Occupational Therapist Lives Her Dream As A Place At Home Franchise Owner

Blog December 19, 2024 9 min to read

Neelima Gaikwad a place at home franchise owner

Meet A Place At Home Franchisee, Neelima Gaikwad

Neelima Gaikwad is a dedicated and dynamic A Place At Home franchise owner in Schaumburg, IL. Since opening her location in August 2022, Neelima has brought her passion for quality care and her background in occupational therapy to the forefront, leading a team of 25 employees with empathy and vision. An adventurous spirit who enjoys traveling, cooking, and hiking, Neelima is driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector. Her journey into franchising reflects a commitment to transforming home care services, supporting caregivers, and enhancing the lives of clients. Neelima’s dedication, combined with A Place At Home’s collaborative support system, showcases how purpose and perseverance can create real change. In her own words, Neelima shares her journey to franchise ownership and the rewards she enjoys through her A Place At Home franchise.

I’m an Indian woman born into a large family with three brothers, Mom and Dad. I have been in the US since 2007. I came to do my Master of Science in Milwaukee, WI. Currently, I have been living in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago since 2011. Outside of work, I’m a dedicated dog mom who loves traveling, cooking, dancing, hosting events, and celebrating holidays—following all the traditions with friends and family. I love hiking and have done camping and glamping in some of the known National Parks of America.

What made you decide to look into purchasing a franchise?

I decided to look into purchasing a franchise because I’ve always been passionate about building something meaningful while using my skills and experience. As an occupational therapist, a person from a clinical background, I understand the value of structure and proven systems in delivering high-quality care services. After COVID, I witnessed just how fragmented the healthcare system was getting to be, which inspired me to explore ways to be part of a paradigm shift in healthcare. I want to contribute to a bottom-up approach that would help strengthen the foundational bond between caregivers and clients. A franchise aligns perfectly with my goal of creating sustainable growth, improving care delivery, and enhancing lives.

When researching franchises, what criteria mattered to you most?

When researching franchises, the criteria that mattered most to me were alignment with my values, a proven track record of success, and the ability to make a meaningful impact in healthcare. I was also looking for a partner who was as invested in my success as I am—someone who valued a collaborative venture where we could work together toward shared goals.

A Place At Home met these criteria by providing a strong support system, a mission that resonated with my passion for improving the caregiver-client bond, and a focus on delivering high-quality, personalized care. Their collaborative approach, combined with their established systems and commitment to continuous improvement, made me feel confident that I could be part of something transformative while still maintaining the flexibility to integrate my own expertise and approach to care.

Financing can be an obstacle or intimidating factor for aspiring entrepreneurs. How did you find finance your franchise?

Financing can definitely be an intimidating aspect of starting a business, but for me, it was a deeply personal decision. I used my life’s savings to purchase my franchise, which felt like a natural step after years of hard work and dedication in senior care. Yes, while it was a significant leap of faith, it also gave me a sense of ownership and commitment to make this venture successful. I saw it not just as an investment in a business but as an investment in myself and my ability to create meaningful change in the healthcare industry.

Which of your prior skills and experiences do you use in operating your business today?

My prior skills and experiences as an occupational therapist have been invaluable in operating my home care business today. My expertise in managing complex medical cases and training caregivers translates directly into providing high-quality, client-centered care. Additionally, my experience in building and managing teams has equipped me to lead with empathy, foster collaboration, and create a supportive environment for caregivers and clients alike. Being part of a large family and my upbringing instilled in me the value of resilience, communication, and building meaningful relationships—all of which I apply to my A Place At Home business every day.

During your research, did you use FBR’s website to compare franchise opportunities?

Yes, I did explore FBR’s website to get an initial understanding of franchise opportunities and to compare some key metrics. I relied heavily on online research, diving into reviews and testimonials and learning from the experiences of others.

I also had personal encounters with franchisees from other well-known brands, which gave me a unique perspective on the challenges and successes they faced. Additionally, I used YouTube to find honest, firsthand accounts and insights from franchisees sharing their journeys. It may not be the traditional route, but it helped me gather diverse perspectives and make a more informed decision.

Which questions did you ask A Place At Home franchise owners?

I made it a priority to ask A Place At Home franchise owners thoughtful and practical questions to gain insight into their experiences. Some of the key questions during validation calls I asked included:

What made you choose this franchise over others? I wanted to understand their motivations and how the franchise stood out in their decision-making process.
What support do you receive from the franchisor?: It was important to know how much ongoing guidance and assistance was provided, especially during the startup phase.
What challenges have you faced, and how were they addressed? Learning about real-world obstacles and the solutions they found gave me a realistic view of business operations.
How does the franchise maintain its reputation and consistency? I was curious about how they ensured quality across various locations.
Would you choose this franchise again, and why? This helped me gauge their overall satisfaction and whether the franchise delivered on its promises.

These conversations gave me valuable, firsthand knowledge that couldn’t be found online and reassured me that I was making an informed decision.

Which questions did you ask the franchisor?

When speaking with the franchisor, I focused on questions about their training, support systems, and long-term vision to understand how well they aligned with my goals. I asked about their approach to maintaining consistency, handling challenges, and supporting franchisees’ success, as well as what makes A Place At Home stand out in the market. These discussions helped me assess both the business model and the franchisor’s commitment to collaboration and growth. When I met them the first time, I told them I am looking for a franchisor who would be interested in my success!

What were your biggest challenges when you first started out?

One of my biggest challenges when I first started out was understanding and managing the complexities of running a business that is so heavily dependent on people—something I had limited control over. The labor market posed its own challenges, from finding skilled and reliable caregivers to retaining them in a competitive environment. Beyond that, navigating the emotions, behaviors, and dynamics of caregivers and clients added another layer of complexity. Each client’s condition was unique and required a personalized approach, which could sometimes be unpredictable. To overcome these challenges, I focused on fostering strong communication and creating a supportive and functional environment for my team. I worked on building trust with both caregivers and clients by emphasizing empathy, transparency, and consistency. Additionally, I leaned on my experience in occupational therapy to implement practical solutions, train caregivers effectively, and adapt quickly to changing situations. It’s been a learning process, but these experiences have made me more resilient and better equipped to handle the demands of the business.

How does A Place At Home support and encourage your success?

The franchisor has been instrumental in supporting and encouraging my success through a combination of resources, training, and a collaborative culture. From the beginning, they provided comprehensive training that prepared me to navigate the operational and strategic aspects of the business. Their coaching and ongoing support have been invaluable, offering guidance and solutions whenever challenges arise.

The culture of A Place At Home is highly collaborative, fostering a sense of community among franchisees. I’ve been able to connect with and learn from other franchisees through their robust network, which has given me insights and encouragement along the way. They are truly invested in my success, providing tools, resources, and a listening ear to ensure that I feel supported at every stage of my journey.

What are you most proud of and why?

I am most proud of implementing a vision that challenges traditional home care norms. We’ve built a model that ensures caregiver consistency for clients and accommodates short-term needs, from one day to three months, without weekly minimums—an uncommon approach in the industry. Our effective training and rewards systems have created a loyal team with low turnover, ensuring high-quality care. By prioritizing personalized service and innovation, we’ve proven that going against the grain can achieve exceptional outcomes while making a meaningful difference.

What advice would you give to potential franchise owners?

My advice to potential franchise owners is to have a clear vision and implement strong processes early on. A clear vision guides your decisions, while solid processes create a foundation for growth. Stay flexible and open to innovation, even if it means challenging industry norms. Invest in your team through training and recognition to build loyalty, trust, buy-in in your vision, this will also reduce turnover. With determination and the right strategies, franchising success is absolutely achievable.