How Much Does a Touching Hearts at Home Franchise Cost?

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VERIFIED COST ANSWER

How much does a Touching Hearts at Home franchise cost?

For one new U.S. Touching Hearts Business, the April 30, 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document estimates a Total Initial Investment of $84,600 to $153,700. That range includes the $49,500 Initial Franchise Fee and $20,000 to $50,000 of Additional Funds for the initial three-month period. It does not include owner compensation. The FDD presents one Item 7 range for the office-based Business rather than separate ranges for Core Services and optional Ancillary Services.

$84,600-$153,700

2026 Estimated Initial Investment for one office-based unit. The model requires a commercial Office, generally 350 to 800 square feet, within the Protected Territory. The range already includes the three-month operating reserve, so that allowance should not be added a second time.

Source: 2026 Touching Hearts FDD, Item 7, pp. 8-9; office requirements in Item 11, p. 15, and Item 12, p. 17.

Legal franchisor
Touching Hearts, Inc., a Minnesota corporation.
FDD issuance date
April 30, 2026.
Cost disclosures used
Items 5, 6 and 7, with cost-relevant details from Items 8, 10, 11, 15 and 17.
Offer structure
One range for an office-based unit; no separate investment range for the optional service mix or an additional Business.
Public verification
A matching 2026 FDD was not available on an official franchise-controlled domain when checked. FDD references are therefore shown as unlinked Item/page citations. Current official franchise investment information is linked separately.
Information checked
July 22, 2026.
SOURCE CONFLICT

Current official web copy uses lower shorthand figures than the 2026 FDD. On the check date, the official investment page displayed an $83,600 minimum, while the corporate franchising page said investment starts at $65,000 and royalties start at 1%. The 2026 FDD discloses an $84,600 minimum and a conditional reduced rate of 3%, otherwise 6%. This article uses the FDD figures; a buyer should request a written reconciliation before relying on website shorthand.

Capital snapshot

The following figures answer different questions. The upfront fee is one component of the official range; the three-month operating reserve is already included; and website financial qualifications are screening thresholds rather than startup-cost line items.

$49,500 Initial Franchise Fee Due in a lump sum when the Franchise Agreement is signed.
$20,000-$50,000 Additional Funds Included in the official range; covers the initial three-month operating period.
6% Service Fee Gross Revenues; possible 3% Start-Up Phase rate when all conditions are met.
Greater of $300 or 2% Local Marketing Spend Each month, based on the previous month's Gross Revenues.
$200/month Technology Fee Current Item 6 amount, separate from WellSky user charges.
$75,000 / $300,000+ Liquid capital / net worth Current official-site screening figures; minimum credit score stated as 675.
OPENING INVESTMENT

What does the official investment range include?

The 2026 official range combines the signing payment, training and licensing costs, a commercial Office, equipment and technology, opening marketing, insurance and three months of operating funds. The endpoints are disclosed totals, not averages or recommended budgets.

Agreement, training and compliance costs

These payments begin at signing and continue through training, licensing and office setup. Only the $49,500 signing payment goes to the franchisor; the other listed amounts go to third parties.

Cost entity 2026 range When due Payee
Initial Franchise Fee $49,500 At agreement signing Touching Hearts, Inc.
Initial Training Program Expenses $3,000-$8,000 During training Third parties
Caregiver Training Expenses $0-$1,600 Before opening Third parties
Office Lease Deposit $0-$5,000 When the office lease is signed Landlord
Office Equipment and Computer Related Expenses $2,600-$5,600 Before opening Third parties
Professional/Legal Fees $1,000-$5,000 Before opening Third parties
License and Permit Costs $2,000-$7,000 Before opening Third parties

Source: 2026 Touching Hearts FDD, Item 7, p. 8. Item 5, p. 5, states that the $49,500 payment is nonrefundable and fully earned when paid.

Premises, launch and first-three-month costs

The remaining categories cover opening marketing, physical office requirements, insurance and the initial operating period. The three-month operating funds are part of the official total, not a separate reserve to stack on top of it.

Cost entity 2026 range When due Cost scope
Initial Opening Marketing $3,000-$8,000 Before and through opening Initial-stage Business marketing
Signage $500-$1,000 Before opening Required interior and exterior signs
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment $500-$2,000 Before opening Office furnishings and equipment
Real Estate and Improvements $0-$5,500 As incurred First three months' rent, security deposit, utilities and improvements
Insurance $2,500-$5,500 Before opening Premiums for the first three months
Additional Funds - 3 months $20,000-$50,000 As incurred Staff wages and benefits, taxes, repairs, utilities, monthly technology charges and business-loan interest

Source: 2026 Touching Hearts FDD, Item 7, pp. 8-9. Owner compensation is excluded.

