Time is Money: Finding More Time To Manage Your Home Care Business

As a home care business franchisee, it’s easy to get bogged down in day-to-day operations, leaving little time to consider larger decisions and the direction of the business. In order to function effectively, a franchise operator should have as much optional time as possible, but finding it can be a challenge. Some strategies to increase optional time include hiring new employees, delegating certain duties to others, automating certain functions, or even dropping certain responsibilities which are no longer necessary for successful operations. Ideally, delegating more responsibilities to employees is considered a positive, but in order to do so, employees must be qualified and capable of assuming added responsibility.

One mistake home care franchise operators can make is taking ownership of problems or situations which employees have brought to them for help. Rather than giving employees the opportunity to learn to perform the task or make the decision, the operator continues to do it because it seems easier and less time-consuming than training the employee to do it. Taking over the problem seems easier, but the better decision is to allow the employee to retain the responsibility for the problem and tell the franchisee how he or she plans to handle it. The process to allow this can seem time consuming, but ultimately it will result in better results. A franchisee should make sure his or her employees are fully and properly trained and when problems arise, encourage and allow them to offer solutions. The more challenging situations should be monitored more closely. With time and encouragement, most non-medical home care franchise employees can learn to stop running to the owner or manager every time there is a problem. Good employees will learn to successfully solve problems independently, in a manner that is consistent with the wishes of the owner.

To learn more about senior care franchising, download our FREE eBook now!

Please refer to our most recent Franchise Disclosure Document for important details.

The Growing Market for Senior Care

As people age, finding high-quality care becomes a top priority. This is especially true for the families of senior citizens because family members want to ensure that their loved one has all of the services that he or she will need to live safely and comfortably at home. In addition to finding medical care from doctors and nurses, it is important for seniors and their families to think about daily life and how to get the help they need for everyday activities. The senior home care business is on the rise as companies spring up to offer senior citizens support when it comes to managing and maintaining control of their independence without having to leave the home. Looking at trends in senior care helps entrepreneurs and families alike understand what to expect in the future.

Number of Seniors on the Rise

The number of senior citizens in this country continues to skyrocket as advances in medicine and science help improve lives and add to the expected lifespan of the average American. According to the Administration on Aging in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the number of Americans age 65 and older will grow a little more than three percent from 2010 to 2020. By 2030, senior citizens will make up nearly 20 percent of the total population.

This means that more and more individuals each day reach an age that puts them into the senior citizen category. It also means that there are growing numbers of individuals that will require medical and non-medical care and will need to take steps to have a plan in place when “that day” arrives. Even though many will need extra care in their old age, most seniors want to stay close to their family and live in their own home so that they can remain independent. As we move into the future, senior care is expected to evolve in order to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens.

Predictions for the Future of Senior Care

There are a number of trends emerging in the field of senior care that have already begun to shape how seniors receive care and interact with their doctors.

Predictions for the future of senior care include:

1.      Increased Role of Technology – From health monitors to emergency alert systems, technology is making it easier and safer for seniors to live alone at home. In addition, new robotic technology is making its way into homes to allow patients to videoconference with family members and doctors. Technology allows seniors to be connected with loved ones and know that emergency assistance is just a press of a button away. As the more recent generations age, they will be more willing to adopt these advancements in technology when it comes to taking ownership of their care.

2.      Accountable and Managed Care – Another growing trend is for senior citizens and their families to seek out medical and non-medical care regardless of the person’s current health status. Families will gain peace of mind knowing that their loved one is being looked after when it comes to in-home care, especially if the family does not live in an area that allows for frequent visits. Working with a trusted senior home care business will be at the top of the list when a family plans out their senior care.

3.      Improved Quality of Senior Care – The amenities and services provided by in-home care specialists will continue to be a deciding factor for families in the future. By assisting with daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and running errands, non-medical care professionals help foster a comfortable environment for senior citizens. The growing need for quality in-home care creates opportunities for entrepreneurs to improve on the quality of care given to the aging population.

