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Senior Care Franchising USA January 2016

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Special Monthly supplement on Senior Care Franchising from Franchising USA.
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Franchising USA Page 57 FFFRANCHISINGFEATURE SENIOR CARE JANUARY 2016 SENIOR HOME CARE TOP FRANCHISE CHOICE OF THE FUTURE SENIOR HELPERS SEEKING ‘INTRAPRENEURS’
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Page 1: Senior Care Franchising USA January 2016

Franchising USA

Page 57

FranchisingFeatureSPoRTS & F ITNeSSS J u N E 2 0 1 5

FranchisingFeatureSeNIoR CARe JANuARY 2016

senior

hoMe care ToP franchise choice

of The fuTure

senior helpers seeking ‘inTraPreneurs’

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Franchising USA

what’s new!The service concept that drives Qualicare’s 360° Approach to homecare arose out of the founders’ experiences with ALS. So Qualicare has always been drawn to helping the ALS community. In 2013, they launched ALS Insights, a non-branded resource for families dealing with ALS.

Last year, almost every franchisee in their system took part in the Ice Bucket Challenge. And this fall, franchisees in all parts of North America took this commitment to a new level.

• Stacy Johnson and Doug Weigel from Qualicare Denver are deeply involved in the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the ALS Association. They sponsored the ALS Walk, created a Team and raised $2200, and are helping out behind the scenes on other events.

• Steve Kidwell and Linda Larson from Qualicare San Diego have worked with

the Greater San Diego chapter to provide caregiver training and support materials.

• Sheldon and Beth Crystal and the Qualicare Vaughan team have done everything including jumping out of airplanes for ALS Canada fundraising events.

• Bridget and Barry Whittaker of Qualicare Hendersonville arranged for Sara Crabtree to perform her song When You Whisper for the Nashville Chapter’s Walk.

For information about Qualicare’s 360° Approach and how you can be part of the Qualicare team, visit www.franchise.qualicare.com

IMAGE DESCRIPTION:

The Cornflower (Centaurea cyanis) is a native annual/ biennial plant from Mediterranean Europe. Representing positive hope for the future, the Cornflower is a humble reminder of nature’s simple beauty and the fullness of life’s cycle. The Blue Cornflower is to ALS what the Daffodil is to Cancer....

Qualicare family homecare HARNESSES THE POWER OF COMPASSION

they are the Flower of Hope for both diseases. The Blue Cornflower is the international flower of hope for ALS/ MND.

The Blue Cornflower plant is a very courageous plant, being able to stand up all the elements of nature (something many other plants cannot do) and the flower, with its star-like blossoms of brilliant blue, is one of our most striking wild-flowers. When you relate this to people with this disease, you can see that they have to also show courage (something that is not always easy) and strength of character to cope with the devastating changes that occur to the muscles in their bodies.

firstlight homecare NAMED TOP FRANCHISE CHOICE FOR VETERANS

FirstLight HomeCare, an award-winning non-medical home care franchise business, was recently chosen as a Top 100 Franchise Business for Veterans by Franchise Business Review magazine.

“FirstLight HomeCare is so proud to

have been named a Top 100 Franchise Business for Veterans in 2015,” said Bill McPherson, FirstLight HomeCare executive director of franchise development in a recent press release. “We believe our military veterans are a perfect match with the objectives of FirstLight.”

McPherson added, “These individuals have a wealth of skills and experiences as both leaders and team members – and the willingness to give their all for what they believe in. A home health care franchise is a perfect fit for many returning veterans.”

According to the International Franchise Association’s VetFran Initiative, http://www.vetfran.com/faq/, there are more than 66,000 veteran-owned franchises,

accounting for one in seven franchises in the U.S.

“With FirstLight, franchisees benefit from a low start-up cost, exclusive protected territories, and the best training in the industry,” said McPherson. “We started FirstLight in 2010, and were recently honored to be named as an Entrepreneur Magazine Top 500 franchise. We have positioned our business to offer the best possible opportunity for people with the desire to run a successful home care business and make a difference at the same time.”

