Business idea for busy families with elderly relatives

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

Every now and then I get ambitious and think I have more time and resources than I actually do, and I think of a business idea I had a number of years ago- or maybe it already exists. I had a couple coworkers that have parents a good distance away that were dealing with some health issues. It was very difficult for them to try to remotely assist or manage these appointments and health changes. Has anyone heard of a business where RNs accompany patients to doctor visits and then prepare a short synopsis of the visit and the findings or plan? I know that when I worked in long term care, sometimes the patients would be telling a family member or another resident about something that happened with our provider or at another appointment, and their recount was not really accurate. Made me think of how sometimes I'll hear from my parents after a visit and I'm pretty sure what they heard isn't really what the provider said. Anyone know of any similar businesses? I was thinking that RNs could be paid on a per visit basis to accompany the patient and then provide a written follow up. Obviously, the patient would have to agree for HIPAA purposes. And if the RN provided transportation that would be an additional fee. Just a thought, thanks for any feedback. 

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Geriatric or Elder Care Coordinators/Managers (GCM) have been available for about 10 yrs now most often on a private pay basis independent practice,  found at Elder Care Attorneys offices or through a home health care agency in some communities. Geriatric care managers charge by the hour. Most insurance plans don't cover these costs, and Medicare does not pay for this service. Fees can range from $50-200/hr depending on detailed client needs and services requested.

Some insurance companies under Medicare Part C benefit have begun utilizing GCM  to manage their elderly clients, especially frequent flyers to minimize rehospitalizations and maximize their independence.

What Is a Geriatric Care Manager? | National Institute on Aging

Their Eldercare Locator helps one locate  a Geriatric Care Manager. 

The Anatomy of an Elder Care Coordinator

Certified Geriatric Care Manager™(CGC)

AARP: How Geriatric Care Managers Can Help Family Caregivers

Insurance RN Case Manager: A Day In The Life

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

Also, to skip costs, most family members that "need to know" are listed with the various MD offices to be able to call and get any info or records requested without issues. My hubby, mom, and 2 sons are listed on my contact sheets with all providers,  just in case. I was in the hospital once, and my sons called and got info that way, as last ex BF refused to tell them anything, and had taken my phone (one of the major reasons he's an ex)

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

8 hours ago, NRSKarenRN said:

Geriatric or Elder Care Coordinators/Managers (GCM) have been available for about 10 yrs now most often on a private pay basis,  found at Elder Care Attorneys offices or through a home health care agency in some communities. Geriatric care managers charge by the hour.

 

5 hours ago, Hoosier_RN said:

Also, to skip costs, most family members that "need to know" are listed with the various MD offices to be able to call and get any info or records requested without issues.

Thanks, good to know. I was thinking it couldn't really be anything new with all the people out there dealing with remote care for family members. I didn't want to be rich anyway. Back to night shift. Ha!

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Don't give up on the idea. Ideal for those families who live distance from parents/elderly relatives.  Look to see if you have service in your area, otherwise consider for a side job and develop a clientele. 

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

On 6/15/2022 at 12:58 PM, NRSKarenRN said:

otherwise consider for a side job and develop a clientele. 

That's how I would approach it, start small and build clientele