The in-home senior care industry has seen unprecedented growth in recent years as the baby boomer generation begins flooding the market. An estimated 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 years old every day, and by 2050, nearly 20% of the U.S. population will be 65 and older.

This shift in the age distribution of the country is accompanied by a significant change in the way baby boomers are aging. Not only are they living longer than their parents, but they’re also healthier than past generations, allowing them to remain in their homes longer.

With the U.S. home care market expected to grow to $225 billion by 2024, there’s never been a better opportunity to help meet that demand than as a senior care brand franchisee, according to Jen Chaney, vice president of franchise development for Right at Home, a leading global in-home care franchise system with more than 600 provider locations in seven countries.

“There’s so much need for in-home senior care services right now, and that demand is only going to grow,” Chaney said. “By the year 2030, older people are projected to outnumber children for the first time in history.”

The brand name that’s become synonymous with compassionate care for aging seniors, Right at Home, is growing quickly to accommodate what industry experts call the “silver tsunami.”

According to the National Council on Aging, 90% of seniors say they plan to remain in their homes for the next five to 10 years. A number of studies support that decision: Home health care offers many advantages over hospital-based health care, including financial, social and overall quality of life.

And now, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s even more reason for seniors and their families to choose in-home care over assisted living facility and nursing home models. 

“Everyone across the globe has seen that there have been a lot of individuals pulling their loved ones from an assisted living facility for fear of disease due to the pandemic,” Chaney said. “Not only are families seeing in-home care as a more ideal option than a nursing home, but so are seniors. Home is where they want to be, and the pandemic has made that even clearer.”

In-home senior care is also a more affordable option than a residential model, another factor that’s driving unprecedented demand as baby boomers age into the senior segment.

With Right at Home franchise owners reporting increased sales throughout the pandemic, the in-home senior care industry offers huge growth potential and few downsides that other industries face. “There will always be a need for a human being in the in-home senior care services industry,” Chaney said. “It’s not something that can be automated.”

It’s also relatively inexpensive to launch. “This is not a heavy asset to get into, because the bulk of the business is the actual service you provide,” Chaney said. “Franchisees don’t have to worry about generating revenue to cover large overhead costs like office spaces and large staffs.”

More than just a financially rewarding career, Right at Home offers entrepreneurs a level of fulfillment as well. “With a mission to improve the quality of life for those we serve, Right at Home franchisees have the opportunity to impact the lives of people in their communities,” Chaney added. “It’s an incredibly rewarding business that allows you to really feel good about the work you do and the difference it makes.”

The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Right a Home franchise ranges from $82,000 to $150,800. This includes an initial franchise fee of $49,500 that must be paid to the franchisor.

*All fees are disclosed in the Right at Home 2021 Franchise Disclosure Document.