Start a Cruise Travel Home Business

Cruise Travel Home Business:

You've gone on your first or your 100th cruise and loved it. Did you ever consider starting a cruise travel agency? You enjoy the searching for the perfect cruise for yourself and everyone around you. You like setting up and taking care of all the arrangements. If this sounds exciting and fun, why not profit from it, and start your own travel agency.

The travel industry currently shows $4 trillion annually spent in flights, cruises, cars, hotels and more. The amount is expected to continue growing as more people are living in two-income families and have access to more money. Why not take part of the $4 trillion for yourself, and let your travel home business pay for your next cruise.

If you have considered starting a home business, but are afraid to quit your full-time job, a travel home business is just right for you. You can start the business part time, and expand it slowly or quickly. No matter what the reason, this is a pajama job that will grow quickly and show results almost immediately.

Starting a cruise travel home business does have start up costs. Depending on the route you take to open your business will affect the start up cost of your home business, however, many have only minimal costs. These start up costs include national organization fees, software fees, and possibly affiliation fees, depending on how you want to work your business. You have many options available.

The first step is to start researching the the industry. Check out all websites and books published by National Organizations affiliated with travel and cruise agents, such as the National Association of Commissioned Travel Agents. These resources will give you information on affiliation with a parent travel agency as an independent contractor, and steps on how to pursue a travel home business from the ground up.

Either way you decide to go, it is best to create a brief general business.educationeasy.net business plan. You can download a sample business.educationeasy.net business plan from the Small Business Administration website, or go to the local office for a copy. This plan will help you understand what you will need to do to be successful and how to budget for profit. This plan is dynamic and ever changing and should be updated frequently.

Becoming affiliated with a large travel agency gives your business a few benefits. Some of the benefits include the reservation software training, support, updates, newsletters, and industry best practices. They have established industry connections all you need to do is find travelers.

Your travel agency will usually take off quickly, when associated with a large parent travel agency. You do not have to worry about setting prices for your services either. The parent company will set the prices and you will receive up to 50% of each reservation you book. This takes the anxiety and frustration out of worrying about profits and losses you have to contend with when setting your own prices.

The other option requires more work. You research reservation software, and talk to companies within the industry to establish connections. This option can have a higher start up cost and will take longer to show a profit for two main reasons. Until you get comfortable with the pricing of your services, you will have a trial and error phase that can create losses to your cruise travel agency. But once you get the hang of it, the profit is yours. Second, you have to contact hotels, car rental companies, airlines, cruise lines, and such and build relationships, which can take time.

However, it is not important which way you decide to start your travel agency. You will receive benefits as well as profits. These benefits may be better if you work with a travel agency but you get benefits either way. These benefits include up to 50% discounts on hotels and vacation packages, up to 70% discount on cruises, and much more.

If you decide to expand your travel agency to include other types of travel, it is much easier when associated with a larger travel agency. If you built your cruise travel home business yourself, you will need to make more contacts and create new relationships to be able to compete.

Now you have some information about a cruise travel home business. You need to look at industry periodicals, books, and websites to decide on your next step. In any event, this cruise travel home business will have your vacations and cruises paid for by your clients at discounted rates. For those who love to travel this business is perfect.

? Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

Randy currently has a website dealing with ultimate-coffees-info.com Reviews of Coffee Related Products such as coffee makers, espresso makers, coffee, k-cups, and more plus articles on coffee enemas and other coffee and health related topics. He also has a website of smallappliancebuyerguides.com Reviews of Small Appliances such as ice cream makers, vacuum cleaners, mixers, irons, toasters, food processors, and many other appliances.

Who Says I Need Home Health Care? I Can Do This Myself

The need for more home health care initiatives is apparent. The carry and counsel initiatives are being tested in many states with a lot of success. America as a whole growing older. This has the unexpected results of more absenteeism and a need to restructure human resources benefits to accommodate the increasing numbers of elder people over the age of 60.  Everyone knows that the baby boomer generation carries with it extreme changes in the demographic of the corporate world. Benefits need to be structured so that human resources can take into account the number of people needing long term health care and medicare/Medicaid benefits in the coming age. The squeeze generation, especially is suffering the brunt of the aging population problem. Along with their parental responsibilities, many single women find themselves being the sole caregiver to their elderly parents. It becomes increasingly difficult for women to maintain careers while juggling the domestic responsibilities of being a parent and a caregiver.

With the government in a slump, it is becoming more difficult for the aging population to get the rights that they deserve. New legislation that has recently been passed helps insurers cut the price of medical care, but who is to defend the aging population against these insurers. People have little say in the type of home health care that they can receive. More legislation needs to be passed to allow families to take responsibility over their funding and be able to pay their family members if necessary, not relying solely on nursing home care and home health agencies. For full service nursing home care, the cost can run to upwards of 60 thousand dollars a year.

Find a FREE Ebook and more valuable information on connectingcaregivers.com Home Health Care

How to Stay Positive When Disaster Strikes

Seeing your home and all of its memories, destroyed in a catastrophe is a striking blow that hits you deep within your soul. Some never recover from the trauma while others emerge stronger from the experience. Until disaster strikes, you may not know how you will respond. And when it does strike, staying positive may seem impossible - even unfair. However, as angry or as sad as you may be, remaining angry and sad is counterproductive. As with most other things, attitudes often become self-fulfilling prophesies. Try to stay positive when disaster strikes and the aftermath will be that much easier to deal with.

Steps for Staying Positive:

? Count your blessings. Your house may be a pile of sticks, but if you and your family are alive and well, you have much to be thankful for.

? Realize that you are not alone. When a disaster strikes a community, the entire community is affected. While your suffering may be great, others are also suffering. Literally, your neighbors are feeling your pain. Many disaster victims have found great solace in comforting one another.

? Realize that help is available. As devastating as it may be, it's doubtful that you'll be completely on your own. Emergency relief from local, state, and federal agencies as well as non-profit organizations will arrive in the near term while long term relief including disaster assistance, grants, loans, housing, and other disaster aid programs will follow. Make sure to go to Disaster Recovery Centers set up by disaster responders and agencies and learn about the aid that is available to you. As you become better educated about what the future holds and the help that is available, you'll become less uncertain this makes it easier to maintain a positive attitude.

? Take action. While it may be tempting to play the role of a victim and continue to grieve you losses, taking action can have a healing affect. It propels you forward and demonstrates that you do have some control over your situation. Empower yourself by volunteering to help others in worse shape than you are in, clearing debris as soon as it is safe to do so, starting the insurance claims process, filing for aid or loans, and so on. If you see a need, do what you can to fill it. For example, instead of worrying about your kids missing school for months at a time, organize study groups for the neighborhood children to keep them focused and in a routine.

All of the above steps can help you to move from a state of shock and grief into a state of peace and action. But what if you are incapacitated or have lost family members as a result of the disaster? Staying positive in these situations is far more difficult when you feel as though you don't have any blessings to count or you are too injured to do anything but lie in your hospital bed. Below are a few tips that may help:

? Allow yourself to grieve. If you've lost loved ones, grieving is a natural process that shouldn't be ignored even if you have insurance papers to file and nowhere to call home. You may have to move quickly and feel as though you don't have time to fully grieve. When this happens, promise yourself that you will honor your lost loved ones soon. Give yourself permission to tend to your immediate emergency needs now so that you can grieve properly once you are in a safe place.

? Seek and accept help. Counseling, medical care, and assistance programs are available after disasters - and people from all over will want to help. Many disaster victims are hesitant to accept help or even resistant to it, but you do need support. By allowing your neighbors, family members, friends, or volunteers help you, your eventual recovery will be that much easier.

? Remind yourself that being positive doesn't mean you have to be happy. In fact, you can be incredibly sad, yet positive. Tomorrow is another day. You can survive.

Disasters, as terrible as they are, often bring people and communities together. Many disaster victims find that they are stronger than they realized and that despite the ill luck that has fallen their way, they are equipped to survive. You too are equipped to survive a disaster and one of the most effective tools you have is your ability to stay positive.

By: Mr. Mark Decherd

For more information and other articles by Mark Decherd go to:

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Where Americans Go Abroad For Medical Care

So you want to go abroad for medical care. At the very least, you're considering it. But how do you know where you should go? What country's hospital system will give the best treatment? How much is distance a factor? What else should you be aware of? This article will answer your questions, allowing you to pursue the idea of traveling abroad for medical care with confidence.

First, we'll look at the range of countries now offering medical care to foreigners. The number grows every day, but we'll look at the definite standouts. Next, we'll compare them from the viewpoint of a U.S. traveler. We will examine the different countries from the perspective of a medical traveler looking to undergo a minor procedure, and also from the perspective of someone looking for an alternative to major surgery.

