Mobile foot care for seniors

Older adults and their families, assisted living and senior communities, and people who find it hard to reach or care for their own feet.

Fixed price per visit, often $40 to $100 depending on your area and the service. Regular visits every 6 to 8 weeks give repeat income. Some communities let you book several clients in one trip.

• Steady hands and attention to detail
• Patience and kindness with older clients
• Infection control and hygiene routines
• Scheduling and route planning

• Licensing: many states require a nail technician, esthetician or cosmetology license, and some require a nursing license for certain care. Check with your state board
• Scope of practice: do not diagnose or treat medical conditions such as infections, ulcers or ingrown nails that need a doctor. Refer to a podiatrist
• Extra care with clients who have diabetes, poor circulation or skin problems. Check what training and doctor sign-off is expected
• General liability insurance and, if offered, professional liability coverage
• Rules on mobile services differ by state and city. Check whether your license allows work outside a salon
• Business license, sales tax on any products you sell, and storing client records privately

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your kit, sterilizing equipment, insurance and licensing. These figures are estimates, so price your own setup before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on how many clients you see and how much time you spend traveling between visits. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Check licensing: many states require a nail technician, esthetician or cosmetology license, and some require a nursing license for certain care. Also check whether your license allows mobile work, and refer medical problems to a podiatrist.