As an aspiring entrepreneur, you may be wondering, “Is now a good time to start a business?” Given the current state of the economy—including inflation, layoffs, and high interest rates—now may not seem like the most opportune moment. However, timing isn’t everything. Here’s the truth: while timing does matter somewhat, what’s most important is the industry you choose to invest in. Researching recession-resistant industries is key to finding a business opportunity that’s built to thrive.   

As the saying goes, “the strongest steel is forged in the hottest fire.” Consider companies like Airbnb, Microsoft, General Motors, Uber, and Burger King; they all started during times of economic uncertainty—now they’re some of the biggest companies in the world. Learn why now actually may be the best time to start a business and why industries like senior care stand out from the crowd.  

Why Senior Care Is a Smart Investment—Right Now

The senior care industry stands out for its consistency and long-term growth potential—even when other sectors struggle. Unlike some markets that shrink during downturns, senior care meets a critical need that doesn’t go away during recessions or uncertain times.   

Here’s what makes the senior care market such a strong investment:  

• Growing market: The global elderly care market was valued at $49.29 billion in 2024. Projected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9% from now until 2032, the market will reach a total valuation of $98.19 billion by the end of the forecast period.  
• Aging population: People are living longer, healthier lives. In fact, more than 10,000 people turn 65 every day in the U.S., creating steady demand for care services.  
• Non-discretionary spending: Senior care is often seen as a necessity, not a luxury—especially for families caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia. 
• Shift toward in-home care: Post-COVID, many families prefer in-home care over assisted living facilities or nursing homes—strengthening home care market growth. 
• Strain on family caregivers: With more families balancing work, children, and aging parents, the need for reliable senior care support continues to rise. 
• More care needed after hospital discharges: As hospitals strive to shorten patient stays, more older adults need transitional care once they return home.  
• Historical resilience: Historically, the senior care sector has consistently performed well during economic downturns, proving its vitality and durability.  

While the senior care industry shows incredible promise, navigating this sector on your own can be challenging. That’s why many aspiring entrepreneurs turn to franchising. By partnering with a reputable brand like A Place At Home, you’ll get direct access to a proven business model, built-in support, and strong brand recognition right from the start.   

Get Started with A Place At Home

Founded in 2012 and franchising since 2017, A Place At Home offers a well-rounded franchise opportunity. Providing a range of services including non-medical in-home care, care coordination, senior living alternatives, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, long and short-term staffing solutions, and specialized Veteran care, A Place At Home franchisees can build multiple revenue streams while delivering the highest-quality care to those in need.  

Offering an affordable opportunity, our startup costs range from $91,195 to $166,012, including our initial franchise fee of $49,500. To qualify for our brand, interested candidates should have a net worth of $250,000 and at least $50,000 in liquid assets.  

So—is now a good time to start a business? We think yes. With A Place At Home, you’ll have everything you need to build a strong business from day one. To learn more about our franchise opportunity, fill out our franchise inquiry form. Once we have received your information, a member of our team will be in touch with you to discuss further.  

Navigating state regulations can make it difficult to tap into the lucrative home care market. Find out more about non-regulated home care states and what it takes to run a successful home care business.

A rise in the elderly population and a jump in the number of people with chronic conditions is sending demand for home care services surging. To understand the importance of senior care, look at the numbers:

• More than one-third of seniors 65 and older are expected to require assistance with personal care for at least two years.
• The number of seniors in the U.S. is projected to reach 82 million in 2050, up 47% from 2022.
• Seniors are living longer than ever. Nearly half of the girls born in 2000 will live to be 100.

Navigating Senior Care Regulations

As demand for senior care grows, businesses are struggling to fill the service gap. One of the challenges of owning a senior care business is complying with regulations that vary by state. In many states, a business offering non-medical home care services—such as help with activities of daily living—must obtain a home care agency license. This ensures the business meets state health and safety standards.

In addition, you’ll also need a basic business license from your local city or county government to operate legally . Many states require background checks for caregivers and administrators to ensure they have no criminal history or past violations. If a provider plans to offer Medicare-covered services, they must apply for Medicare certification, which requires meeting federal standards for home health care.

These stringent guidelines can hamper operational flexibility and take significant time to obtain, slowing your ability to start providing care and meeting financial targets.

What are Non-Regulated Home Care States?

