Home Care Marketing Show With Valerie V

Send us a textTrust isn't optional in home care—it's everything. When families search for care providers, the overwhelming majority look to online reviews as their north star. A staggering 94% of consumers consider these reviews trustworthy guides in their search for senior care services, with most expecting at least five reviews before they'll even consider a provider.The math is beautifully simple: more quality reviews lead directly to more qualified leads choosing your agency over competitors. But the challenge lies in systematically capturing feedback at the right moments. Unlike retail experiences, home care satisfaction can shift dramatically from one day to the next. That's why timing is everything—when a family member calls to express how much they love their caregiver, that peak satisfaction moment is your golden opportunity to request a review.Strategic implementation makes all the difference. Using multi-channel approaches—personalized texts, emails, thank-you cards with QR code

Send us a textWhen an elderly person falls, it often triggers a devastating cascade that extends far beyond physical injury. The statistics are alarming—one in four adults over 65 falls each year, with falls being the leading cause of emergency room visits and hospitalizations. For home care agencies, this represents both a critical mission and an exceptional growth opportunity.Our latest Mastery Circle delves into comprehensive fall prevention strategies that position your agency as a proactive safety partner rather than just a care provider. We explore how implementing these approaches creates a powerful win-win: seniors stay safer in their homes while agencies build stronger referral relationships, particularly with hospitals and rehabilitation facilities eager to reduce readmissions.The episode covers practical tools for success, including proper caregiver training techniques, home safety assessment protocols, and effective marketing strategies tailored for Fall Prevention Month. Our experts share insight

Send us a textThe most successful home care agencies don't choose between digital marketing and in-person relationship building – they master both. This comprehensive strategy session reveals why combining these approaches is essential for maximizing private pay revenue in today's market.The digital landscape has transformed how families find home care. Even when receiving professional recommendations, 95% of families will research your agency online before making contact. Your website, Google Business Profile, and online reviews create critical first impressions that either build trust or send prospects to competitors. However, digital presence alone isn't enough.Social workers and discharge planners at skilled nursing facilities won't refer vulnerable seniors without face-to-face relationships. These healthcare professionals need to trust not just your company, but the people behind it. Building these relationships takes strategy, consistency, and typically five to seven meaningful touch

Send us a textDementia care represents one of the most significant opportunities for home care agencies looking to differentiate themselves in today's competitive marketplace. While most providers claim to offer memory care services, few deliver the comprehensive, specialized support that families desperately need.Creating a structured, branded dementia program transforms how your agency serves clients and positions itself in your community. This isn't about simply adding "Alzheimer's care" to your service list – it's about developing a formal, named program that communicates expertise and inspires trust. Whether you call it "Memory Care Program," "Moments of Joy," or another distinctive name, what matters is backing that program with specialized training, tools, and approaches that deliver measurably better outcomes.The foundation of exceptional dementia care starts with caregiver training and retention. Partnering with organizations like the Alzheimer's

Send us a textTrust is the foundation of successful home care marketing, but brand recall seals the deal. When discharge planners face walls lined with identical brochures from countless agencies, what makes yours the one they remember and call?Our panel of seasoned home care experts dives into the strategies that convert marketing efforts into actual census growth. From structured territory planning using Medicare.gov's facility directory to perfectly timed Google review requests (hint: the two-week sweet spot matters more than you think), we unpack the mechanics of building referral relationships that actually produce results.Perhaps most valuable is the panel's candid discussion about increasing revenue from current clients—a growth opportunity many agencies overlook. The systematic approach to reassessments after facility stays, training caregivers to spot changing needs, and framing conversations around enhanced safety rather than "upselling" provides a blueprint for ethical census bu

Send us a textThe digital marketing landscape for home care agencies is experiencing a seismic shift as AI-powered search transforms how potential clients find care services. Valerie Van Booven delivers a compelling deep dive into this new reality where traditional SEO tactics alone no longer guarantee visibility.When someone searches "How much does home care cost in St. Louis?" or "Can I get paid to care for a family member in Nebraska?", Google and ChatGPT now provide comprehensive answers directly at the top of search results—often without users needing to click through to any website. This fundamentally changes the game for home care agencies seeking to connect with potential clients online.Through real-world examples and screenshots, Valerie demonstrates how agencies that create structured, authoritative content addressing real client questions consistently appear in these AI-generated summaries. The agencies winning in this new environment aren't just focusing on location-based

Send us a textWhen a loved one receives an Alzheimer's diagnosis, families often feel overwhelmed and uncertain where to turn. For home care agencies serving these families, having the right resources and training can make all the difference in providing compassionate, effective care. That's where the Alzheimer's Association comes in.In this enlightening conversation with Claire Corwin, Program Director of the Alzheimer's Association, we uncover the wealth of free resources available to both home care agencies and the families they serve. Claire, whose journey began while caring for her own grandmother, shares her expertise on everything from specialized dementia training programs to emotional support services."We want to make sure we're maximizing quality care and support for people living with dementia," Claire explains, highlighting the Association's mission to accelerate research while supporting those affected today. Home care agencies can access free educational p