Medical Procedures: Mexico, India, and Beyond

Whenever medical travel is mentioned in conversation, the two countries that usually come to mind are Mexico and India. And with good reason: these two are the leaders overall, with the best facilities and staff as a whole. However, some good facilities are beginning to emerge in other countries around the world, but the overall quality still lags behind the Mexican and Indian advancements.

Depending on the procedure, there may be individual hospitals in certain countries that offer the service you are looking for. But finding the perfect hospital in one of the lesser-known medical travel countries can be problematic; there are fewer credible sources who can testify to the hospital's skill, and the major travel companies that help plan trips there are often new as well, making their recommendations unreliable.

Mexico Medical Travel vs. India Medical Vacation

On the surface, the quality of care available at these facilities may seem equal. Both countries show similar growth patterns in the medical field, and both have become recognized leaders in the health travel industry. However, there are in fact several differences between the two, all of them vital to determining the right place to have your treatment.

Comparison 1: Variety

Both countries offer a good number of different treatments at a range of hospitals. However, medical procedures in Mexico are often offered at a larger number of hospitals than in India, and are frequently available at a better overall standard than they are in India. Hospital networks in Mexico make Mexico medical travel easy, allowing patients to pick from a number of different hospitals that all offer the same quality of treatment. In a country as large as Mexico, the ability to fly into a number of different cities and get the same medical procedures in Mexico is an advantage.

Comparison 2: Quality

Here again the two are close. India and Mexico both have good doctors available to patients. If you choose the correct agency to work with, you will be able to get a valuable experience with Mexico medical travel or India medical travel. However, travelers tend to report more satisfaction with medical procedures in Mexico. Generally speaking, Mexico medical travel provides doctors who can be more patient-conscious and provide a better atmosphere for the American medical traveler.

Comparison 3: Location

Mexico is the hands-down winner in this category. India is literally an ocean away; medical procedures in Mexico are closer than some domestic destinations. Mexico medical travel offers an unmatched level of travel convenience, which can make all the difference for some travelers. Often, a patient is concerned about missing too much work due to recovery from a surgery. With a long flight like the return from India, there can be a strong concern about blood clots depending on the nature of the surgery. But with flights back after medical procedures in Mexico, the doctors are able to easily manage the risk, potentially getting travelers home days earlier and thus back to work days earlier. Mexico medical travel definitely has the advantage here.

Is Mexico Medical Travel Right for You?

In the end, the right place for you to receive treatment will be the place that makes you feel most comfortable. Look to the recommendations of friends you know and trust, and also find a good medical travel company whose work you trust. Word of mouth is invaluable for learning about medical procedures in Mexico, India, and throughout the world - there is no better way to understand where you're going than to speak with someone who has been there. You should retain a good medical travel company whether you have an experienced friend or not, but if you don't know anyone personally who has benefitted from health travel, your trip assistant will be even more vital. With the right information, you will get the full benefit of going abroad for healthcare.

Paulo Yberri writes for Angeles Health International, a medical travel agency specializing in angeleshealth.com/medicaltravel.html Mexico medical travel. AHI is your passport to best in class angeleshealth.com/procedures.html medical procedures - Mexico.

Houses For Rent - A Nearby Holiday Getaway

Houses for rent in Spain are a great way to enjoy the sunny weather, friendly people and unique cuisine of one of the UK's nearest neighbors. Spain is a vast and varied land where Britons can easily find houses to let that will suit any budget. In this article, we'll present some basic information about planning a Spanish holiday that you can enjoy in the comfort and privacy of homes for rent in Spain.

With literally thousands of houses to let in Spain, there's sure to be a property that catches your eye. Whether it's a charming villa on the coast or a sprawling home inland, remember that rental properties often need to be registered with the local authorities. This assures that rental properties in Spain are safe for occupation. In Andalucia, for example, the Junta de Andalucia makes sure that the property is truly represented in advertising (number of rooms, bathrooms, handicapped access, etc.). Some rental houses in Spain must be inspected and certified by government inspectors. The rules for Spanish rental houses specify that there must be a certain number of bathrooms based on the number of people the dwelling will accommodate. Some rental homes in Spain are categorized as "basic." These houses must have one bathroom for every 6 occupants. There's also a "superior" category where one bathroom per 4 people is the rule.

There are some problems related to renting a house in Spain, however. In many cases, rental properties are not locally owned. This makes for "absentee landlords" who do not pay Spanish taxes or keep their properties in good repair. So, if you encounter a property with extraordinarily cheap rent, there may be a reason. Combine this with a landlord who's out of the country and it's a recipe for disaster. What will happen if there's a major problem with the house you're renting and the landlord is nowhere to be found? Your holiday will be ruined. So, it's best to stay with listed and approved properties, like those you'll find on the websites of many Spanish provinces.

Why not find Spanish rental homes through an agency? While this is a possibility, you should be aware that renting this way is no guarantee that you'll find a legal and inspected property. Also, listing with an agency costs the landlord up to 20% and this cost is bound to be passed on to you. And what about those websites that advertise renting directly through the owner or landlord? There are costs associated with this type of advertising as well. Again, the cost will be passed on to you. Remember that a house for rent in Spain that's listed on the Internet may or may not be inspected and registered with the provincial government.

So, what's the best way to find that perfect holiday rental in Spain? One good source of information is friends and family members who have had positive experiences renting holiday houses in Spain. Another good idea is to check rental prices for similar properties the area where you'll be renting to see if the price is a fair one. Once you've narrowed down your choice, ask as many pertinent questions as you can so there are no surprises after you've signed the rental contract. Most owners of Spanish rental homes want their guests to have an enjoyable holiday so that they'll return in future years.

Houses for rent in Spain are often in high demand in the UK. Once you find one, all it takes is a little care and common sense to make your Spanish holiday a memorable one.

Morris Simpson is an independent real estate property advisor and writer in Spain. His interest in real estate is a passion and his technical expertise stems from both his education and experience. He is a real estate professional with Spanish property shop online - a specialized website for buying and selling villas, apartments, homes and houses in Spain. Spanish property shop online also offers you the finest opportunity in finding the most affordable spanishpropertyshoponline.com/houses-in-spain/houses-for-rent-in-spain.php houses for rent in Spain

Spanish Property Shop Online provides you with the most comprehensive selection of Spanish Property available, which is designed to make the job of finding your property in Spain a much easier and less stressful event. Spanish Property Online Shop also specializes in bringing you the best deals available in Spain. You will find a delightful collection of apartments, villas, country cottages (in fact all types of property) in coastal and rural settings. Feel free to get in touch with us at spanishpropertyshoponline.com/houses-in-spain/index.php spanishpropertyshoponline.com/houses-in-spain/

Health Care Accreditation - How To Go About It?

Are you looking to start your own business? It is not a bad option to begin your own company if you have the sufficient knowledge regarding the field that you are venturing into. Lots of people are now opting to open a home health care institution in their house. It is a good option to start with and you can utilize unused space in your house effectively.

So what is a home health care institution? It is basically an establishment where you provide medical services in the privacy of your home. Don't be misled by the idea that is a mini-version of a nursing home. An at-home business does not involve medical aid like performing operations and surgeries; rather it is a way of providing care and support during the recovery stage after a surgery. This type of institutes are becoming exceedingly common in the United States nowadays, especially in the baby boomer generations.

Before you start off, you will need to get health care accreditation, which means a license to start operating in this field. You have to apply for a license in the Department of Health and Human Services. Officials will visit your establishment to check out if you are providing sufficient facilities to your patients. Make sure that you buy all the equipment that will be needed as the health officials will intensely scrutinize everything. Only after your establishment meets the required standards, will you be issued the license.

Once you have taken care of the homehealthstartup.com health care accreditation, you have to hire competent medical staff. A sufficient number of paramedics, nurses, and doctors should be present to attend to all the patients. A team should also be available round the clock to take care of emergencies. Ideally, you should buy an ambulance too so that traveling to patients homes and other locations during an emergency does not pose as a barrier.

Apart from a keen business sense, you also need to consult an agency that can provide you with proper advice regarding the home health care set-up. They will work with you to provide you with the health care accreditation in the fastest time possible. You can also purchase manuals, CD's, and DVD's that provide detailed information about acquiring a license, the various forms and policies, state specific laws, and much more. The best part is that all materials are available at a very reasonable price and will be shipped directly to your home. Just login to website for more information. Starting a business was never this easy!

I hope you like this article. For more information on home health consultant, please visit homehealthstartup.com homehealthstartup.com.

