non-medical home care franchise | Senior Home Care Franchise

Top Five Home-Care Myths and How to Dispel Them

Most seniors, when asked, respond that they would prefer to remain in their homes as they age, rather than move to an assisted living facility. Often, however, the homes in which they have lived for many years have become too big to maintain, or they begin to have health issues, and their family members can’t always be there to help. Still, many seniors and their family members remain wary of hiring help from a home care business, largely due to a few misconceptions surrounding in-home care. Here are five of the most common myths regarding non-medical home care:

Only very sick people need home care.

While it’s true that very ill people may seek in-home care, non-medical home care businesses also provide simple services, like homemaking, personal care, or companionship.

Home care is too expensive.

Compared to other senior care services, home care is one of the most affordable options. A large percentage of family caregivers over-estimate the costs of non-medical care by as much as $6.00 per hour. Additionally, some clients of in-home care franchises only require services for a few hours per week.

Home care clients have no say about who comes into their homes.

Caregivers are often carefully matched to clients’ needs and interests, and professional home-care workers are carefully screened.

In-home care will reduce the client’s independence.

This is often the top concern of seniors who are considering home care, and it’s tough to convince them that, in fact, the opposite is true. A professional caregiver can help the client remain in the home, while helping to keep them socially engaged, providing transportation to favorite activities, and helping prevent falls and other accidents which can reduce a senior’s mobility.

If a family caregiver is present, there is no need to hire a home care worker.

If a family caregiver is on-call 24 hours a day, this can lead to emotional and physical exhaustion. Burned-out caregivers cannot provide quality care, no matter how much they may wish to. By hiring a home-care worker, families can give the primary caregiver crucial respite and relief, without having to remove the senior relative from his or her home.

For franchising opportunities and information on the senior care industry, download our FREE eBook today!

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

Exploring and Maximizing Leadership Styles

In our previous blog post, we took a look at the six major leadership styles, as described by Harvard researcher and leadership expert Daniel Goleman. As a senior care franchise owner, you lead a diverse team of individuals, and you’ve got to know how to get the most out of them.

The first step in your journey of leadership self awareness is determining which leadership style comes most naturally to you. Then you can shift your style, as needed. But it’s also necessary to learn how to employ the other five styles — even if they don’t seem natural, using them during the proper times can help you steer your franchise in the right direction.

Let’s take a deeper look at the six styles!

#1 — Coercive Leadership

Is this you?
If you are a coercive leader, it’s natural for you to demand that people do what you tell them, without question. You expect high achievement and big results without a lot of debate.

When it works
This style is the most effective when your franchise is in crisis mode or you need a quick turnaround. It is useful when you need to “shock” people into a new way of doing things.

When it doesn’t work
The coercive style should only be used when absolutely necessary; otherwise it can have a severe negative impact on collaboration, flexibility and morale.

#2 — Authoritative Leadership

Is this you?
Authoritative leaders display tremendous enthusiasm and possess a clear vision. Leaders of this type are powerful motivators.

When it works
Of the six leadership styles, this one is the most versatile and effective, overall. It allows leaders to get the most out of their people by inspiring them to greatness.

When it doesn’t work
This style can fail when teams of experts don’t respect the leader’s knowledge, or when big changes are required.

#3 — Affiliative Leadership

Is this you?
Affiliative leaders put people first. If you are such a leader, your focus tends to be on creating harmony, fostering communication and building empathy.

When it works
The Affiliative style works well when it’s necessary to boost morale and/or get people to work together more collaboratively, with greater harmony and a sense of unity.

When it doesn’t work
Because this style focuses so much on giving praise, it can be ineffective when it’s time to address poor performance among team members.

#4 — Democratic Leadership

Is this you?
If you are a democratic leader, you believe in the power of consensus and the importance of getting your team members to “buy in” to the mission of your franchise.

