Island Economics

San Juan Islands-specific considerations for this business:

• •Large and growing senior population on the islands creates steady demand
• •Limited public transit and taxi services make transportation assistance essential
• •Many seniors have family off-island who can't provide daily support—you fill that gap
• •Island isolation makes companionship especially valuable—social connection matters
• •Ferry-dependent healthcare means someone needs to navigate appointment logistics

The $500 Experiment

Test this idea before investing heavily:

Getting Started

1. 1
   Understand the legal boundaries between companionship and home care

   • •Medical tasks require licensing—crossing that line creates serious liability
   • •Washington state has specific rules about what unlicensed caregivers can do
   • •Clear boundaries protect both you and your clients from harm
2. 2
   Get CPR/First Aid certified and consider additional senior care training

   • •Emergencies happen—you need to respond appropriately until help arrives
   • •Training gives families confidence in your competence
   • •Some certifications open doors to higher-paying opportunities
3. 3
   Connect with the island's senior services network

   • •Senior centers, churches, and medical offices are referral sources
   • •Understanding existing services helps you fill gaps rather than duplicate
   • •Building relationships takes time but creates steady client flow
4. 4
   Start with companionship visits before expanding services

   • •Companionship has lowest liability and clearest scope
   • •You'll learn what seniors actually need through conversation
   • •Adding services later is easier than scaling back after over-promising

Where the Money Goes

Expected startup and operating expenses:

Don't Cheap Out On

Areas where quality investment pays off:

Smart Places to Save

Areas where cost-cutting makes sense:

• •Start with services requiring no special equipment—companionship and transportation
• •Take free senior care training through volunteer organizations before paid certifications
• •Use a personal phone with a dedicated Google Voice number instead of separate business line
• •Skip business cards—most referrals come from family word-of-mouth and senior centers
• •Partner with family for occasional backup coverage instead of hiring help

Cash Flow Considerations

Financial timing and planning notes:

• •Weekly or bi-weekly billing keeps cash flow steady and matches senior budgeting habits
• •Transportation can be billed per trip plus mileage, making income directly tied to work performed
• •Retainer arrangements with families provide predictable income for regular visiting schedules
• •Holiday and vacation coverage often pays premium rates—be available when family caregivers aren't

Risk Reducers

Strategies to reduce risk and increase odds of success:

• •Clear written agreements defining exactly what services you will and won't provide
• •Emergency contact information and medical alerts readily accessible for each client
• •Regular check-ins with family members keep everyone aligned on care expectations
• •Know when to refer to licensed home health agencies—don't drift into medical territory
• •Document your visits (arrival/departure times, activities, any concerns) for liability protection
• •Build relationships with local healthcare providers who can refer appropriate clients

Island Economics

San Juan Islands-specific considerations for this business:

• •Large and growing senior population on the islands creates steady demand
• •Limited public transit and taxi services make transportation assistance essential
• •Many seniors have family off-island who can't provide daily support—you fill that gap
• •Island isolation makes companionship especially valuable—social connection matters
• •Ferry-dependent healthcare means someone needs to navigate appointment logistics

The $500 Experiment

Test this idea before investing heavily:

Getting Started

1. 1
   Understand the legal boundaries between companionship and home care

   • •Medical tasks require licensing—crossing that line creates serious liability
   • •Washington state has specific rules about what unlicensed caregivers can do
   • •Clear boundaries protect both you and your clients from harm
2. 2
   Get CPR/First Aid certified and consider additional senior care training

   • •Emergencies happen—you need to respond appropriately until help arrives
   • •Training gives families confidence in your competence
   • •Some certifications open doors to higher-paying opportunities
3. 3
   Connect with the island's senior services network

   • •Senior centers, churches, and medical offices are referral sources
   • •Understanding existing services helps you fill gaps rather than duplicate
   • •Building relationships takes time but creates steady client flow
4. 4
   Start with companionship visits before expanding services

   • •Companionship has lowest liability and clearest scope
   • •You'll learn what seniors actually need through conversation
   • •Adding services later is easier than scaling back after over-promising

Where the Money Goes

Expected startup and operating expenses:

Don't Cheap Out On

Areas where quality investment pays off:

Smart Places to Save

Areas where cost-cutting makes sense:

• •Start with services requiring no special equipment—companionship and transportation
• •Take free senior care training through volunteer organizations before paid certifications
• •Use a personal phone with a dedicated Google Voice number instead of separate business line
• •Skip business cards—most referrals come from family word-of-mouth and senior centers
• •Partner with family for occasional backup coverage instead of hiring help

Cash Flow Considerations

Financial timing and planning notes:

• •Weekly or bi-weekly billing keeps cash flow steady and matches senior budgeting habits
• •Transportation can be billed per trip plus mileage, making income directly tied to work performed
• •Retainer arrangements with families provide predictable income for regular visiting schedules
• •Holiday and vacation coverage often pays premium rates—be available when family caregivers aren't

Risk Reducers

Strategies to reduce risk and increase odds of success:

• •Clear written agreements defining exactly what services you will and won't provide
• •Emergency contact information and medical alerts readily accessible for each client
• •Regular check-ins with family members keep everyone aligned on care expectations
• •Know when to refer to licensed home health agencies—don't drift into medical territory
• •Document your visits (arrival/departure times, activities, any concerns) for liability protection
• •Build relationships with local healthcare providers who can refer appropriate clients