While home care regulations are constantly evolving, research suggests Michigan, Iowa, Massachusetts, and Ohio are the only non-regulated states in the U.S. These states do not necessitate licensing for home care providers.

Reduced red tape and regulatory hurdles can lower startup costs, and you can get their home care business up and running more quickly. However, it’s important to be mindful of local regulations and to provide high-quality care despite the relaxed regulatory environment.

Tackling Regulatory Issues Through Franchising

If you don’t reside in one of the non-regulated home care states, you don’t need to pack up and move to start a successful home care operation. A franchise can help tackle regulatory issues head-on. The franchisor’s support team will provide valuable insights to help you attain the appropriate licensing you need to do business.

Franchising with an in-home care provider like A Place At Home offers:

• A proven brand
• Comprehensive training
• Ongoing support

A Place At Home has more than a decade of experience helping entrepreneurs launch senior care businesses nationwide. Our support team is equipped to guide you on how to start a non-medical home care business and complete all of the necessary licensing and regulatory requirements.

“As an A Place At Home franchise owner, with the combination of the franchisor’s support and technology, we could focus on getting our licensing and certifications, while all other aspects of the business are laid out for you. It aligns everything that we need for the business to grow.” Larry Thomas, Louisiana franchise owner.

Start a Senior Care Business with A Place At Home

A Place At Home’s co-founders launched the business after struggling to find high-quality, compassionate care for their family members. Their mission was to launch a business that keeps seniors safe and happy at home. Unlike other senior care brands, A Place At Home focuses on providing four core services to enable seniors to receive continuing care from the same company.

Offering multiple services allows franchise owners to take advantage of diverse revenue streams. We offer:

• In-home senior care: Our caregivers provide personal care, companion care, and socialization. We also offer specialty services such as Alzheimer’s and dementia care as needed.
• Care coordination: We spearhead care coordination to give family members peace of mind.
• Senior living alternatives: Once in-home care is no longer an option, we can assist with downsizing to an apartment or finding an assisted living facility.
• Staffing solutions: We help assisted living facilities, memory care units, rehab facilities, and other long-term care communities conquer staffing challenges.

Ready to Get Started?

Fill out our franchise inquiry form to learn more about how A Place At Home can help you dive into the senior care industry.

TOWSON, Md. – (Feb. 13, 2025) – A Place At Home, a senior-focused home care provider franchise, is proud to announce the opening of its first Maryland location in Towson. Franchise owners Yemi Adebisi and Adedayo Ojo, both first-generation Nigerian Americans, are leading this milestone expansion during Black History Month.

Adebisi and Ojo’s personal experiences with aging loved ones fuel their commitment to non-medical in-home care. Ojo remembers the stark contrast between his parents’ experiences—his father’s health declined rapidly, leading to his passing. While his mother, despite a terminal pancreatic cancer diagnosis, lived six unexpected years beyond her prognosis. He credits the quality home care she received for that extended time.

“Seeing how my mother lived those extra years with proper care and support from family and caregivers opened my eyes to how essential home care is,” Ojo said. “You have to do all you can so your loved ones receive the care and dignity they deserve.”

Additionally, Adebisi’s grandmother lived until she was 102 with the help of professional and family care, reinforcing Adebisi’s understanding of the importance of aging in place.

A Place At Home – Towson will provide comprehensive senior-focused care services, including in-home care, care coordination, assistance finding senior living alternatives, and staffing solutions for senior care facilities. These services allow seniors to maintain independence and improve their quality of life. The new location will open this month and serve Towson, Cockeysville, Parkville, Nottingham, and the surrounding communities.

“This is more than a business for us—it’s our passion to serve the community and enhance the lives of seniors,” said Adebisi. “Our goal is to provide the same level of care we would want for our own loved ones, ensuring they age with dignity, comfort, and the support they deserve.”

Adebisi and Ojo recognize the disparities in care for the Black community and hope to bridge that gap. Recent research shows that home care services and aging in place allow for earlier detection of illness, faster treatment, and better care, leading to longer, healthier lives for seniors. Studies also indicate that home care services significantly improve the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of older adults.

“Yemi and Adedayo embody the values that drive our franchise—compassion, professionalism, and a deep commitment to serving their community,” said Jerod Evanich, co-founder and president of A Place At Home. “Their leadership will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on seniors and their families in the Towson area and beyond.”