When it works
This style is particularly effective when you are unsure of a direction to take, or you need to untangle a thorny situation. It builds morale because it values the opinions and thoughts of employees so highly.

When it doesn’t work
Democratic leaders can get caught up in meetings and the search for consensus, so much so that they fail to take action when decisiveness is the best course.

#5 — Pacesetting Leadership

Is this you?
If the phrase, “lead by example,” resonates with you, then you are probably a pacesetting leader. You know how to do things “the right way” and you’re always ready to show your team how things ought to be done.

When it works
When used sparingly, this style can motivate a team and show your people that you’re willing to get in “the trenches” and perform hard work for your franchise.

When it doesn’t work
Pacesetting leadership can have a negative organizational impact when it’s overused, especially when it’s employed during times when team members need to build confidence in themselves.

#6 — Coaching Leadership

Is this you?
You believe in your people and you want them to achieve their goals. You often put franchise goals on the back burner so you can counsel your people and help them do their best.

When it works
This is the best style to employ when employees are eager to learn and hungry to find out new, better ways of doing things.

When it doesn’t work
This style is ineffective when leaders lack the expertise to coach their people with authority. It can also backfire when employees are apathetic and unwilling to learn.

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.

5 Inspirational Quotes for Franchise Owners

Owning and operating a senior care franchise can be a rewarding experience, but running your own franchise isn’t always smooth sailing. Ups and downs are natural in any business, so it’s important to stay motivated and focused on performing to the best of your ability, especially when the challenges you face seem overwhelming. Thankfully, as a franchise owner, help is available from your area representatives and corporate office. But if you’re looking for an extra spark of inspiration, it doesn’t hurt to pay attention to some tried-and-true bits of wisdom.

Here are five excellent inspirational quotes for senior care franchise owners!

#1 — “Expect problems and eat them for breakfast.” – Alfred Montapert

Alfred Montapert is a somewhat obscure 20th-century philosopher and author, but this quote really packs a punch! What Montapert is saying is that problems will arise in your business, no matter how hard you work to avoid them. If you can accept that problems will come up, you can deal with them decisively in the moment. And by being prepared for them, you can eliminate them with relative ease, just like you eliminated that piece of toast you had for breakfast!

#2 — “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” – Mark Twain

Making plans and generating big ideas about how you will run your franchise isn’t a bad thing, necessarily, but if you fail to actually take action on your ideas, you won’t see your business grow. Don’t worry so much about all of the steps you have to take; just take the first one. With each step, you become better prepared to take the next one!

#3 — “The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.” – Thomas Paine

Some challenges are more difficult than others to deal with. The good news is that facing the biggest problems head on tends to reap the biggest benefits. That problem that seems insurmountable now could represent the most direct route to reaching your goals in the future, so take on your big challenges one step at a time.

#4 — “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” – Thomas Edison

Here, Edison calls to mind the classic, “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again,” nugget of wisdom, but he goes even further in identifying “giving up” as a weakness. Few, if any, good things ever came from giving up, so if you believe in something, why not give it another try?

#5 — “Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking.” – William Butler Yeats

The world isn’t going to present the perfect opportunities for you to take actions in the interest of making your franchise grow. You create those opportunities for yourself through hard work, careful planning and using the advice and insights provided by your franchise support system. If you want to succeed as a franchise owner in the senior care industry, you’ve got to be proactive!

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.

10 Essential Smartphone Apps for Franchise Owners

As a franchise owner in the senior care industry, you can use your smartphone in a number of ways that help you succeed, but you have to know the apps that can help you do so without wasting your time.

If you’re looking for some new apps to help you become a better, more productive franchise owner, here are ten examples that can help you start getting more done today!

#1 — Wunderlist

This easy-to-use app helps you take notes, plan assignments and make lists from anywhere. If you are a detail-oriented person, it helps you stay on top of your workload, and it includes functionality to aid in collaboration.

