The care sector is evolving at lightning speed — and what made your care business successful five years ago won’t be enough to secure growth over the next ten.
Regulatory changes, rising costs, digital transformation, workforce shortages, and growing expectations around sustainability and social impact are forcing providers to do more than just “keep up.” They need to stay ahead.
At Big Sister, we’ve worked with hundreds of homecare providers navigating this very challenge. So today, we’re sharing the strategies that will set you up for not just survival — but long-term success.
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Think Like a Commissioner
The most successful care businesses aren’t just thinking about today’s clients — they’re thinking about tomorrow’s contracts. That means aligning your business model with the priorities of the people who buy care:
- Integrated care systems (ICSs)
- Local authorities
- NHS trusts
These buyers are under pressure to reduce hospital admissions, improve patient outcomes, and meet social value targets — all while staying within budget. If your care business can support those goals, you become indispensable.
Start future-proofing now by:
- Reading the 5-year strategies of your local ICS
- Building relationships with commissioners and attending public engagement events
- Shaping your services to reduce pressure on health systems (e.g., rapid response, reablement, dementia support)
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Prioritise Workforce Resilience
In 2025 and beyond, the care businesses that thrive will be the ones that look after their staff.
That means going beyond mandatory training and rota planning. Think culture, leadership, career progression, and mental health support.
Because here’s the truth: retention is the new recruitment.
Top tips to build a future-ready team:
- Create visible internal career pathways
- Invest in your team’s mental health with resilience training and open-door leadership
- Pay attention to flexibility, recognition, and workload balance
- Use your social value strategy to commit to apprenticeships and entry-level training (buyers love this)
Our #Resilient Sister campaign exists for this reason — to ensure carers don’t burn out but grow within the sector. You can read our Resilient Carers blogs and access free tools to help your team feel valued and supported.
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Embrace Tech — But Keep It Human
Technology in homecare isn’t a luxury anymore — it’s expected.
From digital care planning tools and eMAR systems to remote monitoring and AI-driven rostering, the sector is going digital fast.
But technology should support care — not replace it. Your future-proofing strategy should focus on how tech can:
- Improve service quality
- Reduce paperwork
- Enhance communication with families
- Support staff training and supervision
- Provide meaningful data to buyers
You don’t need to be an IT expert — but you do need a plan. And when we write bids at Big Sister, we help you show how you’re using digital tools to boost care quality without losing the personal touch.
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Get Serious About Sustainability
Sustainability is no longer just for hospitals or big providers — it’s fast becoming a requirement for homecare businesses bidding for contracts.
This is why we launched the Care for the Future campaign — to help homecare providers understand how they can play a role in the climate and social value agenda.
Here’s what to focus on:
- Reducing paper waste through digital care planning
- Greener travel options (bike schemes, electric vehicles, smarter rotas)
- Partnering with local suppliers to reduce your carbon footprint
- Minimising single-use plastics and encouraging eco-friendly PPE options
- Tracking and reporting impact
You don’t have to do everything at once. Small, intentional steps — especially those that link to community wellbeing — will go a long way in building credibility with buyers.
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Strengthen Community Partnerships
The care businesses that will still be standing in 2035 will be those rooted in community.
Community partnerships boost your social value score, increase your reach, and reduce isolation among your service users — all of which make you a more attractive provider to commissioners.
Future-ready care providers are:
- Partnering with local charities for social inclusion projects
- Offering training placements to schools or job centres
- Working with housing providers to deliver wraparound care
- Attending local forums and co-production meetings
The more embedded you are in your community, the more resilient your business will be.
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Build a Brand That Attracts
Marketing might feel like a luxury when you’re focused on delivery — but in the next decade, your ability to attract both clients and carers will directly impact your survival.
Big Sister’s design team helps providers build brands that:
- Reflect trust, care, and professionalism
- Stand out in a crowded market
- Make people feel something
- Win contracts through powerful first impressions
If your visuals, messaging, and digital presence feel dated or generic, it’s time for a refresh. Clients and commissioners will often decide within seconds if they believe in your business — your brand needs to convince them fast.
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Don’t Do It Alone
Running a care business can feel isolating — but the leaders who thrive are those who lean in to support.
Whether it’s peer mentorship through our Founder’s Circle, or accessing our Done-for-You Bid Management service, Big Sister is here to lighten the load.
Over the next 10 years, care will only become more competitive. But with the right support, strategy, and mindset, you’ll not only survive — you’ll scale.
Final Word
You don’t need to predict the future to prepare for it. You just need to stay open, adaptive, and connected.
So, here’s your challenge: take one action today. Whether it’s reviewing your tech stack, scheduling a team wellbeing session, or attending a commissioner event — every step adds up.
Let Big Sister walk beside you — because future-ready doesn’t mean doing it all alone.
Download our brochure or book a call
Follow the Care for the Future playlist on YouTube
@bigsistercare
Join our Instagram community
@bigsisterhomecare for bite-sized tips, templates, and motivation to grow a care business you’re proud of — now and 10 years from now.