For more information about FirstLight,

visit www.firstlightfranchise.com.

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In 2015, BrightStar Care – a national

private duty in-home care franchise –

opened 25 new locations and surpassed

the 300-location milestone since it

started franchising in 2006. In 2016, the

business plans to grow to 350 locations

across the country and extend the

brand into international markets.

“Families have so many choices when they seek home care for their loved ones, and we are proud to offer them ‘A Higher Standard of Care’ in local communities across the country,” said Shelly Sun, CEO and Co-Founder of BrightStar Care in a recent press release. “Our Registered Nurse Directors of Nursing meet with

every family to prepare a customized plan of care based on the health and wellness needs of their loved one. Our franchisees hire experienced nurses and caregivers and provide ongoing training to deliver this higher standard to every family we serve.”

BrightStar Care also made two key additions to its senior leadership team in 2015, bringing on Steve Schildwachter as its Chief Marketing Officer and Tom Lehr as Chief Financial Officer. With these additions, BrightStar Care gained extensive leadership experience and expertise to support its strategic goals while maximizing its rapid growth.

By 2018, the CEO plans to have three

Brightstar care CLOSES OuT 2015 WITH 300TH FRANCHISE SIgNINg

Store in store model inside a Walmart in suburban Atlanta, gA.

sunny Days in-home care LAuNCHES FRANCHISE ExPANSION PROgRAM

When David Ellenwood launched Sunny Days In-Home

Care, he did it based on what he witnessed first-hand as

someone already working in the home health care industry.

“One thing that struck me was how much of a numbers game it seemed to be at times,” Ellenwood says. “I didn’t feel like clients were being truly cared for as if they were part of your family. That’s what led me to launch Sunny Days.”

In less than five years, Ellenwood has taken his vision from a one-man band home care concept in Pittsburgh to a $5 million a year company serving hundreds of clients across Pennsylvania.

And now, he is bringing the Sunny Days concept to those who have a similar desire to serve others while growing their own business. The company’s targeted franchise expansion program, expected to launch early 2016, is open to motivated individuals across the country who want to launch a home care company of their own. Initially, the company is targeting the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and into the Midwest for growth.

Ellenwood notes several elements of the franchise that separate Sunny Days In-Home Care from its competitors. Territories are larger than your typical home care franchise, offering franchisees

Pittsburgh-area family oriented senior care company bringing heartfelt approach to home care

the opportunity to target more clients and build a larger business base. Second, the franchise takes $10,000 -- a sizable portion of the initial franchise fee -- and invests it back into providing marketing and grand opening support for franchisees.

“It’s the least we can do to thank these people who are taking the journey with us and helping us grow this incredible home care business,” Ellenwood says. “We know that investing in our franchisees will help us become the concept we want to be.”

For more information on the brand and franchise, visit sunnydaysinhomecare.com, call (724) 884-7356 or email [email protected].

brands in total and hopes to be operating in at least eight international markets with a strong focus on Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, and Western Europe.

To find out more about

BrightStar Franchising, visit

www.franchise.brightstarcare.com

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Franchising USA

Cover Stor y - SeNIoR HeLPeRS

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Unlike most franchises, Senior Helpers isn’t looking for entrepreneurs, they’re looking for something a bit different.

“One of the key characteristics is we’re looking for someone who is an intrapreneur rather than an entrepreneur,” Senior Helpers president Craig Leonard said during a recent interview from the

company’s headquarters in Baltimore. “An entrepreneur is someone who wants to go out and create a new world every day, and an intrapreneur is someone who has that same passion and that same energy, but who is able to take a system and make it work. It’s like taking a recipe book from a great chef and following the details that great chef has outlined and then having a tremendous dinner at your house.”

