Time flies when you’re running your own business and welcoming your first baby into the world. For Right at Home Newcastle Toronto Owner and Director Michael Laetsch, it’s been a busy 12 months having launched his Newcastle Toronto territory in August and welcoming a baby girl in December last year.  

Michael kindly took the time to answer some questions about his first year in business with Right at Home.   

What made you decide to enter the home care industry?

Honestly, home care was the first industry that would employ me after university. I stayed because of the difference I was making in people’s lives on a daily basis. 

How would you describe the home care industry in Australia and what are some of the changes you seen over the past year? 

I’d describe it just like my clients would; convoluted and confusing. With the changes from Support at Home, we’ve seen administrative burdens increase. The most difficult thing for me, however, is seeing people who need support but don’t have the correct package or funding level and can’t afford to pay privately. These people struggle while waiting for government funding for months before they are able to access both short-term and ongoing support. Helping our clients navigate the home care industry is really rewarding though. 

What made you choose Right at Home over our competitors? 

From my research online, Right at Home seemed more trustworthy and genuine compared to some of its competitors. Seeing positive news articles when I was doing background checks and the genuine passion I could feel from the Managing Director and Home Office team was ultimately what solidified my decision. 

How do you distinguish yourselves from competitors in your local community? 

The main compliment we get from our clients is that a real person answers the phone and they do so promptly. Many clients are sick of trying to call providers and speaking to a robot or someone in a call centre. They love being able to reach a local staff member who understands the area. 

What have you learnt most over the past year? 

How to run a business and the many little things you don’t see at surface level that are quietly working out of sight to keep the whole thing moving.  

What has been most challenging? 

Building a working business from the ground up and running it from day one till now, while wearing almost all the hats. 

How have you overcome those challenges? 

Honestly, we are still working on that. Running a business like this is a constantly evolving monster. We can’t let up or slow down. 

How do you feel about the relationships you've built in your community? 

We have built some strong relationships with referral sources in our area as well as the relationships we have developed with our clients. It always brings a smile to my face when I see them happy with what we are providing. 

What would you say to prospective franchisees? 

Starting your own business may take longer and cost more than you think, so give yourself a larger runway so you can avoid financial stress. My second piece of advice is to get on with outside sales early, even when it feels like there is no time. 

What are your ‘year two’ goals? 

Keep lifting client numbers, grow the team so we're not dependent on any one person, and feel comfortable being able to pay myself. 

What do you value most about being a Right at Home Franchise Owner? 

The independence to run my business, my own way, with a strong framework behind me, and having the Right at Home network there to bounce ideas off and ask questions.   

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 more than 60 territories across Australia and growing. If you are interested in a franchise opportunity with Right at Home, call Home Office on 07 3177 9906 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..