The demand for elderly care has been on the rise for the past few years as more adults 60 years old and above choose to age in a facility that specializes in senior care. One big factor that affects their decision is that they do not want their family to endure the burden of taking care of them.
They also need more involved medical attention which can be given 24 by seven in an elder care facility. If you have the passion to serve others and are considering this line of business, here is a guide that will help you get started:
Obtain License and Permits
To kick-start your business, the first thing that you have to do is to obtain the necessary documents that will make your operations legal. Generally speaking, licenses differ based on the state you’re in. Most states except for Michigan, Iowa, Ohio, and Massachusetts, will require you to apply for a home care license.
One of the documents that you should have at the top of your list is a business permit. This will serve as your legal registration that allows your business to operate within your jurisdiction and industry, Since you are still considered as a small business, you can check with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) about the list of requirements that you will need to start the application process.
You and your employees may also need to take a training course to have certification for Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and handling of an automated external defibrillator (AED). These are two life-saving techniques that allow you and your employees to administer first aid in situations such as cardiac arrest, choking, drowning, hypothermia, bleeding, and shock.
Complete Your Team
Aside from helping your clients with their daily needs such as bathing, eating, and taking their medicine, your business also encompasses other aspects of healthcare. To build your manpower, you need to have nurses, social workers, and educators whose field of expertise is senior care. Other professionals that you need to have on your team are:
- Audiologist – specialists on providing diagnosis and treatment for hearing as well as balance disorders connected to it. They help prevent and as much as possible, combat hearing loss. They are also licensed to give hearing implants and aides.
- Certified Nursing Assistant – also known as CNA, their main role is to assist your clients in daily activities like dressing and getting ready for the day and before going to bed
- Fitness Instructor – they will provide personalized training and encourage your clients to participate in group exercises. Having daily physical activity will be beneficial for the health of the elderly.
- Occupational Therapists – their main role is to treat disabled or ill senior patients by using therapeutic activities. They help patients recover, improve and develop skills that they can use in everyday life.
- Registered Nurse – the main role of a registered nurse is to help administer medicines and help patients that have dementia and Alzheimer’
- Rehabilitation Counselors – they will help with the physical and emotional disabilities of your clients so that they can live an independent life. They also provide counseling and social help.
Buy the Necessary Equipment
Running an elderly care facility means having equipment that is tailor-fit for the needs of your clients. By having the right supplies, you can make sure that you are capable of handling all types of situations including an emergency. Because of old age, some of your residents might have mobility impairments that make them lose their balance or fall. To prevent that, you would need to stock up on safety supplies such as:
- Walkers
- Wheelchair
- Braces
- Crutches
- Shower Seats
- Patient Call Systems
- Bed Alarms
When it comes to keeping them comfortable and relaxed you can also order innovative massage chairs to help ease minor back and muscle pain. You also need to have a well-stocked emergency supply kit that can help you in an urgent situation. Some staples are gloves, bandages, disinfectants, burn medications, rash cream, and basic pain medication. You would also need catheters, bed pans, and urinary bags. Other items to add to your list are:
- Stethoscope
- Pulse Oximeter
- Otoscope
- Thermometer
- Scale
- Blood Pressure Cuff
- N95 Masks
- Surgical Masks
Part of your job is to make sure that your residents have good cognitive and mental health. Since they have a lot of time in their hands, they would need things and activities that will keep them busy. You can start with books, computers, game boards, tablets, and television.
Our elderly loved ones have already seen and experienced so much in life, and they deserve the best care that they can get. By starting and operating this kind of business, you are not just helping yourself but also the people who are in need of attention as they approach old age.