#2 — Trello

Similar to Wunderlist, Trello helps you stay organized with lists, notes and assignments through a visual, board-based interface. If you’re familiar with Pinterest, you will probably catch on quickly to how Trello works.

#3 — Evernote

Yet another option for taking notes, keeping lists and collaborating with others is Evernote. It uses a simple, clean interface that allows you to integrate text, images, video, PDFs, webpages and other media easily. Evernote is a terrific choice for productivity if you are torn between Wunderlist and Trello.

#4 — Addappt

Caregivers, clients, franchise representatives and others populate your “contacts” list, and it can be difficult to keep track of them all. Addappt helps business owners manage their contacts with easy updating and the ability to categorize contacts simply and effectively.

#5 — Asana

Asana provides a single location for franchise owners and their team members to connect and share communications and tasks. Adding files, links or images is easy with Asana, and the app is free for teams of 15 people or fewer.

#6 — Google Drive

The Google Drive app provides tons of storage for virtually any file type, and it ensures that you’re always just a click away from your work, no matter where you’re located. The Android version of Drive also allows you to scan documents, making it easy for you to add receipts, sketches and hand-written notes.

#7 — CamScanner

Speaking of scanning, one of the most popular apps for business owners is CamScanner, which is available on all major platforms. Just point your phone’s camera at any document and convert it into a searchable PDF almost instantly.

#8 — Polaris Office

Polaris Office is a full suite of applications for managing, creating, editing and saving documents without a connection to the internet. If you’re looking for a way to work with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel documents (as well as PDFs) on the go, Polaris Office is worth investigating.

#9 — Dropbox

Dropbox is one of the more popular solutions for secure file storage and document sharing. It works directly with a number of useful applications like Word and Photoshop, and it’s supported on a wide range of platforms, ensuring that you always have a way to access your work.

#10 — RescueTime

According to the experts at PCMag.com, RescueTime is “…simply the best time-management app we’ve ever tested.” If you’re wondering how you can squeeze more into each day, this amazing app can help you get more done by providing a detailed analysis of how you actually spend your time.

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.

Three Ways You Can Help Alzheimer’s Patients As a Franchisee

Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia represent a huge health and wellness concern for many families across the country and around the world. Alzheimer’s is still somewhat mysterious — even to expert scientists and doctors — and there is no cure or treatment that can effectively reverse the symptoms and characteristics of the disease. However, recent years have seen numerous breakthroughs in the ways that people care for Alzheimer’s patients, most of whom fall into the growing senior population.

As a senior care franchisee, you play a special role in the lives of older individuals, and that role gives you a unique perspective into the disease and its effects on patients and their families. What you may not realize, though, is that your role as a non medical senior care franchise owner gives you a chance to provide help, hope and comfort in ways that aren’t possible otherwise.

Here are three ways you can use your role as a franchise owner to help Alzheimer’s patients:

#1 — Lead and Educate

As a franchise owner, you are the leader of a team. Therefore, it’s up to you to make sure you’re up to speed with the latest care techniques and data on Alzheimer’s. That way, you can ensure that your caregivers and other staff members are equally informed and able to provide the best, most comprehensive non medical care possible.

Of course, with the way the world changes these days, it’s important to constantly keep your ear to the ground to stay up to date. New breakthroughs are happening every day, and new methods of non medical care are being developed as we speak, so be sure to stay on the cutting edge!

#2 — Make it Personal

It’s likely that one of the main reasons you became a senior-care franchisee was to give back to your community because for you, it’s personal.

When it comes to caring for Alzheimer’s patients, you can make a huge impact by showing your team — and the families they help — that you are personally invested in the lives of the people for whom your business provides essential care. After all, if you’re like most people, you probably know someone close to you who also suffers from the disease.

#3 — Be Your Area’s Alzheimer’s Care Leader

More and more families are searching for options for Alzheimer’s care these days. When you can show your community that you are the leader in dementia care, you give people hope and reassurance. When people know that they can trust you to provide the best possible care, they will make sure the world knows that your business has what it takes to provide much-needed relief.

