The baby boomer generation is aging and the demands for senior care are about to hit an all-time high. The number of Americans over the age of 65 is going to double to 98 million by 2060. Our life expectancy is higher than ever which means the soon-to-be seniors will be needing care for longer.
If you’re considering opening a home care business, now is the time. Keep reading to find our guide on how to start your own senior care company.
Write a Business Plan
No business can be successful without a thorough and well-thought-out plan. A plan will help you nail down the specifics of your business to get you off on the right foot.
A home care company can be started with very little capital, especially if you’ll be working alone. You will need to get a licensing fee as well as a reliable car and cell phone. Other than that, you don’t need much else by way of start-up costs.
Ongoing expenses to consider include ongoing vehicle maintenance and fuel and cell phone bills.
Franchising is another route to consider when looking at a home healthcare career. Check out franchise.preferhome.com to find more details about opening your own senior care franchise.
Determine Your Fees
Next, you will need to determine how much you can realistically charge your clients. Research home care companies and facilities in your area to see what they’re charging. You can use their fees as a jumping-off point for your own.
Most home care companies charge their clients an hourly rate. This will change depending on where you live and how in-demand the services are. The average price per hour is anywhere between $18 in rural areas to $40 in bigger cities.
Get the Right Training
You can start a home care business without any training but we wouldn’t recommend it. Consider getting a home support worker certification or taking a health care aide program. These courses teach you how to provide basic health services and support for your clients.
The most essential skills for a home care worker don’t come from formal education, however. The best health care workers are compassionate, honest, and passionate about helping others. If you’re looking to make a quick buck, this industry is not for you.
Market Yourself
Every successful business needs a marketing plan. You should advertise your home care services in places seniors and their families will see them. If your city has a 55+ neighborhood, advertise your services on their bulletin boards or in their newsletters.
Visit local senior clubs and churches to post your flyers and leave your business cards.
Don’t underestimate the importance of an online presence, either. Create a website and dedicated email address for your services. Be sure to update your site as necessary and check your email often.
Start Your Home Home Care Business Today
The need for home care is not going anywhere anytime soon. Use our helpful tips to start your own successful home care business today.
Keep browsing our site for more entrepreneurship advice for budding businesspeople.