How Does Health Care Reform Impact Seniors?

There are many categories of regulation and cost change that will be driven by the recently signed Health Care Reform bill. Americans of all ages will have to adapt to new benefits and also unfamiliar agencies or procedures. Some of these changes will have an immediate impact on your choices depending on your current health and other options may not affect you until accident or illness causes you to make a claim.

Here are some changes in this complex bill which will especially affect retirees starting right away in some cases:

1. Medicare spending cuts. The way that it is designed, the legislation does not change Medicare's guaranteed benefits. The intended objective however, is to slow the increasing cost of Medicare premiums and to ensure that Medicare will not run out of funds. In order to attempt to achieve that ambitious goal, there are some cuts in medical reimbursement over a ten year period starting in 2011. This will particularly target Medicare Advantage programs which are a hybrid between private insurance and government subsidy. These cuts could reduce or eliminate some of the extra benefits your Medicare Advantage plan may offer, such as dental or vision care, and your insurer may choose to increase your premiums to offset the decrease in government reimbursements. No immediate changes to your primary Medicare benefits.

2. Medicare Part D drug program changes. If you are participating in Part D now, you probably know about the gap in benefits that comes now when you reach a threshold of $2,830 in total year to date costs. The next $3,610 may be out of pocket before you can again qualify for prescription drug benefits. This is called the "donut hole" problem. But in 2010, if you fall in the donut hole, you will receive a $250 rebate, and, in 2011, you will receive a 50% discount on brand-name drugs. Eventually by 2020, this prescription drug funding gap will have been closed. However, wealthier seniors ($85,000 singles and $170,000 couples) will see the Part D premiums increase.

3. New Benefits added to Medicare. If you are a Medicare beneficiary, you will receive free wellness and preventive care starting in 2011.

4. More opportunity for affordable home care when disabled. Most people would rather stay at home when they have moderate disabilities instead of using a nursing home. The legislation authorizes the design of a type of program where you can buy affordable insurance that will help people to stay in their own home and maintain more of their dignity and independence. It will provide a cash benefit of at least $50 per day (after a five year vesting period) for non-medical services such as home care services, family caregiver support,and adult day-care or residential care services. The Community Living Assistance Services and Support program (CLASS) will be established after 2011. Final details depend on regulations which are now being written. It will be financed through payroll deductions and available to working adults who choose to sign up. Private long term happinesslifetime.com care insurance may still be the better choice if it is affordable for you.

Many questions about the benefits and costs of the health care reform are still not clearly answered but it is already changing the plans of many seniors who want to have a more comfortable retirement.

The Advantages of Having an Au Pair For Childcare

The number of families choosing to bring an au pair into their home is increasing drastically. According to the US State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, almost 22,000 au pairs entered the United States in 2007 alone. So why are so many families opting for a young person from another country to care for their children?

An Au Pair Is Affordable:

For families looking for in home childcare, an au pair provides more opportunities at a fraction of the cost of other childcare services. With the cost of living skyrocketing and wages staying the same, this is a huge benefit for the average American household. A full time nanny, for instance, can cost more than $2400 per child every month with many live in nannies being considerably more.

When a family hosts an au pair for childcare, there are a few different costs involved, but the overall expense is considerably less. The au pair receives a weekly stipend for spending money. The host family is also responsible for paying things such as education, insurance, and travel costs as well living expenses and fees associated with bringing in a foreign childcare giver. In all, costs average out to approximately $294 per week regardless of the number of children in the family.

An Au Pair Is Convenient:

Welcoming an au pair into your home requires less footwork on the part of the host family than other childcare options. There is no need to advertise for the position, and best of all, the program has access to a larger number of applicants than families can attract on their own. The program already has most of the finer details worked out such as the program standards, regulations and stipend eliminating the need for negotiation since both applicants and host families already know what to expect. These programs also perform the necessary background checks on both sides.

A live-in childcare giver allows for greater flexibility when it comes to child care hours and location. This is especially helpful when the unexpected happens. The family and the au pair can determine the exact work schedule depending on the needs of all involved, rather than being forced to stick to a set timeframe.

An Au Pair Is Part Of The Family:

Rather than being an employee, an au pair becomes a valued friend that takes part in the host family's lifestyle directly, building a bond that enhances the family environment. Because the au pair is working so closely with the host family, everyone has the opportunity to learn each other's preferences and routines. Best of all, the friendship and experiences can last for a lifetime.

Choosing to host an au pair eases many different stresses a host family faces when looking for childcare. The affordability and convenience of this childcare option makes it far superior to other options for most families. Best of all, an au pair can provide a style of childcare that is customized specifically for the family rather than simply going through the motions of basic childcare

Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information on EurAuPair.com Au Pair services, please visit EurAuPair.com EurAuPair.com.

The Best Health Care Jobs

No matter what the state of the economy is in, health care professionals will always be in great demand. Jobs in the health care industry are broad and diverse. If you are interested in a rewarding career in the health profession, there is most likely an area for you.

Below is a list of some of the best and most popular health care jobs:

Physicians: They maintain or restore health through the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disease and injury. Entry-level medical education programs are undertaken at a medical school that is part of a university. Physicians hold a medical degree that is specific to the university from which they graduated. This degree qualifies the medical practitioner to become licensed or registered

Nurses: Nurses work in most areas of the health care profession. They are on the front lines of the health care field. You can find nurses working in hospitals, medical clinics, administration, nursing homes, and in specialized areas of medicine such as surgery, critical care, and emergency rooms, There are many types of nurses that can include Registered Nurses (RN,) Nurse Practitioner (NP) Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Community Nurse and so much more., They work as part of a health care team and are usually the people patients and their families rely on for information as well as daily care. A career in nursing is a rewarding and exciting career. :

Physician Assistants: They supply diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive health care services as authorized by a Physician. Education programs generally are about two years and are full-time. Once they complete one of these programs, physician assistants will need to take a national exam to obtain a license.

Rehabilitation Jobs: The rehabilitation profession consists of a number of specialized fields that can include Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology and much more. Employment settings can include private practices, general hospitals, medical centers, rehabilitation hospitals, acute care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, long term care facilities, home health happinesslifetime.com care agencies, as well as public and private schools. They provide hands on rehabilitation work for patients suffering from a debilitating condition or disease. Education requirements vary for each profession.

Clinical Laboratory Technicians: Their duties include performing tests that result in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. They examine the results and relay them to physicians. Educational requirements normally include an entry-level position in a bachelor's degree in medical technology.

Medical Scientists: They study diseases to provide the information necessary to develop solutions to human health problems. They can also perform clinical investigations, technical writing, drug application reviews, and patent examinations. A doctorate in a biological science is the minimum education required for most medical scientists. Pharmacists: They deliver medication prescribed by health practitioners, educate patients about medications, and counsel health practitioners on the selection, dosages, and interactions and side effects of medications. Pharmacists require a degree from an accredited college of pharmacy and successful completion of the state-required licensing exam.

Mental Health Counselors: They work with individuals, families, and groups to treat mental and emotional disorders using a number of therapeutic practices. They usually require a master's degree to be licensed as a counselor.

Radiology Jobs: These jobs are wide-ranging and diverse. Various jobs can include Medical Imaging/Diagnostic Imaging, Radiation Therapy, Computed Tomography Mammography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging/MRI, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound, and much more. Each field has their own set standards for educational requirements.

These are just a few of the most popular health care professions. Whatever your individual interests, there is sure to be a health care profession for you.

Healthcare staffing company helping you to obtain the best position in the medical field. Whether you are looking for soliant.com/nursing/travel-nursing-jobs travel nursing jobs, Occupational therapy jobs or soliant.com/speech-language-pathology Speech Pathologist Jobs, we are here to help.

How To Become A Certified Nursing Assistant

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is someone who assists a clinical team in the provision of a patient's basic health care requirements. They are also required to help with bedside care, and other activities pertaining to daily requirements. They will complete basic activities and procedures under the direct supervision and guidance of senior nurses.

This particular profession is not easy and requires that those intending to join the profession have a sincere love for helping people. The first step to joining this profession is finding a college or an outreach program, where you will have the opportunity to do a CNA course.

Some institutions may even offer these courses free of charge, under the condition that you sign up to a working contract with them for 6 - 12 months having completed it. If you choose to pay for all the examinations and tuition fees, you will have the privilege of choosing where you intend to work of course.

The course that you will take to become a CNA is fairly simple for the right people, as a majority of the material is really basic knowledge concerning health care. However, you must ensure that you attend all the classes, because missing just a classes may result in your termination from being allowed to sit the exams.