Make a Difference as a Senior Care Franchisee

If you’re ready to learn more about senior-care franchise ownership and the difference you can make as a franchisee, we invite you to download our FREE franchising ebook today!

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

Do You Have What it Takes to Be A Senior Care Franchise Owner?

If you are reading this, there is a good chance it’s because you’re curious about becoming a senior care franchise owner. Perhaps you’ve gained experience in the corporate world, but you’re interested in owning your own business. Maybe you’ve even been considering franchising for a while, but the right opportunity hasn’t come along. Whatever your reasoning, it’s true that right now is a great time to enter the growing in home senior care industry as a franchisee. It’s a solid industry with a tremendous growth forecast, and those who have followed their franchisor systems and worked hard have experienced impressive successes.

The senior care industry is highly appealing, so it makes sense that you would consider it when evaluating franchise opportunities. But there’s something you need to ask yourself: Do you have what it takes?

Are You Cut Out for Senior Care?

Our industry attracts prospective franchisees from all backgrounds and walks of life, but the senior care sector is not ideal for every individual. That’s why it’s important to evaluate yourself, your abilities and your preferred way of working before you jump in and sign on.

Here are four qualities that successful senior-care franchisees possess:

They Can Handle Coaching and Feedback

As a franchisee, this can be difficult if you’re used to giving orders instead of taking them. However, if you are a team player who can trust a proven system and integrate constructive feedback into your career, you will probably do just fine in the world of senior care franchising. It’s all about working hard and using your specific talents to make the system work for you and your business.

They Appreciate Structure

Some people require a certain degree of excitement and spontaneity in their professional lives, and these individuals tend to make exceptional entrepreneurs. Unfortunately, they don’t always make the best franchisees. But if you feel comfortable working within a structured system with clear guidelines to follow, franchising might be perfect for you.

They Possess Strong People Skills

Although it’s possible to run some businesses without interacting with a diverse group of individuals, that’s just not how most franchises work. If you’re a “people person” who can work successfully with all kinds of people while putting your ego aside, though, franchising is an avenue worth considering. The senior-care industry, in particular, is incredibly diverse, bringing together people from all backgrounds, cultures and economic realities.

They Want to Support the Community

Senior-care franchising is different from other opportunities because it allows franchisees the chance to truly help their communities. Senior care companies provide a resource and a lifeline that might not exist otherwise. So if you’re interested in doing more than just making profits, you can find lots of chances to help others as an in home senior care franchisee!

Do You Have More Questions?

If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a senior care franchisee in your area, we invite you download our FREE franchising ebook today! It’s loaded with information that will help you make the best choice for your future, so don’t hesitate to get your copy.

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

Four Reasons Now Is the Right Time To Start a Senior Care Franchise

Have you been searching for ways to make changes or improvements in your life and career? Like most people who yearn for such change, you’ve probably considered making moves, but the future consequences are too unclear to take the necessary leap of faith, whether it’s switching careers, starting a business or moving your family to a different part of the world. So you’ve remained in your comfortable existence — and there’s nothing wrong with that!

But what if you’re still motivated by a desire to do something different with your career?

Senior care franchising may be your best option. Why? Well, we think if you just look around you, you’ll see numerous reasons why in-home care franchises represent such awesome business opportunities today.

Here are four of those reasons:

Seniors Crave Independence

Successful businesses are usually built upon a foundation of an ability to offer something that’s in need. Today’s seniors have a need to be independent and autonomous. They have very little interest in nursing-home living, with many older individuals finding ways to stay at home for as long as possible.

As a senior-care franchisee, you can take advantage of this desire in your community. Seniors and their families will appreciate the solutions you have to offer, and they will be sure to tell others about the amazing solutions your business provides.

