Choosing the right home care franchise network isn’t easy. The Australian home care market is competitive and that’s why it’s important to know your competitors and assess their strengths, weaknesses, and level of professionalism.

Home care franchises may seem similar but that is definitely not the case. Some franchise networks are simply labour brokers who operate as agencies and supply staff using mobile phone applications (just like Uber). Some rely 100 per cent on brokerage contracts from large not-for-profits while others are private-pay services, or a combination of these. Some say they provide nursing services while others have stated policies of not providing medical-related services, and some claim to be able to facilitate government-funded services for franchise owners.  

When mystery shopping for the right franchise system, be sure to speak to existing franchise owners. Ask them specifically about systems and support and measure their level of enthusiasm for the brand. Ask to see franchise agreements and disclosure documents  and visit their websites and social media pages to determine their “feel”. 

8 Questions to Consider When Choosing a Home Care Franchise Network 

1. Has the franchisor ever run a home care business in Australia?  

Many franchise brands advertising in Australia have simply never run a home care business themselves. Right at Home Australia founders Karen and Daryl Sahli ran a home care business for years before franchising. This experience is vital in understanding the needs of franchise owners and the complexity of the business. 

2. What enterprise management software is being used and what is its scope and reliability?  

You need robust software to run a home care business and people who know how to use it. One missed care appointment due to an administrative error and your business could lose the client and its credibility. Right at Home operates state-of-the-art enterprise management software that makes day-to-day operations easy and efficient. All carers are dispatched using mobile phone applications that are also used for care plan and care note communication. 

3. What is their unique selling proposition/competitive advantage?

Does the mission statement of the home care franchise resonate with you? Do they seem to have the right values and pursuit of service excellence? Joining a network of dedicated and passionate business owners is a safe and rewarding franchise opportunity. While owning your own Right at Home business in your community is demanding, the rewards for you, your family, your clients, and your staff, make it more than worthwhile. Our tailored services help clients and their loved ones maintain independence, and a healthy, fulfilling lifestyle. Right at Home is all about its clients and their families. 

4. Are they members of any accrediting body or association? 

Right at Home is an approved provider under the Aged Care Act. This means franchise owners do not need to apply for their own accreditation. Right at Home business owners enjoy the security and support that comes from belonging to a much larger organisation. Other benefits include strong brand recognition, group marketing, quality standards, support across all major business disciplines, marketing, accounting, clinical governance, business coaching, software and systems, communications support, and training. 

5. Can they help you provide government-funded services and how do they do this?  

As an approved provider under the Aged Care Act, Right at Home can provide quality support at home under government-funded home care packages for levels 1 to 4. This is our care difference, because, unlike other providers, we can scale up and provide support at home services as your needs change from providing companion care and domestic assistance to the delivery of personal care, wound care, skilled nursing, complex nursing, hospital-in-the-home, post-operative care, and palliative care. 

6. How do they train their franchisees?  

Research shows the most effective franchise support services provided by the franchisor include sufficient training at all levels, effective software development, training, and implementation, prompt assistance to problem solve for and support the network, development and execution of effective marketing plans and collateral, and the availability of performance groups. At Right at Home Australia, we deliver this support and infrastructure to our network. 

7. How many markets/territories are available?  

Does the home care company have offices nationwide, overseas, or in a particular state or territory? With 58 established offices and counting, Right at Home has available territories in regional New South Wales, regional Victoria, Melbourne, Adelaide, regional South Australia, Northern Territory, Regional Western Australia, Tasmania, and four newly available territories in the Sydney region.

8. How many franchise owners have rebranded or left the system and why?  

We suggest calling the franchise owners that have rebranded to ask them why. Right at Home’s abiding rule is that franchise support must be effective. In franchising, the measure of an effective franchise support system is defined by both franchisee satisfaction levels and the results achieved by the individual franchisee and the franchisor. This is measured by satisfaction with the quality and quantity of support, along with both network-wide and individual unit financial success – the definition of “effective”. 
 
Choosing a home care franchise that best suits your needs is a challenge. Make sure you research the market carefully and establish exactly how the franchise systems works, the levels of support available, and the track record of success. 

Right at Home Australia is a leading provider of quality in-home care. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those we serve ensuring the Right Care, Right at Home™.  We support people living with complex and post-operative care needs, dementia and cognitive decline, older adults, and adults living with a disability including NDIS participants. Our tailored services help clients to remain safe and independent in their homes. We have 58 territories across Australia and growing. If you are interested in a franchise opportunity with Right at Home, call us on 1300 363 802 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..