ComForCare Home Care Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$72,975 - $163,925
Franchise Fee
$29,500
Min Cash Required
$23,500
Total US Locations
248
Business Summary
ComForCare Home Care offers franchises for businesses that provide non-medical personal care services, including companionship, assistance with daily living activities (ADLs and IADLs), and homemaker/chore services to people of all ages so they can age in place. ComForCare Home Care also provides on-site community care. Additionally, once a ComForCare Home Care franchisee achieves certain financial and operational levels, they may seek authorization to provide Private Duty Nursing (PDN) services, which involve hourly, shift-based care performed by Home Health Aides, Licensed Practical Nurses, or Registered Nurses for patients of all ages with long-term complex health conditions (non-Medicare).
Corporate History
ComForCare Franchise Systems, LLC, the franchisor, was organized in Michigan on December 31, 2018. Before that, its immediate predecessor, ComForCare Health Care Holdings, LLC, operated from January 2017 through December 2018. The earliest predecessor, ComForCare Health Care Holdings, Inc., was incorporated in Michigan on July 6, 2000. ComForCare Home Care and its predecessors have offered franchises since 2000 and have consistently focused on providing home care services. The franchised business operates under various names, including ComForCare Home Care and At Your Side Home Care in the Houston, Texas area. ComForCare Home Care is now part of Best Life Brands, LLC, its immediate parent company, which is in turn owned by CFC Holding Company, LLC, a global private equity firm.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$72,975 - $163,925
Franchise Fee (Low)
$29,500
Franchise Fee (High)
$66,900
Minimum Cash Required
$23,500
Royalty %
5%
Marketing %
1%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$5,300
Equipment Costs (High)
$11,800
Working Capital
$34,500
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
Yes
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
ComForCare Home Care's financial condition, as presented in its financial statements, raises questions about its ability to provide services and support to its franchisees. The company has reported net losses for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024, with a significant net loss of over $7.6 million in 2023 and over $3 million in 2024. Additionally, ComForCare Home Care has a substantial members' deficit, growing to over $27 million in 2024 from approximately $8 million in 2023. The company's long-term debt increased considerably to over $54 million in 2024.
Financing Details
ComForCare Home Care may finance up to 50% of the Initial Franchise Fee for qualified franchisees purchasing under its Standard Offering. The loan carries a 10% annual interest rate and a repayment term of 60 months. Monthly payments begin no later than six months from the Franchise Agreement's contract date. ComForCare Home Care requires a security interest in the franchise, including all assets, and may also require a spouse's personal guarantee. Franchisees can prepay the note at any time without penalty. In case of default, ComForCare Home Care may declare the entire remaining amount due and pursue collection, including court costs and attorney's fees.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
248
Franchised Units
248
Corporate Units
0
Avg Square Footage
400
Franchising Since
2000
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
Yes
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Count
9
Litigation Summary
ComForCare Home Care is currently involved in several ongoing legal disputes. In November 2023, ComForCare Home Care filed a lawsuit against one of its franchisees, Platinum Care, Inc., for failure to pay owed fees. Platinum Care, Inc. then filed a counterclaim in March 2024, alleging breach of contract and seeking over $75,000 in damages. This case is pending in Michigan. In February 2024, ComForCare Home Care sued Dahlia Home Care, Inc. in California for unpaid fees, denial of access to records, and breach of confidentiality. Also, in June 2024, a plaintiff named Patrick Deadrick filed a lawsuit against ComForCare Franchise Systems, LLC, alleging that former franchisees negligently cared for him, a claim ComForCare Home Care denies, stating it has no information regarding the plaintiff. This case is in the discovery phase. Additionally, in November 2024, WorkFit Medical Staffing, PLLC filed a lawsuit against an independently owned ComForCare Home Care franchised business in New York, also incorrectly naming two affiliated companies. The correct parties are reportedly negotiating a settlement. ComForCare Home Care also has a past administrative proceeding from 2010 where it agreed to a Consent Order with the Maryland Securities Commissioner for selling franchises in Maryland after its registration had expired, leading to one franchisee rescinding their agreement. There were no fines or penalties in this instance. Several of ComForCare Home Care's affiliated brands, under Best Life Brands, LLC, have also faced litigation and administrative actions. Blue Moon Franchise Systems, LLC was involved in a lawsuit in Ohio filed in November 2023 for alleged business opportunity law violations by a franchisee. This case was settled in January 2024. CarePatrol Franchise Systems, LLC filed two lawsuits in June and July 2024 in Michigan against franchisees for violating non-compete and confidentiality agreements, both of which settled in 2024. An older administrative action from 2012 by the FTC against CarePatrol's predecessor concerned website wording which was subsequently modified without penalty. In February 2022, Next Day Access, LLC's predecessor consented to a Minnesota Department of Commerce Consent Order for selling two unregistered franchises, resulting in a civil penalty and investigative costs.