Baby Boomer Transitions

The so-called “Baby Boomer” generation is retiring and they’re going to need options for their senior years. This generation likes to do things differently, and the way they choose to live out their senior years is no exception.

There are Baby Boomers in your community right now who desire more options as they consider senior living. Will you be the one to help them with your own senior care franchise?

The Best of All Worlds

Being a business owner is tough, but working for a corporation can be just as difficult. What if you could have the best of both worlds without the hassles associated with them? Franchising in the senior care sector gives you the opportunity to operate independently with the full support and power of a successful business backing you. You have freedom to operate, but you also have a team of experts and a proven system behind you. What a great opportunity!

Future Competition Will Be Fierce!

One of the most compelling reasons to get into senior care franchising today is the fact that the future is going to be very competitive as more and more people realize the benefits of owning their own franchises in this sector.

By getting on board now, you can establish yourself as a proven leader while your future competitors are still deciding what to do with their careers. Are you ready to take that leap of faith?

Franchise With Always Best Care

Always Best Care is one of the true leaders in senior care franchising. Download our FREE franchising ebook today and learn more about why your next career decision should go in the direction of at home senior care!

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

Six Simple Tips for Senior Care Franchise Success

Senior care franchises are sprouting up all over North America, proving that it’s a business model that’s looking at a very bright future. If you’re a senior-care franchisee or you’re in the process of considering the purchase of your own in home care franchise, it’s important that you take time to think about how you will set yourself apart from the competition and ensure the success of your business.

Here are six simple tips that can give you the edge you need to make your franchise the class of your community:

#1 — Work Hard and Practice Persistence

Maybe this should go without saying, but too many franchisees think that the business model by itself is going to make them successful. Well, that’s just not the case. Hard work and persistence are the things that really set successful franchisees apart from their less-successful peers.

#2 — Work Smarter

Hard work is crucial, but sometimes you have to recognize when you’re putting a brute-force effort into something that just isn’t going to pay off. If you want to be successful, you have to be able to understand that sometimes the best solution comes from a good idea and not a Herculean effort.

#3 — Search for New Opportunities Constantly

As a franchisee, your success will depend on your ability to keep finding new opportunities. This might mean taking advantage of partnerships with local senior centers and other facilities, or it might mean making your business a sponsor of local events. You just can’t afford to coast as a franchisee.

#4 — Learn What Makes You Stand Out

What do you bring to your business personally? Is there something special that you do well that your competitors struggle with? If you can find a handful of these things, you can make your business more attractive to seniors and their families.

#5 — Avoid Making Excuses

Things aren’t always going to go your way. That’s just how business works, though, so you have to be able to bounce back when a plan fails or a venture falls through. Although it’s easy to make excuses and complain about how things didn’t work out, that’s not way to succeed. Instead, look at your efforts and determine how you can do a better job in the future. Then move forward one step at a time.

#6 — Be the Best at What You Do

Sometimes being successful is simply a matter of noticing what others are doing and finding a way to do it better. What are your competitors good at? Where can you improve with your efforts? Notice these areas, improve them and strive to be the best at them!

More Franchise Advice and Information

If you’re interested in learning more about how to be successful in the senior-care industry, or if you’re curious about purchasing your own franchise, our FREE senior care franchising ebook contains information and advice you can’t ignore. Download your copy today!

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

Four Signs that Franchising Is Right For You

Like a lot of people these days, you might be searching for opportunities that make your personal and professional lives more comfortable and successful. Perhaps you’ve worked in the corporate world, or you’ve considered hanging your own shingle as the owner of a business. If nothing seems to satisfy, but you’re eager for something new, franchising might be your best bet. Franchising, particularly in the rapidly growing in-home senior care industry, is a great way to make a living while making a difference. Moreover, it features the best of all worlds when it comes to the business experience. And when you find the ideal franchise, you experience the perfect balance between support and freedom.

But how do you know if franchising is really right for you?

