How to Start a Home Healthcare Business in Virginia

Starting your own home health care business in Virgina can be quite challenging. However, the rewards you will get from providing such a valuable service to clients that are in need of your help, along with the satisfaction of being your own boss will prove well worth the effort. By following a few important steps, you will be ready to begin the American dream of owning your own business and beginning your pathway to success.

Step 1.

Research the home health care industry field. Read up as much as you can on the occupational trends and tools of the industry. Also read up on what is acceptable in regards to charging for a particular service. This will allow you to stay competitive. Knowing as much as possible before you go in will help to eliminate costly mistakes along the way.

Step 2.

Get hands on experience. While putting your business together, work in a nursing home or for a home health agency. This will give you a tremendous insight as to what it will take to make your agency successful. Also. if you don't already hold a degree in a related field, obtain the necessary educational credentials. A degree in nursing or business administration will prove invaluable in regards to running a home health care business.

Step 3.

Put together a business plan. Sit down and put together a list of options for financing your business. Look into any grants that may be available or contact your local small business administration office for direction in obtaining a business loan.

Step 4.

Contact the Department of Health and Human Services in your area. Let them know that you are considering opening your own home health care agency and ask them for a list of requirements in your area. Due to the constantly growing and expanding field of home health care, regulations and restrictions are constantly being updated to accommodate the consistent changes in the industry. They can also assist you in obtaining any licenses and permits required to operate your agency.

Step 5.

Obtain malpractice insurance. No one like to think about the possibility of being sued, however it is an unfortunate reality in the business world. Obtaining an adequate amount of malpractice insurance will do a great deal for your peace of mind as well as protect your business and assets.

Step 6.

Find suitable office space. Start with something simple to start with as you can always expand after your business grows. Your office space should ideally include a waiting lounge for potential clients and also a separate room for meetings and consultations.

Step 7.

Selectively hire staff. A good candidate should have experience and the proper licenses. Make sure that your employees are properly trained and are up to date with any necessary ongoing training as required by the state of Virginia. You should ideally start with a staff of around ten and you can then expand as you go along. When considering an employee, make sure to conduct thorough background and reference checks.

Step 8.

Advertise your business and open your doors! You will want to invest in a small advertisement in your local yellow pages as well as build a professional web site that goes into detail about the services that your business provides. You will also want to order professional business cards for yourself and for each member of your staff.

Tip

You will want to drug test each employee that applies for a job with your agency. This can help insure that you are getting quality employees.

Warning

Be sure when hiring employees to work for your home health agency that you personally interview each candidate. This will give you better confidence in your staff and more peace of mind in the future of your business.