4.      Higher Demand for Affordable Care – With more people reaching their retirement years and beyond, there will quickly become increased competition for high quality medical services. However, technology and the in-home care model are allowing senior citizens to stay at home in a familiar setting and still get emergency assistance if necessary. Living facilities have limited space and cannot bring in new residents to help their business grow. On the other hand, companies that specialize in home care for seniors provide value for senior citizens and their families while allowing people to stay in their own homes.

5.      Increased Focus on Small Businesses – Small business franchises, such as a senior home care business, will continue to grow and thrive in communities around the world as the number of senior citizens increases. The demand for high-quality and affordable non-medical attention and services will be on the rise as well. Small businesses will be in a unique position to offer a personal touch to the process and give senior citizens the extra human support that is needed to help promote recovery from illness and injury, or even to just brighten up the day.

When taking into account all of these trends, you will see how technology and changing consumer demand are leading to higher quality care and affordability for senior citizens through in-home care.

To begin making a difference in your community, download your copy of our FREE franchising eBook to learn why Always Best Care’s training, marketing, and support have grown our franchisee revenue so dramatically.

Please refer to our most recent Franchise Disclosure Document for important details.

The Value of Local Support for Your Senior Care Franchise

If you’ve worked in the corporate world, you understand what it’s like to have the support and structure of the company behind you. But operating within this structure leaves you with very little freedom to make decisions and take risks. That’s why franchise ownership is so attractive — owning and operating your own senior care franchise location allows you to experience the best of both worlds: You are the owner of your own business, with the freedom to make important decisions, but you also have support and structure provided by the company.

One important aspect of franchise ownership that sometimes gets ignored is the presence of support on the local level. It’s easy to view franchise ownership in terms of the relationship you have with the company at the national — or global — level, but it’s local and regional support that often means the most on an on-going, day-to-day basis.

How does local support help franchise owners succeed? Let’s take a look!

National Directors and Area Representatives Understand the Needs in Their Area

In the senior care industry, a cookie-cutter approach just doesn’t work. Every community is different, and methods that work in South Florida may not be effective in northern Minnesota. People live different lives in different parts of the world, and local National Directors and Area Representatives understand the regional nuances that give their franchise owners an edge over competitors who don’t have local support.

National Directors and Area Representatives Are There for You on a Regular Basis

Support from the corporate level is important, but it’s not usually meant to be a daily lifeline. Local support means having someone in your corner that you can call on when needed. They are also there for you to provide planning, mentoring and team building in a way that fits with the needs of your community.  Regular in-person visits are part of the National Directors’ and Area Representatives’ responsibilities for our owners.

The Best Local Support When You Franchise with Always Best Care

At Always Best Care, we believe strongly in a system of support that includes the assistance of experienced  National Directors and Area Representatives. National Directors and Area Representatives are there to provide support when you need it in addition to helping you hone your business plan for maximum results. Regular meetings provide structure and motivation, and our proactive approach to mentoring and coaching means that you’ll always be on top of your game.

Always Best Care is one of the leaders in the growing senior care industry because we believe in our people. Providing great local support is just one of the ways we help our franchise owners grow their businesses and serve their communities.

Are you interested in learning more about what it takes to be  a senior care franchise owner during the aging-in-place boom? Always Best Care is here to help you navigate the industry as one of our amazing franchise owners! Download our FREE senior care franchising eBook today to learn more and refer to our most recent Franchise Disclosure Document for important details.

Leadership, Culture and Finding the Right Franchise

If you’re thinking about becoming a senior care franchise owner in your community, it’s important to understand that what you’re about to start is more than just a business opportunity. Senior care franchising is about providing a resource for area seniors and their families, and doing your job well requires you to be an active leader. But it’s also important to select a franchise ownership opportunity that provides strong leadership for you to follow.