For more information about franchising with A Place At Home, visit aplaceathomefranchise.com.

###

About A Place At Home

A Place At Home offers a range of customized senior-focused care services, including in-home care, care coordination, and assistance in identifying and transitioning to senior living alternatives. The company is dedicated to preserving the quality of life for seniors by giving them the support they need to stay as independent as possible for as long as possible. Visit aplaceathome.com for more information.

If you have a servant’s heart and want to pursue a future uplifting and supporting your community, we can help you brainstorm some business ideas to help the community.

Pursuing a meaningful career can increase job satisfaction. When your career matches your values and passion, working feels less like a chore and more like a calling. Entrepreneurship offers many exciting opportunities to positively impact your community, and nearly 40% of entrepreneurs are “very happy” as business owners.

Finding an opportunity that fosters growth and sustainability and makes a social impact requires careful research. Here are our top six business ideas to help the community to consider:

1. Urgent care clinic: Customers prioritize convenience, and urgent care clinics offer on-demand healthcare services. Urgent care clinics provide a valuable service in rural and underserved communities, improving access to healthcare. Plus, you don’t need a large team of healthcare professionals to run smoothly—a few physicians, nurse practitioners, and administrative staff can run the clinic. Unfortunately, urgent care clinics often have high startup costs, and you’ll need to deal with insurance companies for payments.
2. Staffing firm: Connecting businesses with people who need a job in your community can improve the quality of life of your neighbors in need. Staffing firms often have a low initial investment—you only need a small footprint location and minimal staff to do business. Yet, the
   success of staffing firms hinges on the labor market. If hiring stalls, your business could take a hit.
3. Childcare services: A childcare business is a recession-resistant business idea for helping others with high-profit potential. As Generation Z hits its stride and starts having children, demand for high-quality childcare will continue to grow. Providing children a safe, nurturing environment supports families and helps parents pursue careers. On the downside, finding reliable caregivers can be a challenge, and the turnover rate at these facilities is high. Turnover at childcare facilities was approximately 65% higher than a typical job.
4. Event planning: Helping people make memories by planning important events can be fulfilling and a strong income generator. According to Wedding Report, the average U.S. wedding cost more than $30,000 in 2023. Unfortunately, most events are at night or on the weekend, making establishing a work-life balance challenging.
5. Tutoring: U.S. students are still struggling to get back on track after suffering from learning loss during the pandemic. A tutoring business gives children the tools they need to thrive and can be a satisfying business idea. You’ll need to be prepared to work after school hours to serve students.
6. Senior care provider: The aging population and a rise in chronic conditions are helping the senior care industry surge. From 1990 to 2024, home healthcare services added 1.5 million jobs, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. Over the next eight years, employment in services for the elderly and people with disabilities is expected to grow by nearly 27%. Starting a business providing senior care services is a vital way to give back to families in your community and can
   be a lucrative choice for a business.

Own a Senior Care Franchise

While owning a business can be a positive step for your mental and financial health, striking out on your own can be challenging. A franchise offers a proven brand with training and ongoing guidance to make it happen.

A Place At Home provides compassionate and trusted in-home care services for seniors. We’ve honed the steps to succeed in this booming industry. Our goal is to provide a continuum of services to the senior population in a manner that is consistent and reliable for each phase of the aging journey. We offer local owners four revenue streams, including in-home senior care, care coordination, senior living alternatives, and staffing solutions for senior care facilities to raise profit opportunities.

Provide a Helping Hand

Start making a difference today. Fill out a franchise inquiry form to connect with a franchise business consultant and find a territory near you.

Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. There are nearly 35 million small businesses in the U.S., generating 43.5% of the nation’s gross domestic product. If you want to write your own success story by opening a business, check out A Place At Home’s tips on how to become a successful entrepreneur.

According to Gallup, more than 60% of Americans want to open a business. The desire to pursue entrepreneurship is spurred by the potential for higher pay and autonomy. A flexible schedule, making a positive impact, and pursuing your passion are other top drivers for launching a business.

In 2024, the U.S. saw an average of 430,000 new business applications each month—a 50% increase compared to 2019. Easier access to tools and resources to start and scale businesses and the growing number of franchise opportunities are helping fuel entrepreneurial growth.

