How to Become a Healthcare Entrepreneur: 10 Tips & Ideas

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.

Medical Staffing Franchise: Are They Worth It? Everything You Need to Know

How BrightStar Care Franchise shapes up against A Place At Home

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.

 

Senior Care Business: 4 Reasons To Invest Now

Non-medical home care business profits

The senior care industry is experiencing massive growth right now. Over the next five years, Technavio predicts the industry will grow by $91.37 billion. Senior care businesses can be highly profitable and are seeing growing demand. Discover the top reasons to start or invest in a senior care business here.

1. Growing Aging Population 

The aging population is increasing at an unprecedented rate. Baby boomers are retiring, and the number of seniors requiring care is steadily rising. In 2034, seniors will outnumber kids under 18 years old for the first time in U.S. history, according to the U.S. Census. Plus, AARP reports that more seniors require additional care due to chronic illness. As a result, what once was 14% of seniors 85 years or older in 2010 will be more than a fifth of seniors in 2050 needing more care services. This demographic shift presents a unique opportunity for senior care businesses, as the demand for quality care services is higher than ever.

2. Long-Term Market Stability

The senior care industry is known for its stability and resilience, even during economic downturns. Regardless of market conditions, people will continue to require care and assistance as they age, making it a recession-resistant business opportunity.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of in-home care providers like A Place At Home. While nursing homes struggled to keep the virus from spreading and their occupancy levels up, in-home care businesses thrived. Because of this, in-home care businesses are more recession-resistant than nursing homes or assisted living facilities.

<h2> 3. Technological Advancements </h2>

Technology advancements are transforming the senior care industry, making it more efficient, accessible, and cost-effective. They’re revolutionizing how care is delivered, from remote monitoring systems to digital health records. Investing in a senior care business now allows you to use these innovations and provide top-notch care services to your clients.

4. Diverse Revenue Streams

Businesses in the senior care industry offer a wide range of services beyond basic caregiving. These may include specialized memory care, rehabilitation services, and staffing assistance. By diversifying your revenue streams, you can cater to various needs within the senior community and enhance your business’s profitability.

For example, the senior care franchise A Place At Home offers not only in-home senior care but also care coordination, senior living alternatives, and staffing solutions. This means owners can walk seniors and their families through the entire aging process, creating consistent care.

In-Home Care Vs. Nursing Home

There are several business opportunities in the senior care industry, with in-home and nursing homes being some of the most popular options. But here’s why in-home care is a better choice.

First, more seniors want to age in place. Many of them have lived in their homes for decades and don’t want to leave, making in-home care their preferred option.

Then, when you compare the expense of paying for in-home care versus a private room in a nursing home, it’s less than half the cost. SeniorLiving.org finds that the national average for the price of a home care aide for five days a week is $53,560 for the entire year. Compare that to what the American Council on Aging notes as the annual cost of a private room in a nursing home, $108,405.

Lastly, an in-home care business or franchise is more affordable to invest in than an entire nursing home facility. Investment costs for a home care franchise stay lower because they don’t require a large facility with several rooms; instead, a small office to hold consultations in will do. With A Place At Home, our startup costs range from $84,185-$148,517. In comparison, a nursing facility or assisted living franchise is a multi-million-dollar investment.

A Place At Home: A Turnkey Solution to Your Next Business Venture

The senior care industry is experiencing unprecedented growth. By investing in A Place At Home now, there’s no chance you’ll ever feel FOMO (fear of missing out). You’ll also gain a competitive advantage over those who try to invest years after you have a stronghold in the market.

Starting a business from scratch is daunting, but franchising with a reputable senior care franchise like A Place At Home eliminates many challenges and uncertainties. The support structure helps mitigate the risks associated with entrepreneurship and increases your chances of success.

We offer a turnkey solution with our proven business model, comprehensive training programs, ongoing support, and access to a network of experienced professionals. Leverage our expertise, best practices, and established systems to navigate the senior care market effectively and efficiently.

Learn more about your opportunity with us by submitting a franchise form.

Why Senior Care Franchises Are One of the Fastest Growing Franchises

How to Get Your Home Health Care Business License in 7 Steps

Franchises focused on seniors provide essential services to an aging population while also providing a rewarding business opportunity for entrepreneurs who want to make a difference in their communities. Choosing to invest in one of the fastest-growing franchises is a profitable move. See why senior care franchises are among the top booming franchise industries.

