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.

A Place At Home was recently featured by Franchising USA Magazine, a national monthly publication highlighting the franchise world’s opportunities and achievements. Experts in the franchising industry, they featured our three newest A Place at Home franchisees – two in New Jersey and one in the Los Angeles metro area. These three new locations elevate our brand to 31 locations nationwide, reflecting our continuous growth and commitment to quality care.

Each of our new franchisees brings invaluable personal experience in caring for a senior loved one to their new business. In Northridge, California, Jerry Shin, who his grandmother raised, opened A Place At Home – Northwest Valley. In New Jersey, Tania and Arturo Rosario have launched A Place At Home – Montclair, drawing on their extensive experience in the tech side of the healthcare industry. Lastly, Essa and Sabrina Bangura’s opening of A Place at Home – Eatontown will serve the senior population, which makes up nearly 20% of Monmouth County, New Jersey.

“We’re thrilled to see our network grow with franchisees who are committed to our mission of providing compassionate, accountable, respectful, and ethical care,” said Dustin Distefano, CEO and co-founder of A Place At Home. “Their unique backgrounds and personal stories make them the perfect addition to our franchise family.”

A Place At Home offers a comprehensive range of senior-focused care services. These include in-home care, care coordination, senior living alternatives, and staffing solutions. Our brand is dedicated to providing consistent and continuous care throughout the aging journey, ensuring that seniors receive the best possible support at every stage of life.

Use our Location Finder to find an A Place at Home team near you.

Starting a healthcare staffing agency is a business opportunity with much promise and potential. Here are the steps to starting one the right way.

Behind the Healthcare Staffing Agency Industry

Healthcare staffing agencies are potentially highly profitable business ventures. In 2022, the U.S. healthcare staffing market was valued at $23.6 million, with Precedence Research projecting it to grow to $41.17 million by 2032. Agencies profit by charging healthcare facilities a fee for placing someone in a position, which is usually a percentage of the person’s salary or a flat fee for temporary placements.

The industry is rapidly growing due to several factors. The aging population is increasing daily, with AARP reporting that 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day and will represent over 20% of the population by 2030. With this silver tsunami comes an increase in the care facility population. While facilities saw a dip during the pandemic, senior housing occupancy has exceeded 85% over the last 2.5 years. Many of these facilities are already struggling to keep up with staffing demands, and as more and more people need to use them, they’ll need to turn to healthcare staffing companies for help.

Additionally, more people are dealing with chronic conditions. Nearly 60% of adults in the U.S. have at least one chronic condition. Many people with chronic conditions need a care provider to help throughout the day.

More healthcare providers are using technology such as telehealth to keep in contact with their patients. However, using this technology can be difficult for seniors, so people and senior living facilities use caregivers to help. Caregivers are hired to help guide seniors through telehealth appointments and other health technology they might be using.

How to Start a Healthcare Staffing Agency: Complexities and Requirements

A healthcare staffing agency isn’t necessarily more difficult to start than another business, but it does require thorough preparation and compliance with regulations.

Start by creating a business plan. Defining your niche market is extremely important as it will allow you to focus your resources on a specific demographic. Include your operational plan and financial projections in the business plan. The business plan will help you find investors willing to help you get started.

The healthcare industry involves many legalities and compliance requirements. Ensure that you obtain the necessary licenses and comply with healthcare staffing regulations.

You’ll want to have a quality insurance policy to protect not only you and your business, but also the professionals you’ll place in jobs.

It’s time to get to work! Create a marketing plan to attract clients. Then, find people to fill your clients’ spots by developing a recruitment strategy to find qualified healthcare professionals.

Healthcare Staffing Challenges

Owning a healthcare staffing agency is rewarding but challenging. You’re responsible for constantly recruiting qualified candidates. This is a continuous effort as healthcare staff turnover is high, with facilities experiencing some of their highest turnover rates. To grow your business, you need to maintain relationships with healthcare facilities and continuously connect with new ones. As the owner, you’ll need to ensure your agency is always compliant with industry regulations on both state and federal levels.

Despite these challenges, it is a very rewarding career. You fill a vital need in the healthcare system and help people find jobs in your community.

Why Invest in a Franchise

For those looking at how to start a healthcare staffing agency, franchising offers a worthwhile option. When investing in a franchise, you’ll receive a proven business model to follow, brand recognition, training, and ongoing support. All this support mitigates the startup challenges.

