What will I be doing?

Everybody needs a friend. If you enjoy helping others, especially older people, you can establish a home business as a companion to elderly or disabled people. You can operate this business from your home, visiting clients at their homes or by telephone.

What will I need to start?

Many of the elderly, particularly those who are invalid, need someone around to talk with or to listen to them. They may need help writing letters and paying bills or remembering to take medication. To start your business you will need patience, compassion and a listening ear. You will also need transportation to and from your clients’ homes, but public transportation can be used if nothing else is available. Some experience with the elderly, such as a parent or grandparent, or even volunteer work at a nursing or retirement home, will provide you with greater understanding of your clients.

Who will my customers be?

Your customers will be the elderly, the children of elderly, social services and health organizations. Or you may be hired by a nursing home to make regular visits to individual guests.

To find customers, check the local telephone book for government social services for the elderly. A few telephone calls and a visit will tell you much about what services are now available and how you can fit in. You may also get referrals.

How much should I charge?

Your fees will be based on an hourly rate of $15 to $25, depending on the number of patients, location and your unbillable time. Most companion services work to establish clients that live close to each other, such as in a retirement community or older neighborhood, to reduce commuting time and increase referral business. With efficiency, a companion can spend two half-hour or four 15-minute sessions a month with a client for less than $30 a month. For some clients, that will be a lot of money. But if you can help them with cleaning or paying bills, your cost will be well worth it to them.

How much will I make?

A full-time companion service can earn $200 to $500 a week working with a number of regular clients. You won’t get rich financially, but you will be giving others a much-needed service: friendship and companionship.

How can I get started?

Gain experience by visiting or spending time with elderly and disabled friends. Visit them regularly to determine what they need, how often and when. Once you’ve decided to start the business, ask for referrals.

How can I use computers to increase profits?

Caregivers don’t have much time left in the day to manage records. They’re too busy spending time with clients. Computers can help by minimizing the time it takes to do the paperwork. Some caregivers utilize “soft time” (spent waiting during a client’s nap, etc.) to keep records on a portable notebook computer.