Franchise Culture

When you are awarded a franchise location, you become a part of the company’s culture and value system, so it’s important that you select a business that allows you to operate in a way that’s consistent with your personal vision and values. A good fit is crucial for franchise success, so it’s important to investigate the type of leadership and support that the franchisor provides.

After spending time in the corporate world, poor leadership is one of the many reasons people turn to franchising.  Which is why you should work to find a franchisor that features strong leaders and a proven system to help its individual owners succeed.

Online Research

Before you meet with representatives of a franchise, you can learn a lot by investigating the business’s online presence:

 What values and culture does the company’s website portray?
 What kinds of values are evident in the company’s blog posts?
 What kinds of things are being written about the company elsewhere online?
 What sort of reputation does the company have inside the industry?

Ask yourself these questions as you perform your research, and make note of how each company you investigate matches with your values.

Talk to Franchise Owners (Validation)

Speaking with current franchise owners is essential in your search for the ideal opportunity. These business owners understand what it’s like to work with the company on a day-to-day basis, and they possess insights that cannot be found elsewhere. Ask them questions specifically about the company’s leadership and culture, but also pay attention to their attitudes as they talk to you. If it seems like frustrations are brewing under the surface, it could be a red flag. However, if they seem genuinely enthusiastic, it could be a green light for you to proceed!

Meeting the Sales Team and Other Franchise Representatives

You can learn a lot from the sales people and franchise representatives you meet! If everyone clearly believes in the brand, you’re probably on the right track. But if you can sense that these franchise gatekeepers are holding back and not being completely authentic, you may want to keep searching.

These people are products of the company’s culture and leadership, so if you can’t connect with them, or you feel a lack of confidence from them, something less than ideal could be happening at the leadership level.

Consider Franchising with Always Best Care

Always Best Care has been providing excellent senior care services since 1996, and our position as an industry leader is a direct reflection of our amazing company culture. Contact us today to learn more!

Are you ready to build your future in the home care industry? The time to make a difference is now! Learn more about franchising with Always Best Care and get started on your journey to success by downloading our FREE E-Book today!

Franchise Ownership and Marketing Muscle

Franchise Ownership and scleOwning your own business requires you to be able to spread awareness about your products and-or services. Marketing is absolutely crucial in your quest for success, and it’s something that you’ve got to focus on consistently. Some people have a natural knack for marketing and advertising, but for others, it can be a struggle. And these days, businesses need to engage in newer marketing strategies (SEO, Google, e-mail marketing) as well as social ones (Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, Instagram, etc. ) to make the greatest possible impact.

The amount of time and energy that needs to be devoted to marketing in a modern business can be overwhelming, but franchises offer business owners the chance to access some powerful marketing muscle to complement their own efforts. Franchise owners need to devote time and energy to marketing their businesses, but they don’t have to do it all alone.

The Franchise Marketing Advantage

When it comes to marketing a business successfully, one of the key components is developing name recognition. With a start up, it’s necessary to build that name recognition from the ground up. It takes a considerable amount of time and effort to build trust around the brand. Doing so can be rewarding, but it’s also quite exhausting.

As the owner of a franchise, you begin your business with name recognition built right in. it’s your business, but it’s also part of a proven framework of ideas, strategies and excellence that people recognize. You certainly need to go out there and let people know about your business, but with so much familiarity built in, you can make it much easier to convince people that what you’re offering is worth their time and money.

Advertising Expertise and Cutting-Edge Marketing Strategies

As a senior care franchise owner with Always Best Care, you get access to a tremendous marketing machine. Franchise owners benefit from award-winning marketing programs that reach potential clients through referral marketing and digital marketing efforts.

When you franchise with Always Best Care, you get assistance in developing specific marketing strategies that are highly focused on your local area.