FDD CAVEAT

The FDD lists a separate lease-deposit line, while the premises footnote also says its estimate includes a security deposit. The official total includes both categories. Ask the franchisor and proposed landlord to identify the exact deposit, rent and improvement amounts assigned to each line for your Office rather than removing one from the budget without written support.

Which costs are controlled by system specifications?

Item 8 makes several third-party costs specification-driven. Approved brands, models or suppliers may be required for brochures, business cards and stationery, office signage, company forms, computer software and the designated computer system. The FDD estimates that purchases from approved sources or in compliance with system specifications represent approximately 70% to 90% of development cost and 30% to 50% of operating cost. Those percentages describe the share of costs subject to purchasing rules; they are not extra fees added to the opening range.

The insurance estimate also depends on required coverage. Item 8 calls for general liability limits of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, sexual abuse or molestation liability of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence, automobile liability of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence, plus workers’ compensation, commercial property and employment-practices liability coverage. The franchisor may change the required types or minimum protection with notice.

Source: 2026 Touching Hearts FDD, Item 8, pp. 10-11.

RANGE DRIVERS

Which categories create most of the investment spread?

The three-month operating allowance is the largest variable category, ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 and creating $30,000 of the $69,100 difference between the official low and high totals. Training, licensing, opening marketing and premises costs create most of the remaining spread.

2026 variable opening-cost ranges, scaled to $50,000

Floating bars show the disclosed low and high amount for major variable categories. The fixed signing payment is omitted so the variation is visible.

$0$25,000$50,000

Source: 2026 Touching Hearts FDD, Item 7, p. 8. Values are official ranges; bar positions are proportional renderings of those ranges.

The $0 low ends do not mean an Office, caregiver training or real-estate work is categorically unnecessary. They mean the FDD allows a zero estimate under some circumstances. The Business must still operate from an approved commercial Office, and state licensing or the optional service mix can change the compliance and staffing burden.

TOTAL RECONCILIATION

How is the official total assembled?

The official endpoints reconcile exactly when the opening budget is grouped into the fixed signing payment, all other setup categories and three-month operating funds. This grouping is a derived calculation, not a separate franchisor estimate.

Low and high totals by funding bucket

Each bar is scaled to the $153,700 high-end total. Segment amounts below are exact; the “other setup” bucket is the sum of every opening-cost category other than the signing payment and three-month operating funds.

Signing fee$49,500 at both endpoints
Other setup categories$15,100 low / $54,200 high
Operating funds$20,000 low / $50,000 high

Source: 2026 Touching Hearts FDD, Item 7, pp. 8-9. Derived reconciliation: $49,500 + $15,100 + $20,000 = $84,600; $49,500 + $54,200 + $50,000 = $153,700.

COST IMPLICATION

The fixed fee is 58.5% of the low-end total but only 32.2% of the high-end total. The practical budgeting risk is therefore not the fixed fee alone; it is the combined variation in licensing, premises, training, insurance and the initial operating period.

PAYMENT TIMING

When is the money paid?

The largest fixed payment occurs at signing. Most third-party costs follow during training, office leasing, licensing and pre-opening setup, while the operating reserve is spent during the initial operating period.

Sign the agreement

Pay $49,500 to the franchisor in a lump sum. The fee is fully earned and nonrefundable when paid. The FTC requires delivery of the disclosure document at least 14 calendar days before a binding agreement or payment; the FTC franchise buying guide explains how to use that review period.

Complete training and begin Office setup

Training and travel expenses of $3,000 to $8,000 are paid as incurred. The FDD describes a one-week Heart Start Academy for a Principal Owner and General Manager and requires successful completion at least two months before operations. Travel, lodging, food and personal expenses are the franchisee's responsibility. The official training and support page provides current program context, while the FDD controls the disclosed expense range.

Lease, license and equip the Business

The lease deposit is due when the lease is signed. Caregiver training, office and computer equipment, professional services, licenses, permits, signage, furniture and insurance are generally paid before opening. Opening marketing is incurred before and through launch.

Meet the opening deadline

The FDD says franchisees typically begin operating three to eight months after signing. The contractual deadline is within eight months after signing or 60 days after receiving all necessary licenses and permits, whichever is earlier, unless an extension is granted.

