People often ask me what a typical day looks like as a Right at Home Canada franchise owner. The truth is that priorities can change before the day has properly begun. My working life offers a window into how clinical care, team leadership and business ownership come together in a home care franchise.
As a registered nurse, former caregiver and business owner, my role blends clinical expertise, leadership, education and entrepreneurship. One day I may be helping a family navigate a hospital discharge, while the next I am interviewing caregivers, meeting with health care partners or speaking at a community event. As a mom, I also appreciate the flexibility that business ownership provides, allowing me to balance professional responsibilities with family life.
Starting the day with client care
My day usually begins around 7:30 a.m. with a cup of coffee and a review of emails, client updates and caregiver communications. Home care is a dynamic industry, and priorities can shift quickly. A client may require additional support, a caregiver’s availability may change, or a family may have concerns about a loved one’s health.
One of my first tasks is connecting with our scheduler to ensure all client visits are covered and our care team has the resources they need to provide care. These early conversations help us respond to changes while keeping the needs of clients and caregivers in view.
Building a personalized home care plan
One of the most rewarding parts of my role is meeting directly with clients and their families. Every new client comes through me for an assessment and a personalized care plan. My nursing background allows me to evaluate both the clinical and personal aspects of care, ensuring we understand not only health needs but also routines, preferences, goals and family dynamics.
Many families contact us during periods of uncertainty, whether they are navigating dementia, recovering from a hospitalization, managing a chronic illness or recognizing that a loved one needs additional support at home. I spend time educating families about available resources, safety strategies, disease progression and care options so they can make informed decisions with confidence.
Once a care plan is established, I work closely with our scheduler to identify the best caregiver match. Finding the right caregiver is about far more than filling a shift. For me, it is about building trust, compatibility and consistency, and finding someone who fits the client’s needs and preferences.
Supporting caregivers and maintaining communication
Throughout the day, I remain in contact with caregivers, care coordinators, families, health care providers and community partners. Care needs evolve constantly, and ongoing communication is essential to understanding what has changed and where support is needed.
Having started my own career as a caregiver, I understand firsthand the important work our team does every day. Supporting caregivers, celebrating their successes and helping them grow professionally are among the most rewarding aspects of leadership.
Sharing knowledge across local communities
Community education is another significant part of my role. As a former clinical nurse educator, I am passionate about helping seniors and their families access reliable information before they reach a crisis.
Throughout the year, I facilitate educational sessions across British Columbia’s North Shore, Sea-to-Sky and Tri-Cities communities on topics such as dementia care, fall prevention, caregiver burnout, aging in place and navigating the health care system. These presentations allow me to connect with families and share practical tools to help them feel more informed and supported.
Balancing franchise operations and family life
Like any business owner, I also dedicate time to operations and growth. This may include interviewing caregivers, onboarding new team members, meeting with referral partners, reviewing business performance and planning future community initiatives. As our organization continues to grow, I am always looking for ways to enhance the experience for both clients and caregivers.
At the end of the day, I reconnect with the team, review any outstanding concerns and prepare for the next day. While entrepreneurship sometimes extends beyond regular business hours, it also provides the flexibility to be present for my family.
What I love most about owning a Right at Home Canada franchise is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day. I have the privilege of combining my experiences as a caregiver, nurse, educator and business owner to support seniors, families, caregivers and health care partners.
No two days are the same, but the goal remains constant. Whether I am developing a care plan, mentoring a caregiver or educating a family, I want to help people live safely, comfortably and with dignity in the place they most want to be: their own home.
