How senior care excellence translates to exceptional franchise profitability and owner satisfaction

The senior care industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, but not all franchise opportunities are created equal. A Place At Home has earned recognition among Franchise Business Review’s Most Profitable Franchises for 2025, joining an exclusive group of franchises where 25% of franchise owners report annual incomes of $150,000 or higher while maintaining exceptional franchisee satisfaction scores.

This prestigious award isn’t just about financial performance—it represents the gold standard in franchising where profitability meets purpose, and business success aligns with meaningful impact.

The Significance of FBR’s Most Profitable Franchise Award

Franchise Business Review’s Most Profitable Franchises awards recognize brands that have the highest franchisee satisfaction and a strong track record of producing six-figure incomes for many of their franchise owners. Unlike other industry rankings that can be influenced by marketing spend or system size, FBR’s data is unbiased, and no brand can pay to be on this list based on feedback from more than 35,000 franchise owners.

For A Place At Home, this recognition validates what franchise owners have been experiencing firsthand: 100% of A Place At Home franchisees would recommend franchise ownership to others—a remarkable testament to both the brand’s profitability and the satisfaction of its franchise partners.

A Multi-Award Winner Across FBR Categories

A Place At Home’s recognition extends far beyond the Most Profitable award. The franchise has earned multiple FBR honors in 2025, demonstrating comprehensive excellence across key performance indicators:

Top 200 Franchises

A Place At Home appears on Franchise Business Review’s Top 200 Franchises for 2025, which reveals the best franchises to buy based on franchisee satisfaction. This foundational award recognizes the brand as one of the elite franchise opportunities available to investors.

Most Profitable Franchises

A Place At Home is listed among the Most Profitable Franchises for 2025, with an investment range of $89,985 to $168,092 and a minimum cash requirement of $50,000. This relatively accessible investment point, combined with strong profit potential, makes it an attractive opportunity for aspiring franchise owners.

Top Culture Franchises

A Place At Home earned recognition on FBR’s Top Culture 100 List, ranking high in franchisee satisfaction as well as culture, based on franchise owner ratings. This award highlights how the company’s “We are CARE” philosophy (Compassionate, Accountable, Respectful, Ethical) creates an environment where both franchise owners and caregivers thrive.

Recession-ResistantFranchises

The brand appears on FBR’s Recession-Resistant Franchises for 2025 list, with average owner satisfaction ratings 10-40% higher than those of competitors and meeting the criteria essential to proving itself recession-resistant. This recognition is particularly valuable in today’s economic climate, offering potential franchise owners confidence in the business model’s stability and reliability.

Top Low-Cost Franchises

A Place At Home is recognized among FBR’s Top Low-Cost Franchises for 2025, requiring an investment of less than $ 100,000 while ranking high in franchisee satisfaction. This accessibility opens franchise ownership to a broader range of qualified candidates.

Top Senior Care Franchises

Within the senior care category specifically, A Place At Home ranks among the top senior care franchises with high franchise owner satisfaction. This industry-specific recognition demonstrates the brand’s leadership within its core market.

The Numbers Behind the Success

The financial performance supporting A Place At Home’s Most Profitable recognition is impressive:

• A Place At Home franchised centers make on average $1,069,000 in revenue (AUV) per year, compared to $784,000 yearly revenue for similar in-home care franchises
• The average gross sales for an A Place At Home franchise are approximately $1.07 million per location
• A Place At Home franchisees pay a royalty fee starting at 5% of gross sales, decreasing to 4% for sales over $1 million and 3.5% for sales above $1.5 million

This revenue performance, combined with a scaled royalty structure that rewards higher-performing locations, creates a compelling profit model for franchise owners.

Building Momentum in 2025

A Place At Home is making significant strides in the first half of 2025, adding new franchise territories, entering new markets, and celebrating national accolades that reflect the strength of its model and mission. The brand’s growth trajectory includes:

• Seven new territories awarded in the first half of 2025
• Four new locations opened, with five more preparing to launch
• Expansion into five new states: Connecticut, Maryland, North Carolina, Washington, and Nevada
• 11 locations earned 2025 Best of Home Care Awards® from Home Care Pulse

The Market Opportunity Driving Profitability

The senior care industry represents one of the most compelling demographic trends of our time. Ninety percent of Americans 65 and older want to stay at home for as long as possible, while 70% of all Americans 65 and older will require assistance at some point in their lives. These factors create a massive and growing market opportunity.

