The initial step to a service area competitor analysis isto review the external analysis with specific attention given to the health organization's service area. The initial step includes defining the service category, determining service area boundaries, and creating the service area profile. In a professional short report, define the:

• Service categories.Cottage Senior Living has several service categories Choose one service category (i.e. Assisted Living, Memory Care Units, or Active Adult Units to develop your analysis)
• Service area boundaries.The service area is considered to be the geographical area surrounding the health organization from which it pulls the majority of its customers/patients. Review Exhibit 4, "The Cottages Portfolio" from the case study and select one service area location. Beyond the geographical area, service area boundaries also include the following:
• Consumer preferences.
• Personal values.
• Social values.
• Multiple service areas
• Service area profile. The service area profile includes key competitively related economic, demographic, psychographic (lifestyle), and community health status indicators. (Choose three variables, such as economic, demographic, psychological, health status indicators, risk indicators, and/or notifiable disease incidence, on which to develop your response).

Format for the professional short report:

• Use clear labels for the three components of the assignment (e.g., Service Category, Service Area, Service Area Profile).
• Clearly label your three service area profile variables.
• Responses should be full sentences.
• Cite sources as appropriate.