AOTA Approved Continuing Education Course (0.4 CEUs)
Steve Hoffacker LLC is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval pending. This distance learning–interactive activity is offered at 0.4 CEUs, introductory educational level for Category Two, Professional Issues. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
Course Overview: Entrepreneurial Aging in Place Services
This half-day (0.4 CEUs and 4 Contact Hours) elective class of original material by Master CAPS Instructor and AOTA Approved Provider Steve Hoffacker expresses business lessons learned first-hand through years of professional practice.
The course was created to address the needs of occupational therapists and other professionals as an introductory-level class in Contemporary Issues & Trends for Category Two, Professional Issues. The design guides professionals through an exploration of opportunities to leverage CAPS training to provide non-clinical services in the home and community for aging-in-place individuals, regardless of ability or dwelling type.
Who This Course Is For
This course is appropriate for:
- Occupational Therapists
- Physical Therapists
- Consultants
- Interior Designers
- Real Estate Agents
- Home Organizers
- Professionals interested in private practice or entrepreneurial aging-in-place services
Prerequisites & Recommendations
There is no prerequisite for this course, but completing the CAPS designation program is recommended. While non-CAPS professionals may take the course, some references to CAPS material are included and may be helpful.
Live Zoom Course Format
This course is offered as a live Zoom, synchronous, interactive distance learning class using PowerPoint. It is not self-paced, pre-recorded, or recorded for later viewing.
Continuing Education Credit Details
This is not a required class for any designation but provides 4 hours of continuing education for professionals who self-report CEUs.
Currently, CEU hours count for:
- AOTA
- APTA
- NAHB
- AIBD
- NKBA
- Possibly other professional organizations
Course Focus & Professional Emphasis
The class was prepared especially for occupational and physical therapists, design professionals, remodelers, and others interested in creating entrepreneurial ventures serving both professionals and the public.
This course is not limited to any particular occupation or country, though it places a strong emphasis on the role of occupational therapists in providing aging-in-place services. As this is a newer professional direction for clinical OTs, the material is introductory but highly relatable and valuable.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the program, participants will be able to:
- State the challenges in creating a business model for client services
- Name and describe four key safeguards for starting a practice
- Contrast clinical environments with entrepreneurial private practice
- Discuss marketplace demand for private occupational therapy services
- Describe how to create a community-based occupational therapy business
- Explain why private practice can be a worthwhile pursuit
- Cite ways to deliver services in non-clinical settings
- Recall the most important factor in creating an independent delivery system
- Relate how to be effective outside traditional work environments
Course Agenda
- Section 1: Introduction (9:00–9:30)
- Section 2: The Model (9:30–10:30)
- Section 3: The Execution (10:40–11:25)
- Section 4: The Opportunities (11:25–12:00; 12:10–12:50)
- Section 5: Epilog (12:50–1:00)
- Questions & Post-Course Evaluation: (1:00–1:10)
Successful Course Completion Requirements
Successful completion requires:
- Attendance for the entire event
- Participation in activities and discussions
- An active camera during the session
- A minimum 70% passing score on in-class knowledge/skill checks
Accessibility & Accommodations
Anyone requiring special accommodations for vision, hearing, or comprehension speed should contact Steve prior to the class or use the accessibility widget on the website.
Class Size & Registration Policy
To maintain an interactive format and allow time for questions, class sizes are intentionally kept small. Registration may close once the optimal class size is reached. Additional offerings of this class are available.
Disclosure Statement
Steve receives no compensation from any brands or companies mentioned and has no financial interest in any outside organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is this class all about and why was it created?
A: CAPS professionals, especially non-construction individuals and healthcare professionals such as OTs and PTs, ask how they can start a consulting business and how they can make money. Part of this is address in the “Beyond Your CAPS” class, but this specific one-of-a-kind class focuses on the business essentials, marketing, and legal considerations of starting and growing any size of consulting venture.
Q: How is this class different from other business classes, and how will this help me?
A: Depending on the product, service, and scope, there are many business development and management classes available. However, this is the only one that focus on what you need to begin and run a CAPS consulting and services venture effectively. Even at that, it’s a solid introduction but not a complete blueprint or template. It provides the tools for you to use.
Q: In general, what is the focus of the business essentials class?
A: This class looks at the organization, sales, marketing, and precautionary considerations of launching and growing an aging in place consulting business, from the initial concept onward. Business experience is not necessary or even assumed, but those with some business background will appreciate some of the references and illustrations.
Q: Will this class get into specifics of how to launch and grow a business?
A: Yes. Since the presumption is that having a consulting business is relatively new to you, even though you may have years of technical, practical, or clinical experience, this class develops different important topics and considerations for you to include as part of a successful business.
Q: What is the benefit of taking this class?
A: This class addresses the formation of a CAPS or aging in place consulting business including whom you might want to serve and how to connect with them. Legal considerations, including specific clauses, protections, and waivers are addressed. The different types of business entities and the benefits of each are explored.
