Starting a home nursing care agency requires a bit of an education before you begin the process. In this article, we will provide an overview of the steps involved in starting your own agency. We will also provide tips for success along the way.
Here are the 10 steps you can take to get started on building your very own home nursing care agency.
10 Steps to Launching a New Home Nursing Care Agency
1. Choose Your Type of Home Nursing Care Agency
The first step in launching a home nursing care agency is to identify the type of home nursing care agency business you want to launch. You might choose from the following types, among others:
- A home health agency provides care in the form of skilled nursing, physical therapy, and other services to patients in their homes.
- A home health care agency assists with clients recovering from illness or injury.
- A hospice care agency provides end-of-life care for terminally ill patients and their families.
2. Name Your Home Nursing Care Agency
Give your home nursing care agency an identity so people will think of it as a well-known and respected brand. You can take the name of your home nursing care agency from your industry, focus on a geographical location, or use your own name among other options.
The main goal for naming your home nursing care agency is to make it sound appealing and trustworthy so that patients and their families will choose your agency over others.
3. Determine Your Home Nursing Care Agency Business Model
There are several possible types of business models for a home nursing care agency including:
- A for-profit business model where the agency is set up as a traditional business with the goal of making a profit.
- A non-profit business model where the agency is set up as a 501(c)(3) organization with the goals of providing care to those in need and generating enough income to sustain itself.
- A social enterprise business model where the agency is set up as a for-profit or non-profit organization with the goals of making a profit and providing care to those in need.
No matter which model you choose, make sure that it aligns with your business goals and the services you offer.
4. Choose a Legal Form for Your Business
By incorporating your home nursing care agency, you will limit your liability. You can incorporate as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), a C Corporation (C-Corp), or an S Corporation (S-Corp). Or you can operate as a sole proprietorship.
The business structure you choose for your home nursing care agency will determine the amount of taxes you pay and which state or federal tax forms you need to file.
Read our article comparing the most common home nursing care agency business structures.
5. Write a Home Nursing Care Agency Business Plan
All home nursing care agency owners should develop a business plan.
A business plan is a document that outlines the goals, strategies, and operations of a business. It can be used to secure funding from investors or lenders, as well as to guide the day-to-day operations of the business. The business plan should include information on the company’s services, market analysis, financial projections, and management team among other things.
Read our article about how to write a home nursing care agency business plan.
6. Apply for the Necessary Permits and Licenses
There may be required licenses and permits you need to obtain before launching your home nursing care agency.
For example, if you will be providing health care services, you will need to obtain a license from your state’s Department of Health.
If you will be assisting clients in recovery, you may need to obtain a license from your state’s Department of Health & Safety.
The licenses and permits required for your home nursing care agency will vary depending on your business model, the services you offer, and your location.
You must also register your home nursing care agency as a legal entity with the state where you plan to do business. You can simply file an online form through your Secretary of State website.
Registering with the federal government is also essential so you can properly pay taxes for your business. You will also need an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which you can apply for at the IRS website, if you plan to hire employees.
Read our article about obtaining the proper home nursing care agency business licenses.
7. Determine Your Budget & Apply for Funding as Needed
In developing your home nursing care agency business plan, you will figure out how much funding you need to start and grow your business.
If you have your own funds to invest in your home nursing care agency, you may consider taking advantage of that. In addition to your personal funds, other forms of potential funding for your home nursing care agency include traditional bank loans, SBA loans, credit cards, angel investors and family and friends.
Read our article about the costs associated with starting a home nursing care agency to help you determine if funding is needed.
Read our article about how to fund your home nursing care agency.
8. Get the Technology & Software Needed to Run Your Business Efficiently
When you start your home nursing care agency, it’s essential to have the right technology in place to maximize efficiency. You definitely need a computer with Internet access, and accounting software for tracking expenses and revenues.
You may also want to invest in customer relationship management (CRM) software, which helps you manage services for your clients. There are many CRM software options available, so research the features and benefits to find the one that’s right for your business.
You will also need a high-quality phone system with voicemail, video recording and other capabilities.
9. Market Your Home Nursing Care Agency to Potential Clients
Before you start selling your services, you have to let the world know you exist. The first step is to create a website so people can learn more about your services and how they benefit them.
After you launch your website, start promoting it through social media channels like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Also consider networking with other people in the home nursing care agency industry through social media and blogs so they can help share your business.
You also need to start gathering the materials needed to execute on your promotions strategy, which is your strategy for attracting new customers. Home nursing care agencies should consider the following promotional strategies for which you should start getting prepared:
- Create a website
- Develop marketing collateral
- Write blog posts
- Network with other businesses
Read our article about how to market your home nursing care agency for more tips.
10. Get New Clients & Grow Your Business
When you promote your services, you’ll start to get interest from potential clients.
Make sure you’re ready to serve these clients. Also, be sure to establish systems to ensure consistency and reduce costs. And be sure to find and train the right people to help you grow your home nursing care agency.
Read our article about how to effectively grow your home nursing care agency to learn more.
Starting a Home Nursing Care Agency Business FAQs
Why Start a Home Nursing Care Agency?
There are many reasons to start a home nursing care agency. One is that the demand for these services is growing as the population ages. In addition, starting a home nursing care agency provides an opportunity to be your own boss and build something you're passionate about.
What are Some Tips for Starting a Home Nursing Care Agency?
Some tips for starting a home nursing care agency include:
- Research the market
- Create a business plan
- Purchase insurance
- Obtain the proper permits and licenses
- Find the right employees
- Market your services effectively
- Use technology to your advantage
- Offer competitive pricing
- Stay up-to-date on industry trends
- Get new clients and grow your business
Where Can I Find a Simple Checklist for Starting a Home Nursing Care Agency?
A simple checklist to use when starting a home nursing care agency business is as follows:
- Choose Your Type of Home Nursing Care Agency: This should be based on what you are best at and how much experience you have. Remember to keep your interests, skills, and experience in mind at all times.
- Name Your Home Nursing Care Agency: This should be done with care, as your brand is important for attracting the right customers. A simple, memorable name will go a long way.
- Choose a Legal Form for Your Business: Whether you choose to become a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation or another option will depend on your business. Ensure that you are aware of all the implications of each type.
- Determine Your Home Nursing Care Agency Business Model: Determine how your business will make money. Will you sell products, services, or a combination of both?
- Write a Home Nursing Care Agency Business Plan: Your business plan will also help you determine what your start-up costs will be and will provide a roadmap with which you can launch and grow.
- Apply for the Necessary Permits and Licenses: In most locations you will be required to apply for a business license and/or permits before you can begin operations.
- Determine Your Budget & Apply for Funding as Needed: You will need to know how much money you have to spend on all of your business-related expenses before opening any doors. If needed, apply for a small business loan or other funding options.
- Get the Technology & Software Needed to Run Your Business Efficiently: You need to have the right tools in place to succeed. Implement software that will help you manage your time, contacts, and business operations in general.
- Market Your Home Nursing Care Agency to Potential Clients: A solid marketing plan will be crucial to your success. It should focus on attracting the right customers so that you can provide them with the services they truly need.
- Get Clients & Grow Your Business: Once you have a solid marketing plan, it's time to actively pursue and secure those who could benefit the most from your services.
Summary
To start your home nursing care agency, research the market, create a business plan, and obtain the necessary permits and licenses. Then, purchase insurance, find the right employees, and market your services effectively. A marketing plan can help you effectively and efficiently grow the business.