Future of Home Care: What to Expect from an Economic Standpoint

The future of home care is met with ever-increasing demand but a severely limited number of caregivers. This creates endless opportunities to help close the gap.

Home Care Market Growth

The demand for personalized, in-home care services is skyrocketing, driven by an aging population, a growing preference for aging in place, and the prevalence of chronic diseases.  Grand View Research finds that the home healthcare market was valued at $152.9 billion in 2023 and will grow to $253.4 billion by 2030.

Challenges to Expect

While revenue is expected to grow by over $100 billion in the next seven years, like many other industries, home care faces a financial battle with rising service costs. Home Health Care News (HHCN) finds that agencies are reporting a 15% to 40% increase in the cost of care. While home care agencies might be forced to raise prices, it’s critical to remember these services are vital to our senior population, which makes them recession resistant. Plus, HHCN also reported that agencies believe bill rates will hit a ceiling and stabilize in the future of home care.

With the cost of care rising, agencies are choosing between catering to wealthier clients or diversifying their revenue streams​​. At A Place At Home, our franchisees can offer a variety of services that allow them to encompass the entirety of the aging journey. Those services include not only in-home care but also care coordination, senior living alternatives, and staffing solutions.

In addition to the caregiver shortage, there’s a notable issue with clients poaching caregivers, meaning caregivers leave agencies to work directly for clients, often for better pay or steadier hours​​. So, if you’re looking to join the industry, invest in your workforce retention programs to avoid this. Joining a franchise like A Place At Home is another way. Our franchise system has some of the highest caregiver satisfaction ratings in the industry, and many of our locations earn Home Care Pulse’s Employer of Choice award.

Behind the Demand Increase

Demographic shifts are driving the rise in demand for home care. Specifically, the U.S. Census Bureau projects a notable surge in the population of Americans aged 65 or older, from 52 million in 2018 to 95 million by 2060. Already, 4.5 million patients in the U.S. receive some type of home healthcare annually, according to Market.us Media. Considering these figures and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ estimation that 70% of seniors will eventually require some type of long-term care, you can anticipate a substantial increase in the number of in-home care patients in the coming decades.

The pandemic has also altered senior care. Besides a patient’s preference for at-home care for its convenience and personalization, families recognize the safety component. The fear of infection with group living hindered the future of nursing homes. There’s also been a growing recognition of the benefits of in-home care over institutional settings, fueling the future of nursing homes and the future of hospice care to lean more toward home-based models.

Economic Resilience of In-Home Care Businesses

The resilience of the home care industry in economic downturns is notable. Unlike many other sectors, home care services are essential and can’t be deferred or replaced, making them less susceptible to economic fluctuations. This resilience stems from the constant and growing need for healthcare services, especially for seniors and those with chronic conditions.

The Future of Home Care Looks Promising

Given these factors, home care is emerging as a promising business. It offers scalability, resilience to economic fluctuations, and a continuous demand driven by demographic trends and changing healthcare preferences. For franchise investors, aligning with a brand like A Place At Home that has a comprehensive approach and is at the forefront of industry trends can be a particularly strategic move.

Partner with a Premier Provider: A Place At Home

A Place At Home stands out in this flourishing market. Our comprehensive approach positions our franchisees at the forefront of the industry. That approach covers a range of services, from companionship to staffing solutions. We’re committed to quality through our robust franchise support system that provides a solid foundation for new investors like you. Additionally, our innovative strategies in workforce development, technology integration, and customer service set us apart and make us a leader in shaping the future of home care.

Are you ready to get started? Fill out our request information form on our website to begin the journey.

3 Home Care Challenges & How to Rise Above Them

How BrightStar Care Franchise shapes up against A Place At Home

Home care agencies are highly profitable but have some challenges. Get insights on some challenges in home healthcare businesses can face and how to rise above them.

1. Recruiting & Retaining Caregivers

Finding reliable and compassionate caregivers is one of the primary home care challenges. Caregivers play a crucial role in providing quality care to clients, and their skills and dedication directly impact the agency’s reputation and client satisfaction.

High turnover rates are costly to home care agencies. Home Care Pulse reported a median caregiver turnover rate of 64.9% in 2021. Then, national consultancy ICA Group calculated that turnovers cost the industry more than $6.5 million annually. That’s with a conservative estimate of turnover at 20% of annual wages and a 60% turnover rate. Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics finds that the U.S. needs to see a 32% increase, or more than 1.12 million, of home health aides by 2030 to meet the demands of the growing senior population.