Our direct marketing campaigns help you deliver a value-packed newsletter to potential clients
Brand awareness campaigns and lead-generation tools can be concentrated on your specific region
We give you the most effective tools for engaging on social media, as well as access to the latest Search Engine Optimization (SEO) best practices
There are more than 250 marketing collateral pieces available for a wide range of campaigns

Unleash Your Franchise Marketing Potential

As an Always Best Care franchise owner, you’ll always have a powerful marketing team behind you, offering guidance and support so you can ensure that your business gets noticed and builds a great reputation. If you want to own your own business, becoming an in home senior care franchise owner with Always Best Care is a great way to do so with the backing of one of the best brands in the industry!

Get started by downloading our FREE E-Book today!

Transitioning Into Franchise Ownership

Transitioning Into Franchise OwnershipFranchising is a great way to own and operate your own business, but the concepts inherent to franchising aren’t always easy to understand. In many cases, newcomers to this type of business model — those who have never run their own business before — adapt more quickly to franchising than those people who come from the world of independent business ownership. Adjusting to a career as a franchisee can be difficult for those who have owned and operated their own businesses in the past, even though these individuals bring tremendous assets to the table.

Are you a business owner who is considering a shift into franchising? Your skills and experience will serve you well, but there are some important things to keep in mind as you make the change and learn how to operate successfully as a franchisee.

Let’s take a look at some helpful tips!

Do Your Research

This is true for everyone entering a career in franchising, but it’s particularly true for those who come from the world of traditional business ownership: researching the ideal franchise opportunity is crucial to your eventual success. As someone with experience in business, you’ll want to enter a franchising situation that rewards your depth of knowledge, and you’ll want to find an opportunity that allows you to use your accumulated skills to earn success. A lot of franchising opportunities will be less than ideal. Use your time in research to eliminate prospects that won’t serve you well.

Talk To People

As a business person, you probably have a large network of people whose experience and knowledge you can draw from. You learn by interacting with them, and they have been essential to your success. Use your networking skills to your advantage as you investigate various franchising opportunities — talk to existing franchisees and learn about their experiences. Don’t be afraid to seek out conversations with franchisors, either! Your efforts here will help you determine which franchise suits your skills and your business style best.

Consider the Industry

Transitioning Into Franchise OwnershipIf you’re thinking about shifting into franchising from a career as an independent business owner, you must be looking for change. Perhaps this means that a change of industry is appropriate, as well. However, you may be better off remaining within the industry that you know and find familiar. The choice is yours, but it’s one that requires thought and serious consideration.

One thing is for sure: the senior-care industry is growing rapidly, and franchisees from all walks of life are finding renewed passion for their careers in this amazing franchising sector!

Learn More

Are you ready to build your future in the home care industry? The time to make a difference is now! Learn more about franchising with Always Best Care and get started on your journey to success by downloading our FREE E-Book today!

Please refer to our most recent Franchise Disclosure Document for important details.

Five Ways a Home Care Franchise Changes Lives

As people age, everyday tasks often become more challenging.  Many senior citizens may find themselves in need of daily help with errands, chores and personal care, but their family members may not be available to the extent needed.  Non-medical in-home care is an excellent solution for individuals who need help with everyday activities, but who do not require daily medical care or monitoring.

Here are five ways a home care franchise is changing the lives of seniors and their families:

  1. Assisting seniors with everyday tasks –– In-home caregivers help seniors with meal preparation, grocery shopping, mail sorting and bookkeeping, light housekeeping, personal care and transport, among other things.
  2. Providing affordable care –– In-home care can be an affordable alternative to assisted living facilities, which can cost anywhere from $2,800-$7,000 per month.
  3. Giving families peace of mind –– Family members, especially those with young children at home, may find it difficult to help their loved ones to the extent they’d like.  In-home care professionals can provide family members with peace of mind, knowing that their loved ones are receiving the help and attention they need.
  4. Providing seniors with companionship –– Elderly people, especially those who are unmarried or widowed, often experience loneliness more acutely as they become more distanced from busy family members and friends, and spend more time at home alone.  An in-home caregiver’s companionship can go a long way to combat loneliness and comfort seniors.
  5. Helping seniors maintain independence –– For most of us, the thought of becoming dependent on others is uncomfortable.  Seniors frequently report that maintaining as much independence as possible is extremely important to them as they age.  In-home caregivers can provide assistance with certain tasks, while allowing seniors to maintain their independence.

