As the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” This phrase can also be extended to busy families on the go. The world is a busy place, and our place in it can often be hectic and overwhelming.
Between work, kids, pets, and taking care of aging family members, we need to admit that we sometimes need help. After all, you’re only one person. Even the most organized person with the ability to delegate some tasks to spouses and children can’t do it all.
Sometimes unexpected needs arise, and you may need the help of experienced professionals. Luckily, there’s a lot of help out there for super busy people with a full dance card. In this blog, we’ll discuss essential professionals that every family should stay in touch with.
1. Doggy Day Care
If you’ve got a four-legged family member, then doggy daycare is worth considering. As much as you love your pets and try to include them in your activities, it’s just not always possible. Having a reliable and caring place for your furry friend to hang out and be taken care of is essential for busy families on the go.
Luckily, doggy day cares are more popular than ever, and you’ll likely have a few to choose from near your home. You’ll want to ask around and look at reviews before leaving your pup. Be sure they offer the services you require, like one-time or occasional drop-offs.
Many people use doggy day care daily, so some may not have one-time care options. Ask about outdoor time and walks. Do they offer playtime and socialization with other dogs? Make sure to inquire about feeding procedures and if they supply all needed items.
If you can try to use a place that has a dog daycare with webcam abilities. This will help ease your mind when leaving your precious pup. You’ll need to do your part as well, ensuring that your dog is up-to-date with vaccinations and is well-behaved around other dogs and humans.
2. Real Estate Agent
If you’re one of those busy families on the go, you may be thinking of expanding your living space. Whether you’re looking for new homes with large yards or apartments near school for your child, employing the help of a real estate agent can help take the pressure off of finding a new place to live. Once you’ve found a great agent, you should consider keeping them on the speed dial for any other needs you may have.
They can help you find apartments for kids, assist in selling the homes of older family members, and find smaller homes for them. They can even help find spaces for businesses or services you may want to launch. A real estate is like a lawyer or doctor. They know your needs and wants and over time can build a positive relationship with you.
3. Medicaid Lawyer
Many times people may need the help of Medicaid to help pay for medical care. Whether you’ve been laid off and lost benefits or you have an elderly parent on a fixed income, Medicaid can help make your life easier. But getting these insurance benefits from the government is not always easy.
There’s often a lot of red tape and paperwork to sift through. It can be confusing and frustrating, so this is where an attorney experienced in Medicaid legal service can come in handy. When you’re not feeling well, the last thing you need is doctor’s bills piling up, or worse, not being able to obtain the proper care because you can’t afford it.
An attorney with expertise in this area will also be able to ensure that the assets you and your loved ones have worked so hard to build over the years are protected from long-term care facilities, while you wait for your benefits to be processed. Often, nursing homes and rehab facilities will attempt to use your home or savings as collateral for services. Your lawyer will ensure that doesn’t happen.
4. Estate Planning Lawyer
If you’ve got assets like a home, and a family, at some point you’ll need the help of an estate planning attorney to help you with your wishes for the future. Lawyers who specialize in estate planning can help you with a letter of intent, which is basically a notarized letter that outlines your final wishes for funeral plans, what happens if you become incapacitated, and who will be the executor of your will. An attorney will also help you to fill out personal attorney documents and write your will.
If you have children, it’s vital that you discuss guardianship with family and friends, and decide who will care for your kids if the need arises. Your attorney will help you fill out the paperwork and file it in court. Nobody particularly enjoys this part, but having everything in place and settled long before you go can be a huge weight off your mind. An estate lawyer is essential in helping ensure your wishes are met, legal, and recognized by the court.
5. Dentist
Another essential professional family on the go will want on their speed dial is a good dentist. While searching for this professional, try to find local dentists who also have emergency and urgent care. Their office should be equipped with X-ray machines and surgical abilities. This is important when you have children, an elderly relative, or even a clumsy spouse.
You never know when someone may trip and lose a tooth, get hit with a ball and knock a tooth loose, or split a lip and need stitches. A dentist can help with all that and more. You’ll want to visit your local dentist at least twice a year for an exam and cleaning. This can help prevent serious issues that can take up valuable time and be costly as well.
