From Nursing to Owning a Home Care Business

From Nursing to Owning a Home Care Business

From Nursing to Owning a Home Care Business
NDIS Provider
Home Care Package Provider
nursing career

There was once a time when combining a nursing career with dreams of running your own business would have seemed unlikely, even impossible.

These days, though, a healthcare background and a passion for business can be a winning formula for success, especially as the demand for home care in Australia continues to grow. This was certainly the case for Claire Zhang, a former registered nurse who turned her passion for caring into a successful home care business.

In March this year, Claire took steps towards making her dream come true by starting her own franchise with Home Caring, thanks to our innovative 50/50 joint venture structure where franchisees only need to provide half the total investment, and earn an ongoing 50 per cent of the profits.

Since starting, Claire’s business has grown to 38 clients and a strong team of 15 to 20 support workers. We had a quick chat to find out the story behind her success.

Claire, you started out as a registered nurse in an Adelaide aged care ward. Twelve years on, you now own your own home caring business. How does your former nursing career help you as a franchisee?

My background as a clinical nurse has helped me significantly in the business. When I’m talking to aged care and NDIS clients during the intake process, I’m able to intuitively understand the clinical side of things. This gives clients much more confidence in putting their care under my management. I’m also able to identify associated care needs and risks quite quickly, and develop measures (or a care plan) so my employees are fully aware of their duties and responsibilities during service delivery.

You’ve always wanted to run your own business. What was it like to leave a steady job to start something you had never done before?

Although I had many years of experience in the care industry, it was still somewhat daunting at the beginning! But I have to say that it was rather exciting too. This is not only a business but also my new career path, which I advocate for 100%.

What steps did you take to build up your first network of clients?

My first network of clients came from offering a free consultation at a local shopping mall in my franchise territory in Campbelltown, Sydney. From there, I was contacted by a NDIS support coordinator, and that led to a number of clients.

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced since starting your journey as a franchisee?

One of the challenges for me is time management. If you are doing well in the home care industry, your business will grow fast. It can be even faster than you have expected. I would recommend establishing your own system of keeping up with all the tasks, like net working, case management, staff training, client satisfaction and cash flow.

What is the most rewarding part of owning a home care business?

The most rewarding part is being able to see improvement with a clients’ progress, or receiving a compliment. Yesterday, one of my clients rang me at 5pm because she needed medication urgently as part of the preparation for her procedure, which could not go ahead without it. When I received her phone call at 5pm, I went to get the medication and deliver it to her home address. She later emailed me and said, “Iam out of the hospital now and doing well. Thank you for your kindness on the day before my admission. It meant a lot to me.”

What have you learnt about yourself since starting a franchise?

The greatest thing I have learnt about myself is that I can actually work a lot more than I used to, but only because I have found the job that I love to do. To me, the best thing about owning my own home care business is that I can work flexible hours. It doesn’t mean that I’m doing less hours of work; in fact, it is the opposite. But this is what I enjoy, I can work at 10pm just as easily as 8 in the morning. I still make sure I take down-time though! I really enjoy time with families and friends, karaoke, Korean BBQ, or going away for a weekend of wine tasting and rock pool swimming.

Claire’s Chinese flyer

Where do you hope to take your franchise in the future?

I’m hoping to support more and more seniors and people with disability in my local area, to help them achieve their care goals. Although Campbelltown has several developed providers, I have found there’s a demand for home care services that’s more local to clients from suburbs like Ingleburn and Minto.

shopping center

I’m also hoping to help elderly and NIDS participants that are from my cultural background. A lot of them needs professional advice and guidance throughout the process, from applying for funding to exploring options in services.

What advice would you give franchisees who are in the same position you were in when you first started out?

Caring for someone should be natural and authentic. Remember: communication is the key!

Thanks for your time, Claire! We wish you all the best! You can read more about Claire’s franchisee journey as a former registered nurse in this article from Franchise Business magazine.

Need more information? Got a question?

Follow us in the community

@homecaring
Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons
’Twas the Friday before Christmas & all through the land,
Home Caring united, a festive day so grand.
With our staff and clients together as one,
We celebrated Christmas, full of love and fun.

From Craigieburn’s cheer to South Perth’s delight,
Rockhampton’s joy sparkled so bright.
Campbelltown gathered, Hurstville did too,
Smithfield and Altona also spread Christmas hues.

