Domiciliary Care Franchises: The Right Questions to Ask Before You Start

With an ageing population and increased demand for in-home care, investing in a domiciliary care franchise can offer both stability and growth.  

But as with any business decision, it’s important to ask the right questions before taking the plunge. 

If you’re considering launching your own domiciliary care franchise, this step-by-step guide will help you explore the key areas to evaluate, from personal suitability and costs to legal obligations and support networks. 

Before diving into the world of domiciliary care franchises, it’s important to assess whether this career path aligns with your values, lifestyle, and long-term goals. 

Ask yourself: 

• Do I have a genuine passion for helping others, especially older or vulnerable people? 

• Am I comfortable managing staff, dealing with clients and running a regulated business? 

• Do I have the resilience and commitment to build a business from the ground up? 

Unlike other franchise models, domiciliary care franchises can be more demanding. You’re not just managing numbers or products, you’re directly impacting lives.  

Many successful franchisees come from either healthcare or business backgrounds, but this isn’t a requirement. What matters most is empathy, drive and a willingness to learn. 

One of the biggest advantages of joining a domiciliary care franchise is the ongoing support that comes with it. But not all franchise networks are equal, so it’s vital to ask what you can expect in terms of onboarding, training and long-term development. 

Consider asking: 

• What does the initial training programme involve? 

• Will I be supported with CQC registration and compliance? 

• Do I receive help with marketing, recruitment and business development? 

• Is there a mentorship or peer support network in place? 

At Apollo Care Franchising, for example, we offer a comprehensive training and support system tailored to help new franchisees succeed.  

This includes everything from policies and procedures to care planning software, marketing, finances and ongoing business coaching.  

The right franchisor should empower you with the tools and confidence to thrive, not leave you feeling overwhelmed or isolated. 

Understanding the full cost of starting and running a domiciliary care franchise is essential. Many prospective franchisees focus on the initial franchise fee, but that’s just one part of the puzzle. 

Key financial questions to ask include: 

• What is the initial investment and what does it include? 

• Are there any hidden costs such as software, uniforms or training materials? 

• What working capital will I need in the early months before income stabilises? 

• What are the ongoing royalty fees or percentage cuts from turnover? 

Domiciliary care franchises typically require an upfront investment that includes brand licensing, training and startup support. On top of this, you may need a financial buffer to cover staffing, insurance and CQC registration during the early growth phase, depending on what’s included from your franchisor. 

A reputable franchisor will give you a clear financial breakdown and may even help you explore funding options (like us!).  

Don’t be afraid to ask for detailed projections based on other franchisees’ experiences, this will help you plan realistically and avoid unexpected surprises. 

Domiciliary care is a highly regulated industry, and rightly so. You’ll be delivering care to vulnerable individuals, so there are strict rules around how services are provided, who can deliver them and how quality is monitored. 

Here are some vital areas to explore: 

• Do I need to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC)? 

• What qualifications or background checks are required for me and my staff? 

• What policies and procedures need to be in place to remain compliant? 

• Will I receive support with audits, inspections, and ongoing compliance? 

Franchisees must meet all legal obligations, including CQC registration, before they can begin operating. This can be daunting if you’re new to the care sector, but the right domiciliary care franchise will guide you through the entire process. 

At Apollo Care Franchising, we walk you through CQC registration step-by-step and provide fully compliant documentation, audits and systems to ensure you’re always inspection-ready. 

While setting up your own independent care business is possible, domiciliary care franchises offer a range of advantages that can significantly improve your chances of success. These include: 

• An established brand name and reputation (Aka: Apollo Care Franchising) 

• Tried-and-tested franchise/business model 

• Access to specialist systems and software  

• Expert support with compliance and regulations 

• Help with marketing, staff recruitment, and business growth (Check our team to see who’ll be supporting you throughout your journey with us) 

By choosing a franchise route, you avoid many of the common pitfalls new business owners face.  

You’re also not doing it alone, you’re part of a wider network of professionals who are all working toward the same goal: delivering outstanding care. 

With the demand for domiciliary care franchises continuing to rise, now could be the ideal time to get started.  

But this decision shouldn’t be rushed.  

Take the time to ask the right questions and get honest! Transparent answers will give you the clarity and confidence you need. Check out our upcoming Discovery Day, a chance to get to know the Apollo Care Franchising family, ask your burning questions and learn more about our franchising opportunity. 

Whether you’re drawn to the sector by personal experience, a passion for care or the desire to build a purposeful business, domiciliary care franchises offer a rewarding and resilient opportunity. 

At Apollo Care Franchising, we pride ourselves on supporting our franchisees from their very first conversation with us and continuing to walk beside them as they build successful care businesses that change lives.