The American population is aging—the number of people aged 65 and older is expected to increase to around 72 million, in the year 2030, in the United States.  Our aging population will bring increased demand for senior care services and alternatives to assisted living, such as in-home care.  Always Best Care is one of the leading providers of senior care in the nation and is ready to serve this population.

Always Best Care is one of the nation’s leading providers of non-medical in-home care, assisted living placement services, and skilled home health care.  The company delivers its services through a national network of nearly 190 independently owned and operated franchise territories throughout the USA.

Learn more about the exciting senior care industry in our FREE downloadable eBook!

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Please refer to our most recent Franchise Disclosure Document for important details.

Top Reasons Baby Boomers Are Retiring Later

Many Baby Boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) are choosing to delay retirement and continue working—and not necessarily for financial reasons.   According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of people age 65 and older in the workforce had increased from 12.9 percent in 2000 to 17.4 percent in 2010 and is expected to increase to 22.5 percent by the year 2020. Franchise with Always Best Care explores the reasons behind this increase in older workers.

Working Provides Rewards beyond Financial Compensation 

While it’s true that some Americans have not saved sufficiently and, therefore, must continue working into retirement, the reasons behind the trend of Boomers working beyond age 65 are varied.  Beyond financial necessity alone, older Americans are choosing to work longer for emotional and psychological reasons.

A study from the Sloan Center on Aging and Work found that 89 percent of older workers surveyed reported enjoying their work.  And in a sample of individuals ages 50 and over, the 2002 National Study of the Changing Workforce found that 91 percent of those surveyed said the work they do is meaningful to them.   Older folks continue working beyond retirement to reduce social isolation and increase their connection to the community.  Many people report that working helps give meaning to their lives, while others want to be able to use their knowledge and experience on the job.

Helping Baby Boomers in the Coming Years

Although many Baby Boomers are opting to delay retirement and continue working, this growing segment of the population will require assistance in the coming years and decades.  More folks are choosing to age in place, opting for home care rather than assisted living.  If helping seniors is your passion, contact Franchise with Always Best Care to learn more about starting a senior home care businesses with one of the top home care franchises in the nation.

Learn More

Are you interested in learning more about what it takes to be successful as a senior care franchise owner during the aging-in-place boom? Always Best Care is here to help you navigate the industry as one of our franchise owners! Download our FREE franchising ebook today to learn more and refer to our most recent Franchise Disclosure Document for important details.

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Please refer to our most recent Franchise Disclosure Document for important details.

Franchise Ownership and the Non-Medical In-Home Care Revolution

Couple having a business meeting

We live in a stressful world.  Our lives are busier than ever, and it seems like our to-do lists just keep getting longer and longer, no matter how hard — or how much — we work.  Add to that the fact that seniors are living longer lives and choosing, largely, to live at home, which requires family members to provide care in order to ensure that senior loved ones live comfortably and safely.  In-home senior care is something that’s becoming more crucial every day, and non-medical care is rising to the top of the list of things that today’s seniors require.  In fact, it’s fair to say that the demographic-driven, non-medical senior care revolution is here, and it is one of the more compelling reasons to consider owning and operating your own senior care franchise.

What Is Non-Medical Care?

Think about the seniors in your life — they probably require more medical care than you do, but for the most part, they live comfortably and happily. What they really need is help around the house, companionship, assistance with shopping and other errands, house-cleaning, medication reminders, and transportation.  These are all areas where modern seniors tend to require help, but none of them are so serious that they require a move out of the home or contact with nurses, doctors and other medical professionals.

This is the essence of non-medical care.