The right individuals who can follow the Senior Helpers business model will be rewarded with not only a lucrative

franchise financially, the president said, but one that lets franchisees measure their success by the number of families they’ve helped in a day.

Although the company goes into seniors’ homes and helps them on an individual basis, Leonard explained, the fact that their loved ones are being taken care of relieves stress on these seniors’ families and thus the company is actually helping not only seniors, but those seniors’ entire families.

“What we try to do is allow seniors to live

senior care franchise

seeking ‘intrapreneurs’ WHO WANT TO MEASuRE THEIR SuCCESS BY FAMILIES HELPED

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Franchising USA

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in their homes for as long as they want to, which is pretty much all of their lives,” he said. “The goal of over 90 percent of the seniors in America is they want to age in place, which means they want to stay at home.”

The FoundationsTony Bonacuse and Peter Ross founded Senior Helpers in 2002 and are still engaged with the business. Bonacuse opened the first location just outside of Baltimore, MD where the headquarters are today. After that location experienced great success, Ross, who is the current CEO, opened an office on the west coast to see if the need was the same over there and to see if the business model would work in another location.

What the founders discovered was an overwhelming need for this type of business and they started franchising the business in 2006. Currently, Senior Helpers has 271 territories in the United States and 13 in Australia.

A Population in NeedThe population of the US is around 330 million and 15 percent of that population is over 65 years old, Leonard said. Over the next several years, that curve is going to continue to grow at an accelerated rate because of more aged people in the population who are living longer lives.

It’s also quite expensive for people to go to assisted living facilities, which can cost $42,000 per year and runs contrary to what many seniors want to do, which is to have a great quality of life in their own home. However, while living at home is preferable for them, many seniors face problems like not eating right, missing medication and being susceptible to falls.

All this adds up to a huge need for a service like Senior Helpers, noted Leonard, who has over 30 years of franchising experience.

Long-Term CommitmentsSenior Helpers is looking for team players who are coachable and a little risk averse so they’ll prefer working within a system, the company president said. Most

importantly, potential franchisees must have exceptionally strong people skills, be results oriented, and have an ability to focus on the future.

The initial term for franchisees is 10 years and Senior Helpers wants franchisees to be in it for the long term.

“We’re not looking for short term relationships,” Leonard said. “That’s not good for the franchisee or the franchisor.”

The company focuses on education and spends a lot of time with franchisees and their staffs educating them about different programs they can offer to consumers and how to run their business and be better business people.

Senior Helpers just launched an award winning education program about Alzheimer’s and dementia, Leonard mentioned, and the company’s Seniors Gems® program teaches consumers how to care for seniors even before they need outside help like a care service.

The company requires franchisees to train their caregivers about Alzheimer’s and dementia so they can always be prepared and even extends that education to other places like hospice groups, rehabilitation

centers and assisted living centers by training their employees for free. The company also just launched a new program for Parkinson’s that it also offers free of charge.

“The goal at the end of the day is that everybody is trained better on key programs and the care they give is better,” Leonard said.

Because Ross is the chair of the Home Care Association of America, the franchise is in a unique position to be proactive and alert franchisees to changes in the industry, whether that be a new trend or new legislation to be aware of.

Plenty of Room to GrowCurrently, Senior Helpers is spread across the country, with a particularly strong presence on the west coast, the east coast and in the mid-west.

Huge opportunities are still available in New England, along the Gulf Coast and in Ohio, Leonard said.

For intrapreneurs who want a business that makes a difference in people’s lives, Senior Helpers is an excellent fit.

www.seniorhelpers.com

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“The goal at the end of the day is that everybody is trained better on key programs and the care

they give is better.”

- Craig Leonard, President, Senior Helpers

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senior care franchising

Feature

Feature by G ina G i l l F ranch is ing USA

Franchising USA

“AS THe BABY BooMeRS ARe

AGING, THe PRoJeCTeD NUMBeR

oF SeNIoRS IN THe CoUNTRY

WILL ReACH 92 MILLIoN BY

2060. THIS eveR-GRoWING

PoPULATIoN HAS CReATeD

A HUGe oPPoRTUNITY FoR

FRANCHISeS.”

