HOW TO
START
AN
ELDER
CARE
BUSINESS
HOW TO START
ELDER CARE LINKS
BUSINESS RESOURCES
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SECTION 1
HOW TO
START
AN
ELDER
CARE
BUSINESS
In the past, seniors who lacked the mobility
necessary to be completely self-sufficient
often turned to nursing homes. Today, seniors
have a number of options for obtaining various
levels of care, such as home care, assisted
living and medical and nonmedical transportation
services.
Many seniors who wish to retain their independence
require minimal assistance, which can include
transportation services, cleaning services,
companionship, diet monitoring, bill payment,
grooming assistance and light chores. An elder
care business can meet these needs.
Items you will need
Business plan
Business permit
Insurance
Written policies
Background investigation
company
Brochures
Trained employees
Step 1
Conduct market research to identify those
areas of elder care that are lacking in
your area. The U.S. census is a great place
to start. There are many options within the
elder care industry. Start with areas that
interest you or that you have experience in.
You may find that transportation services
are lacking. If you don’t mind spending your
days behind the wheel, starting a nonmedical
transportation business could do well.
If you enjoy cooking or shopping, consider
starting a companionship service.
Likewise, if you are a nurse or physical
therapist, focus on utilizing your skill set
with a nursing care or rehabilitation business.
Step 2
Contact your state’s department of health services
to learn the rules and regulations governing your
business model and insurance requirements.
For example, if you plan to provide medical
assistance or medical transportation services,
you will be required to obtain additional
training or certifications.
Step 3
Obtain CPR and first aid training in addition
to any state-required training or specialty
training.
Study your state's patient’s bill of rights,
if it has one. The American Red Cross, the
National Association for Home Care and Hospice
and the National Board for Certification of
Hospice and Palliative Nurses provide various
levels of training and certifications for elder
care professionals.
Step 4
Consult with an accountant and lawyer to determine
whether to set up a limited liability company or
other entity, and find out about tax implications
for hiring contract workers.
Step 5
Invest in home care accounting software designed
for your business model. Relevant features may
include patient intake, a medication database,
scheduling, billing and invoicing.
Step 6
Develop written policies for your business that
detail how you handle emergencies and complaints,
payments, employee training oversight and your
commitment to patient confidentiality.
Step 7
Develop hiring criteria for your employees.
Hire a background company to conduct
background checks on all applicants. Create
a detailed interview process that establishes
your policies, expectations for your employees,
information on the patient’s bill of rights
and the nature of the work.
Your employees should be
of the highest caliber:
compassionate,
loyal,
discreet,
outgoing,
good-natured.
Step 8
Establish procedures so potential clients
can know what to expect and understand
their responsibilities, such as disclosing
relevant information or reporting
unsatisfactory care.
Step 9
Develop brochures that detail the nature of
your services, your background and experience,
your written policies, annual training
requirements for your staff and your commitment
to compassionate and discreet care.
Step 10
Market your business to local physicians,
outpatient centers, clinics, community centers
and senior centers.
How to Start an Elder Care Business
http://smallbusiness.chron.com/start-elder-care-business-968.html
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SECTION 2
HOW TO
START
AN
ELDER
CARE
BUSINESS
LINKS
Activity Connection
http://www.activityconnection.com/
Activities for the Elderly
http://www.parentgiving.com/elder-care/activities-for-the-elderly/
Brain Fitness
http://www.seniorbrains.com/
Elder Care Residential Services
http://www.longtermcarelink.net/eldercare/
Elder Care Residential Services
http://www.eldercareresidentialservices.com/
Elder Safety
http://www.eldersafety.org/
How To Open An Assisted Living Facility
http://www.assisted-living-directory.com/content/howto.cfm
Information for Senior Citizens
http://www.hud.gov/groups/seniors.cfm
List of companies operating nursing homes
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_companies_operating_nursing_homes
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Medicaid and Long Term Care
http://www.longtermcarelink.net/eldercare/medicaid_long_term_care.htm
Medicare resources
http://www.medicareresources.org/
Nursing Homes - How To Information
http://www.ehow.com/nursing-homes/
Paying for Senior Care
http://www.payingforseniorcare.com/
Senior Care Resources Directory
http://www.care.com/senior-care-directory-find-p1071.html
Senior Services
http://www.seniorservices.org/
Senior Services Associates, Inc.
http://www.seniorservicesassoc.org/
Senior Sites
http://www.internetseniorsuccess.com/seniorsites.htm
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SECTION 3
ELDER
CARE
BUSINESS
RESOURCES
Grants for Senior Day Care Business Start Ups
http://smallbusiness.chron.com/grants-senior-day-care-business-start-ups-10274.html
How Do I Start a Home Business Caring for Elderly People?
http://smallbusiness.chron.com/start-home-business-caring-elderly-people-19288.html
How to Get Grant Money for an Elderly Care Business
http://smallbusiness.chron.com/grant-money-elderly-care-business-18299.html
How to Start Your Own Home Care Business
http://smallbusiness.chron.com/start-own-home-care-business-4812.html
Ideas to Start a Home Day Care Business
http://smallbusiness.chron.com/ideas-start-home-day-care-business-4528.html
Starting A Medical Business
http://smallbusiness.chron.com/starting-a-medical-business/
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Finances & Taxes
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Human Resources
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Managing Employees
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Money & Debt
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Running a Business
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Setting Up a New Business
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Types of Businesses to Start
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Adult Protective Services
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adult_Protective_Services
Aging in place
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aging_in_place
Assisted living
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assisted_living
Caregiver Responsibilities
http://www.mesotheliomagroup.com/caregivers/
Elderly care
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elderly_care
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