Is online chat a reputable source to provide real-time senior care of consulting?

That's the problem. It's hard to keep the professional boundaries with that mode. E-mail and even phone chats work better. I know caregivers are often strapped for money, but people who work in this area have to make a living too. Many of us would do it all free if we could. I answer tons of emails and don't charge, but I may have to set a limit there one day, as my time is my bread and butter. That said, I spent two decades where so many care givers are, and I truly do "feel their pain" – physical, emotional and financial.

I know instant answers and chat would be very welcome. It's implementing a way to make it happen that gets tricky, even for Web sites as well done as Agingcare.com


Carol

thanks, Carol, I used chat (Yahoo Messenger) to communicate with a client, who is a senior citizen. It was an effective way to communicate, although it became tricky to maintain my professional boundaries, the client became just a little too friendly for my liking.

HI Mark,
Do you mean with the caregiver? There are many coaches who do it by phone, but it can get expensive. As far as online chat, sometimes people connect on sites and start to use IM, but that needs to be between them as they have to exchange information. Many of us answer personal emails.

I think an IM session is a good idea, but it's not always possible, from the business perspective, on an ongoing basis. It could be very useful if it could be made to work.

Carol