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senior care franchising

FeatureWith advances in technology and medicine, a lot has changed over the last few decades. There are more discoveries and treatments invented every day, while research is being conducted and advanced constantly. With these many developments, people are living a lot longer than ever before. This aging population has created a higher need for senior care and wide array of establishments that cater to the older generations.

The franchising industry has taken advantage of the high demand for such necessities and created a profit that supports the community and helps people retire in comfort, while developing a strategic business opportunity.

Senior citizens make up a huge portion of the U.S. population, according the census bureau there were 41.4 million people age 65 or older in 2011, up from 40.3 million in 2010. In fact, as the baby boomers are aging, the projected number of seniors in the country will reach 92 million by 2060.

This ever-growing population has created

a huge opportunity for franchises. Compelling to those with a heavy heart, it allows a business owner to be a part of a caring industry that is helping many people during a turn in their lives. Franchisees can take pride in knowing that their commitment and work is helping support people, while also putting their client’s loved ones minds at ease.

The senior care franchising system is well-established and regulated. There are many legalities and protocols to follow in such an industry, but franchising has allowed owners to be guided properly and receive a generous amount of support. The franchisor had already secured the many details to ensure that a franchisee not only follows proper procedures, but can have confidence in knowing they are providing proper care by following the already determined guidelines.

In home services provides those living in their own home the services they need and may have difficulty performing. This could include meal preparation, medical support, grooming, or house keeping, to name a few. Not many franchises offer medical support because it comes with a lot of legalities and regulations.

Franchises will need professionals as employees, depending on the services they offer. Though that comes with a lot of red tape, franchisees are provided the proper training and regulations to follow. Some businesses may have a recruitment

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Feature by G ina G i l l F ranch is ing USA

process before the owner officially starts business. Recruitment requires a large staff, for the most part and can be a tedious and strenuous process because it is an assistance industry, there has to be particularity in hiring to insure the clients are treated with the utmost care.

Franchisees should be prepared to manage a large staff and even if recruitment is provided at the beginning, with a high turnover rate for caretakers, franchisees may be consistently seeking talent, training and performing orientation.

This may or may not be a mobile business, without a physical office for the franchisee and staff. Though this creates less start-up costs and the freedom to work with clients on personalized schedule, an actual office may give a franchisee more stability and a physical branding throughout the community.

Senior care usually requires a substantial time commitment, but once the business is established and a reliable team of employees is set in place, a franchisee can step back from a few duties. Franchisees have to create a connection with their clients and create a reputation in the community in order for their company to be recognized. In high times of demand or need, a franchisee may have to step up to the plate and provide a service. Services are usually offered all hours of the day, which means an owner may have to be constantly available.

That is why it is important for those interested in senior care to be passionate about the work they do and enjoy giving back to the community. The more personal relationships the franchisee creates with their clients, the more successful their business will be.

The U.S. economy has recognized the growing population and has responded to the need for senior care. There are many living assistance companies, which creates a huge competition base. Franchisees are not only competing with other franchises but also some small business owners and private companies. Again, this is why it is extremely important for those interested in senior care to be passionate, hard working and willing to create connections with

“SeNIoR CARe USUALLY ReQUIReS A

SUBSTANTIAL TIMe CoMMITMeNT, BUT

oNCe THe BUSINeSS IS eSTABLISHeD AND

A ReLIABLe TeAM oF eMPLoYeeS IS SeT

IN PLACe, A FRANCHISee CAN STeP BACK

FRoM A FeW DUTIeS.”

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their clients. A franchisee is in control of their own reputation and in order to succeed in such a competitive industry, their brand and community establishment is detrimental to the outcome and profit of the business.

