Western Investor

April 2008

Seniors care fast growing sector

by Laura Nastasa, Western Investor

Within the franchise industry, one of the fastest growing segments is home health care – particularly senior’s care. According to the Canadian Franchise Association, listings of franchise companies in this category have increased by 57 per cent over the past three years. The reason for the growth is simple demographics.

Statistics Canada in A Portrait of Seniors in Canada, released last year, forecasts that by 2031, seniors will make up between 23 per cent and 25 per cent of the total population.

Governments are pouring billions of dollars into health care, including seniors’ care. In the recent B.C. Budget, for example, the province committed $5 billion to health care over the next three years.

This is all good new for health-care-oriented franchises such as B.C-based Nurse Next Door.

“Home health care provides an opportunity to address the growing demand on the healthcare system,” said Arif Abdulla, a spokesman for Nurse Next Door. “This is a really positive step forward that provides us with an opportunity both here and across the country.”

Currently, there are eight home healthcare franchise companies listed with the CFA. Nurse Next Door is the only such company based in Western Canada. Currently, they operate only in B.C., but are in the process of expanding across the country.

Kristan Ash, VP franchise development for Nurse Next Door, said franchisees do not need to be medically trained, yet staff have various levels of training that range from registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to care aides and caregivers.

“Private homecare currently falls outside the Canada Health Act, and non-licensed professionals deliver approximately 80 per cent to 90 per cent of the services provided by the company,” Ash points out.

In order to be successful, however, franchisees must be truly interested in making a difference. That’s why all prospective franchisees are carefully screened.

Nurse Next Door has a franchise fee of $30,000, and the total investment required is from $85,000 to $120,000. One week of training is provided, plus ongoing support.
 

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