non-medical home care franchise - Senior Home Care Franchise

Five Ways to Retain Your Best Home Care Franchise Employees

Seasoned business owners know that few things are more costly than employee turnover. From picking up where an employee left off, to recruitment, training and new hires, the costs add up quickly. The expense of losing and replacing a single employee can easily add up to a whopping $50,000 or more.

Holding on to your best employees such as the best caregivers of your home care franchise for as long as possible requires that you create a rewarding environment where employees feel their work and input are valued. It is critical to develop trust with your employees and understand their career goals—open communication is key in this regard.

Here are some ways to build trust and keep your best and brightest staff on board for years to come:

Offer Praise — Feeling appreciated is a fundamental human need. All of us need to feel that we are making a contribution to the world and are valued. Acknowledging and rewarding an employee for their contributions benefits not only the employee, but the company. Employees who feel valued are more productive and report higher rates of satisfaction with their jobs, which frequently translates to better employee morale, increased customer satisfaction, reduced absenteeism and higher employee retention.
Foster Autonomy –– Whenever possible, and especially in jobs that require high levels of creativity, give your employees a say in their work and involve them in decision-making. Few people appreciate being micro-managed. Try coaching, rather than managing employees, and offer feedback regularly.
Recognize Individual Strengths — Recognizing employees’ individual strengths, talents and expertise, and capitalizing on those things will help your business succeed and will improve employee satisfaction.
Offer Tangible Rewards — Tangible rewards do not necessarily need to be monetary. A dinner with the company’s president, closing the office early the day before a holiday, or granting an employee a personal day after finishing a grueling project can all go a long way.
Make Ongoing Training Available –– Most employees are eager to learn and grow. Cross-training, offsite workshops and other learning opportunities can help keep your employees sharp, and it lets them know they are valued members of the company.

Investing in your employees and instituting policies and programs that help them feel appreciated will likely pay off in the long run, in terms of increased productivity, high morale and low turnover—all boons to your bottom line.

Always Best Care is one of the leading senior care companies in the nation, with nearly 190 franchised territories nationwide. Learn about the growing senior care industry and about franchising with Always Best Care on our website, https://franchisewithalwaysbestcare.ca/

Learn more about senior care franchising and download our FREE eBook!

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Marketing Your Small Business: First Steps for New Owners

Starting a small business takes brain power. When you sit down to create a coherent plan, it must include how you intend to improve your customers’ lives, how you’re going to raise enough money to get started, and what you need to do to get your business off the ground. Marketing is integral to this process. Whether you are simply considering how to start a franchise or are an established owner, a comprehensive marketing strategy gives you the exposure you need to succeed.

What Is Marketing?

Simply put, marketing is a set of strategies to inform potential customers of who you are and what you can do for them. People will not come through your doors, visit your website, or buy your products if they are unaware you exist. No matter how reliable and suitable you are for specific customer needs, poor marketing efforts could mean the demise of your business. After all, a superior service that people don’t use makes just as little money as a sub-par service that customers purposely avoid.

Many new owners know how important marketing is, but believe a superior campaign is out of their budget. Thus, they fail to initiate any marketing actions. While you cannot expect monumental success with a free campaign, there is a lot you can do with a limited budget.

Free and Low-Cost Marketing Techniques

Start small with either a few low-cost techniques or some that cost only a few minutes of your day. Once you get a basic marketing campaign in place, you can worry about higher-cost options that may or may not net you more clients.

Social Media

Engaging your customer base on social media is free, so creating a presence on the major networking sites is a great and low-cost start to getting the word out. Set up business profiles on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+. This can boost your campaign in several ways:

Good for SEO: Social media pages are additional websites containing your business name, which improves your search engine optimization. People discover your business when searching for your targeted keywords, and they contact you based on your qualifications. You can use SEO practices to ensure that your franchise attracts as many new customers as possible.
Proves you are legitimate: Social media use for businesses has become so commonplace that many consumers now expect it. If you do not have a Facebook page, some people may assume you’re inexperienced, untrustworthy, or unpopular. Simply creating a page increases your credibility.
Allows you to interact with consumers: The most important part of your social media campaign is your one-on-one interactions with consumers. If people can have a dialogue directly with you on your social media pages, they begin to see you as a trusted friend, making it more likely that they will buy from you in the future.

