When Allyson Seitz became co-owner and CEO of Prairie Elder Care, she wasn't just taking on a business — she was embracing a calling.
But with 30 residents depending on seamless operations and a complex financial landscape to navigate, she quickly realized that passion alone wouldn't be enough.
Building a Legacy on Five Acres
Prairie Elder Care represents something special in the world of senior care.
"Prairie Elder Care is a residential dementia care facility. We have three homes on five acres, and there are 10 residents per home. Also on this property, we have a therapeutic care farm, so we've got a community garden," Allyson explains. "So it's a farmstead that we use as engagement with our residents."
Allyson's involvement in the organization was rooted in more than just business. It comes from a genuine heart for the cause and years of dedicated service.
"I worked here previously to becoming an owner. I was on leadership here," Allyson shares. "And then when I heard that the owners were ready to sell, my business partner and I were just really excited to come on board. This has been a part of my heart for a long time.”
The transition from dedicated employee to CEO brought new challenges that extended far beyond the day-to-day care operations Allyson and her partner knew so well. With residents' well-being, employee livelihoods, and complex financial responsibilities now under her oversight, the weight of leadership became immediately apparent.
The Financial Reality of Caring for Others
Running a residential care facility demands precise financial management. The stakes couldn't be higher when you're responsible for the care and well-being of residents and the job security of dedicated staff members.
"There are 30 residents that depend on our company running smoothly day to day, and many employees and their families.
“So I feel that responsibility that they know that they're going to be well cared for, that we're feeding them with good food, that we are taking care of them with all the resources they deserve, and that our employees know that they are going to get paid every pay period," Allyson reflects.
When caring for people with dementia and supporting families through one of life's most challenging transitions, financial stability becomes a moral imperative.
Any disruption in operations doesn't just affect profit margins — it impacts the most vulnerable members of the community.
A Partner in Financial Stability
Fortunately, Prairie Elder Care already had a relationship with BELAY when Allyson took ownership.
"I'm so thankful because although my partner and I have both been in this industry for 20-something years, it hasn’t been as business people," she admits.
What she discovered was more than just bookkeeping support — it was an experienced team of Financial Experts who would become essential to the facility's success.
"BELAY has been a lifesaver for us.
“They help us with our monthly financials, they do all of our bookkeeping. They are able to give us a cash flow understanding that we wouldn't otherwise have.
“They help us see where we're aligning with our budget and where we're not meeting our budget. So it's been an amazing resource for us," Allyson explains.
This comprehensive financial support empowered Allyson to combine her expertise in care with essential financial visibility.
Rather than struggling through complex financial management alone, Allyson and her partner gained access to professional expertise that could grow with their business.
Lisa: Financial Controller Leading Allyson’s Expert Team with Excellence
At the heart of Prairie Elder Care's financial transformation is Lisa, who leads Allyson's team of BELAY Financial Experts. Lisa offers strategic financial guidance to help Allyson make informed decisions about the future.
"Lisa has been such a great resource. We do weekly touch bases, and she gives me a sheet of what we need to be working on, breaking it all down so I can even see a 90-day visual of what's coming up.
“That helps a lot," Allyson shares.
Lisa's leadership and clear communication turn overwhelming financial data into actionable insights. Instead of struggling with spreadsheets and cash flow concerns, Allyson's team receives organized, digestible information to lead with confidence.
One of Lisa's key focuses is Prairie Elder Care's largest expense — staffing. In the care industry, personnel costs dominate operational budgets, making precise tracking and planning essential.
"In our industry, the vast majority of our budget is for employees. Lisa’s team helps us see our salaries and staffing costs so we can tweak things to fit our budget better," Allyson notes.
Lisa's support extends beyond day-to-day financial management to strategic planning for Prairie Elder Care's future.
"We talk a lot about what our upcoming needs are going to be. And even as we grow, what resources BELAY has for us. Could we possibly use a fractional CFO at some point?" Allyson explains.
This kind of strategic thinking represents the difference between simply managing today's challenges and building a sustainable future.
By discussing growth scenarios and potential needs, Lisa helps Allyson make informed decisions about the facility's trajectory.
Reclaiming Time for What Matters Most
The impact of Lisa's support extends far beyond numbers on a spreadsheet. By handling the complex financial management that could easily consume hours each week, Lisa gives Allyson something invaluable — time to focus on her true passion and expertise.
"So Lisa takes care of all of that, all of that financial accounting.
“That's hours she saves me through that kind of support," Allyson explains.
These reclaimed hours translate directly into improved programming and community engagement — the areas where Allyson's heart and expertise truly shine. With financial management in capable hands, she can invest her energy in the initiatives that make Prairie Elder Care special.
"With my background, what I love to do is to be involved in community programming.
“We have a CAPS program which trains kids in high school who are interested in going into the medical field. They can come in and learn about brain health and about engaging with people with dementia," she shares.
This community engagement extends the impact of Prairie Elder Care far beyond its residents.
"We like to be very involved in the community and find different ways we can partner with across different generations.
“They can come and learn about not only the farm and how it runs, but how to interact with people with dementia, how to talk to them, how to engage. I love those kind of opportunities that I'm able to invest in."
The Peace of Mind That Changes Everything
Perhaps the most significant impact of BELAY's support isn't found in financial reports or efficiency metrics. It's in the peace of mind that comes from knowing critical business functions are handled by trusted professionals.
"Knowing that I can rely on services to help keep us on track brings huge peace of mind for me," Allyson reflects.
This confidence allows her to lead with clarity rather than constantly worrying about financial details. Having trusted experts managing these critical functions provides the mental space necessary for effective leadership.
"It's all about having a good team and putting the right people behind you... I trust that they're going to see the details that I may miss at times, so I feel like I have somebody that has my back, and that's huge," she explains.
This level of trust is particularly important in the healthcare industry, where financial stability directly impacts the quality of care provided.
The impact of this stability ripples outward to affect residents, families, employees, and the broader community. When a care facility operates from a position of financial strength, it can focus entirely on its primary mission rather than worrying about operational sustainability.
"BELAY has been a great resource for us.
“They are trusted advisors, and I feel like they're a team that I can depend on," Allyson emphasizes. "I'm just really thankful that they're the resource they are to us. I'm not sure I'd know how to do this without them.”
Your Foundation for Success
For mission-driven organizations like Prairie Elder Care, financial stability is about more than profit. It’s about trust, responsibility, and the ability to serve effectively. BELAY provides the expertise and support you need to turn financial complexity into clarity, freeing you to focus on what matters most: your mission.