In the classes, you will be taught a number of health care principles, and the training can be extensive. The course will also offer clinical time, which means you will be required to do on the job training in facilities like a nursing home or a hospital and so forth. In addition to this, you will be required to spend about four to eight hours at the facility each day over the required time frame.

At the end of the CNA course, you will then be required to take a state or county certified test. One of the test components is a number of multiple choice questions that are heavily based on basic practices. Another component of the test is where you will have to show the instructor your ability to perform different procedures, such as taking temperatures, turning the patient's bed and maintaining records.

After you have successfully passed the certified exam, you will become a Certified Nursing Assistant. Following this, all you need do is secure a job by sending out your resume to prominent health agencies within your area. However, many positions often come available following the course placements, whilst agreeing to work with the training institution can be a good foundation to build upon.

Ready to begin a career as a certified nursing assistant or CNA? Then consider online onlinecnatrainingcourses.com/training CNA training courses. Finish school much faster and from the convenience of your own home. Learn more from onlinecnatrainingcourses.com onlinecnatrainingcourses.com/

Things You Need to Know About Work at Home Jobs

Work at home jobs can provide some additional income, depending on how much effort you are willing to give, and what business is writing the checks. Many are scams out there, or legitimate jobs that pay so little your hourly rate is not much more than pennies. If you intend on devoting your time, energy and money to such an enterprise be sure your pick a reputable company.

Certified media placement specialist positions are one of the most common you will find on the Internet. Another is website development training agencies. Be wary of companies such a Vanuity that want large sums of money up front for training you to build your own website. Most of these quick start-up businesses fail within the first year. If you want to go this route don't plan on retiring on easy street unless you find a unique niche market. Research is the key. Read what others are saying, and check the Better Business Bureau for claims against the company that has caught your eye. Being cautious is a good beginning.

Remember that if it was so easy to make money everyone would be doing it. If you receive a contract don't sign until you read every word very carefully. Getting an attorney to look it over before you put your John Hancock at the bottom is a wise decision. Above all use common sense, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you want to look at one of the most prominent companies in the work at home field check out Mary Gersten's certified media placement specialist program. In conclusion, the larger the investment required, the more careful you should be.

A Keystrokes for Cash Investor

Web Work - What Works and What Doesn't

Deciding to start your own Internet Home Based Business can be an exciting and scary time. There are so many opportunities that are offered on the internet. Many are legitimate from reputable and honest work at home internet business vendors. Unfortunately, there are also some fraudulent schemes.

A popular home business opportunity being advertised on the internet is Medical Billing. While being a medical biller is a legitimate home based business, one must be careful of the schemers who are just out for your money and leave you to fend for yourself in an industry where you have little chance of succeeding.

It starts by you responding to the ad for the medical billing work at home business. You will receive a phone call pitch telling you about the burgeoning health care system crisis. Typically, the pitch includes statements about claims piling up and just waiting to be processed. Your opportunity lies in processing these claims electronically, which is not being done often. This is where you make your money.

Doctors, they say, outsource their billing to you. You can work in Accounts Receivable, Insurance Claims, Physician / Dentist practice management. They claim that you do not need experience as training is included and you get the added bonus that their sales staff will put you together with health care clients to get you started. The sad truth is that your investment - $2500-$9000 is seldom recouped. In order to come close to recouping your investment and/or make a profit, you will need to find your own clients. The training you receive is sub-par. The problem with Medical Billing, as it can be a legitimate business, is that the market is saturated, the competition is fierce.

Take careful consideration when choosing a Medical Billing company to partner with. Your best bet is to locate a company in your area, get hired on as a medical biller so that you can receive their training and then work towards moving to a home based operation.

Another legitimate work at home business opportunity that is commonly distorted by schemers is Surveys for cash. There are many survey companies you can join that give you the opportunity to get paid for taking surveys. What you must be mindful of are the websites that say they offer you a home internet survey business opportunity but really only offer you the opportunity to pay upfront money for a listing of those survey sites that will pay you to take their surveys.

Most of the firms that they provide you in their list are firms that you could have found for yourself through your own searching on the internet. Some of the firms on their list aren't even current. The fees charged for the initial directories can be up to $100. What you get for your investment are out of date lists, with incorrect information, poor navigation, inadequate contacts and pages that don't work.

There are some websites that the consumer advocate agency recommended as legitimate paid survey work at home internet business opportunity firms. These sites do charge upfront fees of up to $60.00. The difference between these firms and the schemers are that these firms actually have staff dedicated to helping you find survey clients and assignments. These firms offer a 100% money back guarantee and actually honor that guarantee.

Will paid survey sites make you rich? Probably not, but you can earn a decent income. Most survey sites offer payment for surveys taken anywhere between $15-$25 and some even offer payment of $75 for a completed survey. Time to complete a survey can range from 5-30 minutes per survey. Income potential is up to you. It depends on the amount of time and effort you wish to put forth. A 20 hour week could provide you with a median monthly income of $1600. Again, this won't make you rich but is definitely a good income for something with so many benefits - little to no overhead, no dress code, no rush hour traffic, no training or experience required and hours you determine yourself.

One of the major points of having an Internet home work income business is to be in charge of your life. An Internet home work income business is about working the schedule you want to work, wearing the wardrobe you want to wear, setting up the home office you want to have, and being your own boss. While no one (or at least no one legitimate) would ever tell you that an Internet home work income business is a breeze to start and make a lot of money at, those who have been there and done that and succeeded will tell you it's wonderfully stimulating and satisfying - no matter what the financial outcome.

Jessica VanderHaar is an Internet Marketer and an Up And Coming Expert in Developing Internet Home Based Businesses. Get more information on how to build your own Home Based Business at [affiliatehomepro.com]. To Join Jessica's Newsletter on How To Make Money Online send a blank email to mailto:affiliatehomepro@getresponse.com

What to Look For When Purchasing DME Billing Software

The purchase of software can be a difficult task, especially because it is one of the most significant business decisions that you will make. The right software or technology solution can lower DSO, improve productivity, reduce costs and boost morale, playing a significant part in driving your business. The wrong decision can be a disaster.

Major considerations should revolve around the functionality of the application, the operating system and database software, the stability of the software vendor, support, the vendor's long term plans, training and implementation services, the level of satisfaction of their clients and availability of technologies such as document imaging and bar coding. Whether or not all of the above is important today, as your business grows, they will all be significant.

The following are some of the issues that should be taken into consideration in evaluating the software and vendor to hopefully avoid making the wrong choice.

What is the difference between a "billing" system and a "Management" Solution?

Despite the marketing hype, most of the software packages being sold into HME and Infusion Pharmacy market are no more than glorified billing systems with some additional features the vendor treats as secondary in importance, like "inventory control". In most cases the software vendor has determined that the core business of a HME or Infusion Provider is to bill. We all know that this is not just incorrect; it is insulting! Billing is the end result of what we all must do, and providing quality patient care by supplying products and services is the reason the business exists.

Despite the focus on billing, many of these vendors fail to truly understand the entire operational needs of a Provider, and this can result in a situation where whether or not you get paid the first time a claim is submitted can be hit or miss. A true management solution will have built in checks and balances to insure that all departments are completing required tasks so that only "valid" orders are shipped and the claims submitted will be paid. From patient intake, to order entry, to billing, nothing should fall between the cracks that is necessary to provide the patient with the required products and services, and ultimately allow you to get paid.

A management solution will go beyond billing and will impact virtually every aspect of your business including; manage the clinical record, provide access to management and marketing data for better decision making, inventory & purchasing, dispatching, customer service, accounts receivable & collections, equipment maintenance, pharmacy operations and your retail store, if applicable.

A true management solution incorporates the latest technology; document imaging, point of care, bar coding, electronic interfaces for connecting to third party products, etc., and is provided by a company committed to keeping abreast of and making the best use of technology changes.

Why is there usually a significant difference in pricing between systems?

Much of the price differences relate to the billing vs. management solution discussion outlined above. To develop a sophisticated system that encompasses all of the many aspects of the total operation of a Provider may require the vendor, to invest millions of dollars every year vs. thousands of dollars for a typical billing package. When it comes to pricing, most of the time you get what you pay for, not just in terms of functionality and benefits of the product, but also from the vendor in terms of support, training and other services. One of the concerns a user needs to understand is that low-end systems simply do not justify a high enough price to provide the vendor with the resources to hire the best employees. Throughout the software industry there is a trend in which companies with low end products are not surviving, as they cannot build up the revenue base to make it work. The failure rate among software vendors in this market over the years is significant because on top of all the other challenges, the number of potential HME or Infusion clients is limited, therefore the strategy of going after market share (volume) does not apply. Hence their clients are placed at a serious risk! This is evident by the number of software companies that have either gone out of business or are struggling to release their first true (we will explain this shortly) Windows based system, 10 years after Fastrack released the Fastrack HME for Windows® solution.