Rising Above the Challenge:

Establishing a comprehensive recruitment strategy, building retention programs, offering competitive compensation and benefits packages, and creating a supportive work environment will help you overcome these common problems with home care agencies. By advertising on job boards and partnering with local schools or nursing programs, you can create a pool of talent to pull from. By implementing a thorough screening and vetting process, you’ll ensure the suitability and qualifications of caregivers and increase the likelihood of retention.

By creating a supportive work environment that offers ongoing training and support, career advancement opportunities, and recognition for excellent performance, your staff will want to stay with you. Foster open communication and actively address caregiver concerns to enhance retention rates.

And when you franchise with a well-established home care brand like A Place At Home, you’re a step ahead in hiring quality caregivers. A Place At Home is among the top home care providers for caregiver satisfaction awards. More than half of our locations have earned Home Care Pulse’s Employer of Choice designation. We’ve implemented a range of benefits and incentives for our caregivers, including flexible scheduling, ongoing training and development, and opportunities for career advancement.

2. Compliance & Regulation

Both medical and non-medical home care agencies must adhere to specific regulations and licensing requirements. While compliance with these regulations ensures the safety and well-being of clients, it can be a complex and ever-changing landscape to navigate.

You’ll face more complicated compliance requirements and stricter regulations when providing medical in-home care. You must maintain comprehensive medical records and ensure proper documentation from medical professionals such as nurses, therapists, and doctors. Plus, manage insurance companies and navigate reimbursement processes.

Rising Above the Challenge:

As you open and manage your home care business, stay updated on federal, state, and local regulations governing the industry. Establish robust policies and procedures that align with regulatory requirements and regularly review and revise them. Invest in staff training and education to ensure they know compliance standards. Consider partnering with legal and compliance experts to safeguard ongoing adherence to regulations.

Franchise systems like A Place At Home have successfully helped dozens of owners open their home care businesses, meaning we know all the ins and outs of compliance and regulations.

3. Client Acquisition & Retention

Attracting and retaining clients is crucial for the success of any home care agency. With increasing competition in the industry, effectively marketing your services and building strong relationships with clients and their families can be a significant home care challenge. Doing so will increase your client retention. Remember, retaining a client is cheaper than marketing to new ones.

Rising Above the Challenge:

Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy that includes different outlets such as social media, search engine optimization, local partnerships, and community outreach programs to reach all seniors and their loved ones. By providing exceptional customer service and personalized care, you can build trust and long-term relationships with clients and their families. Encourage clients to provide feedback and then improve services based on their input.

At A Place At Home, our established marketing efforts will ensure that your business is put in front of potential clients. As for retention, through Home Care Pulse client satisfaction surveys, we are ranked among top home care brands as top providers with client satisfaction rates.

Franchise With A Place At Home

Don’t stress about how to get clients for your non-medical home care business; instead, let A Place At Home help you. We can alleviate the many struggles with these home care challenges. If you stick with our startup program, the CARE Track, you could serve your first client within 60 days of opening. Our proven business model, brand recognition, training programs, and ongoing support can help you find success.

Submit a franchise form to learn more about our brand and the franchising process.

Most Profitable Senior Care Franchises Have These 5 Qualities

How BrightStar Care Franchise shapes up against A Place At Home

Senior care franchises can be profitable, but it depends on a few factors. Look at the qualities the most profitable senior care franchises have.

Rising Need for Senior Care Franchises

The senior care industry is rising as the number of older adults in our country grows. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2034, seniors will outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history. There’ll be 77 million people 65 years and older, compared to 76.5 million kids under 18. This demographic shift means the demand for senior care services, including in-home care, will grow.

In-home care franchises like A Place At Home are becoming increasingly popular as more seniors want to age in place and receive care in the comfort of their own homes. These franchises offer meal preparation, medication management, personal care, and companionship services. In-home care is more affordable than independent and assisted living facilities for seniors and their families.

How Profitable are Senior Care Franchises?

While senior care franchises can be profitable for entrepreneurs, assisted living and nursing facilities often operate at a much lower profit margin than in-home care businesses because of the significant expense it takes to operate those facilities. A study by Fierce Healthcare found that most facilities run at a 3% profit margin or less. The healthcare news source performed the survey in 2020, the height of the pandemic, which significantly affected the senior care industry.

On the other hand, in-home care franchises have lower overhead costs. Home Care Pulse reported in 2021 that the median revenue for the home care industry was $2.02 million.