The A Place At Home Advantage

Consider going bigger than just starting a care recruitment agency. A Place At Home allows entrepreneurs to capitalize on multiple revenue streams. As a home care franchise, we primarily focus on the $225 billion in-home care market, but our franchisees can take advantage of our multiple revenue streams. Beyond home care and staffing solutions, franchisees also provide care coordination and senior living alternatives.

If you’re passionate about joining the healthcare staffing industry, do so with us at A Place At Home. You’ll join a network that values integrity, compassion, and excellence, equipped with the training, support, and tools needed to build a successful business that makes a real difference in your community.

Fill out our form to begin the journey.

 

The home care market is highly resilient and continues to grow rapidly. Get up to speed on everything you need to know.

Industry Analysis

Home care encompasses a wide range of services, from non-medical companion care to skilled nursing and therapeutic services. The home care market is steadily expanding, with projections indicating continued growth. Statista reports that the U.S. home care market size is $225 billion in 2024. Home care spending is the fastest-growing sector within the healthcare industry. It’s not because of an increase in pricing but an increase in use.

Home Care Industry Growth

The home care industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by the oldest population in U.S. history, an increase in chronic diseases, and a growing preference for aging in place. According to the Population Reference Bureau, the number of Americans 65 and older will increase by 47% by 2050 to 82 million. More and more seniors need help continuing daily living activities. LongTermCare.Gov finds that seniors have a 70% chance of requiring in-home long-term care services and support at some point in their later years.

This “silver tsunami” creates a significant demand for home care services. AARP finds that more than 90% of seniors prefer to age comfortably and safely in their homes rather than a facility.

Advancements in healthcare technology benefit the growth of home care. New developments have made it possible to provide more complex medical treatments in a senior’s home. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic increased awareness of the benefits of receiving care at home, highlighting the home care industry’s resilience and essential nature.

Home Care Competition

Competition within the home care sector is robust, with players ranging from small, locally-owned businesses to large national franchises. However, the market’s fragmented nature presents unique opportunities for new entrants, especially those affiliated with a strong franchise brand like A Place At Home, which offers comprehensive support, training, and a proven business model.

A Resilient Industry

The home care industry is a resilient one to invest in with its essential nature and adaptability. The demographic shift ensures that as a home care business owner, your customer base can grow for the foreseeable future. It’s recession-resistant, as even in troubling economic times, the demand for home healthcare market services, particularly home care, remains stable, as these services are considered essential.

Home care companies can easily adapt to the market’s changing needs, for example, by using telehealth and remote monitoring technologies to provide continuous, quality care amidst challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. They can also add revenue streams to diversify their profits, like A Place At Home offers. Our franchisees provide in-home care, care coordination, senior living alternatives, and staffing solutions.

Additionally, starting a home care business through a franchise increases your potential for success. You can leverage the brand’s established reputation, operational support, and marketing strategies, significantly reducing the hurdles of starting a business from scratch. This support is invaluable in navigating the complexities of the healthcare industry, regulatory compliance, and the competitive landscape.

Join the Home Care Industry with A Place At Home

A Place At Home stands at the forefront of this expanding industry, offering a comprehensive suite of services beyond traditional home care. Our franchise model is designed for success, providing franchisees with the tools, training, and support needed to thrive in the home care sector. Our commitment to quality care, combined with our business expertise, makes A Place At Home a leader in the home care industry.

If you’re looking to make a meaningful impact while building a sustainable business in a growing industry, home care is it. We’re ready to guide you through every step of your franchising journey. Fill out a request information form to get started.

The senior housing landscape has undergone significant transformation since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re considering investing in the senior care industry, understanding these shifts is crucial to making informed decisions.

Get the latest insights on senior housing trends you must know about in 2024. Learn about the state of the senior housing market here.

The Pandemic Effect

COVID-19 brought about a reevaluation of senior housing trends. There’s been a decline in the demand for nursing homes while the appeal of at-home care surged. That’s partially due to senior living communities becoming hotspots for outbreaks, leading many families to reconsider their choices. There’s also an increasing number of seniors looking to “age in place” and remain in their homes for as long as possible, as moving to nursing homes can pose a financial burden on them and their families. A Today’s Homeowner survey found that nearly 90% of people 55 and older want to age in their own homes.