The difference in software for this market is similar to comparing a Hyundai to a Lexus. Both will get you to work every morning but there is a significant difference in the level of comfort, safety, and features. Since there is a significant cost difference to manufacture a Lexus, it is sold at a higher price. In regards to pricing, software is no different than the car, truck, copier, or the equipment you resell. The better products, for good reason, come with a higher price tag. Make sure you are really comparing apples with apples because the feature set in the management system will far out weigh the billing system in terms of overall benefits for the business.

Buying the right software solution can have a major positive or negative effect on your business. We cannot tell you how many prospects come to us that are on their 3rd, 4th, or even 5th system and have told us that they looked at Fastrack each time but went with the least expensive solution. The low cost solution did not meet their needs, especially as the business grew. Ironically, in the long run it turned out to be more expensive due to the cost of the software, training, and converting all the data over to the next new system.

Most people do not realize that the cost between the cheap solution and buying a true management solution, when leased, may not even be that significant. Just as when you lease a truck or copier, the real concern should be the monthly cash outlay. For example, the difference between a $25,000 and a $15,000 software purchase on a 60-month lease is only $200 per month! When you factor in the tax benefits that may be available to you this number can be reduced even further. When factoring the appropriate deductions, your out of pocket costs can be as little as 60% of the purchase price. Even still, is it not worth $200 a month more to have the same software and technology that some of the major Providers are using to their competitive advantage?

Is there a significant difference between different vendors' software support, training & implementation staff?

Getting quick and accurate assistance from the vendor is key in making the implementation of a new software management solution a success and receiving the most benefit out of the software. A key issue is whether or not the staff has worked in the industry and truly understands your needs. You do not want to be training the software vendors' staff on reimbursement in order to get your problems solved. You also want a vendor that will send out people with substantial industry knowledge to help you plan the implementation. Some vendors do not even offer this service!

Access to their help desk software over the Internet, Internet based training courses for new employees and product enhancements, advanced communication systems for routing calls to the most appropriate customer service representative, are just some examples of the things that make a difference and you should look for these services from your software vendor, before purchasing their software. Also, check to make sure the support fees you are being quoted are all inclusive. Some vendors charge extra when there is a major update.

If they advertise "Windows" does that mean Microsoft Windows?

NO! Unfortunately, there are quite a few vendors advertising and demonstrating Windows like features in their software but use a programming tool that mimics Microsoft Windows, however it is not the Microsoft Windows that we are all familiar with on our personal computers. There are some companies that are using Microsoft Windows but only as a front end to a legacy DOS or UNIX system. They do this primarily for marketing reasons, to try to compete with those of us that do have true Microsoft Windows systems. Besides that they are simply not being honest with you, there are some serious technical issues that this presents. Having a Windows front end such as order entry or patient intake talking to a UNIX based billing module means two operating systems contending for the same resources. This will tend to slow the system down, even to the point of freezing the program, and is much more difficult to support.

Should I wait for my present vendor to release their next generation of software products?

You have probably been hearing for years from your present vendor of their impending plans to release a Windows or .NET system. Even if they finally do release a product, there are several very important issues to consider. Will the new product have all of the features you presently have now? This is highly unlikely! In the May edition of HME News, the editor quotes Terry Watson, Vice President of Sales for CareCentric (Dezine & Mestamed) saying, "But to say we have come up with a replacement is not the case." If you are a Dezine or Mestamed user, from a practical standpoint, can you take a chance to walk away from functionality that you may really need? And what happens if they decide to stop support on your existing system or version? They are heavily advertising their new product (which is not yet available for HME and Infusion). When was the last time you saw an ad for the Mestamed or Dezine product? How many have they actually sold over the last few years? This same concern should hold true for many of the other vendors as well.

Lack of functionality in their new products should be one concern; the other is how well they can support this new product? Moving from a DOS or UNIX environment to supporting Windows or .NET products requires a major change and tremendous practical experience and knowledge. Will they have the expertise and experience that it takes to properly assist you in this new environment, that to date have not had to support?

Finally, look at the direction some of these vendors are taking. CareCentric, for example, has announced plans to move towards a long term care solution and a billing service. Both will take up a lot of resources and is clearly a change in their approach to the market.

Does it matter where the product is developed?

Absolutely! In an effort to bring products to market quickly, a number of vendors are outsourcing their product development efforts to countries like India, Russia, and China. While they have some very talented people, they will not have the exposure to HME, Infusion Pharmacy, or Home Healthcare Agency Operations. As a result they tend to copy the vendors existing DOS or UNIX product with the intent of just giving it a new Windows look and feel but fail to add new functionality and technology. However, support is handled by the US staff that does not have the intricate knowledge of how the product was written, making it difficult to support.

In conclusion, understanding the flow of the software and its' functionality to see that it meets your needs should carry significant weight in your decision. The purpose of this article is to raise issues for you that may be less obvious to hopefully aid in your decision.

Spencer A. Kay is President, CEO and founder of Fastrack Healthcare Systems in Plainview, N.Y. Founded in 1994, Fastrack offers Windows-based solutions for HME and respiratory providers and solutions for home infusion and home health care agencies. Kay holds an MBA in International Business from George Washington University and a BA in Economics, and has more than 25 years of technology related experience. Visit onlyfastrack.com onlyfastrack.com

Spencer Kay
President/CEO
Fastrack Healthcare Systems
onlyfastrack.com onlyfastrack.com

The Right Way to Hire a Professional Nurse For Your Nurse Agency Business

If you were to put up a nursing agency, you have to study the business. Indeed, nurses are in demand all over the world. With the growing rate of elderly who need medical care, the ratio of patient to nurses has been growing yearly.

With such a big demand, there are cases that agencies have a difficult time recruiting and hiring nurses. Of course, nursing agencies should be very careful in hiring nursing staff.

Nurses should be selected thorough screening and training. Of course, it is expected that they need to be an experts in supporting patients and doctors as well as be well-informed of first aid and emergency procedures in case of disaster. As mentioned above, quality work means giving due care and attention to a person who is in pain or unable to do things.

To have a sound nursing agency, contracted staff should have excellent service skills to offer to their patients or clients. It is better to look for those who have enough experience or those who have graduated on a recognized nursing school.

How to Keep your Nursing Agency Business Successful

A nursing agency doesn't need a lot of money to get started. If you are a registered nurse you can actually start your own nursing agency. Being a nurse, you should explore and study how you can stretch all the possibilities of earning money. Surely there will be a bigger opportunities that you can have along the way. All you need is to have the courage to give it a try and see where this takes you.

Some think that a nursing agency business are only for those big companies. Individuals who have gutsto start a business can take advantage of the great demand for nurses. You can have contracts to offer for your nursing services. Usually nursing services are needed in hospitals, medical centers, or those who want to have the service of a private nurse at home.

On the contract you should agree on policy. This will start a strong relationship between you and your clients. Having a contract will save you and your client from any misunderstanding. In every successful service you provide on an individual or a group, this will result for an development of your business because most satisfied clients can refer you to their friends or associates. You may never realize how far your investments have turned into a success.

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Financial Planning: What's Your Designation?

If you're shopping for financial planning services, it may seem like a jungle out there. There are advertisements everywhere, and everybody seems "nice," but nice won't cut it when it comes to your money. How can you cut to the chase and find a financial planning expert that you can trust.

Start by learning what the different designations mean. You may have noticed that there are three popular financial designations that most financial planners hold. You'll want to choose one with one of the following designations.

Like many CPA's, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) must attend about two years of training and pass a rigorous test. This designation is given by the Certified Financial Planning Board of Standards, a national organization. After two years of preparatory courses, a Certified Financial Planner must earn a passing grade on a ten-hour test given over the course of two days. The Financial Planning Association can provide you with a listing of Certified Financial Planners.

You may have also encountered some Chartered Financial Consultants. These graduates of American College in Pennsylvania have completed a series of exams and obtained real life experience before earning their designation. However, the program is geared more toward the insurance profession than broad based financial planning. The Society of Financial Professionals can provide you with a listing of these consultants.

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants offers its own designation, a Personal Financial Specialist (PFS). Certified Public Accountants can earn this additional designation by completing a series of comprehensive tests and demonstrate experience in financial planning. Most of these designates are members of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, and they can refer you to a PFS in your area.

