After caring for relatives that had to be put in nursing homes and having worked as a nurse's aide and observing that the level of care a resident receives is largely contingent on how regularly they received visitors, I was wondering if a Senior Facilities Check-in Service would be a good business to start. I know for a fact that mistreatment is rampant in even the best and unless patients are known to have regular, "random visits", (as opposed to having someone come the same time after work, or on a Sunday afternoon).
The main purpose would be making random visits to nursing care facilities to check on the quality of care a resident(ie, are they bathed, properly dressed, turned, engaged in activities, etc_, but additionally offer assistance to the resident with any needs they might have.
Also seniors need mentally stimulating activities to keep sharp-aside from bingo and other group activities, most nursing homes do little to individually attend to patients needs. I would also include one on one visiting time w activities and errand services, which I think could help out busy families that do visit regularly, but might find it hard to run errands for their family member.
With many families both working and raising kids while having a older parent to attend to, I think there is and will continue to be a market for this kind of service.
I would really appreciate honest opinions on this idea. Do you see a need for this, or do you think most families would just try to force the facility itself to provide all needed services? Also any suggestions on pricing. Thanks in Advance

Hello,
I think your idea has more than merrit it has heart and that is what will make it successful! You might not make millions right off but your piece of mind is worth far more than that. One way to get started might be to actually work backwards. Someone once told me the best way to change a thing is from the inside out. Find the best facility available. Market your service as way for them to reassure their clients at least the errand part of it. Even the best facility cannot possibly do it all. Once a client is established then you can offer a facility report as an additional service. As for your rates find out from your local Social Secuirity office or medical office what they pay for a home health aid. At the bare minimum you would at least be breaking even until you were well established.


A second avenue might be through the hospital itself. Many families get the news about their elderly family members needing care there and need the service of knowing how to proceed. Advertising or even offering a class on what your service could provide a person facing that decision might be an open door. The senior citizen center may be another avenue. Making yourself available to hear their concerns in addition to what you have seen for yourself may provide the right connection to get the ball rolling in the necessary direction.
My mother is 71 and going through several changes. As long as she can be independent I want her to be. I am aware though that there may come a time when she can't be and my household might not be the best spot for her. I am eager to see how well things work for you.Good Luck and keep us posted on how things are going!
Holly