Growing Demand for Senior Care Services

The senior population is exponentially growing in our country. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of Americans aged 65 and older is projected to nearly double by 2060, reaching 95 million. In addition, as the baby boomer generation ages, the number of older adults who need assistance with daily activities and managing their health is expected to rise. These factors are aiding the rise of elderly care franchises.
The demand for non-medical home care services has grown significantly as older adults seek to remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible. Senior care businesses offer assorted services that help improve older adults’ independence and quality of life, such as meal preparation, medication management, transportation, and companionship. By providing these services, senior care franchises help older adults live safely and comfortably in their own homes while also giving their families peace of mind.

Flexible Business Models

There are a variety of senior care business models you can tailor to meet your community’s needs. Whether that’s non-medical home care services, assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing, you can choose what suits your interests and expertise.

Multiple Revenue Streams

Some senior care franchises provide multiple revenue streams, offering greater potential for rapid growth and diversified income. For example, A Place At Home franchisees can offer not only in-home care services for their clients but also staffing solutions, care coordination, and assistance in finding senior living facilities. Other franchises offer revenue opportunities like medical equipment sales. Having multiple revenue streams available allows franchisees to adapt to changing market conditions and meet the evolving needs of the senior population.

Lower Cost of Entry

Many elderly care franchises offer affordable initial investments depending on the type of senior care business you open. Unlike other franchise industries, senior in-home care franchises don’t require significant capital investment in physical facilities or equipment. As a result, you can often start one from your home office, with low overhead costs and minimal staffing requirements.
They also have the potential for a high return on investment. As the demand for senior care services grows, so does the revenue potential. Additionally, many of these types of franchises have recurring revenue models, which means you can earn a steady income over time.

No Experience Required

Depending on the type of senior care you offer, you don’t always need a medical background to run the business.
Non-medical senior care businesses, like A Place At Home, focus on providing home care services such as assistance with activities of daily living, housekeeping, meal preparation, and transportation. These services do not require specialized medical knowledge or training. Plus, there are fewer licenses and regulations to worry about when you’re not providing medical care.
Additionally, in most cases, you’re not providing direct care for your clients. Instead, you’ll typically hire caregivers for that. A Place At Home franchise locations have some of the highest caregiver and client satisfaction rates, according to Home Care Pulse.
Most franchises offer comprehensive training programs covering all business aspects, from marketing and sales to staffing and operations. This training can help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to run a successful franchise for seniors, regardless of your background or experience.

Consider In-Home Care With A Place At Home

When looking for an industry that will offer rapid growth, consider the home healthcare services market and A Place At Home. Fortune Business Insights projects the industry will grow from $94.17 billion in 2022 to $153.19 billion by 2029, growing at 7.2% annually.
A Place At Home offers all these factors contributing to a quick startup and fast growth. Committing to our CARE training program will put you on track to service a client in the first 60 days post-launch. Ready to become our next top performer? Start today by submitting a franchise form.

Franchise Royalty Fees: Are They Negotiable?

Learn everything you need to know about franchise royalty fees and where the money goes. Depending on the franchise, sometimes franchise royalty fees can be negotiable.

What Are Franchise Royalty Fees?

Simply put, they’re a percentage of your revenue that you pay to the franchisor in exchange for the right to use their brand name, products, and systems. In other words, it’s the cost of doing business as a franchisee.

Franchise royalty fees typically range from 4%-8% of your gross sales but can be as high as 12% or more, according to the Small Business Association. The exact percentage will vary depending on the franchisor and the industry. For instance, a food franchise is typically a high-volume business, which means a lot of customers purchase a lot of individual items. Because their revenues tend to be higher than other industries, they typically have a lower royalty fee percentage.

In contrast, another type of business, like a consulting franchise, doesn’t experience as high of a revenue volume, so their royalty fee percentage may be 10%. Then others fall in the middle, such as senior in-home care franchises such as A Place At Home.

Depending on the agreement, you’ll report your gross sales to the franchisor every month or quarter. They’ll then deduct the agreed-upon percentage from your revenue, leaving you with your net sales. Some franchises may charge a flat fee instead of a percentage, while others may have various rates for different types of products or services. In some cases, the franchisor may also require you to pay additional fees, such as marketing or technology, on top of the royalty fee.

