In this episode of the Assisted Living Network, host Isabelle Guarino sits down with Derek and Laurie Wood, owner-operators of a thriving six-bed residential care home in Maine.

After leaving the government contracting world and leveraging Laurie’s 25 years of nursing experience, this husband and wife team acquired an existing home coming out of COVID, navigated complex state regulations, and transformed a burnout model into a fully occupied, cash-flowing business with a waiting list.

They share how they:

• Evaluated deals during the PPP bubble and avoided costly mistakes
• Transitioned from an owner-led model to a scalable operation
• Successfully operate a dual payer model with MaineCare paying up to $8,100 per resident
• Maintain 100 percent occupancy through word of mouth and hospital referrals
• Achieve a 20 percent margin on a six-bed home
• Build strong staff loyalty in a competitive market
• Balance marriage, careers, and business ownership

If you have ever wondered whether a small six-bed home can truly work, this episode delivers real numbers, real strategy, and real inspiration.

With 76 million baby boomers facing housing challenges, one residential assisted living home could change your financial future. Tune in to learn how Derek and Laurie are building not just one home, but a portfolio designed for long-term growth and impact.

🎓 Ready to turn your passion into profit? Join Isabelle Guarino’s private Skool community to learn how to launch, run, and grow your own residential assisted living business. Get access to exclusive trainings, expert Q&As, and a like-minded community all in one place. Start learning today! → https://www.skool.com/ralacademy/about 

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Discover how turning just one home into a Residential Assisted Living (RAL) facility could unlock lifelong cash flow and provide you with time freedom. In this episode of the Assisted Living Network podcast, Isabelle Guarino sits down with Boris and Amanda Palomino of Palomino Senior Living Academy to explore the wealth mindset behind RAL investments and how they help solve the housing challenges of millions of aging baby boomers.

Learn how Boris and Amanda transitioned from corporate jobs to thriving entrepreneurs in the senior living industry. From real estate investing to building a recession-proof business model focused on asset protection, memory care, and exceptional service, they share the keys to their success. Gain insider tips on market analysis, funding strategies, and creating a balance between family and business while providing top-quality care for seniors, including those with Alzheimer’s.

Are you ready to break the cycle and invest in yourself? Join us as we reveal overlooked truths about residential assisted living, the opportunities in California, and why now is the time to ride the "silver tsunami." Don’t miss this chance to transform your financial future. Listen now and take the first step toward building a legacy!

#babyboomers #cashflow #realestateinvestment #financialfreedom #assistedliving

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
00:38 - Starting in Senior Living
02:50 - Process of Moving Residents
04:38 - Administrator License Requirements
08:49 - Insights on 6 Bed Homes
11:52 - Transitioning to Teaching Careers
14:55 - Defining the End Goal
17:03 - Common Student Mistakes
20:25 - Funding for Senior Living
22:35 - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
23:20 - Live-in Caregiver Benefits
26:18 - Advantages of Operating in California
27:29 - Sharing Industry Secrets
29:25 - Resources to Learn More
29:40 - Outro

🎓 Ready to turn your passion into profit? Join Isabelle Guarino’s private Skool community to learn how to launch, run, and grow your own residential assisted living business. Get access to exclusive trainings, expert Q&As, and a like-minded community all in one place. Start learning today! → https://www.skool.com/ralacademy/about 

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When residential assisted living first began to grow, small care homes had no seat at the table. No representation. No protection. No collective voice. Decisions were being made in favor of big-box facilities, while independent care home owners were left navigating regulations, costs, and challenges alone.

In this episode, Isabelle shares the story behind the creation of the Residential Assisted Living National Association - why it had to exist, what problems it was built to solve, and how a small group of committed people came together to change an entire industry.

You’ll hear how RALNA was formed to support smaller care homes through legal advocacy, group purchasing power, networking, education, and national representation. From fighting unfair regulations and tracking legislation across all 50 states, to unlocking discounts once reserved for big operators, to creating a community where care home owners no longer feel alone - this episode breaks down what RALNA actually does and why it matters now more than ever.

With 76 million baby boomers facing a housing crisis, the need for residential assisted living has never been greater. That challenge may also be the opportunity of a lifetime.

If you’re exploring residential assisted living, already operating a care home, or simply curious about how one home can impact families and your financial future, this episode will give you clarity, context, and a powerful reminder that meaningful change doesn’t happen alone.

Listen in, share with a friend, and discover how collective action is shaping the future of assisted living.

