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.
