How to Start a Home Instead Franchise in the UK

The UK’s ageing population continues to place increasing pressure on health and social care services. As demand for personalised, in-home support grows, home care franchises have become an important part of the care ecosystem. For entrepreneurs exploring a purpose-led business opportunity, Home Instead offers a structured route into the UK home care sector through a well-established franchise model.

Rather than operating residential facilities, Home Instead focuses on relationship-led care delivered in clients’ own homes, supporting independence, dignity, and quality of life.

About Home Instead

Founded in 1994, Home Instead has grown into one of the world’s leading home care franchise networks. In the UK, the brand supports older adults and their families through a wide range of non-medical and personal care services delivered by trained Care Professionals.

The franchise model enables local owners to operate defined territories, building community-based care businesses supported by national systems, standards, and brand recognition.

Why Home Instead Is a Top Home Care Franchise

Home Instead operates within the home care sector underpinned by long-term demographic trends rather than short-term market cycles. The UK’s ageing population, combined with a preference for ageing at home, continues to drive sustained demand for high-quality domiciliary care.

The brand differentiates itself through its relationship-focused approach, emphasising continuity of care, companionship, and tailored support rather than task-led visits. This philosophy supports strong client retention and long-term relationships with families, local authorities, and healthcare professionals.

As a franchise, Home Instead benefits from national awareness, established referral networks, and a reputation for quality and consistency across the care sector.

Franchise Costs & Fees

A Home Instead franchise represents a significant investment compared to many consumer-facing franchises, reflecting the scale, responsibility, and long-term nature of the care business.

Investment typically covers the franchise fee, territory rights, training, recruitment setup, and initial working capital. Ongoing fees contribute to national support, systems, compliance guidance, and brand development.

Exact costs vary by territory and are discussed during the discovery and approval process, allowing prospective franchisees to fully understand financial commitments before proceeding.

What Home Care Services You’ll Provide

Home Instead franchisees oversee the delivery of a broad range of home care services, including:

• Companionship and social support
• Personal care and daily living assistance
• Home help and light housekeeping
• Dementia and Alzheimer’s support
• Respite care for family caregivers

Care services are delivered by employed Care Professionals, allowing franchise owners to focus on business leadership, compliance, recruitment, and relationship management rather than hands-on care delivery.

Support, Training & Franchise Tools

Home Instead provides extensive training and ongoing support to prepare franchisees for operating within a regulated care environment. Initial training covers care standards, compliance, recruitment, operations, and leadership.

Franchisees also gain access to established systems for care management, scheduling, recruitment, and quality assurance. Ongoing support includes regulatory guidance, marketing resources, performance reviews, and access to a national network of fellow franchise owners.
This structured framework helps ensure consistent care quality while supporting sustainable business growth.

Earnings & Market Potential

The home care sector offers strong long-term market potential driven by demographic change and increasing demand for personalised care services. Revenue is typically generated through ongoing care packages rather than one-off transactions, supporting predictable income streams.

Profitability depends on factors such as territory size, care demand, staffing efficiency, and local authority engagement. Many franchisees focus on gradual, sustainable growth rather than rapid expansion, building resilient businesses embedded within their communities.

Who Should Consider a Home Instead Franchise?

A Home Instead franchise is suited to individuals seeking a purpose-driven business with long-term relevance. Prior care experience is not essential, but strong leadership, empathy, and organisational skills are critical.

The model appeals to entrepreneurs who value people-led businesses, are comfortable operating within regulated environments, and want to make a meaningful impact while building a scalable enterprise.

Steps to Starting Your Home Care Franchise

The process typically begins with an initial enquiry and suitability assessment, followed by detailed discussions around territory availability, investment requirements, and regulatory responsibilities. Successful candidates then progress through training, recruitment setup, and a supported launch phase.

This structured pathway helps ensure new franchise owners are fully prepared to deliver high-quality care from day one.

Is a Home Instead Franchise Right for You?

Home Instead offers one route into the UK’s home care and elderly support franchise sector. For those seeking a values-led business underpinned by long-term demand and strong support systems, it represents a well-established option.

If home care is not the right fit, there are many other care and support franchises available, each offering different models, investment levels, and opportunities. Explore more home care and elderly support franchises to find the opportunity that best aligns with your goals and experience.