Why I chose franchising

I was actually exploring career opportunities that would enable me to work with seniors, perhaps as a caregiver, when I came across Home Instead Senior Care.  It wasn't until I was on the company website (www.homeinstead.ie) that I considered franchising and setting up my own business. I felt that my business background combined with my passion for helping others, especially seniors, made me an ideal Home Instead Senior Care franchise owner.

The organisation also boasts a franchise support team providing business performance, HR, PR and marketing expertise to franchise offices. The organisation also has a terrific track record in most regions which made it a bit less nerve racking to set up.

What I did before taking up a franchise - I completed an honours degree in Natural Science at Trinity College Dublin and took on a role in Technical Sales for a veterinary pharmaceutical and an architectural floorcoverings firm after college. I then moved from Technical Sales to a Senior Management  position in a Belgian waste management company.

I also worked as a caregiver during my college years so I always had an interest in working with seniors.  I also have 3 young boys - 6, 4, and 2 - so I never stop 'caring' in some capacity. I spent four years at home taking care of my children before setting up Home Instead Senior Care in Kilcullen. Fortunately, the nature of this job allows flexibility in working hours so I get to spend plenty of time with my children.

How I raised the finance - I think the best way to raise finance to start your own business is to use your own savings so you're in control of your own business. I was able to use 70% of my own personal savings to finance the business and the remainder was financed from bank loans.

The training and support I receive from my franchisor - The first step in setting up a Home Instead Senior Care franchise office is to attend a two-week extensive franchisee training session in Omaha, Nebraska (the global headquarters of Home Instead Senior Care). There is also a dedicated franchise support office in Dublin that provides commercial, operational, HR, marketing and PR support that provides ongoing support.

The challenges I have faced - It is a bit daunting trying to learn everything there is to know about an area as vast as senior care. However, on a quarterly basis we run a new senior care education campaign which has really enabled me to learn more about senior care issues such as Osteoporosis and Dementia.

My advice to someone thinking of buying their first franchise - Make sure you are passionate about the franchise you are interested in. Not only that make sure you have the desire and time required to set up and manage a business. In my experience, setting up a Home Instead Senior Care has provided me a job that doesn't feel like 'work'. 

My plans for the future - To grow the business. I really want more seniors in Kildare and Laois to avail of home care services. To help seniors experience a greater quality of life and to help them maintain their independence by living in the home for longer than otherwise possible is very rewarding and I hope Home Instead Senior Care will make this a reality for more and more people.

To contact Amanda Bohan please call (045) 484 623 or stop in to Home Instead Senior Care on Main Street, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare.