The FirstLight Home Care Franchise offers entrepreneurs the chance to lead with empathy while building a resilient business in one of America’s most vital and expanding industries — in-home senior care. Established in 2009 by Jeff and Devin Bevis, the brand has become a trusted name in non-medical home care, supporting seniors, adults with disabilities, and individuals recovering from illness, injury, or surgery.
Guided by its mission “to help people have their best day, every day,” FirstLight emphasizes dignity, respect, and trust as the foundation of its care model. Franchisees operate people-first businesses that deliver essential companionship, personal care, and daily living assistance — services that allow clients to remain independent and comfortable in their own homes.
This values-driven approach is supported by a robust operational system and national reputation for quality. FirstLight franchise owners join a nationwide network of more than 230 locations as of 2025, each backed by proven processes, comprehensive training, and ongoing support from an experienced leadership team. The company’s emphasis on compassionate culture and consistent client care has earned it recognition among the top non-medical home care franchises on the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 and other national rankings.
As the senior population grows and families seek trusted in-home care providers, FirstLight Home Care continues to stand out for its blend of purpose and performance — empowering entrepreneurs to make a measurable difference in their communities while operating a scalable, service-oriented business.
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This article is sponsored by FirstLight Home Care. The content has been created in partnership with the brand to provide accurate, compliance-safe insights into its business model and franchise opportunity.
Why Choose FirstLight Home Care?
The FirstLight Home Care Franchise is more than a business opportunity — it’s a chance to make a meaningful impact every day. Franchise owners play a vital role in their communities by helping seniors live safely, comfortably, and independently in their own homes, surrounded by dignity and compassion.
Unlike many industries driven solely by profit, FirstLight is built on purpose. Owners often describe the experience as both professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling, as they see firsthand how their care teams improve clients’ quality of life while offering peace of mind to families.
The need for trusted home care continues to grow rapidly. Every 10 seconds, another American turns 65. By 2030, adults aged 65 and older are projected to account for more than 20% of the U.S. population, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.. This demographic shift fuels consistent, long-term demand for reliable, non-medical care solutions that allow seniors to age in place — a preference shared by the vast majority of older adults.
For entrepreneurs seeking a recession-resistant, purpose-driven franchise, FirstLight Home Care offers a balanced model that blends compassion, community service, and sustainable business ownership in one trusted brand.
What Makes the FirstLight Home Care Franchise Unique?
At the heart of FirstLight Home Care is its Culture of Care® — a philosophy that guides every interaction between franchise owners, caregivers, clients, and families. This values-driven approach emphasizes compassion, trust, and respect, ensuring that care isn’t just delivered but felt. By prioritizing empathy and integrity, the brand has cultivated exceptional caregiver loyalty, low turnover rates, and consistently high client satisfaction — key advantages in a competitive industry.
Innovation Through Technology.
FirstLight integrates advanced technology to support both franchisees and families. Tools such as Client Care Access, ClientFirst™ caregiver matching, and intuitive online scheduling and feedback systems provide transparency, accountability, and efficiency. These innovations allow families to stay informed while helping franchise owners streamline operations, track performance, and scale with confidence.
Industry Recognition and Brand Reputation.
FirstLight Home Care continues to earn national recognition for its performance, ethics, and leadership in non-medical home care:
- Ranked the #1 Non-Medical Home Care Franchisor on the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 (2025)
- Recognized for high client satisfaction scores and caregiver retention rates above industry averages
- Demonstrates consistent year-over-year system growth and strong franchise validation across markets
These achievements reflect FirstLight’s unwavering commitment to quality care and franchisee success — combining compassion, professionalism, and innovation to define the future of in-home support.
The FirstLight Franchise Business Model.
The FirstLight Home Care franchise model is built for flexibility, scalability, and long-term stability. It allows entrepreneurs to shape their business around their personal strengths, community connections, and professional goals — whether they prefer hands-on management or strategic leadership.
Franchise owners typically begin with a small, service-oriented team and grow their operations by adding caregivers, client coordinators, and administrative staff as demand increases. This approach enables owners to scale efficiently without sacrificing quality or client relationships.
Two Core Leadership Roles.
1. Networking and Relationship Development
Owners who excel at communication and community outreach focus on building relationships with hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and senior service professionals. These connections generate steady referrals and establish the franchise as a trusted local care resource.
2. Operations and Team Management
Owners who prefer structure and management oversee day-to-day operations, including caregiver recruitment, training, and scheduling. With FirstLight’s systems and support, they ensure every client receives consistent, high-quality care.
As the business matures, franchisees can delegate responsibilities and shift toward semi-absentee ownership. FirstLight provides dedicated business coaching, national marketing systems, and performance tools to help owners streamline operations, expand territories, and achieve sustainable growth.
