How to grow from 10 people to 100 staff in a care business

Scaling your care business from a small team of 10 to a workforce of 100 is a significant milestone and incredible achievement. Here’s the thing though… sustainable growth like this requires careful planning, strategic decision-making, and, perhaps most importantly, the right tools and technologies in place so that processes are as streamlined as possible.

To help you take your first steps to a 100-strong team, let’s take a quick look at the essential aspects of scaling a homecare or domiciliary care business, all while remaining compliant with CQC regulations. We’ll also explore the crucial role of technology in facilitating that growth.

Whether you're a budding entrepreneur at the early stages of growing your care business, or an established care provider looking to expand further, we’ll also share how home care management software like Birdie can help you navigate the journey of expanding safely and efficiently.

Scaling your care business and remaining CQC compliant

Scaling involves more than just increasing the number of staff members. It requires a comprehensive approach to ensure that the quality of care remains consistent, and regulatory requirements, such as those set by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), are met.

Here are some key considerations for scaling your care business while remaining CQC compliant.

• Staff training and development: As you grow your team, invest in continuous training and development programmes to ensure that all care professionals are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality care. Regular training sessions on CQC standards and best practices can help maintain compliance across the organisation. Not sure where to start? We have plenty of free CQC resources here.
• Quality assurance processes: Implement robust quality assurance processes to monitor and evaluate the quality of care provided. As you scale, it’s crucial to conduct regular audits, reviews, and feedback sessions to identify areas for improvement and address any issues proactively. By prioritising quality assurance, you can uphold CQC standards and maintain the trust of care recipients and their families.
• Effective communication and coordination: This one’s a biggie, and a must for all quality care providers. As the size of your team increases, effective communication and coordination become even more crucial. Investing in communication tools and platforms like Birdie, which facilitates seamless information sharing and collaboration within your team, is key. Regular team meetings, digital communication channels, and shared documentation systems can also enhance teamwork and ensure that those all-important care plans are implemented effectively.
• Scalable infrastructure and resources: Ensure that your care business has the necessary infrastructure and resources to support growth sustainably. In short, make sure you’ve nailed the basics before you actively start scaling. This includes adequate office space, equipment, and administrative support to accommodate the expanding workforce. Investing in scalable technology solutions that can adapt to the changing needs of your business as it grows is also crucial.

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Technology to grow your care business

Technology plays a pivotal role in facilitating the growth of your care business and streamlining operations. From electronic care management systems to mobile apps, technology offers a range of solutions to help you scale your business effectively. Here are some ways technology can support the growth of your care business:

• Care management software: Care management software like Birdie provide a centralised platform for care planning, scheduling, and documentation. These systems streamline administrative tasks, reduce paperwork, and ensure that care plans are accessible and up-to-date. By automating processes and improving efficiency, electronic care management systems can enable you to scale while maintaining quality and compliance.
• Staff scheduling software: Staff scheduling and rostering software simplifies the process of rostering care professionals and coordinating shifts - an ongoing pain point for care providers everywhere.  These platforms allow managers to create and manage schedules efficiently, taking into account staff availability, skills, and preferences. By optimising staffing levels and reducing scheduling conflicts, staff scheduling software can enable you to scale your workforce seamlessly.‍‍
• ‍We give you all the tools you need to plan and build rotas with ease! Find out more about Birdie’s rostering software here!

• Apps for care professionals: We might be biased, but apps designed for care professionals are a must-have when it comes to prioritising growth, not least because they provide on-the-go access to essential information and communication tools. These apps enable care staff to view care plans, record observations, and communicate with colleagues and supervisors from anywhere, at any time. Not only that, but you’re also making it easier for your team to provide the quality care you differentiate yourself by.
• Telehealth and remote monitoring: Telehealth and remote monitoring technologies enable care providers to deliver virtual care services and monitor care recipients remotely. These technologies allow for regular check-ins, medication reminders, and health assessments, reducing the need for in-person visits and enabling care businesses to extend their reach to more individuals. By leveraging telehealth and remote monitoring, care businesses can expand their service offerings and cater to a broader clientele.

Hire more care staff easily

Expanding your care business requires recruiting and onboarding additional care staff efficiently. Here are some tips for hiring more care staff easily:

• Utilise online recruitment platforms: Make use of online recruitment platforms and job boards to reach a wider pool of candidates. Tailor your job postings to highlight the unique benefits and opportunities offered by your care business, such as flexible scheduling, career development programmes, and competitive pay.
• Implement a streamlined hiring process: Streamline your hiring process to attract and retain top talent. Use applicant tracking systems to manage applications efficiently, conduct initial screenings to assess candidates' suitability, and streamline the interview and onboarding process to expedite the hiring timeline.
• Offer competitive compensation and benefits: In a competitive job market, offering competitive compensation and benefits is essential for attracting and retaining care staff. Consider offering perks such as health insurance, paid time off, and opportunities for career advancement to incentivise candidates to join your team.
• Promote a positive workplace culture: A positive workplace culture can be a powerful recruiting tool. Create a supportive and inclusive work environment where care professionals feel valued, respected, and appreciated. Encourage open communication, recognise and reward achievements, and foster a sense of belonging among staff members.

Want to know more about how to grow your care business? Check our new eBook, "How to grow your homecare business", available to download completely free from our Resources Hub.

By leveraging technology, prioritising quality and compliance, and implementing effective recruitment strategies to develop and nurture an incredible team, Birdie has helped homecare and domiciliary care providers like yours to scale their businesses from small teams to a workforce of 100 plus, all while maintaining high standards of care and service delivery. With careful planning and strategic investment, there’s no reason you can’t either!

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