Hi Angel_11,
Honestly, because this business has not taken off after 18+mos., I have decided to close it in June. It has been way to expensive here in CA for me to continue, having had the same 2 clients for the past 7 mos. and no more. My community just can't support this since it now seems that most of the seniors here in the Central Valley are on gov. assistance and cannot afford care. There is a lot of private care here which costs a lot less. It is very sad as there is no other agency here in town or within 45 min.
The state has raised the licensure fee $500 and I can't afford $5600. Payroll taxes are also awful. Make sure you do your research. Depending on where you are at, it could be a very lucrative business! I have a great scheduling system that was pretty expensive but so worth it. Quickbooks cost money for bookkeeping but makes things very easy. Advertising costs $$ as well (newspaper and Facebook) and to keep some costs down, I went to all the churches, hospital, rehab, hair salons, doctors, PT, chiropractic, social workers, and lawyers in town to distribute a folder of info. I only received 4 clients from all that marketing. Neither are my current clients.
Other factors involved in start up are your phone service(I used an Ooma phone - internet based), website, your liability insurance, surety bond, and workers comp ($$$). And hiring costs a fair amount to be considered as well: I spend around $150 per person which includes finger printing, drug screen, TB test, and uniform, not to mention supplies, paperwork, locking file cabinet, etc. The license app itself is about a 20 page app and must include your paid insurance, w.c., LLC, policies/procedures, etc.
I got my biz name from my cousin in MI and am paying her for the use of the name. MI has no regulations at this time so it was tons easier for her to get going. She's got a great business going! But it has been an incredible learning experience and I wouldn't have changed a thing! It was a big risk and I wouldn't have known if it would fly, had I never tried.
So, if you still have questions, feel free to email me :)
Julie
juliesellinrn@gmail.com
