Home help for older neighbours

Older people, their families (often adult children living far away) and people recovering from illness or injury who pay privately.

Hourly rate, usually with a minimum visit length, with regular weekly clients giving steady income. Some clients may add mileage for errands.

• Patient, kind and reliable
• Trustworthy with keys and money
• Good communication with families

• Public liability insurance, and check whether you need cover for handling clients' money or keys
• Personal care (washing, dressing, medication) may bring you under care regulation, so check with the Care Quality Commission or your nation's regulator before offering it
• Keep clear records of shopping spend and receipts to protect yourself and the client
• Check how a DBS check can be obtained for self-employed people, as the rules are specific

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £100 to £600, depending on insurance, basic supplies and how you promote your services. It is a low-cost idea because you travel to clients and provide practical, non-medical help.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £400 to £2,000, depending on how many hours you work and how many regular clients you build. The estimate assumes a minimum of about 8 hours a week.

Check public liability insurance and whether you need cover for handling clients' money or keys. Personal care may bring you under care regulation, so check with the Care Quality Commission or your nation's regulator, and check how to obtain a DBS check as a self-employed person.