The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that by the year 2000, more than 35 million people will be over the age of 65. With the costs of nursing homes and private care escalating every year, every month, the demand for high quality, affordable in-home or day care services for the elderly is also growing. Many adults cannot take care of their elderly parents: They may have moved out of the area or maybe both husband and wife work and have demanding schedules due to children. Elder care services can encompass a range of needs to include transportation to stores and medical appointments; running errands and shopping; daily monitoring of those who live at home; handling security checks, arranging visits by nurses and other professionals, and providing respite care workers when families go on vacation. A free consultation is offered to evaluate and assess what services are needed. Each elder care service is priced accordingly. Contacts are made with referral agencies if home professional care is needed. You coordinate the elder care services and supply the needs of each of your clients.

Start-Up Costs

$3-000 minimum for office equipment, advertising, and publicity Materials for marketing and advertising

Pricing Guidelines

Charge weekly, monthly, and per service. You may also be paid a fee by any referral agencies that get business through you.

Marketing And Advertising Methods And Tips

* Contact social service and home health-care agencies with direct mail and then schedule an appointment with them for a presentation.
* Encourage word-of-mouth referrals from adult children.
* Purchase radio and local cable television ads.
* Put together professional looking promotional materials describing your elder home care services.

Essential Equipment

Home office equipment: computer; record-keeping and billing software; business telephone line and answering machine, service, or voice mail; fax machine and copier; suitable furniture if you have clients and workers come to your office to be interviewed or for consultations; dependable vehicle.

Recommended Training, Experience, Or Needed Skills

* Work in your county's elder home care services agency to familiarize yourself with seniors' needs.
* Enroll in courses in geriatrics.
* Work as a nursing assistant in a nursing or group home.
* Need to be patient, yet persistent in finding persons who provide the best quality elder care services your clients need.
* Be well-organized.

Income Potential

$20,0000 to $50,000 and more a year, depending on the number of clients you have.

Type Of Business

Primarily an in-home business, except to interview referrals and clients

Best Customers

Seniors, who are relatively independent but need some at-home support and monitoring,.

Helpful Tips

* Treat every client as an individual and provide the best elder care services possible for each one's needs.
* Check with your insurance agent and lawyer as to what insurance or contracts you should have to protect your and your business.
* Check with state and local officials to see if you need permits or licenses.

Advantages Of Elder Care Services

Eldercare Services offer the specialized elderly care administration and care giving, accomplishing the tasks of fulfilling the very needs and desires of aged persons. You may start the home business of providing elder home care services for the retired, old aged individuals of different families who want to have extensive care and look after by the professionals. The women may maintain this kind of business easily as they are keener to take care of others with true spirits of dedication. Elder care services are really very profiteering home based business for the women who want to run the business along with the performance of domestic duties easily.