What Kind of Business Can I Start That Involves the Elderly?

by Elizabeth Smith

Working with elderly people requires a special kind of personality; in order to love your work, you must be patient, knowledgeable, and have a genuine interest in working for older people. If you want to work with an elderly client base, you can start a business that caters to their unique needs and situations. As you research business ideas, choose options that fit with your educational background, interests, and time constraints.

Senior Daycare

Families who care for elderly relatives often face the dilemma of what to do with their family members while they are at work or running errands. A senior daycare business can provide a safe place for low-mobility people or elderly people who are unable to care for themselves. As a daycare provider, you can offer meals and entertainment for clients. Facility needs will vary based on the number of clients you want and the size of your staff; consider having a designated doctor or nurse who can answer emergency questions that might arise as you care for people with health issues.

Home Services

As a home aide to seniors, you can provide a variety of services in the homes of your clients to make their daily lives easier and safer. A home-care business is particularly effective if your community has a large concentration of elderly people who do not have family close by. Depending on your education and experience, your services can be as simple as popping in to check on your clients or as complex as providing in-home nursing care. Licensing requirements will vary by the type of services you offer; if you want to provide medical care, check with a lawyer to find out what licensing and certification you will need to operate legally.

Life Enrichment Coach

The lifestyle changes that occur with aging can cause problems ranging from loneliness and isolation to depression. As a life enrichment coach for elderly people, you can help your clients find new meaning in their later years. To be successful, you should have a thorough knowledge of the issues faced by senior citizens in your area; talk to social workers, elderly people and nursing homes to get a better idea. As a coach, you can provide suggestions for alternate activities, find companionship, direct people to community resources and help clients find ways to fill their days.

Personal Assistant

When people age, they often lose some of their mobility and physical ability. As a personal assistant, you will provide a range of helpful services designed to make clients' lives easier and less stressful. To boost your success, advertise a flexible service plan that can encompass everything from companionship to running errands. Other services include setting up technology systems, grocery shopping, transporting clients to medical appointments, arranging for moving services, and helping with relocation.

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