Many first-time owners are not sure what to put on social media. Start by acquiring a high-quality photo of your logo to use as a profile picture and another related image to use as a cover photo. These images give potential customers an instant idea about your mission and values. This first step is vital for branding and customer engagement.

Once your pages are set up, your next step is to create and post content on a regular schedule, maybe even daily. About 90 percent of your content should be non-promotional in nature. Choose links, photos, and carefully worded status updates that fit into your ideal customers’ interests and the services you provide.

Research Your Community

Local businesses do best when they demonstrate their commitment to community values. Research the surrounding community to find out which issues are important to your ideal customer base. Once you have a handle on the issues, you can figure out how best to approach them.

One popular and effective strategy for franchises is to partner with an established non-profit in the community to promote an important cause. For example, if your clientele are teenagers and their parents, consider co-sponsoring a charitable event with the local branch of the Boys and Girls Club of America or another organization that supports young people. This shows your commitment to community values, and allows your target market to see you as a resource. It also demonstrates your impact on the community.

Get Involved in Networking

Networking is a two-way street. When you help other business owners, they help you. Owners often love helping others get started, especially if they are in similar, but not overlapping, niches. Since many networking opportunities are free or low-cost events, plan to seek out and attend a few events per month. Make a point of collecting cards and referring them to your clients when appropriate. You may also want to do a cross-promotional campaign with non-competing businesses, in which you market each other to your clients.

You will see your business grow if you are diligent, organized, and efficient with marketing or franchising plans. Invest in low-cost marketing practices and watch your business thrive.

If you’re ready to make a difference in your community, download a copy of our FREE franchising eBook to learn why our training, marketing, and support have grown our franchisee revenue so dramatically.

Sources

“10 Ways to Market Your Small Business on a Shoestring Budget | Constant Contact Blogs.” Constant Contact Blogs. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Sept. 2014. https://franchisewithalwaysbestcare.ca/sales–marketing/marketing-strategies.aspx

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Franchise with Always Best Care

Always Best Care offers franchise opportunities throughout the United States, plus Canada, Germany, Australia and the United Kingdom. Always Best Care has been synonymous with the highest standards of service since 1996, when founder Mike Newman realized the need for exceptional, trusted professional care for senior citizens. Now you can deliver the same high quality of services to people in your community by opening an Always Best Care franchise.

The number of senior citizens is growing at a robust pace. Each day, 10,000 Americans celebrate their 65th birthday. This means an Always Best Care franchisee can expect an ever-growing marketplace as more men and women reach retirement age.
A handful of these individuals need medical care; many more could benefit from non-medical home care, such as help with grooming or moving around the house. The non-medical home sector is enjoying an upward trend as these seniors and their families realize the benefits of non-medical home care.

As an Always Best Care franchise owner, you will benefit from three different revenue streams: Assisted living finder services, non-medical in-home care, and skilled home health care. This three-pronged approach to revenue allows you to increase your bottom-line in more than one way.

Learn more about senior care franchising and download a copy of our FREE senior care franchising eBook today!

Please refer to our most recent Franchise Disclosure Document for important details.

Be a Part of One of the Best Franchises for Minorities

Minorities in the US play a vital role in business and are an engine of employment in emerging communities and in the senior care industry. According to the US Department of Commerce, in 2002 there were 4 million minority-owned businesses, which employed 4.7 million people and grossed $661 billion. If these businesses had matched the population of minorities in the country, however, we would have expected numbers in the range of 6.5 million businesses employing 16.1 million workers and grossing over $2.5 trillion, according to a Department of Commerce report¹. This disparity illustrates that minorities still face obstacles to becoming business owners in the US.

