Navigating home care franchise growth is a delicate balance of strategic expansion, strong leadership, and compassionate service. Success isn’t just about opening new locations—it’s about ensuring each one thrives.
The home care industry presents unique challenges, from hiring and retaining quality caregivers to adapting to shifting regulations and local market demands. Franchise owners must identify the right locations, build a strong team, and foster a culture of trust and excellence.
Growth also means overcoming obstacles—whether it’s staffing shortages, economic fluctuations, or unexpected events like a pandemic. Resilience and adaptability become key.
A hands-on leadership approach, where owners stay actively involved in training, communication, and operational decisions, can create a family-like culture that strengthens both employee morale and client satisfaction. Investing in clear processes, continuous training, and innovative recruitment strategies ensures sustainable expansion.
A successful franchise is more than about numbers—it’s about building a brand rooted in reliability and care. By prioritizing people and strategic decision-making, home care franchises can navigate growth while staying true to their mission of compassionate service.
To shed some light on the same, we interviewed a home care industry expert to bring her perspective on navigating home care franchise growth.
Who Did We Interview?
Lisa has over five years of experience enhancing the lives of aging adults. She owns and operates multiple Just Like Family Home Care locations across Fraser Valley, Tri-Cities, Richmond Delta, West Vancouver, Nanaimo, and Langford, delivering personalized in-home care.
With a background in education and interior design, she integrates space planning into senior care, ensuring comfort and functionality. Passionate about compassionate caregiving, she leads a network of trained professionals committed to preserving clients’ independence.
Let us now delve into what she has to say about navigating home care franchise growth:
Our approach to expanding locations has always been organic, seizing opportunities as they arise for different reasons. For example, I purchased a location in May 2020, right at the onset of COVID, which presented a unique opportunity.
Each situation is distinct—some locations are ideal for building up from the ground, while others may already be established and come at a higher price. Regardless, all of our locations have the potential for growth.
My strategy involves strengthening areas that are currently underperforming, consistently building our brand, and providing customized service to our clients.
When I took over a location during Covid. It was extremely difficult to get qualified staff willing to work there. We tried different hiring platforms and different ads. It took a lot of perseverance and patience to get the right staff and begin to grow.
When I took over a location during COVID, one of the biggest challenges I faced was attracting qualified staff. The pandemic created a highly competitive and uncertain job market, and many potential candidates were hesitant to join our team. To address this, we experimented with various hiring platforms and tailored our recruitment ads to better connect with the right talent.
It required a great deal of perseverance and patience, but eventually, our efforts paid off. By assembling a dedicated team, we were able to turn the situation around, stabilize the location, and set the stage for growth.
We take a highly personalized approach to care, starting with a comprehensive 4-page assessment that evaluates not only medical needs but also personality, daily routines, and the specific skills required from a caregiver. This ensures that our care plans are tailored to each individual.
Further, we prioritize safety and comfort by assessing the home environment, ensuring that necessary equipment is in place, and addressing any safety concerns before the first visit.
Managing people comes with challenges, especially in the home care industry, where teamwork and compassion are essential. It’s important not to take things personally and to stay focused on making decisions that benefit both clients and the team.
Clear communication and thorough documentation are key—provide written warnings when necessary and offer additional training to those who are willing to grow. Employees who value their roles will improve, while those who don’t will naturally transition out. Building a strong team starts with hiring respectful, team-oriented caregivers who genuinely care about their clients and the company.
Recognizing and rewarding staff through benefits, bonuses, and programs like “Caregiver of the Month” fosters loyalty and motivation. A supportive and well-led team is the foundation of a successful home care franchise.
Our leadership team, including myself, goes above and beyond to support both staff and clients, ensuring that workplace fit is a priority. I personally know and have met most of our staff, answer phones when needed, and actively participate in training—both in-person and via Zoom.
Unlike some owners who remain hands-off, I stay involved in daily operations and decision-making. This hands-on approach strengthens communication, builds trust, and creates a supportive environment where staff feel valued.
While we maintain strong systems, structure, and communication, we also prioritize personal relationships, fostering a sense of teamwork and commitment that ultimately enhances client care and business success.
Growing a home care franchise isn’t just about expanding locations—it’s about building a resilient, people-first business. Lisa Huppée’s insights reveal that success comes from strategic decision-making, perseverance, and a commitment to both staff and clients.
Overcoming challenges like staffing shortages and market fluctuations requires adaptability and strong leadership. By fostering a family-like culture, maintaining clear communication, and investing in caregiver development, home care franchise owners can create lasting impact.
As the industry evolves, staying hands-on and client-focused ensures sustainable growth, proving that a thriving franchise is built on trust, care, and a commitment to excellence.
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