Senior Care Franchises Addressing the Needs of Today and Tomorrow
by Patricia Schaefer
Fad businesses come and go, but a long-term business success is often built on filling marketplace needs not only for today, but hopefully for tomorrow as well. Senior care franchises are just one of these businesses. Today they are a hot new market, while holding onto the promise of even greater success in the years and possibly decades to come.
This country's 76-million "baby boomer" generation is quickly approaching traditional retirement age; the oldest reaching their 65th birthday in the year 2011. U.S. Census Bureau projected population changes in the United States from the year 2000 to 2050 show those aged 65 to 85+ as an increasing percentage of our total population. In addition, projection of greater life expectancies is likely to result in more Americans living well into their eighties and even nineties.
Studies show that the overwhelming majority of seniors would prefer to prolong their independence; to live out their final years in their own homes. This -- coupled with the fact that the cost of assisted living facilities can be exorbitant -- has made senior care services an attractive and affordable alternative. Prices vary among franchises, but generally range from about $19 to $25 per hour for services provided. For family caregivers, senior care can also be a welcome adjunct, helping to relieve some of the emotionally and physically draining burdens sometimes placed on those caring for a loved one.
One such senior care franchise is Spectrum Home Services, Inc. "Spectrum" indeed defines their services as they uniquely provide a wide-ranging package of non-medical senior and home care services: personal care and companionship, handyman, cleaning, yard care, and relocation services. In fact, Aimee Dunsmore, Spectrum's Director of Franchise Support, says, "At this time, we are the only senior care company to be providing such a comprehensive package of services."
"The goal of Spectrum Home Services" says Dunsmore, "is to allow our senior clients to stay in their homes for as long as possible. We feel that this goal is definitely attainable with assistance from a company like Spectrum." Tailoring their services to meet the unique needs of each client, Spectrum prides itself on their "ability to remain flexible while working within a proven system for assessing the needs of our clients."
Although the company was founded to meet the needs of homebound seniors with illness or other disability, Spectrum also serves "active seniors who just want time to be with their families and relax, as well as homeowners and businesses." As their motto and Dunsmore states, "We truly do offer Services for All Seasons of Life."
Dunsmore would like prospective franchisees to know that Spectrum takes great pride in their "comprehensive training and unlimited support." In addition to the six-day training received at their Utah corporate headquarters, a Spectrum representative also spends three to five days with franchisees in their territory. Dunsmore and other support staff are available on a daily basis to assist franchisees with any of their needs, and make a point to contact and assist franchisees on a weekly basis. Dunsmore sees Spectrum as "five franchises in one;" where franchise owners benefit from deriving revenues from their five areas of service under one roof. "We're excited about the interest we have received in Spectrum Home Services nationwide and expect that it will continue to grow."
Ten years before Spectrum began offering franchises in 2005, Home Instead Senior Care offered their first franchise. Today, they lay claim to over 600 independently owned and operated franchises in the U.S., Canada, Japan, Portugal, Australia and Ireland.. Public Relations Specialist Jamie Meyer claims, "We were the first, we are the largest and most successful senior care company in the world."
Home Instead CAREGivers help older adults with everyday tasks that allow them to live independently. From a few hours a day up to 24 hours, seven days a week, older adults receive help with everyday tasks like meal preparation, reminders to take medication, laundry, light housekeeping, or errands and shopping. CAREGivers also provide companionship; someone they can talk to and lean on.
Meyer attributes Home Instead's success to their proven business model, extensive training provided to franchise owners, a dedicated support staff, and the strength of their marking materials and programs. Meyer says, "Home Instead Senior Care prides itself on our brand promise. We have trained and reliable CAREGivers and offer reliable and responsive service."
In addition to the above, Meyer says prospective franchisees are offered "a low start-up investment, the largest and most respected, trusted brand in non-medical senior care, and the most recognized brand in the industry."
Copyright 2006, Attard Communications, Inc. |
