How To Start A Home Care Business In Canada

I want to start a business – but where do I start?!

Picture this. You have recognized there is a serious need for home care. You have recognized that you can fill that need. You have recognized that you can be successful and have the work ethic and ambition to start your own business.   You can’t wait to get started. You have so many ideas. You have so much to offer.

But where do you start!?

Here are some of our tips to get the wheels spinning and get you on your feet!

Get On-line

You need to have an on-line presence where people can find you and learn about you and what you are offering. If you are tech savvy – great! Or hire someone (we offer website design & maintenance services) to setup a site for you. It doesn’t have to be big and flashy, it just has to be professional and informative.

Work On Your Policies & Procedures

Policies and Procedures are critical to a successful business. They define acceptable behaviour from your employees, they set expectations, keep management accountable, and let employees know where to turn for help. They are A LOT of work. So much time and thought will need to be put into the drafting and implementation of your policies and procedures.

While things may be fairly quiet for you in the beginning days, make the most of your time and start working on your policies; it will save you a lot of time and headache down the road. We offer all the policies you need to get going in our Home Support and Home Care Starter Kits. Another option is to purchase individual policy kits to suit your needs.

Consider Your Pricing Model

There are 3 ways you can go. As a discount provider (think dollar store or Walmart), a middle of the road provider (think Costco) or a high-end/boutique provider. There are many factors to consider including the quality of care you are wanting to provide as well as what your time is worth. Home care is a demanding industry and you deserve to be compensated. Also, the adage ‘you get what you pay for’ is true. If you are wanting to offer quality care, you need quality caregivers.

Many home care business owners price themselves way too low. There is a fear, especially starting out, that they cannot ask what they think they’re worth or that they will price themselves out of the market. Always remember the level of service you are planning on providing and price yourself accordingly. And do not negotiate!

We offer a great cash flow worksheet in our Home Support and Home Care Starter Kits to help you work through the numbers and determine what price point works for you.

Seek Help!

There is no shortage of courses out there that promise to help you build a home care business. What we have found, is that many of these courses are taught by people who have never actually built a successful startup business.   Here at The Home Care Academy, it is our mission to help you make your dream business a success.

If you have any questions about building your own home care business, we are here to help you through every step of the way.

Our team is comprised of people who have successfully started home care businesses and whose passion is helping others succeed.