For Mandy Waraich, buying a Right at Home franchise wasn’t just a business decision, it was deeply personal.
The Registered Nurse (RN) has always been passionate about care and has worked across a range of healthcare settings including hospitals, aged care, and community services. Mandy then became a District Nurse, working out in the community visiting clients in their homes.
“I saw firsthand what people really need to live safely and comfortably at home,” Mandy says.
“The truth is, they don’t just need medical support or help with daily tasks, they need consistency.
“They need caregivers they can trust—people who show up regularly, communicate clearly and promptly, and most importantly genuinely care.
“It’s about having someone who listens, who follows through, and who makes them feel respected and supported in their own home.”
Mandy could see the cracks in care delivery all too well, and that’s what pushed her to explore home care as a real business opportunity.
“I don’t want to just run a business, I want to run a business with purpose,” she explains.
A franchise model provides support in business
Mandy was highly skilled in the care component but less confident about running a business.
“I was a bedside nurse, and I thought to myself, ‘where do I start, what do I do?’”
And that’s where the franchise model is ideal, delivering expertise and support to bolster areas where franchisees lack experience.
Mandy explored brands in the home care sector and after speaking to Right at Home Australia managing director Daryl Sahli, she felt the company stood out for its quality care and franchise support.
“You can tell when you share values with someone. Daryl wasn’t trying to sell me the business, he was inviting me to be part of something meaningful,” she says.
Convinced it was the right choice, Mandy purchased the Right at Home Melbourne North franchise territory in November 2023.
Intensive training is just the start
Right at Home operates a RightStart program for new franchisees that guides them in the first 12 months of ownership.
“I knew I wouldn’t be alone, and that was a great comfort,” Mandy says.
“It was daunting to buy the business, but I had the courage to take that step and it’s been fantastic. There hasn’t been one second when I felt it was the wrong decision.”
After completing the intensive two-week training course, Mandy was supported by a dedicated RightStart manager who checked in regularly, ran weekly online meetings, and created space for new owners to share experiences and ask questions.
“We have a whole network of other franchisees we can reach out to at any time,” Mandy explains.
“It’s incredibly reassuring to know others have been through the same journey and are willing to share their insights.”
Next level support with Advanced RightStart
With a focus in the first year on establishing the business and becoming familiar with the processes, in the second year franchise support develops business learnings.
“After one year we joined the Advanced RightStart program which is the next level of business ownership,” Mandy says.
“We’re guided through everything, from understanding profit and loss to the day-to-day running of a business.”
“That kind of support has been incredibly valuable.
“Right at Home is not just helping you start a business—they’re grooming you to become a confident business owner. I really like that and I’m enjoying the journey.”
Within six months of opening, Mandy’s business was flourishing. She was successful working with council and local hospitals and is building her reputation through word of mouth.
Eighteen months into business and Right at Home Melbourne North has 11 office team members, and nearly 40 carers in the field, catering for NDIS participants and aged care clients.
“I was not new to leadership when I stepped into business ownership,” she says. “I was a supervising RN in aged care during the evenings.”
That experience gave her a head start when it came to building her own team. Four of her close nursing colleagues now work alongside her at Right at Home Melbourne North.
“We’ve gone from strength to strength,” she says.
“Most of my team are Enrolled Nurses and RNs, and what stands out most is their genuine compassion. When delivering care, they bring a warmth and attentiveness that clients really appreciate. They’re committed to quality and take pride in every interaction.”
She credits her team for the strong reputation they’ve already built in the community. “This business is a credit to my nurses,” Mandy says.
Hard work is crucial to building business success
“It is immensely satisfying seeing the difference we are making for clients and their families. I have built a good culture where people want to come to work. I love my journey,” she says.
What has surprised Mandy has been her resilience in business, her capacity to overcome challenges and refining operational processes.
Nevertheless, the support of Right at Home continues to be invaluable, particularly with policies and procedures guidance.
Aged care regulations are changing from 1 July. Right at Home’s Home Office team has built a robust campaign to support franchisees in understanding their obligations under the new rules.
“We attend a weekly lunch and learn webinar where Home Office tells us step by step the changes and when they are coming.
“They teach you what needs to be done, so if you follow you won’t fail,” Mandy says.
She believes franchise support is crucial, but it is personal commitment that drives success.
“If you want to be in the home care business you really need to commit. Be ready to put in hard work, invest time and energy to build a solid team and local presence, and be eager to attend events.
“I would advise someone to go into it with heart and determination. It’s a lot of work, but it’s meaningful. This is a people-centred business and genuine compassion is essential.
“If someone wants to make a difference, it’s the right choice,” Mandy says.
“Reflecting on my journey, I’m proud and grateful. I have built a business with Right at Home that aligns with our shared mission to improve the quality of life for those we serve.”