Consider these qualities when searching for the most profitable senior care franchises:

1. Strong Brand Recognition

When it comes to senior care, families want to know that they’re entrusting their loved ones to a reputable and trustworthy provider. That’s why a strong brand can go a long way in attracting clients and building confidence in your community. So, look for a senior care franchise with a recognizable brand name and a proven marketing strategy.

A Place At Home prides itself in our comprehensive training program, which includes how to market your business successfully. So, you’re not just buying into a senior in-home care franchise with us; you’re becoming a part of a nationally recognized brand.

2. Comprehensive Training and Support

Running a senior care franchise requires specialized knowledge and skills, particularly caring for individuals with dementia and other cognitive impairments. The most profitable senior care franchises provide comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure their franchisees have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

At A Place At Home, we’re committed to helping our franchisees thrive. Through our CARE TRACK, we’ll coach you through your business setup, guide you to achieve set revenue benchmarks, and mentor you on maintaining a high client and employee satisfaction score.

3. High-Quality Care Standards

The success of a senior care franchise is directly tied to the quality of care provided. Therefore, look for a franchise with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality care, rigorous standards for hiring and training caregivers, and regular quality assurance checks.

A Place At Home franchisees nationwide rank among the top caregivers in Home Care Pulse’s “Best of Home Care” awards. These rankings prove that the brand is dedicated to quality, professionalism, and expertise in home care. The awards are based on clients’ unfiltered feedback.

4. Multiple Revenue Streams

Offering multiple revenue streams allows senior care franchises to increase profits. Look for a franchise that provides a range of services, from home health care to hospice care or memory care. This not only provides additional revenue streams but also ensures that you can meet the evolving needs of your community.

A Place At Home franchisees look to guide their clients through the aging journey, allowing owners to earn from multiple home care revenue streams. It starts with in-home senior care. Then you can offer care coordination, assist in finding senior living alternatives, and help local facilities maintain staffing levels.

5. Strong Local Market

Finally, senior care franchises succeed most in areas with a strong demand for senior care services. Look for a franchise that has done its homework on local market trends and demographics and has a proven track record of success.

Territories are available across the country for A Place At Home. Every territory has at least 40,000 qualified senior residents for your potential client base.

Invest with A Place At Home

We’re a younger brand with immense room for growth. Our franchisees follow a senior-focused care model that allows them to provide a unique service in their community. The senior care industry is rapidly growing; jump in now by submitting a franchise form today.

Senior Living Industry Outlook in 2023 & Beyond

The global senior living market is projected to grow by $91.37 billion over the next five years, according to Technavio. This isn’t a surprise, as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says 10,000 people turn 65 every day.

The senior living industry has shifted after the pandemic. Demand for nursing homes has fallen while at-home care and assisted living continues to soar. Find out why.

Current Trends in the Senior Living Industry

Seniors are looking to “age in place,” or stay in their homes as long as possible. An AARP survey found that 77% of adults 50 and older want to remain in their homes for the long term. Among the reasons is the financial burden it can put on their loved ones if they move into a nursing home. This trend alters the industry by increasing the demand for at-home care services.

Senior home occupancy is on the rise, with the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care reporting in the fall of 2022 that senior housing occupancy was 82.2%. That’s the fifth straight quarter of increases, with a total of a 4.3% increase from the lowest point during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers say while that occupancy is less than optimal, the number of seniors needing housing and care will only grow.

Another trend in the industry is an emphasis on chronic conditions and preventative care. Nearly 95% of seniors have at least one chronic condition, and almost 80% have two or more.

Seniors are also looking for more programming in their communities, whether they’re in an independent living center or a nursing home. They want programs that will improve their quality of life and all-around wellness. These programs could include fitness classes, healthy meals, or planned social activities.

Lastly, an unfortunate trend expected to continue throughout 2023 is staffing shortages, especially among nurses. In an American Health Care Association survey in June of 2022, 60% of nursing homes will limit the number of new occupants due to staffing shortages. Nearly all nursing homes are having trouble hiring new team members and asking current employees to work overtime.

Nursing Homes Struggling

The demand for nursing homes is dropping. More families are turning to in-home care for assistance instead of putting their loved ones into senior living facilities. Concerns about cost,  risk of infection, and the level of care are driving factors toward this shift. SeniorLiving.org finds the monthly median cost for a nursing home ranges between $7,908 to $9,034, while the monthly median price for an assisted living facility is around $4,500.

Nursing homes are facing significant financial struggles. In 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services found that 129 nursing homes closed in the country. However, that number is probably lower than the actual count because experts say government reports are slow at keeping up with closures. Aiding the financial struggles is inflation. The rising costs of supplies and food are eating away at profit margins. In addition, nursing homes are having to increase staffing wages to attract and retain talent.