All of the above certifying agencies require at least three years of experience prior to certification. Other designations do exist, but these three are the most reliable. Since many unscrupulous individuals decide to call themselves "financial planners," you'd be wise to look for one with a certification from a nationally recognized organization.

Since the Securities and Exchange Commission doesn't regulate smaller financial advisors (those with under $25 Million under advisement), it is up to you to screen your financial planner carefully.

You can begin by checking on the website of the National Association of Securities Dealers website. They list financial planners who have been disciplined on their website. Information is also available by telephone from this association's toll free number (800-289-9999). Also check with your state's securities division for disciplinary actions and complaints.

Ask your planner for a copy of Form ADV, Part II. If you aren't familiar with the form, they will be. This form is required by the Securities and Exchange Commission from every financial planner and should spell out how and what the planner will be paid and any incentives they may earn. Sometimes they will provide this information in brochure or pamphlet form, but you'll know up front what your fees will be.

Finally, check references. A reputable planner won't mind giving you a few references to call. Find out if they handle portfolios similar to yours and if the client is satisfied with their services. Ask about fees.

It's your future, so doing a little homework up front and making sure that you're getting what you pay for is well worth it in the long run. Make sure that your financial planner holds a nationally recognized designation and check him out before you hand over your hard earned money. Your time and effort is a wise investment when shopping for a financial planner.

Jay Moncliff is the founder of [prime-financial.net] a website specialized on Finance [prime-financial.net], resources and articles. This site provides updated information on Finance. For more info visit his site: Finance [prime-financial.net]

Expatriate Healthcare: Are You Covered? You Better Be

Many people that leave the home country and stay away for a long time aren't exactly sure if they have coverage while they are abroad. The scary part is that most people are not covered while they are abroad or living abroad. There is an easy answer to this dire problem though. Expatriate health happinesslifetime.com care insurance is relatively inexpensive and easy to locate on the internet. There are sites on the net today that compile quotes of expatriate health happinesslifetime.com care insurance for consumers. This pretty much cuts the research time in half. If you want a quote all you have to do is fill out a simple form and you will have numerous quotes for expatriate health happinesslifetime.com care insurance within seconds. These kind of sites not only cut down on research they also encourage competition among insurance agencies. With more competition and access at your fingertips there really isn't a reason why you shouldn't give yourself the peace of mind by getting covered.

Medical bills can add up; especially in a foreign country, so it is pretty illogical to walk around without health insurance. You can lose your savings in an instant if something were to happen and you needed hospital care. Hospitals in foreign countries usually aren't too keen of having foreigners under their care to begin with because of fear of non payment. That last thing you want is bad care because they think that you may not be able to pay. If you had an expatriate health happinesslifetime.com care insurance card to give them upon entry then they may treat you better than they would otherwise. The point is that as an expatriate; health insurance is a necessity not an option.

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Buying a Home - Home Warranty Secrets They Don't Want You to Know

As you near the end of your home buying transaction, one of the last priorities is the option of selecting a home warranty. These type of warranties are set up to fix and substitute covered broken or worn items with new ones. If you think your next property could be headed for some maintenance issues, make sure you apply for one prior to the closing of escrow.

Your home warranty will spell out which mechanical systems and built-in appliances will be covered. Most policies are written to repair and replace items such as plumbing, heater, and electrical components. If you're willing to invest more money, you can purchase additional coverage for items such as the air conditioner, whirlpool jacuzzi, pool, and roof. If a situation occurs where you have a breakdown with any of these items you can pick up the phone and contact your warranty company to determine what the problem is. If the warranty company agrees with you that the repair is part of your benefits you'll need to contribute a predetermined amount of money to cover parts and labor which can cost you between 60 to 100 dollars.

If you decide to check into the customer complaint history of most home warranty companies, you'll be disappointed to learn most companies have piles of complaints filed against them. Many homeowners are angry when they uncover the hidden pre-existing condition clause which prevents coverage on pre-existing issues. If you were checking out the warranty policy that has this pre-existing condition clause make sure you understand your policy will not cover you for any new problems.

You'll also find most home warranty policies have extra exclusions which include repairs as a result from poor maintenance or servicing, faulty installations, and areas the inspector could not access. Some policies even refuse to cover the repair until you invest additional funds to upgrade the system to modern day building codes. Make sure you understand that most warranty policies won't cover repairs if they're not caused by everyday wear and tear.

If you shop around, you'll discover most warranty policies are priced somewhere between $300 to $1000 per year depending on the home size and type of benefits you choose. As you search for your new home, you'll find most sellers willing to include the first year of coverage as a gift for buying their home. Even your agent may even be willing to pay for the first year so that you'll be satisfied with their service.

But if you have to cover the full cost of the home warranty policy, you're probably smarter if you invest money each month towards an annual repair fund to cover unplanned repair problems. You should aim for a goal of $5000 each year to cover future repairs.

However not all warranty policy holders are unhappy with their policies. If you look hard enough, you can find a caring and helpful technician who gets the warranty business to cover the repair. Make sure you thoroughly checked out each warranty policy and understand all exclusions.

If you live in a state that contains a government agency which supervises home warranty companies, inspect the prospective company's complaint history before you sign up with them.

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Evaluating Various Care Options for Long Term Care

When somebody in the family needs long term care due to old age or disability, it would be difficult for the entire family to balance their time between personal commitments and care giving responsibilities to that person. The majority of family members act as informal care givers of their old parents, spouse, or relatives; but when people get demanding job and lifestyle, they become confused where to provide care either at home or in a facility and what care is needed by that individual.

Home Care

Most people want to grow old or die in the comforts of their own home. Elders feel more secured when cared by their loved ones instead of nurses or staff in nursing homes. Unfortunately, home care services are not covered under life and health insurance, as well as Medicaid and Medicare.

For some, this type of care is expensive because home health aides charge about $19 per hour; therefore 24-hour supervision could be extremely costly. The services offered by licensed home health aides are flexible enough to meet the needs of clients, but they do come with a price.

Nevertheless, many people choose home care over other alternatives. In fact, the expenses incurred can be easily reduced unlike assisted living. They normally cut the hours spent of home health aide by having them stay focused on important tasks such as meal preparation, bathing, and dressing.

When finding a home aide, it would be better to hire someone from a licensed home care agency to ensure this person has been background checked and competent to care for your loved one.

Assisted Living

Assisted living provides homier environment than nursing homes. Residents may live in apartments which is more comfortable than living in nursing home quarters. Assisted living also provides personal care or skilled care which is crucial for seniors and people with disabilities. One downside of living in assisted living facilities is the inadequacy of medical services that are available in nursing homes. In 2007, assisted living rates amounted to $3,000 per month or $35,000 annually, based on the cost of care survey by MetLife. Medicaid may cover assisted living expenses but people have to deplete their assets before they can be eligible for benefits. This, however, prompts people from paying on their own or purchase long term care insurance. Assisted living may provide considerable services, but excludes some levels of care; thus, it is important to check if your loved one is receiving enough care, especially if he or she has acquired chronic illness that needs extensive treatment.

Nursing Home Care

Nursing home care is a good choice for people with chronic ailments and disability who need advanced and immediate care management. This is, however, the most expensive. There are lots of things to consider when choosing a good nursing home:

? Ask for feedback from residents or their families. Don't believe nursing staffs claiming their facility is good, unless you hear good feedback from other people

? Prepare long term care plans to ensure the success

? Make sure the food is good because older and sick people need better meals

? Be keen to details, even the smallest and unnoticeable ones.

? Check the facility's records or background from Joint Commission or Better Business Bureau

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Tips on Renting Out Your Holiday Home

If you own a home in a holiday spot you may well take the decision to rent it out to vacationers. But before deciding on taking on such a course of action there many things to consider. You will need to advertise the property, take bookings and ensure it is properly insured. If the home is situated in a popular holiday spot there should be a choice of holiday letting agencies to help you take care of the details.

Should you decide to deal with a local agent, or deal with letting the property yourself, here are some important tips to consider:

Ensure your property is properly insured. It can be difficult to insure holiday homes for rental for two main reasons. They may be left unoccupied, particularly during the winter months, for long periods.
Also due to the nature of holiday letting and a high turnover of people renting the property, there is an increased possibility of theft or damage. However, there are specialist insurance agencies which will help you insure the property.
Make sure the proposed holiday home meets the statutory requirements, such as fire and furnishings safety regulations. Safety certificates will also be needed for gas appliances, and electrical items must be safe to use.
Before renting your home to holidaymakers you will need to make sure its is tidy and presentable. Any rubbish should be cleared and bins emptied. Also any personal postal items and circulars should be removed from the property.
The property must be kept in good order, with pipes lagged. All electrical items should be switched off when the holiday home is not occupied.
Prepare an inventory for guests and make them aware of their responsibility for any breakages.
Draw up a list of house rules for guests. But do be careful here. Rules must be reasonable and don't be tempted to try and cover everything. A rule of thumb may be that if your rules cover more than one side of paper then they be a little excessive!
Make sure you have received payment for the rental period and that any cheques have cleared before handing over the house keys.
Make sure you state in the rental contract how much any deposits to be paid are, and how soon after vacating the property the guests can expect the deposit to be returned.