Middle-Income Seniors’ Affordability Quest

The economic repercussions of the pandemic have been far-reaching. Many middle-income seniors are now more price-conscious and are actively seeking affordable senior care options. Research released by NORC at the University of Chicago found that more than 11 million Americans 75 years or older will not be able to afford assisted living and long-term care by 2033. Bethesda Health Group finds that the median yearly cost of living in      an assisted living facility was $54,000 in 2021. So, that expense will only increase as inflation rises. Plus, if the senior has paid off their home, why would they want to take on a new living expense such as rent? As a result, there’s a recent shift in senior care demand. That shift underscores the need for innovative solutions catering to this demographic without compromising quality.

One outlet that is growing in response to the affordability quest is in-home care. Brands like A Place At Home, which offers personalized care plans to fit the needs and price points of families, are thriving.

Biggest Changes and Challenges to the Senior Housing Industry

Staffing shortages, especially among nurses, continue to pose a substantial challenge, affecting the industry’s capacity to accommodate more seniors. Companies that focus on taking care of their staff are excelling. For example, A Place At Home locations receive some of the highest satisfaction ratings from their caregivers. More than half of our locations have earned the Home Care Pulse Employer of Choice designation.

Some other significant senior housing trends include a heightened emphasis on chronic condition management and preventative care and a growing desire for enhanced programming in senior living communities. As for the senior housing development trends, the industry faces rising construction and operational costs. These costs often get passed down to residents, making it less affordable for many.

However, it’s not all gloomy. Many senior living businesses adapt to these challenges by incorporating technology to enhance residents’ quality of life. From telehealth services to virtual reality experiences, technology plays a pivotal role in reshaping senior care.

A Place At Home: Leading the Way in Senior Care

The U.S. home healthcare market is expected to grow from $96.08 billion in 2023 to $156.28 billion by 2030, according to Fortune Business Insights. A Place At Home stands at the forefront of the evolving home care industry. Recognizing the challenges and shifts in the industry, we’ve positioned ourselves as a comprehensive solution for seniors. Our range of services, from in-home care to senior living alternatives, ensures seniors receive the best care for their needs.

Furthermore, we understand the importance of affordability without compromising on quality. Our franchise model is designed to provide entrepreneurs with the tools and support needed to succeed in this ever-changing market.

Ready to join the solution and make a meaningful impact in the lives of seniors? Request information today and embark on a rewarding journey in senior care.

Looking to source homecare referrals but don’t know where to start? Here are ideas on where to look and how to create the perfect referral program.

The Power of Referrals

Imagine you’re looking for a service or product. Would you trust a random advertisement or the recommendation of a friend? According to Nielsen Commspoint Journey, 30% of consumers follow brand recommendations.  This trust is the foundation of homecare referrals. When someone recommends your in-home care services, it carries weight, credibility, and trust. It’s a testament to the quality of care you provide and the satisfaction of your clients.

Understanding Referral Programs

A referral program is a structured system where you incentivize your current clients, their families, or even professionals in the industry to recommend your services to others. Incentives can look like discounts, complimentary services, or other rewards. The idea is to benefit both parties: your business gets a new client, and the referrer gets a token of appreciation.

Sourcing Referrals for Homecare Businesses

The next question is, where do you find these golden referrals? Here’s a list of how to get clients for non-medical home care business:

• Previous and existing clients: The Private Duty Benchmarking Study released by the Home Care Association of America found clients as the top referral source for home care agencies, making up nearly 20% of all referrals. Happy clients are often more than willing to refer friends or family if they’ve had a positive experience. Additionally, people are more perceptive to recommended services from friends and family.
• Local hospitals and clinics: Build relationships with local healthcare providers, including hospital discharge planners. That same survey found the following highest number of referrals came from these planners, about 9%. Discharge planners often encounter patients in need of in-home care. While working with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) requires a certification process, once completed, connecting with local VA clinics can bring in clients.
• Local senior centers: These are hubs for the elderly community and can be a rich source of referrals. Senior centers are typically associated with a city or county. City governments often have senior service departments with a plethora of resources for seniors and their families. Connecting with them is a great way to have them help you get your name out.
• Rehabilitation centers: Patients recovering from surgeries or injuries might need temporary in-home care. Like the hospital discharge planners, building relationships with people involved in the discharge process in rehab centers will help put your homecare agency name out there more.

