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In-Home Care vs. Assisted Living: Which Senior Care Franchise Is Right for Canadian Entrepreneurs?

Canada’s senior population is expected to grow by 68% over the next 20 years, reaching nearly 10 million people aged 65 and older by 2043 (Statistics Canada, 2025). This demographic shift is fueling strong demand for senior care services — especially those that allow older adults to remain in their own homes.

With an ageing population and a strong desire among older adults to age with dignity, the demand for quality care options is higher than ever. For entrepreneurs looking to enter this rewarding field, two of the most common franchise paths are assisted living and in-home care. But which one is the right fit for you?

Let’s break it down.

Understanding Senior Care Business Models

In-Home Care Franchises

In-home care franchises provide non-medical home care assistance to seniors in the comfort of their own homes. Services can include help with bathing, dressing, medication reminders, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and companionship. This model allows older adults to maintain independence while receiving the support they need.

Assisted Living Franchises

Assisted living franchises typically involve managing a residential facility where seniors live and receive around-the-clock care and supervision. These communities often include meals, housekeeping, recreational activities, and more advanced care for residents who can no longer live safely on their own.

Startup Costs & Overhead

One of the biggest differences between these models is the initial investment.

  • Assisted Living: Opening a residential facility usually requires significant capital investment. You’ll need a physical building, staff, licensing, and ongoing facility maintenance.
  • In-Home Care: In contrast, in-home care franchises generally have lower startup costs and fewer operational expenses. There’s no need for a large facility, and you can begin on a smaller scale and grow as demand increases.

Which senior care franchise is better: in-home care or assisted living?

In-home care franchises offer lower startup costs, flexible scalability, and meet a growing demand from Canadian seniors who want to age at home. Assisted living facilities require more capital and infrastructure, making them harder to scale.

Flexibility & Scalability

In-home care franchises offer greater flexibility. You can launch operations quickly, often with just a small office and a team of caregivers. The business can scale according to community needs, allowing you to expand at a manageable pace.

Assisted living facilities, while potentially lucrative, come with more complexity. Expansion usually requires acquiring or building additional properties — a process that can be both time-consuming and capital intensive.

Market Trends in Senior Care

Across Canada, more and more seniors want to age at home. According to national surveys, the majority of adults aged 50 and older wish to remain in their current homes and communities as they age. This makes in-home care an increasingly attractive and sustainable business model for entrepreneurs.

While assisted living remains essential for seniors who require higher levels of care, the strong preference for home-based care continues to rise — especially among families looking for personalized and cost-effective solutions.

FeatureIn-Home Care FranchiseAssisted Living Franchise
Startup CostsLowerHigher (property, staff)
ScalabilityHigh (expand service area)Lower (need new facilities)
Care SettingClient’s HomeResidential Facility
Level of CareNon-medical daily support24/7 on-site support
Ideal FranchiseeCommunity-driven entrepreneurInvestor/operator

Making an Impact in the Senior Care Landscape

One of the most rewarding aspects of the senior care industry is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s helping a client get dressed in the morning or listening to stories from their past, every interaction brings comfort, connection, and dignity.

In-home care, in particular, offers a level of intimacy and trust that is hard to replicate in a facility setting. Franchisees and caregivers often become like extended family — not just to clients, but to their loved ones as well.

If you’ve ever volunteered at a seniors’ centre, helped care for an ageing relative, or participated in community support programs, you understand the power of these moments. For many franchise owners, that emotional connection is what drives them. It’s about more than revenue — it’s about relationships, community impact, and leaving a legacy of care.

With a home care business like ComForCare, you can build a team that delivers this kind of support every single day.

Why ComForCare Is a Standout Franchise Opportunity

At ComForCare, we empower older adults to live their best lives at home. As a franchise owner, you’ll receive the training, resources, and ongoing support needed to build a thriving business — all while making a positive difference in your community.

Our proven systems, national recognition, and compassionate approach to care have helped franchisees across North America achieve both financial success and personal fulfillment.

Ready to Start a Rewarding Franchise Journey?

ComForCare is actively expanding across Canada. If you’re looking for a franchise that combines purpose with profit, in-home care is the smart choice.
Explore Franchise Opportunities Today →
Or call us at (800) 866-4044 to speak with a franchise advisor.

 
 
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Kayliegh Morris

ComForCare

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