Hiring challenges also affect how many residents they can accept. So, if they’re short-staffed and can’t take more patients, then they have rooms sitting empty.

Benefits of Opening a Home Care Franchise Like A Place At Home

Besides the shift towards in-home care, there are many other benefits to opening an in-home care franchise. First, the startup costs are significantly lower because you don’t have to buy or rent a large facility. Instead, you just need a small office to hold consultations and meet with your staff. Inflation doesn’t affect you as much because you’re not supplying food for your clients.

If you don’t have the caretakers, you just don’t accept as many clients, but you’re not losing as much money as if you were running a facility and having rooms sit empty. However, a business like A Place At Home is easily scalable; you can add staff as your client list grows.

Plus, in-home care is often considered a long-term option, while nursing facilities are usually short-term. Families enjoy at-home care for the one-on-one service they receive from your caregivers, compared to a nursing home where a nurse could have multiple patients they’re looking after.

If you’re looking into how to start a non-medical home care business, let A Place At Home help. We have a proven business model that can guide you to success within the senior living industry. Learn more by submitting a franchise form.

Caregiver Shortage is Driving Demand for Home Care Businesses

Behind the Shortage

The senior population is rapidly growing, with 10,000 Americans turning 65 daily. Many of them will eventually need assistance even with daily living activities such as laundry or grocery shopping, let alone those that need medical help.

The country has struggled to meet the caregiver demand since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, as millions of caretakers have left the field for various reasons. On top of that, now, with the increasing population, the United Disabilities Services Foundation (UDS) expects the national caregiver shortage to reach 151,000 by 2030 and 355,000 by 2040. On average, more than 700,000 caregiving positions are expected to open each year through 2032, according to AARP.

Why is the Demand for Caregivers Growing?

More people are aging alone. Solo agers are single, divorced, widowed, childless, or their children live far away. This group of seniors requires caretakers, especially if they want to remain in their homes for as long as possible. The National Poll on Healthy Aging finds that 88% of adults aged 50 to 80 want to age in place.

Besides the growing senior population and the desire to age in their home, Global Coalition on Aging finds that caregiver turnover rates range from 40% to 60%. Common reasons caregivers leave the field include low pay, lack of respect, need for benefits, and limited potential for professional growth. On top of that, the work of a caretaker is extremely demanding. Clients will have a variety of needs. In addition, they could be dealing with personality-altering diseases such as Alzheimer’s. It can all be overwhelming and strenuous sometimes, leading caregivers to experience burnout.

Solving the Caregiver Shortage Crisis

Companies are looking for ways to retain their caregivers and recruit new ones so they can take on more business. AARP finds that workers seek incentives like better pay, sign-on bonuses, more attractive benefits, and career advancement opportunities. While UDS finds that caregivers are looking for society to elevate their perception of their career choice, provide them with respect, and be considered a part of the healthcare ecosystem.

Along with career advancements comes the desire for more training and educational programs. The software company Home Care Pulse finds that agencies that offer their caretakers at least eight hours of orientation training and 12 hours of ongoing training see an increase of more than $700,000 in revenue compared to those that provide the minimum number of hours for compliance. Training sessions also decrease the chance of a 90-day turnover. This can save you time and money by not constantly replacing caregivers. As a potential business owner, why would you skip out on an opportunity to increase your revenue and workforce?

Why is Now a Good Time to Enter the Home Care Market?

Don’t let the worry over the caregiver shortage scare you away; the other home care industry trends make now the perfect time to join the growing industry. First off, the global home healthcare market was worth $301 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $813 billion by 2028, according to SkyQuest Technology Consulting. Following some of those solutions to solve the caregiver shortage can help you recruit and retain workers. Another way that can help you is opening a non-medical home care franchise like A Place At Home. This allows you a larger pool of caregivers to hire from.

Statistics show that home care agencies are growing. Home Care Pulse reports that providers recently experienced the highest client growth in four years, with median revenue also increasing.

The demand will only increase for in-home care as the senior population grows. A non-medical care business also allows you to work with your clients for the long term, whereas medical care is typically short-term.

Start an A Place At Home Franchise

Join the thriving industry with a franchise experiencing an average of nearly 92% overall caregiver satisfaction rate. We’re built on a senior-focused care model that provides a complete service model, from in-home care to care coordination, finding senior living alternatives, and helping those facilities with staffing solutions. Learn more about your next franchising opportunity by submitting a franchise form.