It’s important to note that royalty fees are not the same as the franchise fee. Franchise fees are a one-time payment you make to the franchisor when you first sign on, whereas royalty fees are an ongoing cost.

Why Do I Have to Pay Royalty Fees?

As a franchisee, you’re essentially buying into a proven business model. The franchisor has already worked hard to develop a successful brand, create effective systems and processes, and build a customer base. You’ll get the right to use the franchisor’s brand name and logo, which can be a considerable advantage in a crowded marketplace. Perhaps most importantly, you get ongoing support and training from the franchisor, which can help you succeed in the long run. You’re essentially paying for the right to use all that hard work and leverage it will better position yourself for success than starting from scratch.

Are Franchise Royalty Fees Negotiable?

Franchisors are typically reluctant to negotiate their royalty fees, as they’ve already set them at a level they believe is fair for both parties. However, if you have a strong case for why you should pay less, it’s worth bringing it up with the franchisor and seeing if they’re open to negotiation. For example, if you believe you’re opening a less profitable location, they may lower the royalty expenses.

It’s also worth noting that some franchisors may offer discounts on royalty fees for specific situations, such as if you open multiple locations or are a veteran. Other franchisors, like A Place At Home, offer a sliding royalty fee structure. So, the more revenue you earn in one year, the lower your royalty percentage is. Their current royalty structure is as follows:

  • 5% – up to $999.99
  • 0% – $1 million to $1.5 million
  • 5% – + $1.5 million in sales

If you’re looking to try to get out of paying royalty fees altogether, don’t bother. These fees are a crucial part of the franchise business model and are typically a percentage of your gross sales. They provide the franchisor with ongoing revenue and help to cover the costs of continuing support services, such as marketing, training, and operations. While some franchisors may be willing to negotiate their royalty fees, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to avoid paying them entirely. So, when considering a franchise opportunity, be sure to factor in the cost of royalty fees to ensure that it fits within your budget.

Red Flags to Watch for With Royalties

While lower royalty fee rates are great, experts at Forbes warn that if a franchisor is pushing for higher up-front costs with significantly lower royalty rates, that’s a red flag. This can be a sign that the franchisor is just looking for short-term cash flow and that they might not provide the best ongoing support.

You should also be suspicious if the franchisor is too eager to offer discounted royalty fees. Forbes says there are some sufficient reasons why they might offer reduced royalty fees, such as being a new franchise or trying to get a specific market to sell. But otherwise, if an established brand is overly willing to offer you a discount on their royalties, experts say it could be a sign they’re in financial trouble and need to sell territories.

Affordable Senior Care Franchise Opportunity: A Place At Home

Our senior-focused franchise offers various services for seniors who want to age in place, find a living facility when it comes time for extra assistance, and help facilities keep their staff numbers at the required amount. Along with our other home care franchise costs, we keep our royalty fees lower because we believe in supporting our franchisees and helping them grow their businesses. As mentioned above, we lower the rate as you earn more revenue. Experts cite the industry average for royalty fees as 5%, so our top performers are actually paying lower than the industry average.

A Place at Home is committed to helping our franchisees succeed by providing affordable and flexible royalty fees and ongoing support and training. By doing so, we believe we can build a strong network of franchisees passionate about providing quality care to seniors in their communities.

Ready to get started and join our franchising team? Submit a franchise form

How to Start a Non-Medical Home Care Business in 5 Steps

Revised on 11/18/2025

Eager to join the home healthcare market? You’re in good company. The U.S. home healthcare industry generated an estimated $162.35 billion in 2024, with projections reaching $284.3 billion by 2030—driven in part by the growing demand for non-medical care at home.     

First, understand how non-medical home care differs from medical services. Then, learn how franchising with A Place At Home can help you achieve your business goals with a proven model and purpose-driven mission. 

Why Start a Non-Medical Home Care Business?

Medical home care typically requires licensed professionals to deliver skilled nursing services. However, non-medical home care focuses on helping clients with everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing, transportation, and companionship.  

