If you are considering opening an in-home care business, you are embarking on a journey that will keep you busy for the next several decades. Our aging population and the skyrocketing numbers of senior citizens who prefer to age gracefully in the comfort of their homes points to positive growth for an in-home care business.

The U.S. Census Bureau forecasts that 19.6% of the population will be represented by people over the age of 65 by 2030. That’s a huge market! Many of these seniors will need assistance with activities of daily living to keep them safe and functional, which is where your success as an in-home care business owner comes in.

But there are a few things you should understand as you plan for your business so that you can avoid common pitfalls. An in-home care business offers both financial and emotional rewards if you consider these important issues before you take the plunge.

Opening An In-Home Care Business

You Will Need the Right Staff
Any in-home care business is ultimately about individuals caring for other individuals. Just as important, they must demonstrate the one-on-one compassion, communication capabilities, and respect toward care recipients. This will reflect directly on your in-home care business. Their dedication and enthusiasm for what they do should shine through with every client interaction.
You Will Need the Right Connections
Referrals from assisted living facilities, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers are an in-home care business’ bread and butter. The discharge nurses, discharge planners, and social workers have to make sure their patients leave with a care plan in place that will address their needs as they transition home. You will need to maintain ongoing relationships with these specialists, so they know what your capabilities are and that you can readily place care providers in patients’ homes – sometimes on a moment’s notice. By responding quickly and being ‘on call’, you will build a strong reputation in your area.
You Will Need the Right Marketing Approach
Although your clients are generally seniors, it is the adult children or grandchildren who make the majority of decisions on long-term care for their parents and grandparents. This means you will need to keep your in-home care business top of mind with the adult children. Ideally, you should have a campaign planned that encompasses several touch points such as social media, leave-behind brochures, Internet advertising, and direct mail.

There are many more things to consider when starting and managing an in-home care business, and this can be overwhelming for most people – even those with years of business management experience. This is why so many entrepreneurs look to Visiting Angels^® when starting an in-home senior care franchise.

All of the key considerations – from branding and marketing to lead generation and staffing – have already been mapped out so you can step confidently and conveniently into business ownership. Explore the many franchise opportunities we have available today. Call us at 800-365-4189 or request information online.