8 Home Care Marketing Ideas To Get More Clients

Home Care Marketing

A successful business doesn’t rely solely on a single marketing method. Instead, they incorporate online and offline avenues to bring in new clients. Learn how to get more home care leads with these effective home care marketing ideas as part of your offline and online marketing strategy.

1. Digital Marketing

This marketing idea incorporates several methods, including Facebook ads, Google ads, and Google My Business. Digital marketing focuses on meeting your target audience where they spend time: online, on their phone, and using social media.

Google ads is a pay-per-click advertising system, which means you only pay when someone clicks on the ad. You target a keyword, so when consumers search that word, your agency appears at the top of the search result page.

Other methods with Google include creating a Google My Business Profile. This free profile allows your business to appear on Google searches and Google Maps. Marketing experts recommend that you provide as much information as possible with your profile to yield the best results. For example, include as many contact methods as possible, such as phone number, website, and physical address. Be sure you regularly update your profile with the correct hours, new photos, and posts.

2. Improve Site Ranking with SEO

Search engine optimization (SEO) is how you increase your website ranking online. The quality and quantity of online content that targets what people are searching for, causes your ranking to rise in search engine results which increases your brand exposure. You can achieve this through the language you use on your website and key topics you target in blogs. The best part is this creates organic search results which means you don’t pay for them. It is important to provide quality content that answers questions your target audience is searching for, while also utilizing the keywords sufficiently.

3. Referrals: Client & Professional

Client referrals are key. According to Home Care Pulse’s 2021 Home Care Benchmarking Study, 73% of revenue in one year came from client referrals. In addition, you can encourage current clients to refer you to their friends and family by offering a referral discount.

You can build a network of professional referrals by connecting with other healthcare professionals in the community, such as physicians, hospitals, senior care homes, and physical therapists. The relationship should be neutral, where you refer your clients to them, and they refer their clients to your home care agency.

4. Take Part in Community Events

Put yourself in front of potential clients by participating in community events such as 5k walks and runs, fairs, or sponsoring sports teams. At these events, you can also offer prizes to people who fill out an information form that you use to contact them later. Print brochures and other branded items can also be used to build awareness of the home care services you provide.

5. Hold Community Education Sessions

Sharing your knowledge on senior in-home care with your neighbors is also a method of marketing yourself as an expert in the industry and increases consumer confidence in your agency. You can do this in person or online. Holding these kinds of sessions will put your name in front of potential customers. You can also partner with a physician and hold a Q&A session on topics such as senior safety, disease prevention, or signs of diseases like Alzheimer’s. When people RSVP to the events, they will share contact information so you can reach out to them after the event.

6. Encourage Reviews

Encourage and incentivize your customers to leave reviews on various sites such as Google, Yelp, and Facebook. CareAcademy found that for every one-star increase a business earns on Yelp, it sees a 5%-9% increase in revenue. Meanwhile, a five-star review increases customers’ likelihood of purchasing the product or service by 270%.

7. Pitch Yourself to Local Media

Another free home care marketing strategy includes pitching yourself to local news outlets. Have an impactful caregiver story to share? Pitch it to the media as a feature. Hosting an educational event? Share it with the media for free promotion!

8. Utilize Lead Generating Sites

Included in your marketing strategy should be listing your agency on lead-generating websites like AgingCare.com, Caring.Com, and CareinHomes.Com. These are some of the top sites consumers trust to find a quality home care agency.

Stay Relevant with A Place At Home

Most importantly, support your home care marketing ideas by providing top-notch, compassionate care and services that make you stand apart from your competitors. By joining A Place At Home franchise, we can help you do just that.

With one of the most comprehensive franchise training programs in the industry, we detail how to market your franchise successfully. Plus, our national brand recognition will automatically give you a leg up when entering the market.

Submit a franchise form to begin the process.

What Makes Non-Medical Home Care Businesses Profitable?

Non-medical home care business profits

Starting or owning a non-medical home care business is a lucrative opportunity with massive growth potential. Learn what makes it profitable here.

What’s the Average Income for a Home Care Agency?

In 2021, Franchise Business Review found that senior care was the top franchise industry for income, outranking real estate, medical, personal, and business services. In addition, the franchise magazine found that the average income for senior care franchises is $155,132.

But what about the home care industry specifically? Home Care Pulse reported in 2021 that the median revenue for the home care industry was $2.02 million, compared to $1.95 million the year before and $1.81 million in 2019. Meanwhile, Home Care Answers finds that home health businesses experience an average gross profit margin of more than 35%.

What Increases Non-Medical Home Care Business Profits?

