Union Watch: Vote Fails in Illinois

A vote to unionize caregivers for the developmentally disabled failed by an overwhelming margin this week in Illinois.

Of the more than 3,000 workers in the state's home-based support services program who cast a mail-in ballot, 1,018 opposed union representation, 293 supported joining the Service Employees International Union and 220 voted for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

Gov. Patrick Quinn signed an executive order this summer, clearing the way for the workers to unionize. Most of the workers care for the disabled in the patients' homes and receive limited state funding.

Let us know of other efforts to organize home care workers around the country.

Right At Home Expands to the UK

OMAHA, Neb.-- Right at Home, Inc., a leading provider of in-home companion and personal care
assistance has begun its international expansion with the addition of its first
Master Franchise in the United Kingdom, announced Allen Hager, founder and
president of Right at Home. With more than 165 local franchises in 41 states,
Right at Home will expand into the UK under a Master Franchise Agreement with
Ken Deary who will open the initial location in Preston, England. The company`s
international expansion begins as Right at Home is expecting to grow
domestically by 25 percent in 2009.

Our congratulations to Allen Hager and his team at Right At Home, and to all of the
Right At Home franchisees around the country who are working hard to grow
their businesses.

At Leading Home Care, we are tracking the growth of over 30 franchise companies
that represent over 3,500 locations. 

Private Pay Home Care Companies Profit Despite Recession

National Private Duty Association (NPDA) has discovered some good news for private pay home care companies during a slow economic period. A recent survey of these companies has shown that over 70 percent of businesses are projected to increase their revenues in 2009. As a reflection of this growth, 81 percent of the businesses surveyed are currently hiring caregivers to keep pace with client demand.

The volume of new hires, satisfied clients, and stronger CEOs are helping this country move forward and find success in tough times.

Home care workers face union pressure

An executive order by Governor Pat Quinn if Illinois is forcing home health care workers in the state who are paid to care for their own family members to join a union. The executive order, left on the Governors desk by his predecessor, Rod Blagojovich, would allow family members who care for their own loved ones to bargain collectively with the state. They will select between the SEIU- Service Employees International Union, and AFSCME - American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees.

Union dues will automatically be withheld from their reimbursement checks. An estimated 3,000 family caregivers will join the ranks of the unions of these families cast a ballot in favor of the unions. In some cases, purple shirted SEIU organizers have been knocking on the doors of these family caregivers to urge them to join the union.

This is one more example of how the unions are making inroads into home care by influencing the political process at the state level. What do you think about this situation? Do you have other examples of unions organizing home care workers? Give us your comments below.

The Academy for Private Duty Home Care coming to Louisville

Two new dates were announced this morning for the Academy for Private Duty Home Care. This full day workshop is for owners and CEOs of non-medical home care companies.

The two new dates are:

• December 2, 2009 in Louisville, Kentucky
• January 22, 2010 in Sanibel Island, Florida

Registration is open now for Kentucky and will be open soon for Florida.

Here are a couple of links with details.

• Academy for Private Duty Home Care
• Louisville, Kentucky venue and registration info.

Join us in Louisville this fall!

Private Duty Franchisor Opens in Toronto, Canada

Premier Homecare Services, a five year old private duty home care company in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is offering franchises across Canada. While several U.S. based franchisors have operating locations in Canada, this is the first Canadian company to enter the marketplace with new franchises.

“We opened our first office in Toronto back in 2003, began franchising in 2008 and now already have 6 locations across Ontario,” reports David Watson, Founder & President. “Many people understand the aging population and the generally shifting preferences toward in-home care. The difference between most people and our franchisees is that our franchisees appreciate that now is the time for them to secure their short and long-term success in this ever more popular marketplace. Our GTA franchise locations offer especially compelling opportunities since our brand has already garnered a respected reputation across much of the region during our 6 years in business.”


This brings to 26 the number of companies offering non-medical home care franchises. According to research conducted by Leading Home Care ... a Tweed Jeffries company, there are about 3,500 home care companies operating as franchises in the U.S.