6. Ear Doctor
Ear doctors generally fall under the category of ear, nose, and throat specialists (ENT). They are helpful professionals to have on hand for active families on the go. They are medical doctors who specialize in the anatomy and functioning of the ear and the surrounding area. They can help treat and relieve issues like ear infections, fluid stuck in the ear canal, and allergies due to pets and the environment.
If you’re having difficulty with ringing or wax buildup, an ear doctor will be able to prescribe medicine to help. These physicians can also perform auditory evaluations if you’re having difficulty hearing. They will assess your needs and refer you to be fitted for assistive devices if needed.
7. Garage Door Company
If you’re a homeowner, chances are you’ve got a garage that gets a regular workout. In fact, for families on the go, it probably gets as much use as the front door. Between moving cars in and out several times a day, kids getting bikes and play equipment, and adults retrieving lawn care and gardening tools, that door can suffer a lot of stress.
At some point, you’ll probably need to call a few local garage door companies for estimates on repairs or replacements. When searching for a garage door company, ask for recommendations and search for reviews online. Be sure to ask the company if they are insured and offer a guarantee on their work. Ask to see a portfolio and request references. All reputable companies will be happy to provide these items.
You need your garage door to be sturdy and safe, so do your research. Another aspect to consider is if you plan on turning your garage into a spare living space. More and more people are transforming their garages into offices, home gyms, and rec rooms. A good garage door company will be able to help you choose the right doors for your new space.
8. Pest Control Company
From mice and squirrels to roaches and ants, most of us have some sort of pest infestation in our homes during our lifetime. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad housekeeper or your family is messy. Pests can invade for a variety of reasons, from construction to climate, so there’s no need to be embarrassed when you need home pest control services.
Consider having a pest inspection done before closing on a new home. Some homes may have hidden pests like termites that should be eradicated before you move in. The current owner will be responsible for paying the company as well as any repairs for termite damage.
Once you’re in your new home, it’s a good idea to have a pest control company come at least once a year to do an inspection to ensure you have no issues. If you do, they can easily set traps for vermin like mice, rats, and squirrels. They can also spray for insects, as well as find and destroy the nests.
A good company will take into consideration any children and pets in the home and use the appropriate methods. While you’ve got your pest control person looking at the inside of your house, don’t forget to have them check out the outside too. Pests love to take up residence under decks, sheds, and woodpiles. That can turn happy family time outside into a nightmare. Many pests can also carry diseases that can make your family and pets sick, so pest control professionals are vital to your home.
9. Family Lawyer
It’s never something we want to think we will need, but unfortunately, family attorneys are often necessary. If you’re in the middle of a divorce and you have children, chances are you’ll need a good attorney who specializes in family law. While you should try to mediate your situation outside of courtroom walls for the children, sometimes that’s just not possible.
An attorney will make sure that all evidence is presented properly and that you are treated as fairly as possible. They will take into consideration the best interest of your children, and agree with your spouse’s lawyer that is equitable on matters related to visitation, child support, and alimony. If you happen to be experiencing legal or substance issues that are interfering with custody, a lawyer can negotiate with the opposing lawyer and judge to get assistance, treatment, or anything else that’s needed to regain visitation.
Family attorneys can also help with domestic violence situations and restraining orders. They will also draw up pre-nuptial agreements for couples and ensure everyone can reach a mutual agreement. Being a family attorney is not all doom and gloom, they can also assist with the adoption process when couples are looking to add their happy families.
10. Family Photographer
In this day and age of digital electronics, it seems that everyone is an amateur photographer. We take countless pictures of everything from food and bugs to beer cans and cats. But how many of these pictures end up in a photo album, framed on our walls, or even on our desks at work?
There’s something to be said for visiting the good old-fashioned family portrait photographer. Going to a studio can allow you the individual attention your family needs to take a great photo together. Plus, a pro will have the right lighting, backdrop, and props you need to look your best and give you a unique picture.
A professional can also take the show on the road and come to your house or go to a park or other location for a shoot. A professional photographer can give you a choice of proofs to choose from and create a package to suit your needs and budget.
You may want to consider making a portrait photographer an essential professional to celebrate milestones and celebrations. It’s nice to have an annual family portrait done if you can. You may also want to hire a photographer for events like holiday cards, shower invitations, and birthday parties.
Busy families on the go should never hesitate to ask for help when needed. Staying in touch with this essential professional can go a long way in giving you peace of mind, staying healthy, and maintaining a great home.