With laughter and love felt far and wide,
Our epic Christmas parties warmed hearts inside.
A shoutout to every team who made it so sweet—
This festive season you’ve made it complete! 🎄🩵

#HomeCaringChristmas #TogetherAsOne #FestiveJoy #MeaningfulConnections #CelebratingCare #haveahollyjollychristmas

’Twas the Friday before Christmas & all through the land,
Home Caring united, a festive day so grand.
With our staff and clients together as one,
We celebrated Christmas, full of love and fun.

From Craigieburn’s cheer to South Perth’s delight,
Rockhampton’s joy sparkled so bright.
Campbelltown gathered, Hurstville did too,
Smithfield and Altona also spread Christmas hues.

With laughter and love felt far and wide,
Our epic Christmas parties warmed hearts inside.
A shoutout to every team who made it so sweet—
This festive season you’ve made it complete! 🎄🩵

#HomeCaringChristmas #TogetherAsOne #FestiveJoy #MeaningfulConnections #CelebratingCare #haveahollyjollychristmas
... See MoreSee Less

The Australian Government has announced significant changes to the aged care system introducing the Support at Home program set to commence on 1 July 2025. This initiative aims to enhance support for older Australians enabling them to remain in their homes longer and receive more personalised care.

Key Features of the Support at Home Program:

• Reduced Wait Times: The program will shorten the waiting period for in-home aged care services ensuring timely assistance for those in need.

• Tailored Support Levels: Support at Home introduces eight levels of ongoing care replacing the previous four, to better match individual needs.

• No Caps on Cleaning and Gardening: Unlike previous programs there will be no annual caps on cleaning and gardening services allowing for more comprehensive support.

• Care Management Cap: A 10% cap on care management costs will remain in place to maintain affordability.

• Assistive Technology Access: The program will expedite access to assistive devices like walkers and wheelchairs enhancing mobility and independence.

• Increased Support Funding: The maximum support level will rise from $61,000 to $78,000, providing more resources for those with complex needs.

• Restorative and Allied Health Services: There will be a temporary funding boost for restorative and allied health services, aiding recovery and well-being.

• Palliative Care Support: The program includes provisions for palliative care allowing older Australians to spend their final weeks at home surrounded by loved ones.

Staged Implementation of Price Caps:

Price caps on services will be phased in starting from 1 July 2026. For the first year providers will continue to set their own prices similar to the current Home Care Packages program. In early 2025, consultations will be held with older people, advocates, families, carers and the sector to ensure fair pricing and robust consumer protections during this transition.

No Worse Off Principle:

To protect existing Home Care Package recipients, the government has introduced the “No Worse Off” principle:

• Grandfathering: Individuals approved for a Home Care Package as of 12 September 2024 will transition to the new system without financial disadvantage.

• Fee Structure: If you were a full-rate pensioner paying no fees under your Home Care Package as of 12 September 2024, you will continue to pay no fees under Support at Home. If you were required to pay fees, you will pay the same or less under the new program.

At Home Caring we are dedicated to supporting our older community members through these changes. We are committed to ensuring the financial safety and well-being of our clients providing personalised care that aligns with the new Support at Home program. Our team is here to assist you in navigating these updates, ensuring you receive the care and support you deserve. 🩵

For more detailed information please refer to the Department of Health and Aged Care’s consumer fact sheet: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/ publications/support-at-home-program-fact-sheet-changes-to-support-at-home-pricing-arrangements-for-older-people-families-and-carers?language=en

The Australian Government has announced significant changes to the aged care system introducing the Support at Home program set to commence on 1 July 2025. This initiative aims to enhance support for older Australians enabling them to remain in their homes longer and receive more personalised care.

Key Features of the Support at Home Program:

• Reduced Wait Times: The program will shorten the waiting period for in-home aged care services ensuring timely assistance for those in need.

• Tailored Support Levels: Support at Home introduces eight levels of ongoing care replacing the previous four, to better match individual needs.

• No Caps on Cleaning and Gardening: Unlike previous programs there will be no annual caps on cleaning and gardening services allowing for more comprehensive support.

• Care Management Cap: A 10% cap on care management costs will remain in place to maintain affordability.

• Assistive Technology Access: The program will expedite access to assistive devices like walkers and wheelchairs enhancing mobility and independence.

• Increased Support Funding: The maximum support level will rise from $61,000 to $78,000, providing more resources for those with complex needs.

