Seniors are the most rapidly growing part of the population in America, with over 10,000 boomers turning 65 every day of the year! Those new senior citizens are living longer than ever before, thanks to better medical care and healthier lifestyles, and expect to live a high-quality, independent life as they age.
Ask any senior what qualities matter most when it comes to a caregiver, and they say “Someone that I can relate to.” That’s where those over 55 have a big advantage, because most of us are a bit more compassionate and understanding if we made it this far.
According to a recent survey, 90 percent of seniors want to remain in their own home as long as possible, which is why there is such a demand for non-medical home care services.
By providing that in-home companion care, you can help seniors and their families reduce worry and stress, stay independent as long as possible, and avoid costly nursing home care.
Companion care, also called non-medical home care service, helps seniors to age in place in the comfort of their own homes. As a companion caregiver, you can assist with the everyday chores that can be difficult, and sometimes impossible, for aging seniors.
An eldercare business provides five important services for their clients:
- Access to the outside world: Most seniors in need of home care services do not drive, and need someone to run errands, help them get to medical appointments and shopping.
- Companionship and respite care.
- Help with personal care, such as dressing or grooming.
- Household management, such as vacuuming, dusting and laundry.
- Meal preparation and planning.
All these services are non-medical in nature, so in most states there is no need for a nursing degree or other credentials or certifications. Many caregivers find that completing a CNA or LPN program and getting certified allows them to charge more and earn more income.
Companion care helps our elders live independent, safe lives, and provides elders and their families with the peace of mind and security that comes from knowing they can count on a caregiver being there to help out.
This business has several advantages for anyone over 55 looking for a new career or even just part-time work. As the owner, you’re in charge and independent, with no franchise fees to pay. As a private pay provider, your income will be much higher than if you went to work for a local agency.
The cost of starting the business is low – most of us already have a reliable vehicle and a smart phone to stay in touch with clients and new prospects, and the other costs, like business cards and brochures, are inexpensive. Most private caregivers have an at-home office to keep costs low.
Independent private duty caregivers normally bill their time at $22 to $40 an hour, depending on whether they live in a small town or a larger city. The national average is $27 per hour. That works out to over $54,000 yearly if you work a typical 40 hour week.
As the boss of your own senior home care service, you’re in charge of the jobs you accept and the hours you work. That’s nice if you plan to just work part-time. Eldercare is a great new career for those who want to escape the 9 to 5 rat race, and find emotionally satisfying work.
With almost 50 million seniors in America, and growing by 10,000 every day, there is a huge opportunity in every town or city for capable, compassionate caregivers, especially if you’re over 50! If you’re ready for a satisfying career helping others, this could be perfect for you. To discover more about this rapidly growing service, visit www.seniorservicebusiness.com, where you can download a free ebook that covers this and three other senior-related businesses in detail:
FREE EBOOK