🎓 Ready to turn your passion into profit? Join Isabelle Guarino’s private Skool community to learn how to launch, run, and grow your own residential assisted living business. Get access to exclusive trainings, expert Q&As, and a like-minded community all in one place. Start learning today! → https://www.skool.com/ralacademy/about 

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Avoid costly admin hiring mistakes in your Residential Assisted Living business! In this episode, discover the essential steps to finding the perfect licensed administrator or manager for your RAL home. By creating a detailed job description tailored to your unique needs, you can ensure your hire aligns with your vision. Learn how this vital role impacts staffing, day-to-day operations, vendor management, marketing, and even memory care for Alzheimer’s residents. 

We’ll reveal how building systems and investing in yourself upfront can lead to time freedom and a wealth mindset, helping you create a hands-off business that flourishes effortlessly. Whether you're diving into real estate investing or looking for asset protection strategies, this episode delivers actionable insights to secure your financial future through Residential Assisted Living. 

Are you ready to break the cycle and take control of your RAL journey? Join us as we uncover overlooked truths and strategies to guide your success. Don’t miss out. Listen now and start building the foundation for your thriving assisted living business!

#adminhiringmistakes #hiringadministrator #residentialassistedliving #assistedlivinghiring #staffingchallenges

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
00:44 - Key Qualities of a Good Manager
01:36 - Creating an Effective Job Description
08:37 - Interviewing Candidates Successfully
10:46 - Common Hiring Mistakes to Avoid
11:28 - Importance of Onboarding and Training
12:12 - Like and Follow Us

🎓 Ready to turn your passion into profit? Join Isabelle Guarino’s private Skool community to learn how to launch, run, and grow your own residential assisted living business. Get access to exclusive trainings, expert Q&As, and a like-minded community all in one place. Start learning today! → https://www.skool.com/ralacademy/about 

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Discover how one family turned tragedy into triumph by transforming senior care forever with Residential Assisted Living. In this inspiring story, learn how a desperate need for better care sparked a revolution in the assisted living industry. Whether you're passionate about creating meaningful change or looking to achieve time freedom and a wealth mindset, this video reveals how real estate investing can make it possible.

With 76 million baby boomers facing a housing crisis, the demand for high-quality memory care and Alzheimer’s support has never been greater. By investing in yourself and exploring residential assisted living, you can secure your financial future while making a real difference for seniors and their families. This journey isn't just about asset protection or cash flow—it’s about providing dignity, love, and a true home.

Are you ready to break the cycle of subpar senior care and join the mission to do good and do well? Watch now to uncover the overlooked truths of real estate investing in assisted living and see how one home can change lives. The question is: will you take the next step? Join us as we reveal how you can be part of a movement that positively impacts millions of lives. Don't wait—your journey starts here.

#seniorcare #residentialcare #seniorliving #homecare #babyboomers

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
00:38 - The Dilemma
03:08 - The Daughter Judy
03:59 - The Caregiver Dilemma
05:23 - The Dream
07:19 - The Plan
07:39 - The Mess
08:15 - The Loss
08:29 - The Turning Point
09:32 - The Beginning of the Academy
10:28 - Mission to Positively Impact Seniors
10:53 - Join Us on the Mission to Do Good

🎓 Ready to turn your passion into profit? Join Isabelle Guarino’s private Skool community to learn how to launch, run, and grow your own residential assisted living business. Get access to exclusive trainings, expert Q&As, and a like-minded community all in one place. Start learning today! → https://www.skool.com/ralacademy/about 

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Are caregiving struggles holding you back? Discover how to turn those challenges into financial freedom through residential assisted living! In this video, you'll learn how adopting a wealth mindset and investing in yourself can transform your life while helping others. With 76 million baby boomers in need of housing solutions, the demand for memory care, Alzheimer's care, and asset protection through real estate investing has never been greater. 

Isabelle from the Assisted Living Network shares actionable tips to maintain time freedom, balance caregiving responsibilities, and explore the opportunities within residential assisted living. Whether you're a family caregiver or someone searching for the next big investment, this video reveals overlooked truths about creating a legacy while caring for loved ones. 

Are you ready to break the cycle and secure your financial future? Join us as we explore how one residential assisted living home could change everything. Keep doing good and doing well—your journey starts here!

#familycaregiver #seniorcare #caregivingtips #assistedliving #stressmanagementstrategies

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Introduction
01:06 - Caregiver Self-Care Tips
05:05 - Understanding Brain Changes and Aging
07:20 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

🎓 Ready to turn your passion into profit? Join Isabelle Guarino’s private Skool community to learn how to launch, run, and grow your own residential assisted living business. Get access to exclusive trainings, expert Q&As, and a like-minded community all in one place. Start learning today! → https://www.skool.com/ralacademy/about 

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Discover how Residential Assisted Living can secure your financial future 💰 while creating time freedom and peace of mind. This episode dives into the emotional and financial realities of transitioning loved ones into assisted living and how it can protect your assets while providing top-tier care. Learn the essentials of choosing the right home, understanding Memory Care and Alzheimer’s support, and building a wealth mindset through real estate investing. Are you ready to break the cycle and invest in yourself? Join us as we reveal overlooked truths about this growing industry and offer actionable steps to make informed decisions for your loved ones and your future. Don't miss your chance to gain insight into historical trends and current opportunities in Residential Assisted Living. You’ve got this—let’s make it happen!