Learn why starting a non-medical home care business may be the right move for you:  

  • Lower barrier to entry: Non-medical businesses don’t require a medical background or expensive clinical staff. This reduces both startup and ongoing labor costs. 
  • Simplified compliance: While some licensing is required, non-medical home care isn’t subject to the same strict regulations as medical providers, making set-up and operations much easier. 
  • Wider client base: These services are ideal not just for aging adults, but also for people recovering from surgery or managing long-term disabilities who don’t require skilled nursing. 
  • Scalable model: You can grow your client list and expand services without needing to invest in costly medical equipment or additional credentialed staff. 
  • Surging demand: According to the Population Reference Bureau (PRB), the number of Americans ages 65 and older is projected to grow by 42% by 2050. Many of these individuals prefer to age at home, making non-medical care an essential service. 

A more accessible model for entrepreneurs, non-medical home care presents itself as a strong investment option within the overall rapidly growing home care industry.  

5 Steps on How to Start a Non-Medical Home Care Business

Starting a non-medical home care business requires careful planning and attention to detail, but it can be a rewarding and successful venture with the right approach. By following these steps on how to start a non-medical home care business, you can build a thriving, but meaningful, business. 

1. Develop a Business Plan

Before starting your business, you need to develop a comprehensive business plan. This plan should describe your services, target market, financial projections, marketing strategy, and staffing plan.  

2. Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits

Non-medical home care businesses may be subject to licensing requirements at the state or local level. Check with your state’s licensing board to determine what licenses and permits you need to obtain to start your business. 

3. Hire and Train Staff

You must hire and train competent and compassionate staff to deliver high-quality care for your clients. Develop a thorough hiring process and offer ongoing training to ensure your team has the skills and knowledge necessary to provide the best possible care. 

4. Develop Policies and Procedures

Developing policies and procedures for your business is essential to ensure consistency and quality of care. Your policies and procedures should cover areas such as client assessment, care planning, record keeping, and employee conduct. 

5. Build Referral and Marketing Networks

Establishing strong relationships with referral sources—such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and doctor’s offices—is key to growing your client base. Pair this with a strategic marketing plan that includes online advertising, direct mail, and community events to raise brand awareness and promote your services effectively. 

Let A Place At Home Help You

Don’t let yourself become overwhelmed with the steps on how to start a home health agency. Instead, let A Place At Home help you build a successful business. 

Our in-home care franchise is a lower-investment opportunity with high-profit potential. With us, in-home care isn’t your only revenue stream, either. You can offer professional care planning, assist clients in finding a senior living alternative, and help assisted living residences, memory care centers, rehabs, and other long-term care communities maintain staffing. 

By partnering with us, you’ll get access to our proven business model that’s already been successful in several other markets. You’ll also undergo initial training in all aspects of the business, from marketing to operations, and have access to ongoing support from the A Place At Home team. When you franchise with us, you can trust that we have your back.  

Learn more about owning a home care franchise by connecting with us and submitting a franchise form. Someone from our team will then be in touch to set up an introductory call.  

Why Healthcare Startups Fail: Top 5 Reasons

Learn more about healthcare startups

According to Forbes, 90% of all startups fail. As for those in the healthcare and social assistance field, only about 57% make it past five years. Meanwhile, in the medical technology sector, upwards of 75% of U.S.-based, early-stage medtech companies never find success, according to TTi Health Research & Economics.

Learn the top reasons why healthcare startups fail so you can be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead when running your healthcare business. Get the insights. 

1. Running Out of Cash

Mismanagement of funds or failure to raise enough capital is the most common reason for any business, not just healthcare startups, to fold. A CB Insights study found that 38% of unsuccessful startups ran out of cash or failed to raise new capital. The healthcare industry is especially tough. Managing cash flow is challenging because the sales cycle in healthcare is particularly long.

One area where medical businesses lose funds is putting too much money and effort into pilot programs. Many companies underestimate the amount of effort required to have a successful pilot. You want to put the right amount of resources into the program to gain traction and revenue without going overboard. There’s a fine balance needed.

One way to skip the pilot programs is to invest in a franchise. A Place At Home allows seniors to age safely in their homes. We’ve already gone through the trials and tribulations that come with healthcare startups, so you don’t have to. Instead, you’ll receive our proven blueprint for building your own in-home senior care business.

