It might surprise you to learn that the fastest growing franchise business last year was in community and aged care with leading health care provider Afea leading the way. Afea provides quality, compassionate customized care services to those in the community who need it the most, in the comfort and security of their own homes. Preferences for care are changing as Australians opt for independent living arrangements supported by community-based care services, rather than nursing homes. ‘Community Care’ can include childcare, respite care, disability, mental health, palliative care and of course aged care. The need for aged care services is growing rapidly as people live longer and have more productive lives.

 

Those receiving care are entitled to a high standard of quality of life, and home care workers need to match and even exceed these expectations. Looking after the sick and elderly itself is an extremely challenging yet ultimately rewarding task, so how can franchise owners ensure their employees are motivated and engaged? By demonstrating empathy, compassion and leadership to employees and truly understanding the challenges they face on a day-to-day basis. This will assist carers to better understand their role and assist with their commitment to Afea’s primary objective: of becoming Australia’s leading provider of qualified and compassionate community support workers. By allowing home care workers better communication, feedback, advice, training and support, they in turn will be better able to service their patients. 

 

The franchise model represents the perfect opportunity for the business operator to get hands on with staff in order to truly understand and support the care worker/patient relationship. Local back up and increased support is empowering for staff when they know they have a nurturing environment in which to perform their duties. This creates happier, more motivated and engaged staff and of course higher levels of client satisfaction. A far cry from the all too often depressing surrounds of an aged care facility or nursing home.

 

Local franchisees can match their local communities’ expectations better and are more likely to have stronger rapport with those that they care for, being part of the community themselves. The franchisee is also able to have increased connectivity to employees and their needs by providing ongoing support and guidance. The more support the staff member receives, the better engaged they will be, ultimately providing a more professional and rewarding experience for the client.