How to Start Your Own Senior Home Care Business
Statistics suggest that the senior home care business in the United States is poised for expansion. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are currently almost 39 million people aged 65 or older. As the baby boomer generation nears retirement age, that number will significantly increase. Careful planning can help make your senior home care business successful and rewarding.
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Instructions
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Write a business plan for your senior home care business. Provide details such as type of care provided, optimum number of clients, employee hiring practices, marketing and promotions strategies and monthly budget spreadsheets.
Writing a business plan will help you visualize the details of your senior home care business. When starting a business there is no room for ambiguity.
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Decide what type of senior home care your business will provide. Services range from Alzheimer's and dementia support to simple assistance with daily needs. Be certain that you are able to provide the type of support you advertise and that you are knowledgeable and have received special training for specific services. For instance, dementia caregivers will need to ensure that the home environment is safe and that continually changing behaviors are managed appropriately.
Senior home care businesses can provide help with a variety of supports, including shopping, housework, transportation to doctor's appointments, meal preparation, feeding, bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, reminders about medications, ambulation, and, perhaps mostly importantly, companionship, including conversation and participation in social activities. These needs can vary depending on the activity level and health of the senior.
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Obtain proper state and local health care licenses. If you are uncertain as to what type of license is necessary, check with your state department of health. Some states do not require licensing for certain types of home health aides, but most require specific licensing for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) or Registered Nurses (RN). Licensing must be current and documentation readily available to clients.
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Contact your city, town or municipality to obtain a business license or permit. Even if you are operating a business without a storefront you may need to get a business license.
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Advertise your services. Tell people about your business; advertise in the local paper or online. Distribute your business card to senior centers and local service organizations. The more you tell people about your services the more quickly you will get clients.
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Prepare questionnaires and forms prior to meeting a client. Questionnaires should be completed by the client or responsible party, and include details such as name, address, age, emergency contact, health history, medical provider, named power of attorney and home care services requested. If applicable, ask for a copy of power of attorney papers.
A form detailing services and fees should be given to each client.
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Keep accurate records of all payments received and receipts of business supplies purchased. Federal and state income tax and social security must be paid according to state and federal regulations. Consult with an accountant regarding specific tax liabilities.
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Remember to continually promote your business. You can provide free lecture series on healthy aging at a local library, advertise in free publications and online services and volunteer once a month at the local senior center. Keeping your business visible within the community will help grow your client list.
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Tips & Warnings
Attend local classes for continuing education in your field as often as you can. Check with colleges, universities or online sources for a list of offerings.
Maintain clear communication with all parties involved to avoid misunderstandings. Evaluate a client's home care needs at least on a yearly basis. Health changes can prompt different needs. Make detailed notations about services provided in the client's chart every time a home care visit occurs. This will avoid future confusion should a question arise.
