Elderly Errand Service. (insurance, license, writing, pay)

[rebellious1]

Hello everyone, I've been thinking about starting a little side project on the side to make some extra cash. An Elderly Errand Service. I've researched my area and I'm not seeing any services like this besides just medical transport services.

My services would include grocery shopping, driving them to their appointments, taking pets to the vet and possibly some yard work.

Has anyone ever started a service like this? Would like to get some feedback from people who have knowledge of this type of business.

Thanks.

[fluffythewondercat]

I think you may find this is covered fully by companies that also provide in-home medical care as well as many kinds of non-medical services.

An example: My MIL (88 years old, disabled) has a home health aide come for half a day. The aide assists her with showering, prepares her breakfast and lunch, takes her shopping, takes her to medical appointments, etc. She also has an occupational therapist visit several times a week.

These home care companies will do pretty much whatever a senior needs.

I'm telling you this not to discourage you, only to point out that it's a great idea and so attractive a business proposition that many large companies have rushed into this space. Some are franchises. One idea might be to apply for a part-time job with one of these companies so you can learn the ropes first-hand and find the weaknesses in their business.

Whatever you choose to do, best of luck.

[Briolat21]

Originally Posted by rebellious1

Hello everyone, I've been thinking about starting a little side project on the side to make some extra cash. An Elderly Errand Service. I've researched my area and I'm not seeing any services like this besides just medical transport services.

My services would include grocery shopping, driving them to their appointments, taking pets to the vet and possibly some yard work.

Has anyone ever started a service like this? Would like to get some feedback from people who have knowledge of this type of business.

Thanks.

I'd agree - you're basically looking at assisting with ADLs (activities of daily living) - but not on the medical or hygeine side (not meal prep, not toileting assistance).

Some Caregiving companies do assist with the activities you've proposed. Many don't.

Your biggest liability is likely going to be transportation - you'd need to make sure you had proper insurance to cover transporting clients to/from appointments. Additionally, you'd need to make sure you didn't need to have a different type of driver's license (some states require Cabbies, etc.. to have a CDL).

With the popularity of Uber/Lyft, etc.. its possible that its much easier to get the right type of insurance and driver's certification nowadays ... but you'll still need to check into that.

How will you find clients? Churches/hospitals/doctors offices/senior centers - would all be places to advertise I think.

Also, keep in mind that many seniors (especially those that require some level of assitance) may have extremely fixed incomes - so your pricing would need to be quite reasonable.

That said - I'm sure there is need. When my parents were still living at home, having someone to help them with a weekly grocery trip would have been wonderful.

best of luck to you!

[Hemlock140]

My elderly parents already take advantage of such a service, and it's free to them, volunteers do it.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

What would be more in demand is light handyman stuff. There are a lot of jobs that are too small to pay a contractor, yet too heavy for the elderly to do.

[NewbieHere]

I'm sure there are already this service. The difference is the price.

[The Mysterious Benefactor]

I don't have any specific experience in this type of business but I would agree that there is a gap in services which you could fill, and it's a good idea. A home health aide will assist with daily living, but is not likely going to replace a broken shed panel, hook up a new appliance, fix a leaky spigot, etc. even if asked. As oregonwoodsmoke mentioned, the light handyman stuff is where your opportunity lies; between the HHA and the professional contractor.

My strongest advice though, whatever you do, is to be very, very clear(in writing) about the services you provide and the cost of them. That's going to be your biggest challenge. Figure out which tasks you're willing to perform and how you're going to price everything. A daily/weekly rate could work, but be prepared for the time the client tells you that you're moving too slow, I told you this, you forgot that, etc. It's going to require some patience, but it can be done. I wish you the best.

[petch751]

Originally Posted by rebellious1

Hello everyone, I've been thinking about starting a little side project on the side to make some extra cash. An Elderly Errand Service. I've researched my area and I'm not seeing any services like this besides just medical transport services.

My services would include grocery shopping, driving them to their appointments, taking pets to the vet and possibly some yard work.

Has anyone ever started a service like this? Would like to get some feedback from people who have knowledge of this type of business.

Thanks.

I like the idea especially since I'm in the middle of this nightmare. I'm sorry to say that as usual there is alway a problem. Unless the elderly person is "by government definition" poor (and gets all kinds government help) the middle class who doesn't get help is broke. Family members who are willing to help then end up being dragged down and soon to be broke because of it.

For me, when I am not there my phone rings (and I want to scream) as if no one could do anything on their own. Maybe a co-ordinator to give family caregivers a little peace and family time too.