Though senior care comes with a lot of work and time management, it can be truly rewarding and create positive impacts on the community. Not only that, but those who are committed usually have successful results and a need for this type of industry will never disappear as the population continues to grow.

Not only are more people needing assistance but with a longer life expectancy, they are acquiring services for a lengthier period of time. Though family members are willing to help their loved ones with certain assisted duties, it has not taken a hit on the industry. In 2006, 23 per cent of Americans provided care for someone over fifty and it is predicted that nine million seniors will require long-term care in the future.

With seniors wanting to remain in their home for as long as possible, even with a

Franchising USA

Look out for our next special feature:

Business services

franchising

Page 65

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“THoUGH SeNIoR CARe CoMeS WITH A LoT

oF WoRK AND TIMe MANAGeMeNT, IT CAN

Be TRULY ReWARDING AND CReATe PoSITIve

IMPACTS oN THe CoMMUNITY…AND A NeeD

FoR THIS TYPe oF INDUSTRY WILL NeveR

DISAPPeAR AS THe PoPULATIoN CoNTINUeS

To GRoW.”

family members help, they will require some extra assistance.

Living assistance franchises are organized, reputable and they help a lot of people in a time of need. With an ever-growing target audience, it is a business that will generate a lot of success, as well as compassion, given the right franchise owner.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: After

receiving an English Degree, followed

by a Journalism Diploma, Gina Gill

became a freelance journalist in

2008. She has worked as a reporter

and in communications, focusing on social media. She currently works as a community information officer with Epilepsy Society, while pursuing her writing career at the same time.

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Franchising USA

Answers for e lders Foundat ion

Franchising USA

nFl and nBa alumni Visiting seniors, deliVering acts oF goodness

For the 40 million Americans 65 and older, the holidays can be an especially difficult time. According to several studies, nearly 60% of seniors who live alone or in care facilities receive no regular visitors.

That’s why the Answers for Elders Foundation, in cooperation with Always Best Care Senior Services, has launched “12 Days of Goodness” in four key U.S. markets and #ActofGoodness, a nationwide social media campaign. Answers for Elders is one of the nation’s leading resources for information, education and service providers for seniors throughout the USA.

Now in its second year, the campaign will take place December 12 through

answers for elDers founDation, with always Best care senior services, launches holiDay “gooDness” campaign to help millions of seniors nationwiDe who are isolateD anD alone

“Showing love, support and kindness for our seniors, especially during the holidays, is one of

the most important things we can do.” - Michael Newman, Founder and Ceo, Always Best Care

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December 23 and will help raise awareness for and deliver acts of goodness to America’s seniors throughout the holiday season. The NFL Alumni Association, NFL and NBA Legends will be making appearances in support of the campaign as part of their community service efforts.

In addition, 100% of proceeds from charitable donations will go to support the program and local affiliates of two major charities that serve seniors: Meals on Wheels and Rebuilding Together.

Always Best Care Senior Services has signed on to support the program as its National Diamond Sponsor. One of the nation’s leading providers of non-medical in-home care, assisted living placement services and skilled home health care, Always Best Care delivers its services through an international network of more than 200 independently owned and operated franchise territories throughout the United States. As such it will be providing “boots on the ground” for “12 Days of Goodness.”

“It’s all about getting the fans out to be more aware of seniors who are alone and doing something to help,” said Suzanne Perkins Newman, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Answers for Elders and creator of 12 Days of Goodness. “I took care of my mom for the last six years of her life and saw the same people sitting alone where she lived, waiting for someone who never comes. Together, we are out to change that over the holiday season.”

“We are very excited to be teaming up with the Answers for Elders Foundation on this wonderful campaign,” said Michael Newman, Founder and Chief Executive

Officer of Always Best Care. “Showing love, support and kindness for our seniors, especially during the holidays, is one of the most important things we can do.”