Thousands of people are turning 65 every day. We’re living longer, and people want to stay in their homes for as long as possible. All of this and more is increasing the need for in-home senior care, expanding the potential of your non-medical home care business profits. So much so that the U.S. Census Bureau reports a 50.5% growth in revenue for the home health care services industry.

Another reason non-medical home care business profits are increasing is that there’s a rise in chronic conditions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that 6 in 20 adults have a chronic disease. These adults can require help from caregivers to perform daily tasks and housework.

One-fifth of American households are multigenerational, according to Pew Research Center. This number has steadily increased over the last two decades. Contrary to what many people think, this is increasing the demand for home care providers. Parents need help taking care of their elders because they’re also taking care of their kids. Making non-medical home care the perfect option to assist them during the workday and help their loved ones with daily tasks.

On top of that, AARP reports a decline in family caregivers. The interest group says that in 2010 the family caregiver support ratio was seven potential caregivers to every high-risk person 80 years or older. By 2030, that ratio is expected to be four to one, and then it’s going fall even more to three to one in 2050.

Not only is the ratio declining, but AARP also finds that more than 60% of family caregivers are also working, leaving gaps in care. As a result, families are increasingly seeking help from companies like A Place At Home, which in turn can increase their non-medical home care business profits.

Non-Medical Vs. Medical Franchises: Which One’s a Safer Investment?

Non-medical franchises have fewer hoops to jump through. Even if your state requires a license for your business, there are far fewer regulations to follow compared to a medical franchise. You don’t have to deal with insurance companies trying to pay you. Instead, your customers pay you out of pocket. Additionally, neither you nor your employees need specific medical credentialing, making it easier to find qualified care staff members.

On the flip side, medical franchises require registered and licensed practical nurses, physical therapists, clinical supervisors, and other skilled medical professionals.

Non-Medical vs. Medical Franchises: Overhead Costs

The overhead costs for a medical franchise are higher than those of a non-medical business. The professional staffing required for medical care is more expensive than non-medical. Furthermore, an employee is typically required for at least eight hours a day, seven days a week, for medical customers. Compared to non-medical, where companionship services are only a couple hours a day, several days a week.

Your professional liability insurance premiums are lower for a non-medical business than for a medical one. Plus, you require fewer supplies for non-medical home care.

Invest in Potential with A Place At Home

Skip all the obstacles of a medical franchise and become one of A Place At Home’s top performers. Our proven business model will teach you everything you need to know about how to start a non-medical home care business. We’re more than just a home care business; we’re senior-focused. You can profit from multiple revenue streams, including in-home care services, professional care planning and coordination, senior living alternatives, and staffing solution services.

Ready to jump into this thriving industry? Submit a franchise information form.

Alternative Careers For Social Workers: Not Too Late To Make a Change

Pay and burnout are common reasons social workers want to bow out of the industry. The median salary for a social worker in 2021 was about $50,000 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

So, if you’re searching for jobs in social work that pay better, know that you’re not alone. It’s not too late to make a change. There are several alternative careers for social workers out there. It’s time to find one that’s better suited to you.

Leverage Your Skills

You don’t need to stress whether your skills from social work will transfer to a new career. Social workers are typically highly motivated leaders, great communicators, and have excellent interpersonal talents from interacting with clients. They can also problem-solve, strategize, and are great at planning schedules. Lucky for you, all of these experiences will make you highly adaptable in new work environments.

Taking Your First Steps

When beginning the process of applying for new jobs, update your resume to highlight those traits you’ve mastered through social work. Then, network, network, and network some more. Some positions might need more education, like a master’s degree or doctorate, while others might need a certification.

One career alternative that doesn’t require more education or certifications is becoming a franchise owner with A Place At Home. Instead, use your leadership qualities to own and operate a location and share your compassion with your communities’ seniors by providing in-home care.

Alternative Careers For Social Workers

Consider these jobs that are similar to social work but tend to pay better. You’ll see how your experience will transfer.