2. Not Enough Market Demand

In that same CB Insights study, research showed 35% of startups fail because there isn’t enough market demand for their products or services. Although a medical technology company can have multiple potential paths for its product or service, they typically start with the one that the founder or CEO is most experienced in. But, this path might not be where the highest demand is. So, you should perform extensive research and determine which direction provides the best market size, competitive landscape, and highest potential for patient adoption.

3. Product or Service Doesn’t Fit Workflows

All jobs in the healthcare field are essential, making their workflow vital to saving lives and treating patients. You might think your new technology will make their lives easier, lower costs, or improve patient outcomes, but the adoption period might turn them away from using it. Facilities and offices usually have a well-established workflow model; anything that disrupts it could come with pushback.

4. Flawed Business Model

The CB Insights study found that nearly a fifth of all startups failed because of a flawed business model. The most common reasons a business model fails are because their profits and losses don’t add up or its story doesn’t make sense. This basically means that the company built the product or service on incorrect assumptions about the consumer. Or in other words, there’s no real market for the product or service.

5. Regulatory or Legal Issues

The medical field comes with lots of hoops to jump through. Some startups try to skip the regulatory approval process and go directly to the consumer. For some companies, it’s worked. But it leaves you hoping your customers are okay paying out-of-pocket for your health service or product. While the process can seem lengthy and expensive to go through, receiving federal approval, in the end, might help your business thrive.

Healthcare Startups vs. Medical Franchising

Concerned one of these five reasons might be what brings down your new healthcare business? Consider franchising. There are several medical franchising routes, from at-home care to urgent care centers or physical therapy offices. While the initial investment costs are higher than possibly a startup, you know there is already a demand because the brand is thriving in other locations. The franchise provides a proven business model, allowing you to get up and running efficiently. Good franchises will walk you through all the licensing and regulation steps to start a medical business. They already know the ins and outs, so take advantage of it.

Benefits of Homecare Business Vs. Medical Business

Forget the hassle of dealing with insurance companies and stricter regulations of medical businesses. Instead, learn how to start a home health agency like A Place At Home. The overhead costs and startup costs are kept lower for several reasons.

First, you don’t have to hire medical providers like doctors, mid-level practitioners, or nurses. Caregivers provide our clients with exceptional homecare. This factor keeps your staffing costs lower. Then, your professional liability insurance is lower because you’re not providing medical services. Lastly, since you’re not providing physical or occupational therapy to your clients, you’ll need fewer supplies, keeping overhead costs lower. So, you can provide your community with compassionate, senior-focused, and customized in-home services.

Ready to jump into the homecare industry? Submit a franchise form to get started.

How to Get Your Home Health Care Business License In 7 Steps

How to Get Your Home Health Care Business License in 7 Steps

Considering joining the growing home care industry? We don’t blame you. Currently, the home care providers market is worth $120 billion in the U.S. That number is only expected to grow as an aging population looks to live in their homes as long as possible.

Federal, state, and local governments heavily regulate the industry. The regulations are to protect you and your patients. So, when starting a home health care business, one of the first things to do is get a home health care license. Here’s a look at the steps involved in how to get a home health care business license.

1. Choose Between Medical vs. Non-Medical

The type of services you provide could change the type of license you need and how you get it. For example, to offer medical services like medication administration, you’ll need to hire medical professionals before you begin the process of licensing. However, this comes with more liability for your business.

You could stick to non-medical services and provide companionship or other daily activity assistance. Some states will still require skilled medical professionals to be hired to meet the requirements for a license for non-medical home care agencies.

2. Find Out Your State Requirements

Whether you’re looking to offer medical services or operate as a non-medical home care provider, there are several steps to take before accepting clients. First, research what your state requires. Not all states require licenses for home care. CareAcademy finds three that don’t: Iowa, Massachusetts, and Michigan You can typically find these requirements on the Secretary of State’s website.

Depending on your state’s requirements, you’ll need to attend training, and state officials or an accrediting body will perform inspections. The process of getting your business license can take three to 18 months, depending on your state. Some states will provide you with a provisional license during the process. States with an increase in applications for home care licenses might take longer.

There are 18 states that require an inspection visit before receiving a provisional license for non-medical home care or home health care companies. Then, after that first inspection, follow-up inspections occur every so many years, again depending on the state.