Despite the popularity of entrepreneurship, only about half of independent businesses survive the first five years. To increase your chances of success, here are some tips:

1. Develop a clear vision: It’s vital to set goals and have a solid financial roadmap for your business.
2. Research the market: Understanding industry trends and your target demographic will enable you to gain a foothold in the market.
3. Build a strong network: Having a mentor can help guide you on your business journey. They can provide valuable advice and offer a listening ear when you face challenges. Joining a business networking group helps generate business leads and establish your reputation.
4. Manage risk: Starting a business can be risky. To ensure your business thrives, it’s important to balance risk by making calculated decisions.
5. Leverage technology: Digital tools can streamline operations. A customer relationship management system’s ability to track sales and handle customer relationships improves efficiency and strategic planning.
6. Be resilient: The best entrepreneurs are nimble and can cope with adversity. Following the pandemic, restaurateurs who quickly ramped up curbside pickup and delivery were able to stay afloat when dining rooms were shuttered.

Franchising Powers Entrepreneurship

How can I become an entrepreneur? Franchising provides a gateway to business ownership with an established brand that has a proven history of success. There are more than 4,000 franchise brands in the U.S., covering everything from foodservice and home services to senior care.

As a franchise owner, you’ll receive training and ongoing support to enhance your ability to build a thriving business. A franchise offers a turnkey business with the technology you need to run efficiently. If you want to be your own boss with less risk, franchising is the answer. Around 95% of franchise locations with an initial investment of at least $25,000 are still in business after five years, Entrepreneur reports.

The Senior Care Advantage

A Place At Home is a recognized franchise in a high-demand industry. The U.S. population is aging. By 2040, nearly one in four Americans will be 65 or older. A Place At Home caters to this growing demographic by offering a range of personalized services, including in-home care, care coordination, and staffing solutions. Having multiple revenue streams allows you to diversify your portfolio to increase profits. It also enables you to provide reliable and consistent services to help seniors to age gracefully.

You do not need experience in senior care to succeed as an A Place At Home franchisee. We provide the training and support you need to build your business. Our dedicated coaches guide new owners as they set up their businesses, evaluate potential office locations, obtain state licensing processes, and more. You’ll receive five days of intensive training onsite at our headquarters.

Partner with A Place At Home

Starting a business can lead you to self-sufficiency and financial freedom. Fill out our franchise inquiry form to learn more about partnering with A Place At Home to launch a senior care business in your community.

As the U.S. population ages, demand for in-home senior care is soaring, making it a prime opportunity for savvy entrepreneurs. Seniors who pay out-of-pocket offer the potential for greater profitability and long-term growth. Learn how to get private-pay home care clients by building strong connections with seniors and their families.

Who is a Private-Pay Home Care Client?

Private-pay home care clients pay out-of-pocket for their care services, rather than using government programs like Medicaid and Medicare, or insurance. These seniors and their families rely on savings and existing assets to pay for services. They demand high-quality, personalized care, which can be a key factor in building a profitable senior care business. Self-paying clients choose their caregivers, types of services, and care schedules.

Self-paying clients are a crucial component of any non-medical home care business. Here are the benefits of targeting these types of clients:

• High-profit margins: You can set your own rate for self-paying clients without insurance or government restrictions, increasing your profit potential. Nearly 90% of older adults strongly desire to remain in the comfort of their homes for as long as possible, and many rely on savings to pay for the care they need.
• Improve cash flow: The client pays you directly. You won’t need to wait for insurance or Medicare to foot the bill, resulting in consistent cash flow.
• Less administrative requirements: Complying with insurance guidelines requires a lot of red tape. Private-pay clients are easier to manage, which enables you to focus on building your business.
• Personalized care plans: The personalized care plans of self-paying clients are not hampered by insurance restrictions, allowing you to offer premium services.

4 Tips to Attract Private-Pay Home Care Clients

Attracting private-pay clients requires implementing an omnichannel lead-generation strategy. A Place At Home has more than a decade of experience helping local owners build successful senior care businesses. Aside from traditional advertising, such as direct mail, we’ve learned how to get private-pay home care clients to help you succeed:

1. Build a Strong Online Presence

Start by developing a professional, user-friendly website that’s easy to navigate. It should provide a list of the services you offer, as well as your company’s mission and caregiving philosophy. Then, turn to social media to increase engagement and tell your success stories.

