Home Instead care franchisee relishes new way of life

Fiona Harrall’s Home Instead franchise has enjoyed phenomenal growth

Fiona Harrall started her Home Instead franchise in March 2010. The former chartered surveyor is married with two children.

She came to a stage in her life when she didn’t enjoy the pressure and long hours of her previous career and wanted a new way of life. Running a franchise business seemed the perfect opportunity, as Fiona wanted the continued back-up and support a Home Instead franchise provides.

Fiona explains: “We had been touched by relatives who needed care services due to dementia. At that time my husband’s aunt and uncle would have loved to stay at home with support, but they were only offered residential care and sadly ended up in separate care homes.

“As no other options for care was available in my area, I wanted to change things. I wanted to make sure I could give back to my community and provide fantastic care as it should be, allowing older people, with help, to remain in their own homes.”

It appears that this is exactly what people are looking for. The majority of Fiona’s new clients come from recommendations from existing ones or care professionals who see the standard of care provided. She has expanded her original premises from one small office to four, which has allowed her to increase the team and add training and meeting rooms.

Due to its phenomenal growth, Fiona’s husband has now joined her in the business, giving up his job in the city.

Fiona continues: “We are not only passionate about the care we provide but about our caregivers and office team who provide the care. Each year we are recruiting more caregivers and we are looking to recruit over 100 people in the coming months.

“I have also encouraged four of my friends to become franchisees with Home Instead. I have enjoyed it so much and found it so rewarding on so many levels that I felt they should be part of the Home Instead success story.”