Here’s what to do, step by step:

1. Create Your Business Plan & Care Procedures

A business plan might sound like unnecessary paperwork that could slow you down. But, a full plan is essential for your company’s success. It will help you apply for financing, get any relevant city or state licenses, and — perhaps most importantly — narrow down your strategy.

Your non-medical home care business plan should include:

• Market analysis

• Your brand and what differentiates you

• Your business structure and owner(s)

• Your services and pricing

• Financing, if relevant

• Startup costs

• Staff

• Marketing

• Anticipated growth

To create an accurate business plan, you’ll need to have a good idea of your agency’s day-to-day operations. For example: will your home care caregiver staff be employees or independent contractors? If they’re contractors, will you pay them when clients cancel at the last minute? And, will you charge your clients for this? 

Things don’t need to be set in stone, but you should have a good idea of how everything will work. Start creating documentation at this stage so you’re ready to hit the ground running once your business is registered.

2. Register Your Business

Your next step should be to register your business with your state. The process will depend on which state you’re going to operate in. 

In most cases, you’ll have to first reserve your business name and then submit a registration application. As part of the registration application, you’ll define your business structure and pay an administrative fee.

3. Apply for Applicable Licenses & Tax Codes

You have to register for your Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as your Federal Tax Identification Number (FTIN).

You should also check to see if you need any licenses. Even though you’re a non-medical home care agency, some states will require you to apply for a home care license. Don’t forget to also check if you need a separate business license.

Depending on where in the US your non-medical home care business is based, you may also need caregiver certification, background checks, or even an office.

4. Hire Your Home Care & Caregiver Staff

When starting a home care business, you can’t forget about your personnel. This includes both a caregiver team and admin staff.

As part of your business plan, you should have already decided if you’ll take on staff, whether you’ll hire employees or outsource tasks to independent contractors, what roles are needed, and the key skills you’re looking for.

Now, it’s time to create your job listings and start hiring. For more advice, check out our comprehensive guide to caregiver recruitment and tips for reducing staffing expenses.

5. Create a Patient Onboarding System

Get patient onboarding right, and everything else will flow smoothly. Make sure you’ve got templates for consent forms, care plans, and strengths and needs assessments ready to go.

You can use home care software to set up electronic care plans, goals, and strategies, as well as to monitor patient budgets and spending. This will help you speed up onboarding and ensure your caregiver team has all the information they need.

6. Market Your Services

Now you’re fully prepared to provide non-medical home care services. The only thing you need to get started is customers.

Our ultimate guide to marketing your home care agency will walk you through the different ways you can advertise your services and attract new clients.

Set Your Non-Medical Home Care Agency Up for Success

ShiftCare’s home care software helps you quickly onboard clients, schedule caregivers, issue invoices, and manage care plans. Users find they can save hours of work each week, giving them more time to grow their home care business.

Try ShiftCare for free.

Is home care business profitable in the USA?

On average, US home care businesses have a healthy profit margin. But, there are always outliers. Key to running a profitable home care agency is reducing your admin costs and controlling your schedules.

How to start a non-medical home care business in Florida?

To start a non-medical home care business in Florida, you’ll need to register your business, apply for your Employer Identification Number (EIN), and market your services.

How to start a home care business in the USA?

To start a US home care business, begin by creating your business plan and care policies, registering your agency, applying for your licenses and tax codes, and hiring staff.

What license do I need for non-medical home care in Indiana?

For non-medical home care in Indiana, you need a personal services agency license.