  • Education: High school teacher, counselor, college professor, and college admissions counselor are jobs within education that allow you to build on your experiences as a social worker. Your excellent communication skills will help you with assisting students one on one. Being assertive is valuable when commanding the attention of a room of students. In college, you can teach the classes you took to become a social worker in the first place. As for counseling, your communication abilities will allow you to guide your students, understand what they’re looking for, and problem-solve with them.
  • Consulting: Your communication skills and conflict-resolution experience can benefit other companies. By coming in with an objective perspective, you can work with executives, managers, and other company decision-makers to see where their shortfalls are occurring. Diversity and inclusion specialist is one consulting area social workers excel in. Social workers generally have experience working with marginalized populations, so they can help companies diversify their hiring processes.
  • Human Resources: Employees look to their HR department for empathy and solutions to conflicts. So, working within an HR department, including as an HR Manager, you’ll use your interpersonal skills to help with sexual harassment issues and employee disciplinary procedures. Social workers’ organization, time management, and database experience will support them in overseeing employees’ benefits programs and hiring processes.
  • Outreach Coordinator: This position typically works with non-profit or advocacy organizations. As a social worker, you understand human behavior, can analyze societal systems, and remain objective in situations. In this role, you’ll use that experience and work with other community members to improve local programs and services. You’ll create and manage outreach programs. These events and programs promote community, safety and well-being.
  • Be Your Own Boss: Take your experience as a social worker and become a successful business owner. All your skills and experiences will transfer. Great entrepreneurs often start by identifying the problem or need they want to fulfill in the marketplace, just like a social worker begins by identifying their client’s issues. From there, they create the necessary products or services, connect with other professionals and resources, and promote their products. Your leadership qualities and motivation will help you excel in this field. Need help figuring out how to do it? Consider buying into a franchise system like the senior home care agency A Place At Home. Your interpersonal and communication abilities will put you ahead when discussing options for seniors with their loved ones.

Build Your Own Success with A Place At Home

If you want to get out of the corporate world, become a franchise owner with A Place At Home franchise owner. We know your social work experience is a great asset. You’re used to connecting clients with resources. As a franchisee, you’ll connect your customers to resources that will help them safely continue aging in their homes.

The growth potential is exponential with our brand compared to other companies. The number of seniors is rapidly growing, and most are looking to stay in their homes. So, take the next steps toward this new career and help the seniors in your community by submitting a franchise form.

Recession-Resistant Franchise: Four Signs to Look For

While you can’t control the economy, you can control what business you open. Recession-resistant franchises can thrive and adapt easier than other businesses during economic slumps.

So, how do you find a franchise opportunity that is less volatile in a recession? Here are the signs you should look for that hint at a strong recession-resistant franchise.

The Product or Service is a Necessity

When money becomes tight, people cut out the “luxuries.” That typically includes entertainment, clothing, and travel. Meanwhile, businesses that perform specialized services or provide necessary products, like food, do well during tough economic times. Those businesses include repair services for cars, plumbing, roofing or HVAC systems, in-home senior care, grocery and convenience stores, hair salons, or restoration services.

  • Repair Services: Cars and air conditioning units break without warning, no matter the state of the economy. In tough times people will repair their necessities over buying a new one. This factor makes repair services like auto repair shops, home appliance mechanics, or HVAC maintenance providers stay strong during a recession.
  • In-Home Senior Care: 10,000 people turn 65 every day in the U.S. Many seniors are now looking to age in their homes over some facility or community. They will need constant care, making non-medical in-home senior care companies, like A Place At Home, fare better during uncertain economic times.
  • Grocery & Convenience Stores: Food is a necessity. While people might cut back on eating out at restaurants on a tight budget, they’ll still do their grocery shopping, making grocery stores a great business investment during tough economic times.
  • Hair Salons: Hair is constantly growing, and unless you’re looking to become Rapunzel, you’ll need a haircut. Nearly 60 million Americans had four or more haircuts in a six-month period last year.
  • Restoration Services: A home catches on fire, or a basement floods after a rainstorm. Neither are events homeowners plan for. So, once the smoke clears and the water recedes, a professional must restore the property to its original state. This service needs to happen almost immediately.

Financial Strength

When studying franchises to buy into, closely analyze their Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). This document will give you a clear understanding of their financial state. Asking an accountant and lawyer to help review the numbers is also a good idea. It will include information on any bankruptcy claims, the past financial performance of the franchise system, and audited financial statements.

A Proven System

During your exploration of recession-resilient franchises, spend time scrutinizing their system and whether it has a history of building successful franchisees. Does their approach work in various demographics in all parts of the country? When speaking with franchisees during Validation, ask them whether they felt their training and support were worth their investment costs.

Growing, But Stable Demand

A key to recession-resistant franchises is they are in industries that are seeing a rise in need but also have a sustainable demand. For example, the demand for senior home care is skyrocketing. On top of that, the elderly population will grow exponentially for the next decade, creating sustainable demand for the industry.

Also, consider whether it’s a year-round or a seasonal business. Year-round demand allows you more opportunities to bring in revenue than a seasonal business, like lawn care. Whereas no matter the weather outside or the state of the economy, thousands of seniors need in-home care daily.