This adaptable model makes FirstLight a strong fit for entrepreneurs seeking both purpose and profitability in a business that grows alongside their goals.
Investment and Startup Costs for a FirstLight Home Care Franchise.
Launching a FirstLight Home Care franchise requires a moderate initial investment compared to most service-based or healthcare models. According to the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), the total estimated startup cost ranges from $126,825 to $218,820, depending on factors such as territory size, market demographics, and local operating expenses.
This investment covers virtually every element needed to establish and operate your business — including training, insurance, marketing, licensing, and working capital for the early months of operation.
Estimated Initial Investment — FirstLight Home Care Franchise.
| Item | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| Training Fee | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Travel and Training Expenses | $2,050 | $3,550 |
| Business Premises | $500 | $3,300 |
| Start-Up Supplies and Inventory | $300 | $900 |
| Employment Screening | $275 | $360 |
| Equipment, Signage, and Graphics | $250 | $2,450 |
| Marketing, Advertising, and Promotions | $4,500 | $4,500 |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Other Paid Expenses | $6,050 | $8,350 |
| Business Permits, Licenses, and Fees | $0 | $5,000 |
| Insurance | $7,500 | $18,000 |
| Computer Equipment | $3,200 | $5,200 |
| Additional Funds (3–6 Months) | $38,000 | $85,000 |
| Total Estimated Initial Investment | $126,825 | $218,820 |
A Streamlined, Office-Based Model.
Because FirstLight Home Care operates as an office-based business rather than a clinical or facility-based model, there are no real estate leases, build-outs, or expensive medical equipment required. This structure allows franchise owners to launch quickly, manage overhead efficiently, and focus resources on hiring, marketing, and community outreach.
Designed for Accessibility and Growth
The relatively moderate entry point — paired with FirstLight’s established systems, brand credibility, and strong industry support — makes the franchise appealing to entrepreneurs from a wide range of professional backgrounds. Whether your goal is to build a single-territory operation or expand into multiple markets over time, the investment framework is designed for scalability, sustainability, and long-term value
Franchise Training and Ongoing Support.
Every new FirstLight Home Care franchisee begins their journey with an extensive onboarding program designed to build both confidence and competence. Training combines classroom instruction, virtual learning, and hands-on field experience at the brand’s corporate headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The program equips franchise owners with the knowledge and tools needed to manage operations effectively while maintaining FirstLight’s nationally recognized Culture of Care®.
Core training topics include:
- Operations and business management: How to run daily functions, manage teams, and ensure client satisfaction.
- Caregiver recruitment and retention: Proven methods for hiring, training, and supporting a loyal care team.
- Marketing and community partnerships: Strategies for building local referral networks with hospitals, senior centers, and healthcare professionals.
- Compliance and quality standards: Maintaining excellence through proper documentation, safety, and care protocols.
This structured foundation ensures that every franchisee understands both the business mechanics and the compassionate mission behind the brand.
Ongoing Support for Long-Term Success.
After launch, franchise owners continue to receive comprehensive guidance and resources from the FirstLight corporate team. This ongoing support is designed to strengthen growth, streamline operations, and encourage collaboration across the franchise network.
Franchisees benefit from:
- Dedicated franchise business coaches providing personalized mentoring and performance insights.
- National and local marketing programs that drive brand awareness and qualified leads.
- Technology systems for scheduling, payroll, compliance tracking, and billing efficiency.
- Peer learning opportunities, including regional meetings, webinars, and national conferences to share best practices and success stories.
This proven support infrastructure empowers franchisees to focus on what matters most — growing their business and delivering compassionate, high-quality care to clients and families.
Industry Outlook: Meeting a Growing National Need.
The U.S. home care industry is one of the fastest-growing and most essential sectors in today’s economy. Driven by demographic shifts and a cultural preference for aging in place, demand for non-medical home care continues to surge nationwide.
According to data from the Home Care Association of America (HCAOA), the number of Americans aged 85 and older will nearly double by 2040, while the need for professional in-home care services is projected to increase by more than 40% over the next decade. This unprecedented growth reflects not only an aging population but also a strong desire among seniors to remain independent, comfortable, and connected within their own homes.
A Stable, Purpose-Driven Market.
Families today are seeking trustworthy, compassionate providers who can deliver personalized support — from companionship and transportation to meal preparation and daily living assistance. The ongoing caregiver shortage across healthcare and senior living makes home care franchises an increasingly critical part of the national care infrastructure.
How FirstLight Home Care Fits In.