“12 Days of Goodness” in Denver, Nashville, Philadelphia and Seattle“12 Days of Goodness” features a variety of grassroots events in four major U.S. cities: Denver, Nashville, Philadelphia and Seattle. In each city, NFL and NBA legends will visit senior communities and participate in activities with seniors ranging from giftwrapping, to holiday parties and events, to formal benefits and fan rallies.

#ActofGoodness National Social Media CampaignThe #ActofGoodness social media campaign is national and designed to encourage viral acts of kindness similar to the recent and wildly popular ice bucket challenge. The participation of the pro legends will help rally sports fans to bring cheer to seniors nationwide.

#ActOfGoodness campaign will start with NFL and NBA alumni performing kind acts for seniors. They will post those on Facebook and then challenge fans and friends to do the same.

The #ActOfGoodness social media campaign is being spearheaded by Joe Tafoya, a fan engagement expert, business entrepreneur and NFL Alumni. Joe is

nFl and nBa alumni Visiting seniors, deliVering acts oF goodness

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Answers for e lders Foundat ion

known for the promotion of the Richard Sherman Celebrity Softball Game in Seattle, and also for organizing the successful fan effort in Seattle to break the Guinness book of World Records for the loudest crowd noise, not once, but twice.

To learn more, go to 12DaysOfGoodness.com

About Answers for eldersAt AnswersForElders.com, we believe that no one should have to experience navigating taking care of your senior loved one feeling alone and unsupported. Let’s face it. We caregivers are living in a daunting world. How do we really know if we are making the right decisions for our parents? There are so many things we face, and yet, if we knew what to prepare for in advance, things wouldn’t be such a crisis every time something happens that we have to step in and make decisions!

AnswersForElders.com was created by Suzanne Perkins Newman, an adult family caregiver walking the same path as close to 45 million adult children in the USA are doing today. In caring for her senior parent, she found resources so limited. She created full eldercare resource service that will support families on the journey. Including a national Care Line, a full

online resource portal, and soon to be on its own radio program, Answers for Elders is a resource portal of answers that you need most, not only to learn what the issues are that you need to face, but even more, finding the local businesses that you can work with in your own local community.

The Answers for Elders Foundation is the private foundational arm of Answers for Elders that supports and educates to create new paradigms on how seniors should be treated in the world today. Its mission is to raise the bar on services and standards for those over 65. Currently it supports local affiliates of the Meals on Wheels and Rebuilding Together charities.

About Always Best Care Seniors Services Founded in 1996, Always Best Care Senior Services is based on the belief that having the right people for the right level of care means peace of mind for the client and family. Always Best Care assists seniors

with a wide range of illnesses and personal needs, and currently provides more than 4 million hours of care every year.

Franchise opportunities are available to individuals interested in leveraging the company’s clear strategy and proven track record for delivering affordable, dependable service to seniors in their local areas. By working with case managers, social workers, discharge planners, doctors, and families, Always Best Care franchise owners provide affordable, comprehensive solutions that can be specifically matched to meet a client’s particular physical or social needs.

The hallmark services of the Always Best Care business portfolio include non-medical in-home care and assisted living finder and referral services, with skilled home health care now being phased in throughout the country. For more information, visit www.AlwaysBestCare.com.

For franchise opportunities, visit www.FranchiseWithAlwaysBestCare.com.

“I took care of my mom for the last six years of her life and saw the same people sitting alone

where she lived, waiting for someone who never comes. Together, we are out to change that over the holiday season.” - Suzanne Perkins Newman, Founder and

Ceo, Answers for elders and creator of 12 Days of Goodness

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FRANGUIDE.COM703-424-2980

F I N D Y O U R F R A N C H I S EW I T H F R E E G U I D A N C E

F R O M I N D U S T R Y E X P E R T S

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As American baby boomers continue to age, over 10,000 people a day are turning 65 in the United States. With an aging population there are health care issues that have to be addressed, and the non-medical home care franchise industry is stepping in to fill the gaps that exist between aging in place at home and going into an assisted living or continuing care community.Franchising USA

Jim Mingey, Founder & Managing Director, VBS’ Bill McPherson, Executive Director of Franchise Development, FirstLight HomeCare

senior home care is poised to be the top franchise choice of the future

Franchise businesses offer many great opportunities for entrepreneurs who want to own a business, but are looking for a business model that is already proven to be successful. One of the top franchise options in this high growth space is in the non-medical senior home care services.

