical, cognitive, and functional status to ensure the facility can safely and appropriately meet their care needs before admission.
Question 4: An assisted living facility is developing a digital marketing strategy. Which online platform is typically most effective for reaching adult children researching care options for aging parents?
- TikTok
- Facebook and Google search advertising (Correct answer)
- Snapchat
- Gaming platforms
Correct answer: Facebook and Google search advertising
Facebook reaches the adult children (typically ages 45–65) who make care decisions for aging parents, while Google search advertising captures high-intent searchers actively researching assisted living options.
Question 5: What should an assisted living admission agreement specifically address regarding discharge conditions?
- Only that residents may leave voluntarily
- Conditions under which involuntary discharge may occur, the notice required, and the appeals process (Correct answer)
- Only financial penalties for early departure
- Nothing; discharge is regulated separately from admission
Correct answer: Conditions under which involuntary discharge may occur, the notice required, and the appeals process
Admission agreements must clearly outline the specific conditions that could lead to involuntary discharge, required notice periods, and the resident's right to appeal the discharge decision.
Question 6: Which practice violates ethical standards in assisted living marketing?
- Providing facility tours to prospective residents and families
- Offering referral fees to hospital discharge planners for directing patients to the facility (Correct answer)
- Publishing honest testimonials from satisfied residents with their consent
- Advertising rates and available amenities
Correct answer: Offering referral fees to hospital discharge planners for directing patients to the facility
Paying referral fees or kickbacks to healthcare professionals for directing patients to a facility violates anti-kickback laws and professional ethics standards.
CALA CALA Marketing & Admissions 2
What is 'occupancy rate' and why is it important to an assisted living administrator?