Meet Stephen Conway, Managing Director of Home Instead Senior Care Wexford

27/10/2010 12:12:26

Why I chose franchising
Having spent some time studying  the area of elder care, I pursued Home Instead Senior Care as a business option. I found that the structures and supports offered by the franchise support office could greatly assist me in offering a wide range of home care services to older people and enable them to continue to live independently in their own homes. The concept,  ethos and principles  of  Home Instead Senior Care attracted me to apply for a franchise and having  not come from a health care background that area of my knowledge needed to be developed. Being part of the Home Instead franchise network allows me to train and develop in the many areas of elderly care. With the support of international and  national expertise I was confident I could establish and manage a business  that would be successful and offer a very worthwhile service to the community I live in. 

What I did before taking up a franchise 
I owned a very successful cyber cafe in Dublin and also worked as a buyer for an international antiques company. I wanted to return to my home town of Wexford and with  Home Instead Senior Care I found the perfect opportunity  to  return and own a satisfying business in my own community.

How I raised the finance
I used savings in combination with a bank loan. 

The training and support I receive from my franchisor
I attended an intense  franchisee training session in Omaha, Nebraska. I also spent time in other established Irish franchise offices - this aspect of training was invaluable. Having the support and regular contact from the franchise support office in Dublin and all the owners has been crucial to the development of my home care business in Wexford.

The challenges I have faced
There are always ongoing challenges with any business especially in the harsh  economic  reality we are currently enduring but I firmly believe if you are providing necessary service and the service  you provide is an excellent one then you will overcome any obstacles in your way.

My advice to someone thinking of buying their first franchise
Get advice from accountants, bank managers, etc. Visit with owners trading in the same business. It is important to do your homework.

My plans for the future
As with all businesses planning for the future is very important and  Home Instead Senior Care in Wexford will continue to be a trusted source of home care for local seniors. As we further develop the business, we will also aim to become the leaders in home care from an educational perspective. In doing so, we can ensure that seniors and their families can make informed decisions about their care needs at all times. The care of complex conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease which requires specialist support will also be an area we will continue to develop and have  dedicated programmes for seniors and offer CAREGivers  additional specialist training.

You can contact Stephen Conway on (053) 918 4042 or sconway@homeinstead.ie. Alternatively if you are interested in franchising opportunities with Home Instead Senior Care please call the franchise support office on 1890 930 013.