Fund the initial operating period

Use the $20,000 to $50,000 operating-funds allowance as required for staff wages and fringe benefits, taxes, repairs, utilities, monthly technology charges and interest on business loans. This amount is already inside the official total. It excludes owner compensation and may not cover every startup expense.

Sources: 2026 Touching Hearts FDD, Item 5, p. 5; Item 7, pp. 8-9; Item 11, pp. 15-16.

ONGOING FEES

Which fees continue after opening?

The core continuing obligations are the percentage-based charge, required local marketing, monthly technology payment and WellSky software charges. A Marketing Fund Fee and advertising cooperative are not currently collected, but the contract allows future implementation.

Ongoing cost entity Amount or basis Payment timing Key condition
Service Fee 6% of Gross Revenues Semi-monthly by EFT Possible 3% Start-Up Phase rate during the first 12 months only while every monthly Gross Revenues amount remains below $10,000
Local Marketing Spend Greater of $300 or 2% of prior-month Gross Revenues Each calendar month Spent on approved local marketing; accounting due within 10 days after month-end
Marketing Fund Fee Up to 2% of Gross Revenues Semi-monthly if implemented Currently not collected; FDD states at least 90 days' advance notice to establish the fund
Advertising Cooperative Currently not collected If established Future cooperative contributions are credited toward local marketing obligations
Technology Fee Currently $200 per month On or before the 10th day of each month May increase no more than once every 12 months and by no more than 10% in a 12-month period

Source: 2026 Touching Hearts FDD, Item 6, pp. 6-7, and Item 11, pp. 14-15.

When does the reduced 3% rate apply?

The standard rate is 6% of Gross Revenues. During the first 12 months after operations commence, it falls to 3% only when the current month and every preceding month remain below $10,000 on that disclosed basis. Commencement occurs on the earlier of completing training or obtaining all necessary licenses and permits. The defined base excludes specified taxes and approved bona fide refunds, rebates or discounts, but is not reduced for uncollected accounts.

TOUCHING HEARTS TECHNOLOGY STACK

Technology has two recurring payment layers

The FDD separates the franchisor's monthly charge from the designated software provider's charge. Both should appear in a post-opening budget.

Touching Hearts Technology Fee $200 per month currently, subject to the FDD's annual frequency and 10% increase limits.
WellSky Software Fee The greater of $10 per active client per month or $120 per month, paid to WellSky. The designated software may change. See the official WellSky Personal Care information for provider context.
Initial computer estimate The FDD estimates $400 to $1,000 for computer hardware and software. Treat this as detail within the broader $2,600 to $5,600 office-equipment and computer line, not an automatic extra addition to the official total.
Updates and upgrades The FDD estimates $50 to $500 for updates, upgrades, support or maintenance contracts, but states there is no contractual limit on the frequency or cost of required hardware or software changes.

Source: 2026 Touching Hearts FDD, Item 11, p. 15, and Item 6, p. 6.

QUALIFICATIONS AND FUNDING

What financial qualifications does the brand publish?

Current official franchise-site content states $75,000 in liquid capital, $300,000 or more in net worth and a minimum credit score of 675. These are financial-screening criteria, not opening-cost line items, and the 2026 FDD does not state the thresholds in its cost tables.

Total Initial Investment
$84,600 to $153,700 in the 2026 FDD for one Business. This is the startup cost range, not a cash-on-hand requirement.
Liquid Capital
$75,000 on current official-site qualification content. This is accessible funding, not the same as overall financial position.
Net Worth
$300,000 or more on current official-site qualification content. This measure includes assets minus liabilities and is not equivalent to spendable cash.
Personal Guarantee
Each person owning 10% or more of the franchisee entity must guarantee the entity's obligations, and the franchisor may require a Principal Owner's spouse to sign a Personal Guaranty.

The qualification figures appear in current official financial qualification information. Confirm that these figures remain system-wide standards for the territory and ownership structure under review.

Does Touching Hearts finance the initial investment?

No. Item 10 states that the franchisor does not offer direct or indirect financing and will not guarantee a note, lease or obligation. The official investment page discusses possible outside funding routes, including small-business loans, retirement-account financing, home-equity credit and personal savings, but that website discussion is not a franchisor financing commitment or loan approval. The SBA 7(a) loan program is lender-underwritten and subject to current eligibility rules.

Sources: 2026 Touching Hearts FDD, Item 10, p. 12, and Item 15, p. 20; official franchise-site information checked on the date stated in the data-basis panel.