The FirstLight Home Care franchise is strategically positioned to meet this rising demand. Its proven model blends compassion with professionalism, empowering franchise owners to operate meaningful, flexible businesses that directly serve their communities. By prioritizing quality, transparency, and the human side of care, FirstLight continues to strengthen its reputation as one of America’s most trusted in-home care brands.
As the population ages, this demand is expected to remain steady, resilient, and recession-resistant, providing franchise owners with long-term relevance in a growing, mission-driven industry.
Competitive Advantages.
The FirstLight Home Care franchise stands out in the in-home care industry by combining purpose-driven values with advanced operational systems. Franchisees benefit from a business model built on trust, innovation, and long-term sustainability — all supported by a proven brand with national recognition.
Below are the key advantages that make FirstLight a top choice for entrepreneurs entering the senior care space:
| Key Advantage | What It Means for Franchisees |
| Culture of Care Philosophy | A people-first mindset that fosters loyalty among both clients and caregivers. This approach drives retention, client satisfaction, and positive brand reputation within every community. |
| Advanced Technology Tools | Proprietary systems like Client Care Access and ClientFirst™ streamline scheduling, caregiver matching, and family communication, improving efficiency and transparency. |
| Comprehensive Training Program | Extensive onboarding and ongoing education prepare franchisees for success in both business management and compassionate leadership. |
| ClientFirst™ Matching System | Matches clients with the most compatible caregivers based on skills, preferences, and personality — increasing satisfaction, continuity of care, and long-term relationships. |
| Recession-Resistant Business Model | The demand for senior home care continues to grow regardless of economic cycles, supported by aging demographics and essential service needs. |
| Strong Franchise Validation | High satisfaction among existing owners reflects the brand’s credibility, strong support system, and consistent performance across diverse markets. |
With over a decade of steady growth, FirstLight Home Care has earned a reputation for quality, compassion, and operational excellence. Franchisees are not just business owners — they are community leaders helping families navigate one of life’s most important needs: caring for loved ones at home.
This balance of purpose, technology, and resilience gives FirstLight a distinct competitive edge in the home care franchise industry — and positions its owners for long-term success.
Common Questions About the FirstLight Home Care Franchise.
1. How much does it cost to start a FirstLight Home Care franchise?
According to the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), the total estimated investment to open a FirstLight Home Care franchise ranges from $126,825 to $218,820, depending on your market size, office location, and initial staffing plan.
This amount covers essential startup costs such as the franchise fee, training, insurance, marketing, and working capital for the first few months of operations.
2. Do I need a background in healthcare or caregiving?
No — a medical or clinical background is not required.
FirstLight’s comprehensive training program equips franchisees with the skills to manage business operations, oversee caregiver teams, and ensure compliance with all care standards. Most owners come from backgrounds in business, sales, management, or customer service and are united by a desire to make a positive community impact.
3. What kind of ongoing support does FirstLight provide?
Franchisees receive end-to-end support from the corporate team, including:
- A dedicated franchise business coach for personalized guidance.
- Marketing and local outreach programs to build brand awareness.
- Technology systems for scheduling, payroll, billing, and client tracking.
- Caregiver recruitment tools and best practices to build a reliable team.
This framework allows owners to focus on growth while maintaining high-quality care for every client.
4. How does FirstLight maintain quality and consistency of care?
FirstLight Home Care sets itself apart with strict hiring standards and a culture that prioritizes compassion and professionalism.
All caregivers are employees (not contractors), meaning they receive background checks, training, and ongoing supervision. Franchisees use Client Care Access and ClientFirst™ technology to monitor client satisfaction and caregiver performance, while routine quality reviews ensure every family receives dependable, personalized service.
A Franchise That Combines Purpose and Professionalism.
FirstLight’s model appeals to entrepreneurs who want more than just financial success — they want to make a meaningful difference in their communities. By combining world-class support with a compassionate mission, the franchise helps owners build trusted local businesses that families depend on every day.
A Franchise That Changes Lives.
Owning a FirstLight Home Care franchise is more than a business decision — it’s a commitment to improving lives every single day. Franchise owners empower seniors and families to maintain independence, dignity, and comfort at home, while building meaningful relationships rooted in trust and compassion.
Each franchise location becomes a cornerstone of its community, providing essential care that allows families to focus on what matters most — time together. Franchisees experience the deep satisfaction of knowing their work creates real impact, all within a proven business model that supports both purpose and profitability.
FirstLight’s unwavering focus on compassion, innovation, and operational excellence has established it as a leading brand in the non-medical home care industry. With more than 230 franchise locations across the United States and consistent national recognition for quality, FirstLight continues to expand as demand for trusted, professional in-home care grows.
This is a franchise built for the future — one that merges heart with opportunity, empowering entrepreneurs to create local businesses that make a difference.
