how do I start my own personal support workers(home care aid) agency?

Question

So, I would like to know:
1. + and - of that type of business
2. where can I find information how to make the business step by step
3. how to check how hot is the market for this type of business
4. how much should I invest in the begining
5. does somebody have experience in that business. can you share ideas
6. how about franchising? is it worthed?
7. how many years does it take to pay back the money you borrowed

Answer 1

I made use of home care aids when my MIL became ill. Here are my thoughts on it...
1. On the + side: There's a huge customer base to target (all of us aging baby boomers+ the current geriatric base+ increasing demands of two income households who can't quit work to care for family members), there's flexibility in the hours you work, and there's plenty of hospitals to network thru for referrals. On the - side: You'd need to be a CNA or registered nurse to have credibility in this industry, take a CPR course, study nutrition, and be computer savvy enough to maintain a database of clients, your workers, their schedules, etc.
2. Personally, I'd ask area hospitals to tell me what they like best and least about similar agencies and why. They often have a list of home care specialists for the public. Call a few & ask for client references. Call the clients directly for how the service could be improved.
3. The hot market is any small town with elderly folks. US Census data will tell you the average age.
4. Depends on how many employees you want to hire, for how many shifts, etc. Go to a SBA meeting for help to locate financial planning services and resources for start-up companies.
5. I AM sharing my ideas:)
6. Franchising is terribly expensive. And restrictive too I believe.
7. Try to get a small business grant and borrow very very little. Spend all your time marketing, hiring top quality workers, and improving your service- not worrying to pay bills. Business is hard enough without tons of debt.

And- do right by your employees. Pay a decent wage, offer a retirement plan (SEP is a great money saver) and get workers comp insurance.

Best of luck in your new adventure.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

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