Here are five signs to look for:

#1 — You’ve Got an Active Mind

Are you always thinking of ways in which a business you run could be successful? Are you constantly looking at trends and performing forecasts of the future? Do you often find yourself considering possibilities surrounding marketing initiatives? Your thoughts can be put to good use in the world of franchising, where good ideas are always welcome.

#2 — You Motivate Yourself

You don’t need anyone to tell you what to do in order to get the job done. You just do it, and you do it well. As a self starter, you are perfect for a possible career as a senior care franchise owner. However, it’s important to note that you will need to take direction from the franchisor who will give you guidance based on proven principles.

#3 — You Know How to Follow A Successful System

Sometimes business is all about doing the right thing based on what’s worked in the past. Yes, you’re a thinker and a self starter, but you realize that when something works, it’s worth repeating. As a franchisee, you will work with people in your industry that have proven time and again that they know what works. All you need to do is recognize that the system is the path to success, then you can augment it with your own expertise and business savvy.

#4 — You Feel Like It’s Time for A Change

Are you simply ready for a new direction in your life and your career? Have you looked at different opportunities and found them lacking something? Perhaps franchising is the ideal scenario and you simply haven’t investigated it yet.

If you are truly ready for a change in your life that will affect every aspect of your personal, social and career tracks, it’s time to take a look at franchising. Franchising — especially in senior care — is a great way to play to all of your strengths while ensuring that your future remains bright.

Learn More About Senior Care Franchising

Are you interested in learning more about what franchising in the senior care sector can do for you? Download our FREE senior care franchising ebook today! It’s loaded with excellent information and insights that you won’t find anywhere else. Simply click the link and see where franchising can take you and your career!

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

Why Is In-Home Care Hot? Take a Look at the Facts

The franchising world is filled with endless opportunities, making it difficult to select the career path that is likely to present the brightest future. From fast food to fitness, there is a franchising opportunity for every interest, and each one has its pros and cons. However, if you’re interested in investing in a franchise that offers explosive growth along with the chance to make a difference in your community, one franchise sector shines brighter than most others – in home care for seniors.

Why is this franchise sector so appealing for savvy investors and entrepreneurs?

Let’s take a look at the facts!

-There are more than forty-million seniors in the United States

This means that seniors make up a huge segment of the population – 13.1 percent, in fact! But that’s not all: in just 35 years, the total number of seniors in this country is expected to double, and people over the age of 65 will represent more than 20 percent of the population. As the senior population grows, so will its need for care.

-More people want to “age in place”

Nursing homes and care facilities will always have their place, but they are becoming less and less appealing to the senior population. In fact, 90 percent of individuals aged 65 and older say that they would prefer to remain in their current residence as they age. Technology helps make this possible, but the the presence of in-home caregivers from companies like Always Best Care makes it even more appealing and practical. This means that home-care franchisees will always have a viable business model to work within.

-Health care jobs are moving to non hospital settings

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, occupational growth will occur at a rate of nearly 50 percent for home-health and personal home-care careers in the coming years. Who will employ these caregivers? Franchisees in the home-care industry, of course!

-Costs of care are rising

The cost to care for a person suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia is predicted to rise substantially. The cost to treat Alzheimer’s alone is expected to exceed $1 trillion annually in the United States. This means that families will increasingly look to save money wherever possible while maintaining a high standard of care. Companies like Always Best Care will be there for those families, and franchisees will find themselves in a position to not only achieve business success in a lucrative market, but to make a real, lasting difference in their communities.

Franchise With Always Best Care and Join a Flourishing Industry

Franchising is a great way to achieve business success, but the home-care industry offers the opportunity to make a difference in a rapidly changing world, as well. If you’re interested in getting on board with your own senior-care franchise, contact Always Best Care today! Also, don’t forget to download your own copy of our FREE franchising ebook, which is packed with information that will help you put your best foot forward on your way to a successful future!

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