Bankruptcy History
ComForCare Home Care has no bankruptcy information to disclose in Item 4 of its Franchise Disclosure Document.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
ComForCare Home Care franchisees can renew their agreement if they provide written notice between 6 and 12 months before the current term ends. They must be in good standing, meaning they are not in default of any agreements with ComForCare Home Care or its affiliates, and are current with all landlords, suppliers, and vendors. Upon renewal, franchisees must sign the then-current franchise agreement, which may have materially different terms and conditions, and pay a renewal fee of $7,500 for a 10-year term or $15,000 for a 15-year term. They may also be required to attend the then-current training program and execute a general release of claims. If a franchisee purchased under the Reduced Initial Fee Program, they cannot switch to the lower Standard Offering royalty rate upon renewal.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
ComForCare Home Care provides franchisees with various forms of support and assistance. Before opening, ComForCare Home Care helps define the Protected Territory and offers limited input on office location, size, layout, and key lease terms. It also provides a comprehensive initial training program for up to two people, which includes self-study, e-learning, virtual classes, and in-person sessions at their corporate headquarters. ComForCare Home Care also gives guidelines for setting service prices. After opening, franchisees receive continuous access to the operational Manuals and may be required to attend additional training programs as needed. ComForCare Home Care conducts numerous telephone conversations to discuss operational experiences and address questions. They also provide 32-40 hours of in-territory visits to review operations, provide training, and offer assistance, though this applies to the main office for multi-unit owners. For new owners, bi-weekly "Rise-Up" meetings are held remotely during the first six months to help with business growth and accountability. The franchisor researches and develops new marketing procedures, manages a national advertising fund to which franchisees contribute, and provides guidance for local marketing efforts and caregiver recruiting. Technologically, ComForCare Home Care maintains and updates the mandated Computer System, manages the brand website, and implements information security protocols.
Initial Training Hours
137
Training Location
Corporate headquarters in Troy, Michigan, and also at the franchisee's approved location or remotely via e-learning and virtual classes.
Ongoing Support
After opening, ComForCare Home Care provides franchisees with continuous access to its operational Manuals and may require them to attend additional training programs. Franchisees receive ongoing support through frequent telephone conversations to discuss operational experiences and address questions. ComForCare Home Care also dedicates 32-40 hours of in-territory visits to review operations, provide training, and offer assistance, though this applies to the main office for multi-unit owners. For new owners, bi-weekly "Rise-Up" meetings are held remotely during the first six months to help with business growth and accountability. The franchisor researches and develops new marketing procedures, manages a national advertising fund to which franchisees contribute, and provides guidance for local marketing efforts and caregiver recruiting. Technologically, ComForCare Home Care maintains and updates the mandated Computer System, manages the brand website, and implements information security protocols.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
ComForCare Home Care seeks franchisees who are prepared to personally supervise their business full-time, taking active day-to-day responsibility. Candidates should possess a good moral character, business reputation, and credit rating, along with the aptitude and ability to operate a home care business. While specific prior industry experience is not a stated requirement for new franchisees, qualities such as educational, managerial, and general business standards are evaluated, and prior related business experience may be considered. Franchisees must also have adequate financial resources and capital to establish and operate the business. They are expected to employ key administrative, marketing, and caregiver recruiting staff, including a part-time nurse for clinical oversight.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
Yes
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
commercial
Owner Participation
full-time
Territory Type
Protected
Staff Count
3
Territory Size Requirements
ComForCare Home Care defines its territories as specific geographic areas, referred to as "Protected Territories," based on U.S. Postal Service ZIP codes. Each territory must contain a population of between 25,000 and 35,000 people aged 65 or older. The franchisor uses a mapping application to determine population statistics, which are updated every six months, and housing unit/facility statistics, updated annually.
Staffing Notes
ComForCare Home Care requires that for a single franchised business, the owner must supervise full-time. Additionally, the franchisee must employ at least one other administrative or marketing employee on a full-time basis (35 hours per week). A dedicated caregiver recruiter is required on a part-time basis initially, becoming full-time once the business achieves 500 bi-weekly billable hours. A nurse is also required on a part-time contingent basis for clinical oversight, caregiver training, client assessments, supervisory visits, and maintaining physician orders. For franchisees awarded two businesses, additional full-time key management and a full-time dedicated caregiver recruiter are required prior to opening the second unit. For any additional businesses, one more full-time key management employee is needed per unit. All territories purchased must maintain full-time marketing and sales coverage. Franchisees must maintain regular services at least 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, with emergency services available 24/7. All personnel must be certified and/or licensed as required. Some states may also require a person with healthcare experience to manage daily operations or supervise clients and caregivers.