Does the veteran discount reduce the whole investment?

No. The 2026 FDD provides a 10% VetFran discount on the Initial Franchise Fee for qualifying individuals. On the current $49,500 fee, that is a derived reduction of $4,950, producing a $44,550 fee. The FDD does not restate the official range for a discounted buyer, and the incentive does not reduce rent, licensing, insurance, equipment or the operating reserve. VetFran's program structure is described by the International Franchise Association's VetFran resource.

CONDITIONAL COSTS

Which fees can arise later or only after a trigger?

Item 6 includes several costs that do not belong in the opening investment unless the triggering event occurs. Renewal and transfer also create non-fee obligations, including training and possible Office upgrades.

Franchise Renewal FeeCurrently $5,000 upon renewal. The initial term is 10 years, with up to two additional five-year terms if conditions are met. Renewal notice is due at least 180 days before expiration. Renewal may also require upgrading or modernizing the Office, supplies, fixtures, signs and equipment; the FDD gives no dollar estimate for that work.
Transfer Fee40% of the then-current Initial Franchise Fee at closing. Specified transfers to existing franchisees, heirs, partners or members pay 10% of that fee. Training for a new franchisee is included in the transfer-fee description.
Initial Training Program Fee for a new General ManagerCurrently $1,000 plus the franchisor's costs and expenses when incurred, with a stated maximum of $2,000 during the initial contract term. Travel, room and board are additional.
Operating AssistanceCurrently $500 per day plus reimbursement of travel, room and board. Assistance may be requested by the franchisee or required by the franchisor. The FDD states a maximum of $1,000 per day during the initial term.
Franchise Convention FeeCurrently $500 per attendee when incurred and payable even if the franchisee does not attend. The stated maximum is $1,500 during the initial term.
AuditThe full audit cost plus interest on underpayment if Gross Revenues are understated by 2% or more for any month.
Late and delinquent paymentsInterest at 1.5% per month or the maximum lawful rate, whichever is less, plus up to $50 for each delinquent or insufficient-funds payment.
Mystery Shopper or Compliance Assessment ProgramThird-party service costs if the franchisor establishes a program and seeks reimbursement for the Business.
Taxes, dispute costs and attorneys' feesApplicable taxes or assessments on franchisor receipts are due within 15 days after invoice. Reasonable costs and attorneys' fees may be recovered if the franchisee loses a dispute.
Insurance reimbursementInsurance costs vary by location and carrier. If required coverage is not maintained, the franchisor may obtain coverage and require reimbursement of its expenses.

Sources: 2026 Touching Hearts FDD, Item 6, pp. 6-7, and Item 17, pp. 21-23.

BUYER VERIFICATION

What should be verified before setting a final capital budget?

The FDD supplies the official range, but several site-, state- and contract-specific amounts remain unresolved. A final funding plan should be based on written figures for the proposed territory and Office.

Confirm the applicable state effective date and any amendment. Exhibit I listed registration-state effective dates as pending when the 2026 FDD was issued.
Obtain a written reconciliation of the current official website's lower investment and royalty shorthand against the 2026 FDD Items 6 and 7.
Separate the lease-deposit line from the rent, security deposit, utilities and improvements described in the premises footnote.
Obtain state and local quotes for business, home-care and any optional medical or skilled-care licensing, accreditation, staffing and possible registered-nurse requirements.
Confirm current WellSky pricing, the monthly technology charge, required computer specifications and any planned software migration or upgrade.
Verify that the published financial-screening thresholds remain current for the proposed ownership group.
For an additional Business, obtain a complete startup budget. Item 5 reduces the fee to $39,500, but the FDD does not publish a separate total investment range.
Budget owner compensation separately. The official total expressly excludes it, and the three-month operating funds cover staff wages and fringe benefits only.

The official franchise opportunity and disclosure process information describes when prospects receive the FDD. The signed agreement, applicable state addenda and current supplier quotes govern the final payment obligations.

CAPITAL TAKEAWAY

What is the practical cost conclusion?

The verified 2026 cost contract is $84,600 to $153,700 for one Touching Hearts Business, including the signing payment and operating funds for the initial period. The main sources of variation are initial working capital, licensing, training, opening marketing and Office-related expenses. Separate from the startup range, the franchisee pays a percentage fee, local marketing, technology and software costs, plus conditional renewal, transfer, training, audit and default-related charges. The most important unresolved budget items are the territory's licensing burden, the proposed Office lease allocation and a written reconciliation of current website shorthand with the 2026 FDD.







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