March 1, 2023
By Direct Care Training & Resource Center, Inc.
Franchising has proven itself to be one of the most efficient ways to scale across multiple markets, particularly in long-term care where demand continues to rise. Yet many franchisors limit their vision to recruiting brand-new entrants to the industry. While this approach can be successful, it often requires heavy upfront investment in training, infrastructure, and marketing. A more dynamic growth model may lie in a different direction—inviting existing providers to come under the franchise umbrella.
Whether the service involves home care, adult day care, or another model of community-based care, there are countless independent operators already delivering services. By engaging these businesses and offering them affiliation opportunities—perhaps through a reduced upfront franchise fee—franchisors can quickly expand their name recognition, while simultaneously giving providers the benefits of corporate compliance resources, professional marketing campaigns, and operational support.
This kind of outreach creates mutual benefits. For the independent provider, affiliation with a recognized brand provides legitimacy, access to polished training programs, and the power of shared advertising efforts, such as radio campaigns or local outreach strategies.
For the franchisor, the growth of branded locations accelerates, strengthening both credibility and market presence.
Franchisors should also think creatively about physical expansion. In certain areas, it may be wise to lease space within existing programs and launch adult day care services under the franchise name, while simultaneously marketing to the operators of those centers as prospective franchisees. This type of co-location model reduces startup costs and allows the franchisor to test markets while extending its footprint.
Of course, all such efforts must be carried out in compliance with Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations and other applicable state and federal requirements. Proper disclosures, contractual transparency, and operational guidelines protect both parties while building a foundation for long-term trust and success.
At Direct Care Training & Resource Center, Inc., we understand the unique challenges and opportunities in long-term care franchising. Our consultants specialize in helping franchisors design and execute outreach strategies, prepare new franchisees for compliance and operational excellence, and identify the communities where expansion will be most effective. By combining practical guidance with regulatory insight, we help franchisors and franchisees alike position themselves for sustainable growth.
In today’s competitive landscape, long-term care franchises must look beyond traditional recruitment methods. Tapping into existing providers and offering them a pathway to partnership can ignite faster growth, enhance brand recognition, and ensure that more communities benefit from reliable, professional care. The time is now for franchisors to broaden their perspective and pursue every growth prospect available.
We would be thrilled to handle such outreach and local research for qualifying franchisors.
Direct Care Training & Resource Center, Inc.
36500 Ford Road, #367 • Westland, MI 48185
PH: 866.982.4449 • FAX: 734.800.0105
Another Blog Post by Direct Care Training & Resource Center, Inc. Photos used are designed to complement the written content. They do not imply a relationship with or endorsement by any individual nor entity and may belong to their respective copyright holders.
| Follow us in the Social Stratosphere… | ||||
|