The Biggest Obstacles Facing Prospective Business Owners

One of the greatest obstacles for minorities continues to be lack of access to capital. Minorities are more likely to be denied credit and pay higher interest rates on loans, according to the report. Individuals looking to own and operate a franchise need initial capital to start the business, as well as working capital and business loans to grow. Because of our current financial environment an even greater burden is placed on minority entrepreneurs struggling to keep their businesses alive.

Work with One of the Best Franchises for Minorities

The Department of Commerce report illustrates the obstacles minorities face as entrepreneurs and business owners and the need to ensure that business opportunities are equally accessible to everyone. Always Best Care is proud to have been named one of the top 50 franchises for minorities by the National Minority Franchising Initiative. Always Best Care was also named one of the top low-cost franchises in the country.

Starting a non-medical home care franchise is an excellent opportunity for people from all walks of life and an opportunity to help meet the growing need for quality senior care in the US. Explore our website to learn more about franchising with Always Best Care.
Learn more about senior care franchising by downloading our FREE eBook.

Please refer to our most recent Franchise Disclosure Document for important details.

Tips for Greening Your Senior Care Business

Being “green” isn’t just a trend anymore—companies are recognizing the importance of long-term sustainability and that going green can help improve their bottom line. Below are some tips for helping the planet and saving some money for your company, whether you operate home care business or other business.

Use CFL or LED Lights –– Compact fluorescent lights and LED lights last significantly longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs and use less energy. Despite the higher initial cost of CFL and LED lights, switching to these energy-efficient bulbs could save you hundreds each year.
Reduce Paper Consumption and Switch to Post-Consumer Paper Products –– Paperless offices are the new normal. With advancing technology people can compose, read and transmit documents digitally without ever having to print a copy. Resist the urge to print all of your documents, opting instead to use digital copies. When you absolutely must print documents, use post-consumer recycled paper. Stock your break room and bathrooms with post-consumer recycled paper.
Replace Old Appliances with Energy Star Models –– Old appliances can be real energy guzzlers. Look for new appliances with the Energy Star label, which helps you assess the energy requirements (and the cost to run) the appliances. A larger up-front cost is worth the long-term savings.
Power Your Office with Alternative Energy –– Many utility providers offer consumers energy from “green” sources like wind and solar, geothermal and hydropower, depending on where you live.
Make Company Vehicles Hybrids or Alternative Fuel Vehicles –– While hybrids and alternative energy vehicles often have higher up-front costs, drivers typically save money on gas in the long run. The higher sticker price of a hybrid vehicle should be offset by the savings in fuel costs, for immediate savings.

These are just some of the many ways companies can be part of a more sustainable future and save money in the process.

Learn more about senior care franchising and Learn more about senior care franchising by downloading our FREE eBook.

Please refer to our most recent Franchise Disclosure Document for important details.

Client Safety and In-Home Care

Delivering health care in an institutionalized setting such as a nursing home or assisted living facility is very different than caring for clients in their homes. While nurses, aides and physicians have more control over a client’s day-to-day care in a healthcare facility, clients at home are in their domain and have greater autonomy—they can refuse care, and they have more power over decisions about how and whether certain interventions will be carried out.

Informal caregivers, such as family members and friends, may also provide assistance to family members at home, and home care aides have little or no authority over these individuals. An informal caregiver may choose not to administer a medication, for example, which a home care aide may not learn about until an adverse event has occurred. Additionally, every client’s home is unique, creating a greater number of variables than exist in a more institutionalized setting.

For these reasons, client safety is especially important in a home care setting. Below are some of the most important considerations.

Fall prevention — Thirty percent of people age 65 and older fall each year. Many of these falls require medical attention, making fall prevention a priority for home care aides. Having a fall-prevention program in place is important, as well as taking steps to minimize hazards at home like loose carpeting, slippery flooring, clutter and other hazards. Home care aides can help in this area by working with clients and their family caretakers to reduce these hazards.