More than a dozen states require home health care agencies to file a Certificate of Need before applying for a business license. This certificate helps state authorities monitor the supply of providers in the health care market. It evaluates the local demand before allowing a new facility or agency to open. Apply for your certificate of need first, before your license, just in case you need to reconsider your territory.

A benefit to owning an A Place At Home franchise is our market research. We know what areas and territories a home care agency can thrive in. All our base franchise unit territories have 40,000 qualified senior residents.

3. Create a Business Plan

For some license registrations, you’ll include a business plan. Generally, it’s good to have one completed before you finalize your business setup anyway. Your business plan will outline core business activities and how you plan to achieve goals. These documents include an executive summary, products, and services offered, a market analysis, marketing strategy, financial planning, financial projections, and a budget.

4. Register Your Business With the State

Before you move on to getting your license for your non-medical home care agency, register with your state through the Secretary of State and the State Department of Revenue Services. Typically, this step is as easy as filing your business name with the state and local governments.

5. Set Up an Office

Secure an office space for your business. You’ll need locked cabinets to store client and company records. In addition, most license applications will require you to include a copy of your lease.

Only a small executive suite is necessary when you become an A Place At Home franchise owner. It allows you to perform private, professional interviews with your care staff members.

6. Follow State Training Requirements

Study the mandated training for you and your employees. The requirements vary by state. Ensure it’s all completed fully before applying for a home health care license. Most states require everyone have CPR/AED training, even if you’re a non-medical home care agency. Caregivers have specific training requirements to follow.

7. Apply For Your Home Health Care License

Finally! Once you’ve completed all the previous steps, you have made it to the end of our guide on how to get your home health care business license. You can submit your license application. Fill out all the necessary forms and provide the proper materials to your state to receive your licensing.

FAQs on How to Get a Home Health Care Business License

Still have questions after reading through the guide? Here are some frequently asked questions surrounding the licensure process:

  • How much will it cost?
    Like most other things, this varies by state. Fees can either be a flat rate or based on the number of employees. For example, a Texas home and community support services agency license costs $2,625.
  • How often do I have to renew?
    This is another state-by-state regulation, but it can also depend on how much you want to pay to extend your license. States typically require a renewal annually or every two or three years. The more you pay at one time, the longer the license period is.
  • Do I still apply for a license if I buy into a franchise?
    While you’re paying to join a trusted brand, you still have to follow the rules and regulations of your state for home care agencies. So, yes, you still have to go through the steps of how to get a home health care business license and pay for it, even when you’re affiliated with a franchise system.

Let A Place At Home Guide You Through the Process

Instead of worrying about navigating how to get a home health care business license by yourself, let us help you at A Place At Home. By becoming an owner with us, you’ll receive not only licensure guidance but also a step-by-step process on how to start a home health agency. You’ll follow our five-step CARE track to gain the tools you’ll need for success. You can capitalize on multiple revenue streams — all while being backed by a reputable national brand that people recognize. Those opportunities include care coordination, finding senior living alternatives, and staffing services.

Don’t sweat the small steps. Let A Place At Home lead you to open your own home care agency. Submit a franchise form to get started.

4 Home Care Industry Trends In the Post-Pandemic World

The demand for home care has skyrocketed since the pandemic, with no signs of slowing down. See current home care industry trends taking on the post-pandemic world.

1. Growing Demand For Home Health Care

More seniors require some long-term care. The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) finds that 70% of people who reach 65 years of age will need long-term care. Furthermore, the number of people in that age group will be 44% greater, or 25 million people, by 2040.

On top of that, people are looking to stay in their homes for as long as possible. AARP notes that more than 80% of adults prefer to live in their homes instead of nursing homes or other institutional settings. So that’s making families turn to home health care agencies to care for their aging loved ones. Dustin Distefano, CEO of home care franchise A Place At Home, talked with CareAcademy about this issue. He’s seeing assisted living and memory care communities that used to have waiting lists are now at 70% to 80% occupancy, while home care agencies have waiting lists.

2. Caregiver Shortage to Continue

The number of caregivers in the U.S. doesn’t meet the growing demand for home health care services. In June, American Health Care Association (AHCA) and its National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) found that 73% of nursing homes are concerned they’ll have to close due to staffing issues. That same report shows that more than half of nursing homes are limiting the number of residents due to staffing woes. This is leading families to turn to home health care agencies for help.

