Video & Interview with Amilia Alcema on Expanding Skilled Nursing in Ward 7, DC

An interview with Amilia Alcema of Amilia Care, Inc.

For more than two decades, Amilia Alcema has dedicated her life to serving older adults and underserved communities. As the founder of Amilia Care—a company specializing in acquiring, renovating, and managing skilled-nursing and long-term care facilities—Amilia is leading transformational work in the District.

With support from City First Enterprises (CFE), she is now developing a 23-bed residential care facility in Ward 7 designed to allow elders to age in place, remain connected to their communities, and avoid displacement.

We sat down with Amilia to hear the story behind Amilia Care, the inspiration for this project, and the critical role CFE played in making it a reality.

Amilia, tell us about yourself and what inspired you to create Amilia Care?

My journey is one of resilience, gratitude, and unwavering commitment to serving others. I was born in Haiti, and I lost my mother at the age of seven. From that moment, I resolved that I would build my life through determination and faith.

I’m a mother first, and I love being a mom. I’ve spent more than two decades working with older adults. What warms my heart is that they have so many stories to tell. What makes me sad is that too often they’re unheard and unseen.

As people age, their children often have their own responsibilities, and elders increasingly rely on long-term care communities, independent living, assisted living, or skilled nursing. But in D.C., the options are limited, and too many people can’t find stable, accessible housing when they need it most.

That’s what motivated me to start Amilia Care. I wanted to create housing and care options that allow people to stay in the District, especially when they’re at their most vulnerable.

How would you describe what Amilia Care does?

Amilia Care is a real estate and healthcare management company that acquires, renovates, and operates under-performing or at-risk skilled nursing and long-term care facilities.

We step in with leadership, expertise, and risk-management support to help facilities provide the quality care residents deserve. We also support healthcare organizations with operational guidance and compliance.

Let’s talk about your new project in Ward 7. What is this development, and why is it so meaningful?

In 2019, I purchased a single-family home in a residential neighborhood of Ward 7. From the moment I saw the property, I knew it needed to become a facility that served this community.

This project will transform the home into a 23-bed residential care facility so residents can age in place and remain close to the people and neighborhoods they know.

Beyond housing, the facility will offer wrap-around services, nursing care, mental health services, and primary care, with the goal of building a fuller continuum over time so residents aren’t forced to navigate fragmented systems.

It’s not just about housing. It’s also about economic stability and job creation for families in our community.

Most importantly, it helps keep elders in the District and prevents displacement. When residents are forced to move to Maryland or Virginia because there aren’t enough placements here, it creates stress, separation, and isolation, especially for underserved communities.

You’ve talked about how displacement affects seniors. Why is this issue so urgent in DC?

For years, I worked as a licensed nursing home administrator. I also worked as a regional director of operations, and I was the first person in the District of Columbia to operate 889 skilled-nursing beds as a consultant.

In all these roles I saw residents who lived in DC their entire lives being sent out of state because no beds were available.

I remember a woman I cared for when I was only 22 years old. She went to the hospital, and when she returned, her bed had been given away. She was relocated outside of DC and I never saw her again. That experience marked me.

Imagine the emotional stress for that resident, leaving the community she knew, losing access to family who might not have transportation, and being isolated in another state. This happens most often to underserved communities.

That’s why building more facilities right here in DC is so important. Nobody should spend their whole life in the District only to be pushed out when they need care the most.

What role did City First Enterprises (CFE) play in making this project possible?

CFE has been absolutely vital. What sets CFE apart is the personal relationship. At big banks, you don’t know who you’re talking to. With CFE, I can pick up the phone and call them directly.

When the project felt delayed or overwhelming, they would tell me, “Amilia, we’re almost there.” They never gave up on me.

CFE didn’t just finance the project. They championed it. Their team supported me every step of the way. I look forward to working with CFE not just on this project, but on future developments as well.

What do you hope people take away from your story?

I want people to know, don’t give up on your dreams. Don’t let others define what you can or cannot do. Take risks, they’re fun.

And I want people to understand the importance of partnership. You cannot do this alone. I’m grateful that CFE walked with me through this journey and believed in this project.

Editor’s note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.