We know that the vast majority of older adults prefer to age in place at home, but it’s often something they and their loved ones don’t consider until the need for care is upon them. In your home care marketing strategies, be sure to include a focus on the importance of planning ahead.
Steven H. Landers, MD, MPH, President and CEO of the Visiting Nurse Association Health Group, Inc. advises that seniors take a proactive stance so that when a care need presents, their loved ones are aware of their wishes and are able to effectively implement the most appropriate plan for care. Dr. Landers shares two crucial steps:
- Be proactive. Waiting until there is a critical need means that impulsive decisions will need to be made. Seniors and their families should be sure that a medical advocate or power of attorney has been designated, and that an open discussion about finances takes place to determine how to pay for the cost of in-home care. Additional factors to consider in pre-planning for care at home include what types of home modifications will be necessary to allow for aging in place, or whether scaling back to a smaller, more accessible residence is desired. Let families know your agency can help.
- Be a resource. Be sure to communicate that your agency is a great resource, not just for care services, but for connections to others in the industry who can provide additional services, such as AARP, the American Academy of Homecare Medicine, your local senior center and medical equipment provider, etc.
There’s no better time than now for families to begin the conversation, if they haven’t already, about planning for care needs. Need some assistance with communicating how your agency can help? At MOST, we’ve been helping home care agencies for decades by creating effective home care marketing strategies and providing professionally written and branded materials that resonate with those searching for a senior care solution. Contact us online or call us at 800.370.6580, x3, for assistance in crafting your marketing messages!