Medication management – Seniors may take medications on their own or with the help of informal caretakers, increasing the probability of missed medications or dangerous combinations. Home care professionals should do everything possible to minimize these risks while on duty and help ensure that clients and family caretakers understand their loved one’s medication regimen as thoroughly as possible.

By implementing these and other safety measures, clients can maintain independence and autonomy significantly longer in the comfort of their own homes.

To learn more about the senior care franchising industry by downloading our FREE eBook.

Please refer to our most recent Franchise Disclosure Document for important details.

Exercise for Clients of a Home Care Franchise

An important element of overall health is regular exercise, the benefits of which extend well beyond physical health. Exercise is also vital to mental and emotional health, releasing a host of chemicals in the brain that improve mood and keep us mentally sharp.

Many seniors are nervous about exercising, out of fear of falling or otherwise injuring themselves. Some may have a heart or other condition that requires that they not over-exert themselves. The reality, however, is that not exercising is probably the greater threat to health, especially for older adults. In addition to the cardiovascular benefits, exercise improves muscle tone, balance and coordination, all essential in fall prevention.

Non-medical in-home care caregivers can play an important role in ensuring that seniors get healthy amounts of exercise by exercising with clients or monitoring clients during activity. Here are some examples:

Swimming/Aquatic Exercise — Swimming is an excellent low-impact exercise for seniors. If swimming is too difficult, stationary aquatic exercises are a good alternative. In-home care assistants can exercise with seniors in the pool or accompany seniors to classes.

Walking — Whether a gentle stroll, or a brisk stride, walking is excellent exercise that gets the heart pumping and improves core strength and muscle tone.

Chair Exercises — For folks who can’t walk or who have difficulty walking, chair exercises with or without a light pair of weights are an excellent alternative.

Exercise is an important part of overall health and longevity. assistant professional caregiver can help seniors maintain an exercise regimen, and stay healthy and happy at home.

Always Best Care is among the top home care franchises for seniors in the nation. Learn more about becoming a franchise owner by calling 855-430-CARE (2273).

Learn more about senior care franchising and download our FREE eBook.

Please refer to our most recent Franchise Disclosure Document for important details.

Helping Seniors Avoid the Common Colds this Winter Season

The National Institutes of Health reports that there are around 1 billion new cases of the common cold in the US each year. This number far exceeds the US population of approximately 314 million people, indicating that many, if not most, people in the US contract several colds per year.

Colds can be especially dangerous for young children and the elderly, since their immune systems typically have more difficulty fighting off infection. Given this, it is especially important to reduce the risk to seniors and children of contracting viruses. Here are some tips from senior care franchise owners for helping seniors avoid catching a cold:

Wash hands frequently — The average person touches various surfaces that can harbor germs—doorknobs, countertops, toilet lids—hundreds of times per day. Washing hands frequently with soap and hot water reduces the chances of contracting a virus.
Avoid touching the face — Touching your hands to your face brings germs closer to open areas such as the mouth, eyes and nose where germs can easily enter the body. Avoid touching the face as much as possible.
Keep surfaces clean and disinfected — Viruses can live on surfaces for two to eight hours, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Disinfect surfaces frequently, especially in high-traffic areas, to avoid coming into contact with viruses.
Eat a balanced, healthy diet — A healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables helps boost immunity — the body’s first line of defense against cold and flu viruses.
Take supplements for vitamin/mineral deficiencies — For some people, it is difficult to get all the nutrition they need from diet, alone, and some individuals may have vitamin or mineral deficiencies as a result of taking certain medications. Taking a vitamin and mineral supplement will help ensure that all nutritional needs are met, boosting the immune system.

By taking extra care and precautions, such as those outlined above, seniors and their caretakers can reduce the likelihood of coming into contact with cold and flu viruses for a healthier, happier winter season.

To learn more about franchising in the senior care industry, don’t hesitate to download our FREE eBook!

