One challenge in the booming in-home senior care industry has been finding qualified, nurturing caregivers upon whom franchisees and families can rely. Caring Senior Service, one of the longest-running, nonmedical in-home care franchises in the country, is meeting this challenge head-on. By Patty Horansky

One challenge in the booming in-home senior care industry has been finding qualified, nurturing caregivers upon whom franchisees and families can rely.

Caring Senior Service, one of the longest-running, nonmedical in-home care franchises in the country, is meeting this challenge head-on. The brand combines technology and a personal touch to provide seniors and the disabled with exceptional care, from washing and dressing to light housekeeping, cooking, companionship and more.

Its Caring Hub, launched about five years ago as a means of acquiring clients, has evolved into a tool for recruiting and vetting caregivers and office staff. It manages intake calls and online leads for its more than 50 franchises nationwide.

“We take the load off of the office,” said Director of Hub Services Del Salinas. This gives franchisees more time to assist clients and caregivers in the field, make phone calls and send messages to coordinate care, and build community relationships.

“We find it’s an invaluable tool for our success,” Salinas said.

The Hub averages about 1,000 candidate inquiries a week and is able to reach more than half of them for interviews and vetting. Then, the information is shared with the local franchisee via the brand’s proprietary tablet-based software.

The 10-member Hub team also creates and posts openings on multiple job boards. “No other franchisee that we are aware of has this tool that is providing not just support but also caregiver acquisition and client acquisition,” Salinas said.

Founded more than 30 years ago, the San Antonio-based franchise outshines the competition by way of its longtime experience and GreatCare Method®, which ensures that seniors and their families receive the best caregivers, care solutions and support.

The Hub uses GreatCare standards for vetting caregivers before sending them to franchisees. Applicants are required to be certified nursing assistants or have at least one year of caregiver experience, pass a background check and have dependable transportation.

In addition to the Hub, the brand provides extensive training for franchisees and their employees, and support is ongoing.

Caring Senior Service offers a low initial investment opportunity in a high-growth, recession-resistant industry. Territories are available for service-oriented entrepreneurs looking to build a business with a purpose.

Patty Horansky

caringfranchise.com