Starting a business taking the elderly out

[frustratedashell]

I want to start a business (just me) to offer a service to the elderly where I take them shopping or on outings or to appointments. The problem is I dont know where to start re all the red tape!
I've tried googling it but with not much success. I've got a DBS check and I've been self employed before, so that bit is reasonably easy. It's just the regulations. Anyone who can give me some advice please?

My step daughter does this ...she started as a cleaner and soon had full books , and many of her elderly customers also wanted a drive out or a help in the supermarket . She checked that her business liability insurance covered it and also her car insurance , it went up a little but she thinks it worth it . She does know other cleaners who do this who havent altered their insurance though which is a bit dodgy . So can be done, also local home care companies offer this service too so check their websites for guideance .

Thank you. I used to be a cleaner but had to give it up as I hurt my back.

I know someone who did this but the business folded very quickly as elderly people were unable to pay enough regularly to cover the costs of petrol (wheelchair accessible mini van cost a lot to run), overheads, insurance, etc and the jobs were too far apart. So she’d get paid for an hour, then she’d have a long way to travel (unpaid) for her next job but she’d have no work when she tried to charge for travel time. Hospital appointments ran late and it was hard to get back for the next client etc.

My advice is that if you are going to do it, do it in an area with very wealthy older people who can afford to pay a high rate that covers your petrol, travel and waiting time etc. I think part of the reason my friend’s business folded was because the elderly in her town and the surrounding villages didn’t have enough money or had family who didn’t want to pay out for something they could do. In principal though, it’s a good idea and needed service.

Another friend does several “Personal Assistant” jobs that she found online. She does a couple of hours cleaning, taking to appointments, walking the dog, grocery shopping etc for some older clients. Regular guaranteed work, very little in the way of overheads. She’s done it for almost ten years.

Yet another friend is paid £1000 a week as a live in carer for one couple! Obviously only an option if you have no ties but she’s hoping to buy a house outright within a few years.

Should also say friend one was a former paramedic with loads of qualifications.

Friend two has no qualifications or training except some low pass GCSEs and was a SAHM and hairdressers apprentice prior to becoming a PA.

Friend 3 has an arts related degree and got a job as an agency carer which led to the live in job. Not much training in care.

Thanks Shady, some good points for me to consider