Please refer to our most recent Franchise Disclosure Document for important details.

Nutrition and Aging

Your nutritional needs change as your body ages. Physiological changes occur slowly, over time, constantly altering your body systems and their nutritional requirements. Life’s events, illness and injuries, genetics, lifestyle choices and socioeconomic events influence these physical changes to speed the aging process even more. Even though your body has changed over the years, chances are good that your eating habits have remained the same.

As you age, you lose lean muscle and gain body fat. Physical activity usually decreases with age, and this means you need to take in fewer calories each day. The challenge is to meet the nutritional needs you had when you were younger, while consuming fewer calories.

One way to do this is to cut down on your fat intake: fat contains more calories than does protein or carbohydrates. High fat diets are also associated with many chronic and serious diseases, such as heart problems and obesity.

You should try to get 60 percent of your calories from carbohydrates, preferably complex carbohydrates. Fruits and vegetables contain complex carbohydrates, are low in calories, and contain no fat. Fruits and vegetables also contain fiber for digestive health. Grain products, cereals, seeds, nuts, and beans are also good low-calorie, no fat sources of fiber.

Iron, calcium, and zinc levels can drop as you age. Eat vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables to improve absorption of iron. Tomatoes and cheese are good sources of calcium. Eat low-fat meat, eggs, and seafood for zinc.

Vitamin E may play a role in slowing the development of Alzheimer’s disease, while low levels of vitamin B12 are associated with memory loss and age-related hearing loss. Whole grains, peanuts, nuts, vegetable oils, and seeds are rich in vitamin E, while meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy foods increase vitamin B12 levels.

As you age, it becomes increasingly important that you take in more calcium, fiber, iron and protein, and vitamins A, C, and folic acid, which is a form of vitamin B9.

Supplements can improve your nutrition as you age. Consult with a professional with experience in nutrition and aging to learn how to slow the aging process in your body today.

Learn about the senior care industry and franchising opportunities in our FREE eBook, download today!

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Three Types of Arthritis

Arthritis is inflammation in one or more of your joints. Normally associated with senior citizens, you can get arthritis at any age. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, redness and a decrease in range of motion in a joint. These symptoms are often more acute in the mornings and subside throughout the day.

The pain of arthritis is associated with joint damage. Joints are those moveable points where two or more bones meet. The ends of these bones are coated in cartilage to allow these bones to slide over each other smoothly. A tough membrane, known as the joint capsule, encloses all the joint parts. The synovium lines the joint capsule and secretes synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint and nourishes the cartilage.

Osteoarthritis

In osteoarthritis, normal wear and tear damages the cartilage in between bones. This damage may become significant enough to allow bone-on-bone contact, resulting in the ends of bones grinding against one another. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is a chronic disease, caused by many years of use.

This degenerative disease worsens over time, causing increasing pain and disability. Doctors use imaging, like x-rays and MRI, to diagnose arthritis. A doctor may order blood tests to rule out other causes of pain, like rheumatoid arthritis. Your doctor may opt for joint fluid analysis, or send fluid drawn from the joint to the lab to rule out gout and infection.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis describes a condition where the body’s own immune system attacks the joint and inflames the synovium, causing swelling, pain and redness. This is a very destructive disease, destroying cartilage and bone within the joint. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition, causing pain, swelling and loss of function, and can cause long-term disability.

Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by excessive levels of uric acid in your blood. Not everyone with high uric acid levels experiences gout, but some people accumulate this uric acid in the synovial fluid in one joint. These people may produce too much uric acid, or their bodies have a hard time getting rid of it. Acute gout typically affects one joint, often the big toe. Chronic gout, or gout that keeps coming back, tends to affect more than one joint. There is no known exact cause for gout, but some groups of people seem to experience gout more than others do, including men, post-menopausal women and people who drink alcohol.

Learn more about the senior care industry and franchising opportunities by downloading our FREE eBook today!

Please refer to our most recent Franchise Disclosure Document for important details.