Crafting Your Referral Program

1. Define clear objectives: What do you hope to achieve? More clients? Brand awareness? Set clear goals that will help guide the direction of your program.
2. Choose your incentives: Whether it’s a discount, a free service, or a small gift, it needs to be enticing enough for someone to refer your services.
3. Promote your program: Use your website, social media, and physical brochures to inform people about your referral program.
4. Make it easy: The referral process should be simple. Whether it’s a form on your website or a phone number to call, make sure it’s hassle-free.
5. Track and measure: Keep an eye on how many referrals you get and from where. The insight will help you refine your program over time.

Start Ahead with A Place At Home

Choosing to franchise with A Place At Home gives you a significant edge in the referral game. As a recognized homecare referral agency, our brand already carries trust and credibility. Moreover, our extensive network of franchisees and reputation can open doors to networking opportunities, making it easier to establish relationships with hospitals, clinics, and other potential sources of in-home care referral services.

From the beginning, we work with you on how to build your client list. We provide training and resources to help you navigate the industry’s complexities, including how to set up and manage a referral program effectively. Our experience and insights can save you from common pitfalls and set you on a faster path to meet your goals.

Ready to get started? Fill out our ‘Request Information’ form.

 

Interested in becoming an entrepreneur in the resilient healthcare industry? Get tips and ideas for starting your own health business with and without medical experience.

1. Identify Your Niche

The healthcare industry is broad. From medical equipment sales to home care services, there’s a niche for everyone. Start by identifying where your passion and expertise lie. Do you want to provide direct patient care, or are you more interested in the administrative or technological side of things? After identifying your niche, determine how you’ll differentiate your services from potential competitors

2. Conduct Market Research

It’s essential to understand the current trends in the healthcare sector. Which services are in high demand? Where are the gaps in the market that you can fill? Also, identify your target audience, their specific needs, and if it’s big enough to allow your business to thrive. For example, with the aging population, home healthcare is growing at a remarkable pace. Grand View Research predicts that the U.S. home healthcare market will grow by nearly 7.5% annually through 2030, reaching almost $254.5 billion by the end of this decade.

3. Develop a Comprehensive Business Plan 

A business plan can act as a guide. Include an outline of your business goals, financial projections, marketing strategies, and operational plans. Having a business plan can help you secure funding.

4. Find Funding

Determine your startup costs and identify potential sources of funding. Funding can come from personal savings, bank loans, investors, venture capitalists, or government grants. Ensure you have enough funds to cover at least three months of initial operation costs.

5. Secure Necessary Licenses and Certifications

Depending on your chosen niche, you may need specific licenses or certifications. Ensure you’re compliant with local, state, and federal regulations.

6. Build a Strong Team

Your team is the backbone of your business. Whether you’re hiring medical professionals or administrative staff, ensure they share your vision and commitment to providing top-notch care.

7. Prioritize Patient Care

 

At the heart of health entrepreneurship is the commitment to improving patients’ lives. Ensure that patient care remains your top priority. Happy patients lead to referrals, positive reviews, and a thriving business.

8. Focus on Marketing

Develop a robust online presence through a professional website, social media, and advertising. Consider content marketing, such as blogs or videos, to position yourself as an expert in your field. Building relationships with other healthcare professionals, community leaders, and potential clients can also open doors to opportunities and referrals. Attend industry conferences, join professional associations, and actively participate in community events.

9. Plan for Scalability

As your business grows, have a plan for scaling up, whether it’s expanding services, hiring more staff, or opening new locations.

10. Stay Committed to Continuous Learning

The healthcare industry is ever-changing. Stay updated with the latest research, trends, and best practices. This ensures you provide the best care and positions you as an expert in your field. The healthcare industry can be challenging. Stay resilient, adapt to changes, and always keep your mission and vision in focus.

Consider Franchising

Franchising is a great way to start on the path to business ownership without many of the hassles and headaches that come from starting entirely on your own. Investing in a franchise gives you a proven business model with established processes, training, and support. It eliminates guesswork and offers a roadmap to success. Additionally, whether you have healthcare experience, franchises will train you in the specific field and how to run the business. They also often offer invaluable mentorship and resources to help you thrive.

