What this country needs is an army of people just like you. Small business owners and employees who have dedicated themselves to being part of the aging solution in their communities. People who see the local need, understand the opportunity and roll up their sleeves daily to do what needs to be done, because it is right AND because it is good business.

Those words may sound strong to some; maybe even a bit too fluffy for your taste. But, before you judge too harshly, consider the drastic increase in people over 65 we’re looking at here in the United State in the coming years. Think what your community will look like with 20% of the population over the age of 65. For many communities, that is a hard bite to swallow.

Most agencies or organizations who provide services to seniors already are feeling the pressure; too little money, too little manpower and too many who need assistance. Small businesses are as well. As the Boomers continue to age, they not only are requiring more services to maintain their quality of life, they also are planning for their needs down the road.

Small businesses are important in the network of care

Local, small businesses are (and always have been) the backbone of this country. They have a vested interest in their communities and are capable (and willing) to take ownership of problems that affect them. Quite frankly, small businesses can turn the tide for the aging. It starts with understanding and accepting your place in the local network of care. The network of care is not just about medical treatment; it is what is needed by an elderly person to maintain their quality of life right where they live. You are part of that no matter which service you provide. The key is figuring out how great of a part you want to play.

Having a niche, such as elderly care or other senior service, is not enough. If your desire is to achieve more for your clients & grow your business, you are going to need to measure results against your efforts, discover how you can expand your services effectively & strategically position yourself as a go-to person in your community.

How can it be accomplished?

This gets down to the reason Age In Place Pros exists. We believe the things mentioned above can be affected to a great degree by changing some of how your company is operated and how it functions in the community.

Community education - Educating your community about aging issues, needs in your locale and your role in the network of care is of utmost importance. It needs to become part of how you do business.

Focused professional network - Creating a network of small business partners that complement your services in your community can create a win-win situation for everyone involved; especially your clients.

Community integration - Getting involved with local ministries, agencies and organizations can have a great impact for you and them. Whether it be for community service projects, discount services for their members or collaboration on projects, being more involved with these efforts locally is key.

So, where does it start?

Right here, right now; with you. Before you go any further, read “What is Aging in Place?” Afterward, take a few minutes to consider the following questions.

• Would you like to become a ‘go-to’ person for senior services in your community?
• Are you willing to make a few changes so you can do what you’re doing even better?
• Do you want to have greater impact on your community?
• Are you ready to get going and grow? Really ready?

If you can answer “yes” to most of those, then you need to be part of the Pros community.

1. Sign up for the newsletter to keep up with the free information we have available.
2. Join our Facebook comunity. There will be a lot of ideas shared by your peers.
3. Follow AgeInPlacePros on Twitter. We provide a lot of information, business ideas and resources there.
4. Consider becoming a contributor to the site. We’re looking for people excited about what they are doing and helping other small businesses.

Continue reading through the site and let us know how we can help. We’ve got a lot more coming, so stay tuned.

Related articles:

• Your Business + Your Community = Opportunity
• What is Aging in Place?
• An Aging in Place Idea Whose Time Has Come
• A New and Bold Approach: Part I