Basically, today’s seniors want to stay at home, but they can’t do everything that’s required of them to maintain the home and be truly safe.  For many families, the stress of the modern world (or the fact they live in another part of the country) prevents members from pitching in all that’s necessary to help mom or dad.  That’s why non-medical home care services like those offered by Always Best Care are in demand and so valuable.

Own a Business That Provides Outstanding Non-Medical Care for Seniors

Happy business owner giving each other a high fiveFor many families, the obvious answer to the non-medical care gap for senior loved ones is hiring a provider like Always Best Care.  Our caregivers are trained to help out with all of the things that seniors need help with, but don’t necessarily fall under the banner of medical care, that is what we call the activities of daily living, or, ADLs.

As the owner of your own non-medical in-home care franchise, you can provide a valuable service to your community as you grow a business of your own in a highly promising industry!

Of course, there is a lot to learn to become a senior care franchise owner and provide a high standard of care, but that’s one of the reasons why franchising is so attractive. Always Best Care ensures that all of its franchise owners are trained properly and understand what it takes to hire, train and manage the best caregivers. You don’t need to do it all alone!

If you’re interested in learning more about non-medical senior care and how you can join an industry that’s on the cutting edge, we invite you to contact us today.

Are you interested in learning more about what it takes to be a senior care franchise owner during the aging-in-place boom? Always Best Care is here to help you navigate the industry as one of our franchise owners! Download our FREE franchising ebook today to learn more and refer to our most recent Franchise Disclosure Document for important details.

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4 Top Advantages of an Always Best Care Franchise

Always Best Care FranchiseThere are tens of thousands of franchises to choose from in just about every industry. By narrowing your choice to the senior care market, you are one step closer to owning an Always Best Care franchise.

Always Best Care is one of North America’s fastest-growing providers of three essential services for the burgeoning senior population: non-medical in-home care, assisted living placement, and skilled home health care.

Why an Always Best Care Franchise?

What makes an Always Best Care franchise your best option for achieving your dreams? How is an Always Best Care franchise different from other similar franchise operations? Briefly, here are four reasons to put us on your “A” list right now.

1. Total Support for Quick Success
There is a ready market waiting for you. Every day, 10,000 Americans reach 65 years of age. As the owner of an Always Best Care franchise, you tap into a tremendous client base with huge growth potential. We’ll help with a powerful suite of support services, ranging from strategic planning and communications to mentoring, marketing, and team building.

2. A Great Business Model
We give you not one, not two, but three pathways to expand revenues and increase profit. These pathways respond to the most important and prevalent needs of our senior population. They are non-medical in-home care, skilled home healthcare, and locating assisted living facilities. By offering the complete continuum of care, you will make a huge difference in people’s lives while assuring your business success.

3. Room to Grow
Each Always Best Care franchise has a population base of approximately 200,000 people, allowing you plenty of room to grow. We also offer protected referral sources. Referrals are the bread-and-butter for home care services revenues. Those referrals come from a variety of sources, such as case managers, social workers, discharge planners, doctors, and existing clients. When you market to these sources – with our assistance and support, of course – it doesn’t matter whether they are inside or outside your defined territory because you are fully protected.

4. Amazingly Affordable Startup Cost
Let’s be honest: There’s a real investment that comes with opening a franchise. But the costs for becoming an Always Best Care franchise are extremely approachable compared to other senior care franchises. Your estimated initial investment is much lower than you would expect from a company with such a solid reputation and record of success as Always Best Care.

As the owner of an Always Best Care franchise, you’ll manage a small business with a big heart. You will be fulfilling an important need for senior citizens to age in place. In doing so, you will improve their lives and give peace of mind to families in your community.

Learn More

Are you interested in learning more about what it takes to be successful as a senior care franchise owner during the aging-in-place boom? Always Best Care is here to help you navigate the industry as one of our franchise owners! Download our FREE franchising ebook today to learn more.

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Please refer to our most recent Franchise Disclosure Document for important details.