Follow Your Dream with A Place At Home

A home care franchise like A Place At Home offers a special opportunity to provide personalized care in the comfort of a patient’s home, a feature many aging seniors are increasingly prioritizing. Unlike other healthcare franchises focusing solely on one service, A Place At Home provides a diversified business model. You’ll tap into multiple revenue streams, from in-home care to care coordination and staffing solutions, ensuring a more resilient and profitable venture.

With A Place At Home, you’re never alone. Our robust training program can take you from hopeful business owner to healthcare entrepreneur. Through both video and hands-on training, you’ll receive guidance on everything from tracking financials and managing payroll to hiring and marketing.

So, are you ready to embark on a fulfilling journey to healthcare entrepreneurship? Combining our guidance and support with your passion can allow you to positively impact your local healthcare landscape significantly. Take the next step by filling out our request information form, and we’ll be in touch soon.

Curious about medical staffing franchises and if they’re worth your investment? Learn about the perfect alternative franchise with staffing as a revenue stream.

What to Know

Investing in a healthcare staffing agency franchise can be an exciting journey that offers the chance to make a real impact. By opening one of these franchises, you’ll play a crucial role in supplying qualified staff for healthcare facilities in need.

Many healthcare facilities faced staffing challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and have yet to bounce back. The World Health Organization predicts a shortage of 15 million healthcare workers in the world by the end of this decade. On top of that, 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

With these two factors in mind, Precedence Research valued the U.S. healthcare staffing market at $24.5 billion in 2021. The research firm predicts the market to surpass $35.1 billion by 2030.

Medical staffing franchises are at the forefront of addressing this demand. They offer a streamlined approach to connecting healthcare facilities with desperately needed medical professionals. As the healthcare industry continues to change, the adaptability and efficiency of these franchises will be crucial.

A medical staffing franchise requires both a decent financial investment and an understanding of the healthcare landscape. Most healthcare staffing franchises come with starting around $100,000 or more. But the benefit to franchising is that you’ll have the support of a franchise system to guide you through regulations and day-to-day operations.

One way to capitalize on not only the medical staffing industry but also the booming senior care market is by investing in an A Place At Home franchise. With an initial investment range of $84,185 to $148,517, it’s comparable and even less than other staffing franchises. Plus, you’re not just focusing on staffing local healthcare facilities but also earning home care revenue.

Pros and Cons of Medical Staffing Franchises

The healthcare staffing world comes with several benefits. The industry is always in need of qualified staff, putting your services in high demand. It’s also recession-resistant because healthcare is a necessity even when the economy takes a dip. Franchising and the medical staffing industry are highly scalable. Once you’ve got the hang of things, scaling up is a breeze.

As for the cons of a medical staffing franchise, the healthcare industry is highly regulated. Because of these regulations, there can be a barrier to entry. It’s highly competitive as many companies are vying for a piece of the healthcare staffing pie. Managing healthcare professionals’ varying schedules and specializations is a complex operation.

Is Medical Staffing the Right Type of Franchise for Me?

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Are you interested in making a meaningful impact in the healthcare industry?
• Are you willing to learn how to navigate industry-specific regulations?
• Do you have the initial investment to get your business off the ground?

If you find yourself nodding along, then a staffing franchise in the medical sector should be your next big adventure.

A Place At Home: A Diverse Revenue Stream

Unlike traditional healthcare staffing franchises, A Place At Home offers a diversified business model that extends beyond staffing. Our primary service is in-home care, which makes up a $129.9 billion industry, according to IBISWorld. Our various senior-focused care services include in-home care, care coordination, assistance in identifying and transitioning to senior living alternatives, and staffing solutions for assisted living, memory care, rehab, and other long-term care communities.

Why is this diversification important? Because it allows you to tap into multiple revenue streams, making your business more resilient and profitable. When one area faces challenges, you have other services to fall back on, ensuring a more stable income. By diversifying your investment with A Place At Home, you’re not just buying into a healthcare staffing agency franchise but investing in a comprehensive care solution for seniors. That means you’re capitalizing on two multi-billion-dollar markets. In an industry as vital and growing as healthcare, that’s a wise investment.

Ready to take the next step in your franchising journey? Fill out the ‘Request Information’ form to learn more about how you can join this exciting franchise venture.