Unfortunately, experts say the lack of caregivers will continue as a home care industry trend over the next year. According to EPI, 1 million additional home health care workers are needed by 2029 to meet the growing demand for home health care.

Reports show that pay and training are the primary areas that employers should address to encourage more people to enter the field. In 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the median annual wage for home health aides was $29,430 a year. That comes to $14.14 an hour if the aides work 40-hour weeks. Workers say they want more training opportunities to earn a better wage and perform more specialized skills to help their clients.

It’s essential for business owners in this industry to address this trend and what their employees are asking for if they want to retain staff.

3. Need for Companionship Care Rising

More than one-third of adults at least 45 years or older feel lonely, according to a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) report. Loneliness comes with several health risks, including dementia and an increased risk of heart disease or stroke. It’s also associated with higher depression, anxiety, and suicide rates. Hence, many families are turning to companionship care to ensure their loved ones don’t undergo any of these hardships.

Some home health care franchises, including A Place At Home, have already noticed this trend. Our in-home non-medical services include companion care. That can look like enjoying the senior’s favorite hobbies, having stimulating conversations, socializing, opening and sorting mail, and teaching seniors to use email and social media.

4. Use of Technology to Monitor Patients

Another trend that could keep you competitive in the home care industry is the use of technology. The pandemic showed us we could stay connected without meeting face to face, including through telehealth in the medical world. The downfall with telehealth appointments is that they don’t allow medical providers to collect vital signs like blood pressure and oxygen levels. New technology like remote patient monitoring (RPM) can solve this problem. It works by having patients collect their vital signs and submitting them so medical professionals can analyze the data. They would typically do this throughout the day.

This technology is expected to help lower the costs of medical care for seniors by reducing their hospitalizations. About 85% of older Americans suffer from at least one chronic health issue like diabetes, asthma, heart disease, and COPD. Through monitoring vitals with RPM, medical providers can help manage chronic illnesses from afar and help them avoid any costly downturns. In addition, medical providers will turn to home health caregivers to assist with this monitoring.

Take On These Trends With A Place At Home

As you can see, the home care industry is trending upward. Get a head start in it by joining a franchise like A Place At Home. You’ll help meet the growing demands of this industry and provide much-needed care to the senior community when you become a franchise owner. We offer multiple revenue stream opportunities, including helping staff agencies in your community solve labor shortages through staffing services. Take the next steps of owning a home care business by submitting a franchise form.

A Place At Home Named 2022 FranServe FRAN-TASTIC 500 Franchise

FRAN-TASTIC-500

A Place At Home has been named a FRAN-TASTIC 500 Franchise by the world’s largest franchise consulting and expansion organization, FranServe, Inc.

Alesia Visconti, CEO and President of FranServe Inc. says, “Franchising helps people change their lives and take control of their future. It’s a community that celebrates the Life-Work Balance. A brand that makes our annual “FRAN-TASTIC 500” list shows that it values a fun and rewarding lifestyle and emphasizes people fulfilling their dreams of business ownership through franchising. It’s a brand that deserves recognition for going the extra mile and for being, well, fran-tastic!”

A Place At Home celebrates its 10th Year Anniversary in 2022. According to the organization’s CEO, Dustin Distefano, the recent brand recognition marks extra significance this year.

“We are so honored to recently be recognized by respectable businesses such as FranServe, Franchise Business Review, Franchise Journal, Entrepreneur, Best of Home Care by Home Care Pulse, and others” shares Dustin. “2022 marks a decade of A Place At Home building something special in the senior care industry.”

Jerod Evanich, President and Co-founder of A Place At Home, shared, “This recognition is testament to not only our brand but also the culture we’re building here. The support teams, franchisees, and Caregivers are representing this brand to thousands of stakeholders across the country every day.”

Founded in 2012, A Place At Home’s senior-focused continuum of care model was deemed the ‘next-gen home care franchise opportunity by 1851 Franchise. A Place At Home offers multiple revenue streams including in-home care services, care coordination, senior living alternatives, and staffing solutions. This unique recession-resistant approach in a rapidly growing industry will likely earn A Place At Home many FRAN-TASTIC recognitions in the years to come. 

For more information about our emerging brand, inquire today.