The senior care population is the fastest growing portion of our population, with more than 10,000 people turning 65 each and every day! Those seniors are living longer than ever before, and expect to enjoy a high-quality, independent life. You can help – by starting an eldercare business in your community
Almost all of them want to remain in their homes as long as possible. That’s why the need for non-medical home care services is growing so fast.
You can help seniors and their families maintain their personal freedom, reduce worry and stress, and avoid costly nursing home care by providing in-home companion care services.
Companion care, also called non-medical home care, enables seniors to “age-in-place” in the familiar surroundings and comfort of their own home. As a companion caregiver to elderly clients, you can provide help with the everyday tasks that can be challenging for aging seniors.
An eldercare business provides 5 essential services for their clients:
- Household management, such as cleaning and laundry.
- Companionship and caregiver relief, often called respite care.
- Meal preparation.
- Personal care assistance, such as help with dressing and grooming.
- Transportation, such as errands, medical appointments and shopping.
Because these services are non-medical, there is no need for nursing degrees or certifications, although many caregivers choose to eventually complete a CNA or LPN program, as they can charge a higher hourly rate with certification.
Companion care can help seniors live a safe, independent lifestyle and provide seniors and their families with security, support and peace of mind knowing they can count on a caregiver being there for them.
By starting your own eldercare business, you’ll be in charge and independent, with no franchise fees to pay or expensive equipment to buy. Startup costs are low, as this is a low overhead business. You will need a reliable vehicle and a smart phone to stay in touch and keep track of your schedule, but most of us already have those.
So the expenses are low and the profits are good. How good? Independent, private duty companion caregivers bill their time at $22 to $40, depending on location. The national average is $27 an hour. If you work a typical 40 hour week, that could mean $50,000 a year, or more.
As the owner of your own eldercare service, you’re in control of which jobs you take and the hours you want to work. That’s good, especially if you only want to work part-time. Eldercare is a perfect new career for anyone who wants to escape the 9 to 5 rat race and find emotionally rewarding work.
With almost 50 million seniors in the U.S. today, the opportunity is there for an eldercare business, or several, in every town or city. If you’re ready for a rewarding career helping others, get a copy of our step-by-step guide, How To Start a Senior Home care Business.