A holiday letting agent will be able to deal with many of these issues should you decide to rent out your holiday home. Should you decide whether to use an agent or not, these tips will be most helpful.

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Do Businesses Know Their History and Why Should They Care?

Harvard University has an entire library dedicated to business history. It's the Baker Library, located near the Harvard Business School campus. It's a fabulous place, filled with fascinating information and experienced librarians.

As a historian and someone who has always lived in historical communities, I am often struck by how very few people "do" business history.

In Salem, Massachusetts, where I live, the National Park Service does a great job on the waterfront talking about maritime trade and what that business meant to Salem and the nation. To help tell the story, they use their replica 18th-century ship, Friendship, a warehouse where imported goods were stored for weighing and measuring, the Custom House where financial and legal transactions took place, a dry goods store where items were sold, and the home of America's first millionaire, Elias Hasket Derby, where the results of wealth gained from maritime trade are on display. Great stuff!

But what about today's business?

Some older businesses, especially those located in historical communities, know when they were founded and they will celebrate their anniversary in some way. But the "celebration" is usually limited to a new tag line for the letterhead or advertisements. They really could go a lot further!

Soucy Insurance Agency in Salem, Massachusetts, for example, turned 100 years old a couple of years ago. It's a family owned business that is still owned by the same family. Instead of just adding a tag line or throwing a party, the owner paid for thorough research on his family and business, created a lobby display and brochure, added a history section on his company website, and published his story (with great historical photos) in local newspapers.

What a great idea! If you had to choose an insurance agency, wouldn't you respond more to a company that presents this kind of corporate personality? I sure would.

When a company understands and promotes its history, its efforts really do add value. Its historical story strengthens the emotional bond it has with its customers, which is what every business wants.

Even if a business isn't 100 or more years old, it can still celebrate milestones - today, even five years is an accomplishment!

And this business could think beyond its own history and ask questions like:

? What is the history of my industry?

? How does my business fit into that history?

? What does my industry mean to my community?

? What does my business mean to my community?

The business could work with its local historical society or public library to find answers to these questions, and publish an article in the historical society's newsletter.

It could sponsor a talk on the subject, create the kinds of materials Soucy Insurance did, and send information to history- and industry-related organizations and websites locally, statewide, and beyond. It could really use the anniversary to call attention to itself.

People who live in a historical community LOVE their local history. They also tend to be well educated and well off.

A business that is in touch with its history - and how its history factors into the community's history - would impress these people and attract new customers. The business would raise its stature and set itself apart from its competitors. It would certainly get my attention, and my business.

I really do think that business history deserves a lot more "press" than it gets. After all, the wealthiest nation in the world was created by thousands of people who built businesses for centuries.

I find the changes in industry, technology, population, and so on fascinating. I also think it's fun to look at the same industry then and now - banking, insurance, the law, retail, restaurants. What has changed and why? And then, what hasn't changed?

It's fun stuff, and I would love to see more businesses embrace history and teach us all something we don't know.

Bonnie Hurd Smith is the President and CEO of History Smiths, a marketing company that works with businesses in historical communities to incorporate history into their branding and marketing - their own history, and their community's. Bonnie is a cultural tourism professional, historian, and author.

historysmiths.com historysmiths.com

Credit Counseling Agency - What Can They Really Do to Help You?

The truth is that yes, so long as you follow the advice, commit your time, and pay the asking fees, the organizations can help. Here are some of the valid claims that you can expect from working with a credit counseling agency:

1) A reduction or complete halt in bill collectors calling your house. The credit counseling agency has the power to stop, or at least partly eliminate bill collectors from phoning your home or work.

What causes this to happen on your behalf is the communication between the agency and your bill collector. For example, let's say that you are getting harassed to pay your late bill and extra fees on a computer that was purchased with a store credit card. Your agreement was for $100 per month for 24 months. After paying your bill on time for just over a year, financial problems hit and you became several months late.

When you hire a credit counseling agency they will make contact with the computer store and arrange for a debt payment plan. The calls may stop right at this point or the computer store may need a few payments before they stop phoning you. Either way, they will eventually cease bothering you altogether.

2) A credit counseling agency will help improve the status of your credit. Any positive effort that you put into resolving your credit problems will have the effect of lifting up your score a bit. And so long as the agency you hire does in fact work on your behalf at contacting your debt entities and arranging a payment plan, you can expect your credit history and score to get better over time.

3) You will receive a personalized, step-by-step budget that will benefit you for years to come. The problem which promotes the majority, if not all, of the credit problems that people face is due to not being smart with their money in the first place. If you had created a budget from day one, and followed it to the "T", then it is safe to say you would not be in the financial predicament that you are in today.

Your credit counseling agency will sit down with you and develop a written plan of action which will allot every penny of income you have coming in so that all of your needs are taken care of. A portion will go to paying off your debts. A portion will be set aside into a savings plan. A portion will be used for investments. And of course, there will be plenty of money left over for enjoyable activities.

Following this budget is a crucial element of successfully cleaning up your credit. If you don't have the money you need to afford the necessities of life, pay back creditors, save for the future, and resist the temptations of money-wasting habits of the past, then nothing else that a credit counseling agency can do will help you in the long run. You really have to use what you learn.

Some Unique Home Business Ideas

There is bright future for this kind of business which is run from home. More and more people are indulging in work from home engagements to earn their livelihoods. This has been possible due to the abundant resource provided by the internet, which majority of the people have utilized to their advantage. Both online and off-line channels are being used by people to do business and earn handsome profits. Mentioned below are few ideas, which are taken up by many people across the world to earn and pass their free time as well.

A new conception is the inclusion of designing gift baskets as a profitable venture. This is specially suited for people who are creative in gift packaging that are sold from shops. You have to contact different gift stores for serving them with your creative design of gift baskets for various items. This is a cent percent creative kind of work and people with this special knack can expect to do very well in this venture. If you can impress with your creativity and design, you can create a special name in this field and earn positive results in this line of home based business.

Another important sector is the child care, which has a rising demand in the market. If you are experienced in this segment and can arrange to institute a child care unit at your home, you will definitely be doing very well both for the society and for self earning. You earn respect from the neighborhood, when you open a unit of this category.

Your experience will play a vital role in making parents to have faith on your unit. If you really love children, there is no second thought than to open a child care unit and start your home based business. Space is significant which you must arrange with proper amenities for children to play and rest. You need to acquire a license from the authority for this kind of business and different states have separate guidelines for the same. Units are regularly visited by government agencies to check the facilities and standards which you must keep in mind.

youtube.com/watch?v=TM7AIi39__o YourNetBiz is a wonderful home business, when all of the elements are right for you. It can bring you real money and time freedom and these are a couple of the many reasons, why people are attracted to youtube.com/watch?v=TM7AIi39__o YourNetBiz.

In-Home Non-Medical Care - FAQ's

Through the years of working with adult children and aging parents I have found that one of the barriers to starting services is due to a misunderstanding about non-medical in-home care. Some of the frequently asked questions are:

Is there any state oversight/regulations for non-medical in-home agencies?

At this time the state of Wisconsin has NO requirements for these agencies. Because of this it is important for the customer to be very cautious and ask the right questions when talking with an agency. Although franchise agencies may cost a little more, franchises are regulated by the corporate office and must maintain certain levels of protection for the clients.

Is the person coming into my home insured and bonded?

MOST agencies will provide some level of insurance but are not required to. The consumer can ask to see the provider's certificate of insurance. The certificate will show levels of coverage and policy coverage dates. If you are requesting transportation services, the policy should also have a separate rider for non-owned autos.

How much should I expect to pay?

The latest Genworth Insurance study shows the Wisconsin state average for non-medical care is $18/hour. One has to balance the cost with the desire to remain at home. There may come a time when the cost exceeds other levels of care that are available.

How will I know the people coming into the home are trustworthy?

A reputable agency will do various background checks on their potential employees. This will include criminal and civil charges. If transportation services are included the agency should be requesting a copy of the employees insurance, driving record, and a copy of their drivers license. Agencies providing services for the Department of Health and Human Services are required to perform additional background checks.

