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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Hello: I am starting a small business: a personal assistant sort of thing and wondering if there are certain tasks that you would pay for someone to do to help your parents who still live independently: pantry organization, pantry/fridge stocking on a weekly/bimonthly/monthly basis, ingredient prep (wash/cut produce, prepare rice/pasta/proteins for the week, schedule doctor appts/coordinate transportation, update shared calendars, etc. Any input would be greatly appreciated! Even better if you could tell me what you'd pay - and whether something like: paying per task or a monthly subscription might be preferred? Thanks![/quote]

Just some practical things to think of: Washing produce before you plan to use or cutting produce before you plan to use it, it can lead to dangerous bacteria. You are supposed to wash/cut it right before using for safety. Elderly are even more likely to get sick.

One thing my husband and I are finding a lot is doctor's appointments randomly get cancelled and rescheduled without your input and you have to catch that call/notice on the portal.I don't recall this happening at all say 5 years ago. I think it's because doctors are so overstretched. So, it's not just scheduling, but tracking, confirming, catching these changes. If you miss the change, there is a charge for the missed appointment.Then the person driving/transporting the elder needs proper insurance coverage. An aide going with the elder to appointment needs consent to hear sensitive medical info if the aide will be in the room for appointment.

If you prepare rice/pasta/proteins for the week I would put them in individual meal containers with expiration and reminders about how to store it and all ingredients listed. Also, elders can get forgetful about storage. Leaving a rice dish out too long or even potatoes can cause a deadly bacteria to grow. There is liability that comes with food prep if the person gets food poisoning.

You also need some sort of standard for clients. Some families are delusional about whether a parent is able to age in place with a low level of services. You need to understand the person's level of need. You don't want to show up to a situation where the elder needs 24-7 care, doesn't have it, and no longer understands food safety. Then, things go wrong and they blame you and you have no proof of the elder's level of functioning.

If you do create a service, I would suggesting starting out below the going rate. People pay top dollar for services with established reputations. As you get more referrals and satisfied customers then you can charge the going rate.[/quote]

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