Home Health Care is what People PreferThe main reason? Studies show that each year, 85-90% of seniors surveyed prefer to stay in their own homes if given a choice. They are familiar and comfortable in their own homes, have memories, friends, neighbors, etc. around them. Moreover, trends show that seniors live longer and have more productive lives when they can age at home rather than in a senior care facility.

Additionally, the cost of health care is steadily rising. According to recent studies, the cost of senior home care services is one-fifth of what it would cost in a senior care facility. And as medical

advances continue to allow us to live longer and healthier lives, the need for non-medical assistance will also continue to rise. While many seniors will need the medical care available only in an assisted living or nursing home environment, many others will be able to age at home, even with some of the problems associated with aging.

Non-medical home care targets the individuals who need to have help with daily activities such as preparing meals, timing of medications, cleaning, washing, bathing, exercising and other daily functions like writing emails, shopping, doctor visits, pet care and just getting around. The need for such in-home help is fueling the growth of home health care businesses. In fact, according to the Department of Labor, non-nurse home health aide jobs are growing at a rate of 69 percent per year.

All these factors contribute to the robust outlook for home health care franchise businesses now and in the near future.

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Is there a back-office software system available to franchisees that will handle day-to-day operations? This has become a major selling point for some franchises, as the ability to offer a robust and flexible operations system can make a difference in which business franchisees pick to invest in. A tested and successful system to run the business should win out most of the time.

Who You Hire can Make or Break a FranchiseSome home care franchise businesses leave the hiring and training of senior health care workers solely up to the franchisees. A lack of guidance from the franchisor in helping franchisees with the hiring process can be a sign of trouble. Best practices and strategies developed by the franchisor should be easily available to the franchisees. Look for a franchisor that provides extensive help in this area, without of course mandating the actual hiring of a particular candidate. That

“According to the Department of Labor, non-nurse home health aide jobs are growing at a

rate of 69 percent per year.”

How Do You Choose a Home Care Franchise?One factor that makes a huge difference in which franchise to choose is company culture. Did the business start with a caring, compassionate owner who had a personal story that propelled him or her into the caregiving field? This is important if you want to work with people who have a passion for caregiving.

Financial stability is another big consideration when deciding which home care franchise to purchase. How has the business grown? What are the projections? How have other franchisees done in the past one, two or three years?

What is the training and support system like? A good franchise will offer solid training at a home office or a successful franchise operator’s location. Having both a marketing and financial services department is another plus, and is a good sign that the franchise is willing and able to offer substantial assistance and guidance to franchisees.

should ultimately be left to the franchisee.

Some home health care franchises also offer options for hiring caregivers that could include health insurance, overtime, retention programs, continuing education and more.

Pay attention to staff retention rates for existing franchises you are considering and talk to other franchisees to see how they feel about their franchise after they have been with the company for at least a year to get a true picture.

Choosing the right home health care franchise requires in-depth research and planning. But matching your business style to the franchisor’s will increase the chances that you’ll make the right choice. For those who are passionate about building a business that makes a difference in lives and communities, the home health care industry is a natural fit.

Bill McPherson is the executive director of franchise development at FirstLight HomeCare, which has been awarded Entrepreneur Top 500 franchises, Top Franchisee Satisfaction, Franchise Business Review, Top Veterans Franchise, Franchise Business Review and Forbes Top Franchises. If you are interested in learning more about the Senior Care sector, he can be reached at [email protected]

Bill McPherson

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