Client News

Despite a pullback in lending, home healthcare has been growing very quickly. What is home health care? It is a wide range of health care services that can be given in your home and is usually less expensive, more convenient, and just as effective as care you get in a hospital. Services in the home may be necessary due to acute illness, long term health conditions, permanent disabilities, terminal illness or the impact of aging. Home health care employees include nurses, therapists and other personnel who provide clinical intervention such as wound care, assistance with medication, improved ability to walk, or teaching individuals and their families’ self-management of their condition while remaining at home. We recently spoke to Kathleen Gilmartin, CEO of Interim Healthcare, the nation’s oldest proprietary national organization providing health care personnel at all skill levels in all settings.

FH: So tell us about Interim Healthcare

KG: We were founded in 1966 and now have more than 300 independently owned franchise locations nationwide. We employ more than 75,000 health care workers and provide health care personnel at all skill levels in all settings.

FH: Where are you looking to grow?

KG: We are looking for franchisees all across the nation but we have many opportunities in the Midwest, Southwest and Northwest.

FH: Is territorial protection granted to franchisees?

KG: Yes. You will be awarded an exclusive Interim HealthCare franchise territory under the terms of your agreement.

FH: What is the training program like?

KG: Not only do we offer one of the most comprehensive franchise training programs at our National Headquarters and on-site at the new franchise location, we also have more than 100 free online continuing education and in-service programs for nurses, aides and other health care professionals.

FH: What kind of franchisee are you looking for?

KG: A healthcare background is nice but certainly not needed. We are essentially looking for people that are passionate and love to care.

FH: What kind of support do you offer?

KG: You will be assigned to our New Franchisee “Special Ops” Team that is made up of two Interim HealthCare franchise professionals who have decades of experience in home care operations and sales. They will guide you in how to set up your senior care business, open it and make sure you understand how to achieve targeted sales and operational benchmarks that are part of the Interim HealthCare franchise system. In addition, Interim HealthCare has one of the most comprehensive proprietary intranet systems that provide franchisees with hundreds of sales, marketing and operational resources that are continually updated and accessible at any time.

FH: Do you have many multi-unit operators?

KG: We have a mix of all sorts and its shaped like a bell curve. Currently we are looking for single unit operators who want to grow within the system.

FH: Why is now the right time to get involved?

KG: We have a rapidly aging population. 1 in 8 people are 65 years or older. By 2030, there will be more than twice that number. It’s an industry that continues to grow and there still remains significant opportunity. And according to the AARP, the majority of seniors want to stay in their homes and we don’t think this trend will change.

FH: What are the franchise fees?

KG: It’s relatively modest compared to other franchises. The investment costs can range from low 100s to high 100s but prospective franchisees should go to our site to see more information.

We found Kathleen to be quite pleasant as she was quite forthcoming. In fact, we spoke to some franchisees and they were very happy working with the current management team. We recommend our readers to look into this opportunity and start your diligence. It’s a sector that we believe will continue to grow!