Send us a textEver wondered why some healthcare marketers effortlessly secure meetings while others struggle to get past the front desk? This eye-opening training demonstration reveals the stark contrast between ineffective and successful approaches when engaging facility gatekeepers.Through a revealing side-by-side comparison, we expose common mistakes that doom marketing visits before they begin: disheveled appearance, lack of preparation, overlooking the receptionist's identity, and failing to differentiate your services. These seemingly minor errors signal disorganization and disrespect, creating barriers that even the best services can't overcome.The transformation begins with simple yet powerful adjustments. Professional presentation immediately elevates credibility. Learning and using the receptionist's name creates genuine connection with someone who influences access. Coming prepared with organized materials and business cards demonstrates competence. Most critically, clearly articulat

Send us a textBreaking through the noise in healthcare marketing requires more than persistence—it demands a fundamental shift in approach. This eye-opening training video reveals the stark contrast between ineffective marketing tactics and strategies that genuinely resonate with skilled nursing facility staff.Watch as we demonstrate a typical failed interaction: rushing into a social worker's office, using inappropriate terminology (calling patients "clients"), focusing exclusively on services rather than solutions, and completely disregarding the professional's limited time. The cold shoulder that follows is inevitable and all too familiar to many healthcare marketers.Then witness the transformation that occurs when the same representative returns with a solution-focused approach. By introducing a specialized "discharge package" designed specifically for patients transitioning home from skilled nursing facilities, the conversation shifts dramatically. What makes this approach s

Send us a textYour home care website isn't just a digital brochure—it's your most powerful lead generation tool when properly optimized. In this comprehensive session, we unpack the essential elements that transform an ordinary website into a conversion machine that makes your phone ring consistently with qualified leads.Website speed emerged as the non-negotiable foundation of digital success. Since Google's shift to mobile-first indexing in 2018, sites loading in under two seconds receive preferential ranking while sluggish websites get "the side eye" from search engines. We explore practical tools like GTmetrix that measure your site's performance and highlight specific improvements to implement immediately.The mobile experience deserves your focused attention with 70% of web traffic now coming from smartphones and tablets. When adult children search for home care solutions—often from hospital rooms during moments of crisis—they need thumb-friendly navigation, instant-access p

Send us a textThe most challenging moment in home care isn't finding clients—it's when you're sitting across from a hesitant senior who firmly believes they "don't need help." This candid discussion among veteran home care professionals reveals the psychology behind resistance and provides actionable strategies for turning objections into agreements.When you walk into a senior's home for an assessment, you're likely to encounter pushback. Industry experts share that approximately 85% of seniors initially resist home care, regardless of how evident the need may be to their families or healthcare providers. The resistance isn't stubbornness—it's rooted in fear, pride, and a generation's deeply held values about independence.This masterclass breaks down the most common objections with remarkable clarity: "I don't need help," "I'm not ready yet," "I don't want strangers in my house," "It's too expensive,&

Send us a textReady to transform your home care marketing strategy? Dive into the world of video content that's changing how agencies connect with clients and families.The digital landscape has shifted dramatically, with 85% of internet users watching video monthly and 72% preferring video over text when learning about services. Yet most home care competitors are missing this golden opportunity, relying on text-heavy websites and traditional marketing approaches that fail to create emotional connections. This creates a perfect opening for agencies willing to embrace video marketing.Valerie Van Booven, registered nurse and co-owner of Approved Senior Network, breaks down why video marketing isn't just a trend—it's essential for home care agencies looking to build trust and stand out. She addresses the common fears that keep owners from getting started: camera shyness, disliking your own voice, and concerns about equipment or editing skills. The reassuring message? You don't need to be perfe

Send us a textBuilding an effective home care marketing and sales team requires more than just hiring the right people—it demands creating systems that scale as your agency grows. Whether you're a solo owner-operator handling all aspects of marketing or managing multiple marketers across a larger organization, the foundations remain the same.The cornerstone of successful home care marketing lies in three key elements: a compelling differentiator, deep understanding of referral sources, and unwavering consistency. Your differentiator answers the crucial question skilled nursing facility staff often ask: "Why should I work with you when I already have relationships with dozens of other agencies?" Without a clear, meaningful response, you'll struggle to gain traction in competitive markets.Qualifying your referral sources emerges as a critical strategy for maximizing limited marketing time. Using Medicare.gov to identify facilities with higher percentages of Medicare patients (versus Medicaid