2. Utilize Referral Marketing

Partnering with healthcare professionals, senior living communities, and rehabilitation centers can help you receive referrals for private-pay clients. Encourage your current clients to tell people about your business or write online reviews. According to BrightLocal, at least 96% of customers are open to writing a review about your business—you just need to ask!

3. Be a Senior Care Resource

Providing free education resources can generate client leads. Host webinars and community events to showcase your expertise and offer free information sessions about your services.

4. Conduct Community Outreach

You can drive leads by being an active member of the community. Join senior-focused networking groups and business associations. Veteran organizations and community centers can be great resources. Signing up to sponsor local events is another way to raise brand awareness.

The A Place At Home Opportunity

A Place At Home is a leader in the senior care industry. We provide the tools, training, and guidance on how to start a non-medical home care business. Our franchise owners attend a robust training program designed to put you on a path to succeed as a senior care franchise owner. We have proven strategies and operational procedures to help you build a solid client base. We can also ensure you’re prepared to accept insurance and payment from government programs.

Fill out our franchise inquiry form to learn more about how partnering with a franchise can help you navigate the senior care industry.

5 Industries That Do Well in a Recession

To build a business that withstands the test of time, discover five industries that do well in a recession.

A recession is characterized by decreased consumer spending, rising unemployment, and a prolonged dip in the stock market. The last U.S. recession was in 2008. The Great Recession was spurred by a housing market bubble, financial deregulation, and a banking crisis. During this time, the U.S. domestic product dropped 4.3%, and the unemployment rate doubled. Sluggish sales and economic uncertainty had a major impact on small businesses. Fewer small businesses opened during the Great Recession, and many struggled to stay afloat.

Operating a business during a recession can be challenging, especially if you don’t provide an essential service. During a recession, customers historically cut spending on non-essential items to trim their budgets, sending sales in these industries on a downward spiral.

Fortunately, many industries are essential and continue to perform well despite economic fluctuations. Here are a few of our top picks of industries that do well in a recession:

1. Pet services: Most pet owners consider furry friends official family members. Even when money is tight, pet parents do not scrimp on care. During the 2008 recession, pet industry sales climbed 5.1%.
2. Coffee shops: It may seem counterintuitive for customers to spend money on specialty coffees on a budget. But a daily “cup of joe” is often seen as an “affordable indulgence.” After cutting travel plans, delaying a new car purchase, or eating more meals at home, customers indulge in budget-friendly treats—like a latte or cold brew.
3. Urgent care: More than 200 million patients visit urgent care annually. Whether patients need vaccinations, prescription refills, or are ill, urgent care locations offer same-day and after-hours healthcare services. Patients turn to urgent care as an alternative to crowded emergency rooms for non-life-threatening concerns. People continue to prioritize their health, even when the economy is down, and demand is expected to continue to surge for this convenient healthcare service. New urgent care centers are opening at a growth rate of 7%.
4. Auto repair: We rely on cars to live, work, and play, and auto repair shops provide a valuable service. Americans spend an average of more than 25 minutes on their daily commute, and as the average age of cars on the road hits 12.6 years, repairs are inevitable. An auto repair shop can be a lucrative opportunity for car aficionados and savvy entrepreneurs.
5. Senior services: Securing high-quality, compassionate care for aging loved ones is necessary for many families. Aging in place is an important goal for 95% of Americans, a survey conducted by U.S. News & World Report revealed. In-home senior care services are an essential, recession-resistant solution designed to improve seniors’ quality of life.

A Place At Home: A Senior Care Leader

A Place At Home co-founders and childhood friends Dustin Distefano and Jerod Evanich were inspired to launch a business in the senior care industry to deliver the same level of care they’d provided their grandparents to seniors nationwide. The senior care franchise’s focus on compassionate care and multiple revenue streams has helped it grow to 34 locations.

With an initial investment starting near $90,000*, A Place At Home offers entrepreneurs a turnkey senior care business in a recession resistant industry with the training and support they need to thrive. If you want to own a recession-resistant business that makes a difference in the lives of families in your community, A Place At Home is ready to help you get started.

Fill out our franchise inquiry form to learn more about launching a senior-focused business in your community today!

 *See FDD for details.