The latest U.S. Census Bureau data shows a growing elderly population. As the population ages, the need for home healthcare and caregivers rises. Starting a home healthcare agency can be a lucrative business opportunity and is an important undertaking. It can feel overwhelming to start the process of opening a home healthcare service. Many rules and regulations are in place to ensure the safety, quality, and legality of the services provided. If you’re considering entering the rewarding field of home healthcare, there are a few things to know first. You can use the following requirements to learn how to start a non-medical home care business or a medical home care business. Let’s explore four key requirements to open a home healthcare agency.

1. Know the Difference Between a Non-Medical Home Care Agency vs. Medical Home Care Agency

Let’s break down the two types of home care agencies you may open. Non-medical home health care agencies help with, you guessed it, non-medical care. This can be tasks such as:

  • Medication reminders, but not administration
  • Meal prep
  • Light housekeeping
  • Companionship

Medical home care assists patients with tasks such as:

  • Wound care
  • Medication administration
  • Post-operative care

2. Licensing, Certification and Regulation

Home healthcare agencies and businesses operate under both state and federal laws. While federal laws cover the entire country, each state has its own rules, laws and regulatory bodies. It’s essential to research and understand the specific regulations in your state.

Depending on the level of medical or non-medical services, agencies may  also need Medicare and/or Medicaid certifications. Medicare does not currently pay for non-medical provider services. Non-medical home care businesses do not need licensed medical caregivers. However, they still may be required to meet state regulatory requirements. Licensing and certification usually entail submitting detailed application forms, providing documentation of agency policies, obtaining necessary insurance and demonstrating compliance with state regulations.

At CareBuilders at Home, a key part of our training and support for franchisees includes education and assistance, so you don’t have to navigate the complex world of licensing, rules and regulations alone.

3. Build a Qualified Care Team

You’ll need a compassionate and competent team of caregivers and employees to open a home healthcare agency. They’rethe backbone of a successful eldercare business. Agencies must ensure they’re licensed according to state regulations. Typically, agencies require some or all of the following for employees and caregivers:

  • Background checks
  • State and regulatory body certificates or required training
  • Reference checks
  • Ongoing training
  • CPR certification

Be sure to research the needs in your area for medical and non-medical caregivers.

4. Meet Industry Standards

Some requirements to open a home healthcare agency include equally as important industry standards. While some states may not require certain licensing for non-medical home care agencies, there may be certain preferred industry standards your business would need to follow. Agencies must adhere to federal and state regulations and accreditation standards. The home healthcare industry is heavily regulated and has high standards to ensure patient safety and quality care.

Ensure your entire staff is well-versed on the standards your state has for:

  • Accreditation
  • Caregiver training
  • Patient rights
  • Patient confidentiality
  • Record-keeping
  • Infection control.
  • Emergency protocol

Open Your Own Home Healthcare Business with CareBuilders at Home

Whether you’re looking to make a difference in your community or are a passionate caregiver, starting a home healthcare business can be a rewarding opportunity to turn a passion into a career. A franchise like CareBuilders at Home helps you maneuver through the entire process and requirements. We also support franchisees with:

  • Payroll
  • Taxes
  • Insurance
  • Public relations
  • Market and industry training
  • And more!

We provide back-office support to keep your investment level low. The costs to get started with CareBuilders at Home include:

  • Franchise fee: $49,500
  • Total investment range: $115,200- $168,800
  • Liquid capital: $150,000
  • Minimum net worth: $250,000

Ready to open a home healthcare agency and start a compassionate business? Request info to get started.