Will I have to sign a contract?

Not all agencies require a contract. Contracts are generally created to benefit the agency, not the consumer. If you chose to sign a contract, study the contract very closely and read the details. Most require cancellation notices, termination notices or they will charge even if services are not provided. It is recommended to ask for a blank copy of the contract to review. It is appropriate to request 24 hours to look over the contract before signing.

Do providers have a minimum hour requirement?

Yes, but they all vary. Many times people are forced into signing for more hours than the actually need. This is a good questions to ask at the intial contact with the agency.

What happens if I don't like the person doing the work?

Call the provider immediately and ask for a new person. You have the right as a consumer to be comfortable with the workers coming into your home.

Should I wait until I need someone or plan ahead?

I recommend planning for the day when you will need services. In most cases it's not IF services will be needed, but WHEN they will be needed. Gathering information and talking with providers will keep you from making a bad decision when a crisis happens.

About the Author: Denis L Ashauer, Certified Senior Advisor and President of Home Helpers. Home Helpers is the leading provider for in-home non-medical care. Visit Home Helpers at homehelpers.cc homehelpers.cc and visit our blog site at homecareexpert.blogspot.com homecareexpert.blogspot.com/ to receive caregiving tips for family members caring for loved ones.

Quality Standards For Senior Care

Americans are encouraged to save for their retirement through 401K's and other investment savings programs, but discussing the specific plan for senior care rarely takes place until the care is actually needed. Like a tornado, we think senior caregiving services will pass by somewhere else and not happen at our house.

Caregivers are "Employees" (which include paying all employee payroll taxes, as required by law: Unemployment Insurance tax, Social Security tax, Medicare tax and State and Federal with-holdings)
Business license and necessary state licensure (some states require dept. of health license)
Worker's Compensation Insurance
Professional Liability Insurance
Fidelity Bond Insurance (sometimes referred to as "theft" insurance)
Active Management of the Caregiver through a direct Supervisor or Manager
Plan of Care
Criminal Background Check performed on all Employees
Training for Caregivers
24-Hour On-Call Service
You should interview the Care Manager over the home and setup a time for a home senior care assessment, which will allow you to learn about the company's approach to care and how they will assign and manage the caregiver.

All senior home happinesslifetime.com care agencies will conduct criminal backgound checks and make sure the employee meets the requirements of the I-9 employment form (as required by U.S. employment law).

Other questions to ask the senior happinesslifetime.com home care agency:

What training is provided for the caregiver
Is a telephony time card provided (where the caregiver calls in to the agency when they arrive and when they leave, making sure the caregiver arrives and leaves on time)
Do they provide a home assessment to consider what other supplies and equipment may be needed?
Do they provide Care Management services to assist with doctor's visits and ongoing care needs?
What other quality service providers can they connect you with (such as grocery delivery, pharmacy delivery)?
Even when care services are needed at the last minute, it is valuable to make sure you are receiving care from a company that meets these caregiverlist.com/AgencyAdvantages.aspx quality standards.

Julie A. Northcutt, President of Caregiverlist.com, works to connect seniors and their loved ones with quality senior care options and caregivers with employment opportunities. Caregiverlist.com provides information on elderly care and assists in finding premier senior home care agencies by qualifying your care needs and required services. caregiverlist.com caregiverlist.com

All About Finding a Mortgage

It is almost certain that you would need a greeneasylife.com mortgage loan to fund the purchase of your dream home. Finding the right mortgage to fit your income and risk profile is an important step towards realizing your dream. You have two options available to find a mortgage. You may either directly approach a bank or a mortgage lending institution or you may adopt the route of going through a mortgage broker. Whatever route you might choose, it is advisable to retrieve your credit rating score from all the 3 credit rating agencies.

 

When you approach a bank or mortgage lending institution directly, the officials process your mortgage application form, do necessary credit checks and design a greeneasylife.com mortgage loan according to your repayment capability. Hence it is an individual who chooses the bank or the lending institution that he approaches. If you adopt the route of going through a mortgage broker, you are leaving it to the broker to decide the best lender for you depending upon your personal income and risk profile. The mortgage broker gets a fee from the lender based on how good the deal is for the lender. It is hence advisable to approach about 2-3 mortgage brokers and see who can offer you the best deal. Most of the online advertisements for real estate financing are actually from mortgage brokers.

 

The biggest decision that drives the selection of mortgage is invariably the interest rates. The interest rates are typically based on the scenario of demand and supply of money. It is an extremely complex exercise to predict the direction of interest rates and hence it is best left to an expert. In case of an Adjustable Rate Mortgage or ARM as it is commonly known, the monthly repayment is based on an interest rate that may change depending upon an underlying index. As the borrower you benefit in case the interest rates go down and loose in case the interest rates in the economy inch upwards. Understand the terms and conditions of an ARM carefully. Most importantly you need to know at what periods your interest rates are changed based on the economic index. On the other end of the spectrum you have a Fixed Rate Mortgage. In case of a Fixed Rate Mortgage, the interest rate remains fixed during the entire tenure of the loan. The Fixed Rate mortgage carries an interest rate higher than the ARMs. The process of deciding between a fixed rate and an adjustable rate mortgage is a complex one and should be left best to professional guidance. Seek the help of the Bank or the lending institution to decide on the type of mortgage you should opt.

 

Arranging for a pre-qualification letter is the most suitable option for the borrower. As soon as you decide to buy a property, one must organize for a pre-qualification letter even though you may not finalized the property. Better still, would be to convert this pre-qualification into pre-approval and your negotiation power increases tremendously while finalizing not only your mortgage interest but also the final purchase price of the property.

Amazing Real Estate deals at allsouthernphoenixmetrorealestate.com Southern Phoenix Metro Homes or allsuncityrealestate.com Sun City Real Estate.

Finding A Good Home Nursing Job Has Great Prospects

It is an acknowledged fact that in America, the number of aging people is higher, as well as greying persons, compared to the younger generation in what is called a population ratio of aged versus young. This is a source of worry for the Administration, irrespective of the political polarities. One of the key factors for this has been the higher level of medical care, combined with a lower birth rate, as families tend to disintegrate, and couples prefer not to have children, as far as possible. These are borne out by statistics, but that is not is the issue here.

But the above has its implications. As humans age, so does their medical and para medical aid requirement increases. In fact, most life insurance and medihappinesslifetime.com care insurance companies are quite worried about this trend. Surely, you would have read about it. it's a fact. And that proves an opportunity for you.

If you are a qualified nurse, or a degree, experience or education in medicare, you should find yourself finding a job quite fast. And of your choice too.

There are numerous facilities that care for the aged. In fact, they have flourished in the last decade, as the aged cannot or are not able to be cared for by their children, and prefer to be put in a care home, where they can be with their own age group, and spend their twilight years in good harmonious surroundings. Of course, jobs in these facilities are tough. There is a lot of trauma involved in emotions, age-related trauma, medication, para medical care in helping those who need help in eating, washing, cleaning, walking, or being wheeled around. Some have difficulty in speech, some are silent, brooding, some are vicious, because of the wounds they have suffered, pensiveness, and so forth. You know it better as a nurse or as a para medic.

The pay is good, better than the average, and the times off are also quite compensatory. The management of these special care homes value the staff, and see that you are taken care of.

The other type of job is in the private clinics, which also abound. In these too, you can find yourself a good job, given the increasing level of specialization that is coming in rapidly. Here too, you would find nursing homes attached which cater to the specialized treatment required. Again, since this would be a specialized center, you cannot expect to have a cushy job. The pay would be good, and the management would certainly prefer to have you happy. But again, you have to deal with various traumatic ailments/diseases, and have to lend more than a nursing hand. You have to provide emotional support, and apart from the usual medical dispensation you have to provide, you may also be required to provide moral support.

Another opportunity that has arisen is that of home care nursing. This requires you to stay with the patient at the residence with them, and provide both nursing and para medical care. Obviously, your pay would be much higher, comfortable living, and having to care for one or two geriatrics generally, or even a younger child with an ailment. This works well for those who find themselves getting emotionally involved with the various trauma normally seen in private nursing homes, and in special care centers. But the level of care is certainly the same. What makes the difference is that you have to take care of only one or two people, and it is certainly easier.

To find these kinds of jobs is fairly simple. You could register with a private nursing agency, or scan the newspapers for ads. In taking up home nursing jobs, you are advised to exercise caution; make sure the owners are good people, and have a good reputation. It would not be worth it if you are subjected to any kind of harassment, especially sexual advances. It is better to check them out before taking up these kinds of jobs.

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