UK Elderly Business: Pricing, Kit & Getting Clients
Startup Cost: £50–£300 | Difficulty: Beginner | Time to Start: 7 Days | Business Type: Local
Many people start companion visits after seeing demand in their own postcode. The work suits those who can turn up reliably and chat without fuss.
What is Elderly Companion Care?
It means scheduled visits to older people living alone. You provide conversation, light errands or reminders rather than personal care. Most operators charge by the hour and keep records for families.
Video Breakdown
This article draws from the video that walks through DBS checks, pricing and first client meetings. Watch the full video on YouTube for the full walkthrough.
Key Takeaways
- DBS check costs £38 for volunteers or £63 for standard checks.
- Leaflets printed at a local shop run about £15 for 200.
- Hourly rate starts at £15–£18 outside London.
- Most first clients come from GP noticeboards and church groups.
- Keep a simple notebook for visit times and family contacts.
- Insurance adds £80–£110 a year once you have three regular clients.
Startup Costs in the UK
You can reach your first paying client for roughly £100–£250.
| Item | Approx. Cost (UK) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DBS check | £38–£63 | Apply via GOV.UK |
| Leaflets and cards | £15–£25 | Print locally |
| Basic public liability | £80–£110 | Annual policy |
| Simple notebook and phone credit | £10 | Record keeping |
| Transport top-up | £20–£50 | Bus or fuel for first month |
Total stays comfortably under the £300 limit.
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Smartphone for calls and messages.
- Reliable bus pass or small car.
- Plain notebook for visit logs.
- Light jacket with pockets for keys and phone.
How to Start
- Apply for your DBS check on the official GOV.UK site and wait the seven to ten days.
- Write a short list of what you will and will not do, then set an hourly rate of £15–£18.
- Print 200 A5 leaflets and drop them at GP surgeries, libraries and Age UK local branches.
- Post a plain notice in three Facebook community groups for your borough.
- Offer a free 20-minute chat at a café or the client’s home before any paid visit.
- Once two clients are booked, send a simple text confirmation the day before each visit.
- Register as self-employed with HMRC within the first month of earning.
Earnings & Scaling
Three clients at four hours each per week brings in £180–£216 weekly before travel. Most people settle at 12–18 hours a week part-time. Growth comes from word of mouth rather than extra advertising once you have four steady clients.
Pros, Cons and Risks
Pros:
- Work hours fit around school runs or other jobs.
- Very low kit costs.
- Repeat weekly bookings once trust is built.
Cons:
- Travel time between visits eats into earnings.
- Some families expect more than companionship.
- Work can feel lonely on quiet days.
Risks:
- Accidents in the client’s home can lead to claims without insurance.
- One bad review spreads quickly in small towns.
- Income drops if a regular client moves into a care home.
UK-Specific Tips
- Keep copies of the DBS certificate for families who ask.
- Check whether your local council runs a befriending scheme you could join part-time.
- Use the same rate card for every client to avoid awkward negotiations.
- Send a short monthly summary to the main family contact so they feel involved.
FAQ
Do I need special training?
No formal qualification is required for pure companionship, though many operators complete a one-day safeguarding course for confidence.
How do I handle difficult family members?
Keep all agreements in writing and copy the main contact on visit confirmations.
Can I work evenings?
Yes, but state your hours clearly in leaflets so clients know when you are available.
What if a client asks for help with medication?
Decline politely and suggest they contact their GP or district nurse instead.
Conclusion
Steady local visits pay better than most expect once the first three clients are secured. browse more ideas on MicroBiz365.