#housingoptions #residentialcare #babyboomers #seniorcare #assistedliving

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Moving into Assisted Living
01:13 - Discussing Assisted Living with Family
02:22 - Join Our 3-Day Fast Track Training

🎓 Ready to turn your passion into profit? Join Isabelle Guarino’s private Skool community to learn how to launch, run, and grow your own residential assisted living business. Get access to exclusive trainings, expert Q&As, and a like-minded community all in one place. Start learning today! → https://www.skool.com/ralacademy/about 

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The Assisted Living Network Podcast is where real conversations meet real numbers in the residential assisted living world.

Hosted by Isabelle Guarino, this show pulls back the curtain on what RAL businesses are actually worth, how they’re evaluated, and why so much of the advice floating around out there is flat-out wrong. From misleading per-bed pricing to shaky multiples and brokers who don’t understand the residential model, Isabelle breaks down what truly matters when buying, selling, or growing a residential assisted living home.

With more than 76 million baby boomers facing a housing crisis, this isn’t just a market shift - it’s a massive opportunity for those who understand how to balance doing good and doing well. Each episode dives into the realities of valuation, cap rates, occupancy, EBITDA, and what separates a piece of real estate from a profitable, sustainable care business.

Whether you’re an operator, investor, realtor, or someone exploring assisted living for the first time, this podcast will help you see the industry clearly, avoid costly mistakes, and understand how just one residential assisted living home can create long-term financial security and meaningful impact.

If you’re ready to learn how this business really works, you’re in the right place. New episodes drop regularly with practical insights you can actually use.

🎓 Ready to turn your passion into profit? Join Isabelle Guarino’s private Skool community to learn how to launch, run, and grow your own residential assisted living business. Get access to exclusive trainings, expert Q&As, and a like-minded community all in one place. Start learning today! → https://www.skool.com/ralacademy/about 

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Discover the emotional truth about seniors moving into assisted living and how you can make this transition seamless and dignified. Moving into a residential assisted living home can be a deeply emotional process for seniors and their families, but with the right approach, it can become a beautiful new chapter. 

Learn actionable tips to foster warmth, connection, and comfort for new residents, while understanding the challenges they face. Whether you're a caregiver, care homeowner, or someone interested in real estate investing in memory care or Alzheimer’s care, this episode provides essential insights to build a fulfilling and impactful assisted living experience. 

Are you ready to invest in yourself and create time freedom while securing your financial future? Join us as we reveal overlooked truths and show you how one residential assisted living home can protect your assets and transform lives. Don’t miss out—create a legacy of care and compassion today!

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - The Emotional Move In
03:21 - Fast Track Moving Tips
03:58 - Tips for an Easier Move In

🎓 Ready to turn your passion into profit? Join Isabelle Guarino’s private Skool community to learn how to launch, run, and grow your own residential assisted living business. Get access to exclusive trainings, expert Q&As, and a like-minded community all in one place. Start learning today! → https://www.skool.com/ralacademy/about 

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Struggling with rising senior care costs? Discover how Residential Assisted Living can turn expenses into cash flow! Learn how real estate investing and creating your own RAL home can provide income, asset protection, and peace of mind—while offering your loved ones the care they deserve. With the silver tsunami of seniors on the horizon, now is the time to invest in yourself and secure your financial future. Understand the wealth mindset and explore options like VA benefits, long-term care insurance, and leveraging real estate to cover memory care or Alzheimer’s care costs. Don’t let the lack of a plan become the worst plan—break the cycle and take control today. Are you ready to make a difference? Join us as we reveal the overlooked truths of assisted living and show you step-by-step how to get started. Your next chapter begins here!

#cashflowfromrealestate #taxdeductionsseniorcare #seniorcarecosts #residentialassistedliving #seniorcarecosts

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
00:37 - 6 Ways to Pay for Care
05:52 - Tax Deductions for Care

🎓 Ready to turn your passion into profit? Join Isabelle Guarino’s private Skool community to learn how to launch, run, and grow your own residential assisted living business. Get access to exclusive trainings, expert Q&As, and a like-minded community all in one place. Start learning today! → https://www.skool.com/ralacademy/about 

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