When an independent home care agency might fit
By Scott McKenzie, founder of Home Care Agency Blueprint · Updated
Independent ownership can make sense when you want full control of your brand, services and pricing, and you are prepared to build systems and referral relationships yourself or pay for help doing it.
Situations where independent can make sense
- You want to choose your own services, pricing, software and vendors.
- You want a brand that belongs to you and that you can sell with the business later.
- You have some operating or caregiving experience, or are willing to learn and buy targeted help.
- You would rather keep franchise fees as working capital.
- No franchise territory available near you fits where you want to work.
What you take on without a franchise
- Building policies, hiring, scheduling and billing systems yourself, or paying for templates and advice.
- Creating a brand and earning referral sources’ trust from zero.
- Choosing training for yourself and your caregivers.
- Every licensing step in your state, which applies to franchisees too.
Planning this route? starthomecareagency.com lays out the startup steps in order, and homecarestartupconsulting.com helps if you are deciding whether to hire a consultant. Both are also published by Home Care Agency Blueprint. Your state licensing agency is the source for its requirements.
What to do next
Frequently asked questions
Can I start independently and still get support?
Yes. Courses, consultants, mentors and industry associations are all options. Compare what each delivers in writing; homecarestartupconsulting.com, also published by Home Care Agency Blueprint, has a free scorecard for that.
Want to talk through your options?
A free 15-minute clarity call with Home Care Agency Blueprint. It helps people start independent agencies, so expect that perspective. You do not need to finish the worksheet first.
Book a free 15-minute clarity call