I am newly embarking on my own home care business. Before I can be licensed or anything I need a name for my business!! I need it to end with "Home Care" or "support services" or "living assistance." I will be providing companions, homemakers, etc. to the elderly, disabled, new moms, etc. Any ideas on that first word???? I don't want to spend a lot of time on this but it seems I am.

Spending a good deal of time on naming your business is paramount to the business success, in my humble opinion. It will brand you, follow you, describe you, and provide the clients with a positive OR negative feeling. It would/should/could give the potential clients searching for your time of service a "heads up" that you are the one! It might make or break how you show up in the list of "searches done on the Internet. Very important.

So I think spending time on making the right choice for a name is crucial.

One thing you might do is a simple "google" using the buzz words you've described above. What have other people named their businesses that provide the same service as you? How high up are they in the search listings on MSN, GOOGLE, YAHOO, AOL, ETC.?

Then again, it could be that you've already done this and the words you've highlighted above ARE the most used. In that case, you could simplify your business cards, flyers, give-a-ways (in the future) and other promo items by just adding initials in front of the biz...like LJ Home Care (LadyJane Home Care) or something of that nature.

What logo design do you have? Captialize on the name there, if you haven't already. Its a big consideration. I wouldn't move forward until that was in place.

ps---once you get a name chosen, make sure it isn't already taken....

How about Granny Nannies or use your first name (to make it personal)

I believe you're in Maine right ???
Check out this link and do a name search to make sure it's not already taken -- and to get some ideas ;-)
https://icrs.informe.org/nei-sos-icrs/ICRS

Thanks to all the thinkers here....such great advice. I had a couple of names in mind....Oasis Living Assistance, Home Care, etc. My hubby said it sounds like a bar or a watering hole...hehehe Still, I liked the word. Hmmm...also came up with "Merit." But the queen's suggestion of seeing what comes up first in a search is a great idea. I had already done that but wasn't thinking about what pops up first. Of course, I will get a trademark to make sure whatever it is is mine. Wish it would such strike me and be good....if you have anymore ideas, keep 'em coming....thanks!

lionspaaw, a big thanks for the site you suggested....so easy to check out all the possibilities!!

The online thesaurus is a great place to look for unique words and ideas too:

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s279/andyandopie/sing.jpg

Let's say you want the word "Oasis" here are some other options with the same meaning:

haven, retreat, sanctuary, refuge, resort

And for the word "special":

choice, distinct, gala, festive, exceptional, exclusive, notable, paramount, surpass

Not that you'll want any of those words, but you can get some good ideas there. (I actually like the word "haven")

Kathy

Yes, I've kept the word "haven" rolling around, too because I like it so much! I've been doing the online thesaurus for a week or so now.

I was told that my editing, etc. business needed a name and the same way book titles pop into my head, so did my business name: WRITERS SERVICES...Short and sweet, and since I edit, critique, proofread, teach, ghostwrite, copywrite, and even more services for writers. It fits!

ladyjane, you mentioned that you didn't want to spend a long time on this but you are. That's a good thing. The name is so important, and so is your logo. What are you thinking of at this time? Maybe we can brainstorm a little more with you. The idea for your business is a good one. All the boomers are trying to take care of our parents and some need help because siblings may be in far away towns.