How to Start a Senior Home Health Care Business

As the number of elderly people increases, so does the need for senior health care. Many times, senior-related infirmities keep the patients homebound and they find themselves in need of home health care. They may also prefer to receive their health care services at home, as they are more comfortable in familiar surroundings than in a hospital setting. This article will help you learn the steps necessary to start a senior home health care business.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Consider whether you will start your own business or become part of a franchise. If you are starting your own business, consult with experts such as your local small business center or SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) for guidance on small business start-ups.

2. Research the license requirements in your city and state. Health regulations may include providing documentation about your workers' eligibility and certifications.

3. For a home health service, you will need to hire nurses and nurses' aides. Ask potential candidates about their experiences with the senior population, most of whom require care unique to their age and infirmities.

4. Determine the type and amount of insurance you will need for your business. At the very least you will need liability insurance, for performing health-related services in other people's homes. Your city or state may also require a minimum amount of liability insurance.

5. Set up a billing system for your patients and for insurance companies. Decide which insurance companies you will accept. You will have to work with Medicare, for the senior population. Secure the software necessary to do the billing and to communicate electronically with Medicare and supplemental insurance companies.

6. Promote your senior home health care business to doctors who specialize in geriatric care as well as to hospitals. Create simple brochures that explain your services and the certifications and licenses you and your staff carry.

Tips & Warnings

• Research local and state requirements thoroughly before opening your doors for business.
• Have all of your documentation, including your employees' certifications and licenses, together in one place, to be able to provide to an inspector.

Resources

• Start your own healthcare / nursing agency

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[homehealhcarern]

on 9/28/2009 Very Infomative article. I used www.seniorcaretemplates.com to help me get started. It saved me hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars. I could actually focus on building my business. It gave my business a professional edge from the beginning!