At a Glance: Key Differences
Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.
⚠️ Risk Assessment
Risk signals from FDD disclosures. Higher score = lower risk. Verify all figures in each franchise's current FDD before investing.
| Risk Factor | Home Instead | BrightStar Care |
|---|---|---|
| Failure Rate | 2% | N/A |
| Unit Turnover (Growth) | +1%/yr | +20 units |
| Total Fee Burden | 6.0% | 5.3% |
| Territory Protection | ✅ Exclusive | ✅ Exclusive |
Detailed Analysis: Home Instead vs BrightStar Care
According to FranchiseStack.ai's franchise database of 192+ FDD-sourced opportunities, Home Instead and BrightStar Care are among the most-researched franchise comparisons. The choice comes down to your investment capacity, risk tolerance, and operational preferences. Both operate in the Senior Care sector, which means they compete for similar customers and territory. Home Instead has a larger footprint, which typically translates to stronger brand recognition but potentially more territorial saturation.
From a capital perspective, Home Instead has a lower entry point. However, initial investment alone doesn't determine ROI — ongoing royalties, revenue potential, and failure rates all factor into long-term returns. Home Instead charges a lower royalty rate, which means more of your gross revenue stays in your pocket.
Before committing to either franchise, we recommend running both through our Financial Model tool to project personalized 5-year P&L scenarios. You should also review each franchise's complete Franchise Disclosure Document using our FDD Checker to understand litigation history, termination rates, and territory restrictions.
Investment & Fees
| Metric | Home Instead | BrightStar Care |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $98K | $132K |
| Max Investment | $125K | $235K |
| Franchise Fee | $45K | $50K |
| Royalty Rate | 5.0% | 5.3% |
| Ad Fund Rate | 1.0% | N/A |
Unit Economics
| Metric | Home Instead | BrightStar Care |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | $2.6M | $2.4M |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | Home Instead | BrightStar Care |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 1,225 | 408 |
| Annual Growth | 1.0% | N/A |
| Failure Rate | 2.0% | N/A |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | Home Instead | BrightStar Care |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 81/100 | N/A |
Track Record
| Metric | Home Instead | BrightStar Care |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | 32 | 24 |
| Years Franchising | 32 | 21 |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | Home Instead | BrightStar Care |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | $250K | $500K |
| Liquid Capital Required | $100K | $100K |
Operations
| Metric | Home Instead | BrightStar Care |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | 50 | N/A |
| Training Weeks | 3 | N/A |
⚠️ Risk Indicators
| Metric | Home Instead | BrightStar Care |
|---|---|---|
| Failure Rate | 2.0% | N/A |
| Annual Unit Growth | 1.0% | N/A |
| Units Opened Last Year | 30 | 20 |
| Units Closed Last Year | N/A | N/A |
| Exclusive Territory | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Home Instead or BrightStar Care a better franchise investment?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. Home Instead has 1,225 total units and a 81/100 franchisee satisfaction score. BrightStar Care has 408 total units and a track record in its industry. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.
How much does it cost to open a Home Instead franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Home Instead franchise requires an initial investment of $98K – $125K. The franchise fee is $45K, with ongoing royalties of 5.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
How much does it cost to open a BrightStar Care franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a BrightStar Care franchise requires an initial investment of $132K – $235K. The franchise fee is $50K, with ongoing royalties of 5.3%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
What is the royalty rate for Home Instead vs BrightStar Care?
Home Instead's royalty rate is 5.0%. BrightStar Care's royalty rate is 5.3%. That means Home Instead has the lower ongoing royalty burden.
Which has more locations — Home Instead or BrightStar Care?
Home Instead has 1,225 total units. BrightStar Care has 408 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.
Is Home Instead or BrightStar Care semi-absentee friendly?
Home Instead is typically run as a owner-operator model. BrightStar Care is typically run as a owner-operator model. If passive income is your goal, semi-absentee models let you hire a manager to run day-to-day operations.
Related Comparisons
Data sourced from franchise disclosure documents and public records. Investment ranges, royalty rates, and unit counts change — always request current FDD before making investment decisions. Last updated March 2026.
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