NASE in the News

Self-Employed for Seniors

Wendy Miller is the owner and Principal of Annapolis Senior Care Solutions located in Annapolis, Maryland. Additionally, she holds her LCSW-C license and is an approved supervisor through the State of Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners. Annapolis Senior Care Solutions specializes in helping seniors maximize their quality of life. Their goal is to provide seniors and their families counsel about lifestyle choices and services that maximize health and wellbeing. Wendy has been a member since 2014!

What inspired you to enter the field you are in?
I have always enjoyed helping people, which is why I pursued an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Social Work. I began specializing in working with seniors early in my Social Work career through various medical and senior residential settings where I was working. I recently gained my certification as an Aging Care Specialist™, as I wanted to focus more closely on geriatric care management services for seniors and their families.

When and why did you start your business?
I officially launched my own business, Annapolis Senior Care Solutions, a geriatric care management practice, in the fall of 2015. This was a concept I had in mind for many years, as I have always wanted to solely focus my professional expertise on helping seniors and their families make sound decisions about the best way to successfully age.

What challenges have you faced in your business? How have you overcome them?
The emotional attachment to your own business’s success can be challenging at times. I overcome this by surrounding myself with supportive friends and colleagues who encourage me as needed.

How do you market your business?
I market Annapolis Senior Care Solutions through social media and several local print newsletters and publications targeted at seniors in my service area. I also regularly network with any and all local providers of senior care including assisted living and nursing facilities, home care companies, elder law attorneys and financial planners.

Do you have any employees?
No, I do not have any other employees; however, plan to add employees as needed as my business grows.

What's your schedule like, what's a typical day for you?
My typical day is usually divided into two parts. The first part involves client visits, phone consultations and clinical follow up as needed. The second part of the day is dedicated to marketing and business operations.

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received from a client?
I have had many clients tell me that I truly have helped them and/or their family members during a challenging time. This is what I truly care about and it is gratifying when someone shares with me how I helped them.

What’s the best thing about being self-employed?
The best thing about being self-employed is that I can focus on the type of work that I feel I best excel at, and I also have the opportunity to learn about various aspects of business development that I had not worked directly in previously. 

What’s the most important piece of advice you would give to someone starting their own business?
I would advise anyone starting a business to identify colleagues and professionals who can act as mentors during this process. I would also advise to be financially prepared to reinvest early profits back into your business in order to further grow your business.