• Restorative and Allied Health Services: There will be a temporary funding boost for restorative and allied health services, aiding recovery and well-being.

• Palliative Care Support: The program includes provisions for palliative care allowing older Australians to spend their final weeks at home surrounded by loved ones.

Staged Implementation of Price Caps:

Price caps on services will be phased in starting from 1 July 2026. For the first year providers will continue to set their own prices similar to the current Home Care Packages program. In early 2025, consultations will be held with older people, advocates, families, carers and the sector to ensure fair pricing and robust consumer protections during this transition.

No Worse Off Principle:

To protect existing Home Care Package recipients, the government has introduced the “No Worse Off” principle:

• Grandfathering: Individuals approved for a Home Care Package as of 12 September 2024 will transition to the new system without financial disadvantage.

• Fee Structure: If you were a full-rate pensioner paying no fees under your Home Care Package as of 12 September 2024, you will continue to pay no fees under Support at Home. If you were required to pay fees, you will pay the same or less under the new program.

At Home Caring we are dedicated to supporting our older community members through these changes. We are committed to ensuring the financial safety and well-being of our clients providing personalised care that aligns with the new Support at Home program. Our team is here to assist you in navigating these updates, ensuring you receive the care and support you deserve. 🩵

For more detailed information please refer to the Department of Health and Aged Care’s consumer fact sheet: www.health.gov.au/resources/ publications/support-at-home-program-fact-sheet-changes-to-support-at-home-pricing-arrangements-for-older-people-families-and-carers?language=en
... See MoreSee Less

Happy Friday HC fam! Sending love from our wonderful Home Caring Craigieburn team! It’s been an incredibly productive week filled with exciting events across Australia and we couldn’t be more thrilled about what’s to come. As the new year approaches we’re counting down the days to continue growing innovating and supporting our cherished clients with the care they deserve 🩵

Happy Friday HC fam! Sending love from our wonderful Home Caring Craigieburn team! It’s been an incredibly productive week filled with exciting events across Australia and we couldn’t be more thrilled about what’s to come. As the new year approaches we’re counting down the days to continue growing innovating and supporting our cherished clients with the care they deserve 🩵 ... See MoreSee Less

What an incredible way to wrap up the year! Yesterday Home Caring proudly co-hosted the Merry & Mingle event alongside our NSW RM Zoë and Hannah from the Connector Co team and it was nothing short of inspiring. Together we raised an incredible $1,300 for Lou’s Place, supporting women in need this festive season. This means around 20 women will receive vital support over Christmas—what a gift to be part of something so meaningful! The energy in the room was contagious and the heartfelt insights shared by Chris Mahoney from CM Wellness and Amy Dillon from Mynd & Me left us feeling empowered and inspired. Chris’s breathwork session reminded us all of the importance of mindfulness especially during this busy holiday period.

It was also truly special to see so many familiar faces from across our Home Caring network with teams from Baulkham Hills, Sutherland Shire and Campbelltown coming together to show their support. The sense of community, compassion and connection in the room was a testament to the incredible people we work alongside every day. A huge thank you to everyone who attended, supported and donated - your generosity will leave a lasting impact 🩵

#SupportingCommunities #MindfulConnections #NDISWellness #WomenHelpingWomen #HolidayCareAndCompassion

What an incredible way to wrap up the year! Yesterday Home Caring proudly co-hosted the Merry & Mingle event alongside our NSW RM Zoë and Hannah from the Connector Co team and it was nothing short of inspiring. Together we raised an incredible $1,300 for Lou’s Place, supporting women in need this festive season. This means around 20 women will receive vital support over Christmas—what a gift to be part of something so meaningful! The energy in the room was contagious and the heartfelt insights shared by Chris Mahoney from CM Wellness and Amy Dillon from Mynd & Me left us feeling empowered and inspired. Chris’s breathwork session reminded us all of the importance of mindfulness especially during this busy holiday period.

It was also truly special to see so many familiar faces from across our Home Caring network with teams from Baulkham Hills, Sutherland Shire and Campbelltown coming together to show their support. The sense of community, compassion and connection in the room was a testament to the incredible people we work alongside every day. A huge thank you to everyone who attended, supported and donated - your generosity will leave a lasting impact 🩵

#SupportingCommunities #MindfulConnections #NDISWellness #WomenHelpingWomen #HolidayCareAndCompassion
... See MoreSee Less

Google Rating
5.0
Based on 190 reviews
js_loader