Built to Serve

Veterans excel at serving others and can improve your in-home care franchise.

By Matt Gerding, CFE

For many veterans, it can be tough to re-enter the civilian world after separating from military service. Not only are there social challenges, such as reconnecting with family members, but there can be difficulties joining a community. While still in the service, military personnel are used to living near a base or post with other military families, so the shared experiences of being in the service are better understood.

Finding a job can also be a challenge. While veterans have had to learn many new skills in the course of their military career, such skills don’t always translate easily to the civilian world.

So where does an intelligent, disciplined, quick-to-learn and adept veteran turn? Entrepreneurship – specifically, franchising.

Why Franchising Appeal to Vets

Because franchising offers the advantage of owning your own business while giving a motivated person a proven business concept that leads to success, it’s a career solution that appeals to many vets. In the military, you learn a skill, drill, follow orders and succeed as a unit.

The road to success in franchising is similar:
- Learn the business
- Follow the blueprint
- Work the plan
- Attain your goals

So if you’re a savvy veteran looking for post-military opportunities, franchising might be looking pretty good. But what type of business should you consider?

Why Home Care Could Make Sense

Think about this: The population continues to age in the United States. Each day for the next 20 years, 10,000 Americans will turn 65, which means more people will need help to live safely in their homes. By 2030, adults 65 and older will outnumber children in this country, and by 2040, one in five Americans will be over the age of 65.

There are also these things to keep in mind:
- Americans are living longer
- Because of that, many are worried about having enough savings/income to last through retirement - Those turning age 65 may be looking for work that gives them value
- Eighty-five percent of older Americans have at least one chronic condition, and 60 percent have two or more
- Those over age 50 prefer to remain in their homes as long as possible by an overwhelming number (89 percent)

Most of those turning 65 every day for the next 20 years won’t require in-home care right away. But they do represent a potential employee pool of people looking for extra income to supplement their savings and something of value to keep them occupied.

Some will have the means to play golf or patronize the arts. Some will have family nearby to keep them busy and even help with expenses. Some will also retire from their full-time jobs to take things a little easier, but will also look for opportunities to pick up a few bucks while giving back. These folks, along with others inclined to serve, are your potential caregivers.

Doing Well While Doing Good

Veterans understand the value of service and contributing to the greater good. Not only do in-home care providers help seniors live safely in their homes, but they offer personal and companion services for a wide range of clients who need assistance. From new mothers to those recuperating from surgery or illness, from veterans dealing with PTSD to families with a loved one who has developmental or intellectual differences, many families and individuals need a little help.

It makes sense that veterans would be interested in a business that not only provides a steady revenue stream and opportunities for profitable growth, but also one that allows them to give back to the community. At the same time, they are working to protect those who are most vulnerable and deserve to live their lives right where they are, in the home they’ve come to cherish and love, and where they feel most comfortable.

By following the proven concepts of the in-home care business and making the commitment it takes to succeed, veteran owners can create a vocation of their own that comfortably supports their families. Also, having a successful business provides opportunities for family members to get involved and potentially even take over in the future.

Choosing a Franchise

There are many choices when it comes to partnering with an in-home care franchisor, but there are some that are especially attractive to veterans looking to start their own business.

Here are some things to look for in a franchise partner:

- Recognition by IFA as a VetFran member
- Affiliation with the Department of Defense Military Spouse Employment Partnership
- Cutting-edge training designed to get your business running successfully ASAP
- Two-year onboarding process that recognizes new owners have different requirements
- World-class marketing and technology support
- Networking opportunities with other owners through councils, growth groups and a national conference

No matter which franchisor you choose, in-home care is an industry that will continue to grow because the need exists. Many veterans are already successfully running in-home care agencies that not only are a solid source of income, but also provide a valuable service. And if you’re a veteran, you already know all about providing valuable service. 

Matt Gerding, CFE, is Vice President of Franchise Development at Home Helpers® Home Care. Learn more about Home Helpers here.