Send us a textEver wonder what truly separates successful home care marketers from those who struggle to generate referrals? This candid roundtable discussion brings together three powerhouse veterans with over 60 years of combined experience who've helped grow agencies from startup to multi-million dollar operations.Annette, Dawn, and Lisa reveal the psychology behind building trust with referral sources and why the strongest relationships can withstand occasional hiccups. They explain why being "pleasantly persistent" trumps aggressive sales tactics, and how taking those dreaded Friday afternoon discharges that other agencies avoid can put you on a social worker's speed dial.You'll discover why qualifying referral sources and organizing your routes by zip code dramatically increases efficiency, and why your agency needs a genuine differentiator beyond the usual "our caregivers really care" messaging. The panel shares honest insights about what personality traits make someo

Send us a textLinkedIn has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a static resume repository into a dynamic platform where home care professionals can build personal brands, forge meaningful connections, and generate qualified leads. As Valerie Van Booven explains, "LinkedIn today is like that high school nerd who hit the gym, got a stylist, and now runs a startup." This evolution presents incredible opportunities for home care agency owners and marketers who understand how to leverage the platform effectively.The most powerful strategy on LinkedIn today is storytelling over selling. Rather than posting generic service descriptions, successful agencies share client success stories, behind-the-scenes glimpses of agency operations, and practical wisdom from years in the trenches. Video content performs exceptionally well, even when shot simply on a smartphone. As Valerie emphasizes, "You don't need fancy gear, you just need that phone in your hand."Building both your perso

Send us a textThe wave of long-term care insurance claims is rapidly approaching, and home care agencies need to be prepared. With nearly 4 million policies written between 1995-2005, we're entering a period where these policyholders—now in their peak claim years of 80-85—are seeking home care services in record numbers.Bill Comfort, with over three decades of experience in long-term care insurance, walks us through the critical steps agencies must take to successfully work with these valuable clients. First and foremost is understanding whether your agency qualifies as an eligible provider under various policy definitions. While many policies use the term "home health care" generically, the actual definitions vary widely. Most policies specify providers must be "licensed by the state if licensure is required"—a crucial distinction for agencies in non-licensure states.Documentation emerges as perhaps the most critical factor in successful claims management. Agencies must carefully doc

Send us a textUnlock the secrets of mastering home care marketing in 2025 with the expertise of Valerie Van Booven, who shares insights from her 17 years of industry experience. Ever wondered how to make your website not just functional but also a lead-generating powerhouse? Valerie humorously critiques the common design pitfalls to avoid while offering tips on creating visually appealing, user-friendly sites that even the most tech-averse can navigate. Learn how to balance the art of online branding with real-world engagements to leave a memorable impact on your community and prospective clients.Explore the dual channels of lead generation: the power of professional referrals and the nuances of capturing direct consumer inquiries, predominantly through strategic phone communication. Discover the value of well-placed website forms and how well-trained staff can act as your frontline marketers, making phone conversations a pivotal part of lead acquisition. Valerie delves into the significance of SEO, social me

Send us a textUnlock the secrets to boosting your home care business's online presence with expert insights from Valerie Van Booven. Imagine capturing the attention of potential clients even before they realize they need your services—Valerie guides you through the intricacies of SEO, ensuring you bypass common scams and harness the power of strategic keyword research. Discover how a well-optimized website and an updated Google Business Profile can set you apart in a competitive market, while targeting less competitive long-tail keywords to enhance your visibility.Ever wondered why some home care brands like Visiting Angels and Home Instead consistently outperform the rest? Learn how to use Google Ads effectively, despite the challenges posed by job seekers, and why brand recognition should take precedence over generic search terms. Valerie shares invaluable tips on leveraging tools like SEMrush and harnessing the potential of AI in search results, ensuring your brand stays ahead in the evolving digital

Send us a textHow can we redefine home care to ensure a seamless experience for both clients and caregivers? This episode promises to transform your understanding of managing client relationships and caregiver safety. Journey with us as we unravel strategies for building trust, overcoming communication barriers, and differentiating your agency in a competitive market. Our dedicated team members, Lisa, Dawn, and Annette, share their wealth of experience, while Valerie's expertise in online resources continues to guide us, even in her absence.Explore the intricacies of safety regulations in home care with a focus on navigating the legal landscape across states like Arizona and New York. We delve into the art of value selling, emphasizing the benefits of personalized care over cost concerns, and provide solutions for handling pricing objections. Learn how predictive investigation can prepare caregivers for home visits, ensuring they're informed about potential challenges and ready to meet client needs

Send us a textUnlock the secrets of growing your private pay home care business with insights from industry experts Dawn Fiala, Annette Ziegler, and Lisa Marsolais of the Approved Senior Network's Mastery Circle. We dive into actionable strategies for building trust and fostering relationships with referral sources, emphasizing the importance of understanding the offerings of potential partners and mastering industry knowledge. Discover how effective communication and consistent outreach can transform your home care marketing efforts and propel your business forward.Our conversation explores creative ways to stand out in a competitive field, particularly during the winter season and holidays. From structured support to reduce hospital readmissions to inventive holiday marketing, find out how you can support caregivers and ensure wellness among seniors. Whether it's sparkling cider giveaways or themed Valentine's Day gifts, we share innovative ideas to engage healthcare partners and enhance your