Make Yourself Recession-Resistant with A Place At Home

With an A Place At Home franchise, your revenue isn’t only coming from in-home care. We offer services for every phase of the aging journey, from non-medical in-home care to coordinating care between providers and ultimately finding a senior living facility. But our home care revenue services don’t stop there. We help senior living communities maintain compliance by finding staffing solutions for them.

In 10 years, we have built a location-tested model to help our franchisees thrive. Our first locations are now doing over $1 million in sales. We’ve provided care to over 4,217 individuals and employed 4,566 caregivers. Help us expand our compassionate reach across the country while we help you build a promising business no matter the economic state. Start today by filling out this form and one of our representatives will be in touch.

Assisted Living Franchise: Should You Invest? Here’s What to Expect

From 2018 to 2060, the number of Americans aged 65 or older will double to 95 million. They will make up 23% of our population. So, it’s no wonder people are looking into the senior care services industry. According to a Franchise Business Review survey, the senior care services industry has the second-highest average pre-tax income of all industries.

There are several types of senior care service businesses. They include in-home medical and non-medical care, housing placement services, assisted living facilities, and senior mobility product businesses.

So, should you buy into an assisted living franchise? Weigh the pros and cons in our guide and find out what you can expect with this franchise opportunity.

Benefits of an Assisted Living Business

If you want to have a significant presence and impact in your community, an assisted living facility will put you on the map. They are extensive facilities that typically house dozens of older adults with various health conditions. They are also a great business venture for someone with lots of capital.

Assisted living facilities generally can be recession-resistant due to the large aging population and the many elderly individuals needing full-time care. As a result, facilities aren’t typically affected by the stock market or economic downturns. In addition, SAMO Financial notes that smaller facilities fared better than bigger facilities during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic because it was easier for them to manage the spread of the virus.

Another pro to owning an assisted living franchise is the low turnover rate of residents. Most seniors will live in these facilities for years. It’s also a less competitive market because of the expensive startup costs. But, there’s government aid available for some assisted living facilities, according to Profitable Venture Magazine. Running a larger facility for older people with deteriorating health conditions comes with high stress, but it can be highly gratifying for an owner. You’ll enjoy big life moments with your residents and their families.

Downfalls to Senior Living Facility Ownership

Despite those pros, there are many cons to opening a new assisted living facility. First, it is an expensive investment. Startup fees for an assisted living franchise can range from $2 million to $10 million. Then you’ll have ongoing operations costs like maintenance for the facility and utilities. Other expenses include disinfectant and cleaning products, protective gear, and cafeteria food. So, it’s essential to know whether your incoming revenue will cover all those expenses and provide you with an income that makes it all worth it.

Being an assisted living facility owner can be a high-stress position. You’re not only making sure you pay all bills, but you must also hire and pay staff and keep your residents and their families happy. Because of this, Assisted Living Directory finds that facility owners are often tired and overworked. You’re not guaranteed weekends or holidays off because if a problem arises in the facility, you’ll need to attend to it. That includes hours in the middle of the night.

It’s no secret that hiring is a struggle for American business owners these days. That’s no different for assisted living facilities. On top of that, you must develop ways to retain staff once you hire them.

Lastly, there are numerous hurdles involving licensing and certifications. All states have regulations for senior living facilities. Assisted living facilities must follow medical regulations because medical providers are on staff.

Consider an In-Home Care Franchise

While there are pros to owning an assisted living facility, there are many cons. Avoid those downfalls by opening an in-home care franchise like A Place At Home. You’ll still significantly impact your community and feel highly rewarded for your services. In addition, you’re still in a recession-resistant industry. In today’s world, seniors stay in their homes for as long as possible, leaving their families to rely on in-home care businesses for assistance. You’ll have long-term clients like an assisted living center if you provide excellent service.

In-home care franchises are significantly cheaper than investing in an assisted living facility franchise. Instead of needing millions of dollars to open a center, you will likely need less than $200,000 for the initial investment. In addition, ongoing costs are comparatively minimal because you can run your business out of your home, minimizing those operation and utility costs.

Provide Better Care with A Place At Home

You don’t provide medical care at A Place At Home, so there’s no hassle with medical certifications or licenses. Your revenue stream doesn’t have to stop at the in-home care services as a franchisee for A Place At Home. We offer complete care for our seniors and their families, including care coordination between medical and non-medical providers, senior living alternatives, and staffing solutions for assisted living facilities and other centers. Ready to build a business with our senior-focused care model and invest in the booming senior care industry? Submit a franchise form today.