Healthcare is a reliable industry that’s growing rapidly, and senior care is an essential business that can withstand recessions and pandemics. New franchise owners experienced growth during the 2020 pandemic, as families and healthcare providers want to keep patients out of the hospital and in their homes now more than ever.

The CARE Track™ Difference

What sets A Place At Home apart from other senior care franchises isn’t just the market opportunity—it’s their systematic approach to franchise success. The CARE Track™ program is a structured system built around the core values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Ethics, setting the company apart in the highly competitive senior care sector.

This proprietary system provides franchisees with:

• Comprehensive 40-hour onsite training program
• Weekly coaching calls with Franchise Business and Operations Coaches
• Territory visits from leadership for growth stage checkpoints
• Multiple revenue streams, including placement and staffing services

Recognition Validated by Franchise Owners

The most compelling aspect of A Place At Home’s FBR recognition is that it comes directly from the people who matter most—current franchise owners. FBR surveyed tens of thousands of franchisees to determine whether they’re satisfied with owning their franchise, inquiring about training, marketing support, and the overall company culture.

Gary Lafreniere, a Franchise Rock Star Award winner who opened his A Place At Home franchise in Merrimack Valley, Massachusetts, exemplifies the type of successful ownership the brand attracts. Similarly, franchise owner Natalie Watts noted, “My favorite part of this experience has been building a highly functional team that enjoys coming to work and collaborating with their teammates to impact other people’s lives positively.”

A Proven Path to Profitable Purpose

A Place At Home’s multiple Franchise Business Review awards, anchored by the prestigious Most Profitable recognition, demonstrate that franchisees don’t have to choose between financial success and meaningful impact. A Place At Home has developed a business model that aligns profitability and purpose, creating sustainable value for franchise owners, caregivers, and the seniors they serve.

For qualified candidates seeking a recession-resistant business opportunity in a growing industry, A Place At Home’s FBR recognition provides independent validation of both the profit potential and operational excellence that make franchise ownership a rewarding experience.

Ready to learn more about joining an award-winning senior care franchise? Visit aplaceathomefranchise.com to explore franchise opportunities, or learn more about Franchise Business Review’s methodology and awards at franchisebusinessreview.com.

About A Place At Home

Founded in 2012 by childhood friends Dustin Distefano and Jerod Evanich, A Place At Home provides comprehensive senior-focused care services, including in-home care, care coordination, and senior living alternatives. The company began franchising in 2017 and has grown to over 30 locations across the United States. Built on the “We are CARE” philosophy (Compassionate, Accountable, Respectful, Ethical), A Place At Home helps seniors maintain independence and dignity while providing franchise owners with multiple revenue streams in the recession-resistant senior care industry.

About Franchise Business Review

Franchise Business Review is the only independent market research company that evaluates franchises from the franchisee’s perspective. FBR surveys thousands of franchise owners across hundreds of franchise brands to identify the franchises with the highest levels of franchisee satisfaction and financial performance. Their awards, including the Most Profitable Franchises, provide unbiased insights to help prospective franchise buyers make informed investment decisions.

Meta Title: Medicare vs Medicare Advantage for GUIDE Model Eligibility | Dementia Care Access

Meta Description: Understand Medicare vs Medicare Advantage eligibility for the CMS GUIDE Model dementia care program. Learn if you qualify and how to access comprehensive dementia support.

Navigating Medicare can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to understand what benefits are available to you or your loved ones. If you’ve heard about the GUIDE Model—a groundbreaking CMS program for dementia care—you might be wondering: “Am I eligible?”

The answer often depends on understanding the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans. Let’s break it down in simple terms and explain how our partnership with PocketRN is making it easier for families to access the comprehensive dementia care they deserve.

Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: What’s the Difference?

Original Medicare (Parts A & B)

Original Medicare is the traditional federal health insurance program managed directly by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). It consists of two parts:

• Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care
• Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical equipment

With Original Medicare, you can typically see any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare, giving you broad flexibility in choosing healthcare providers.

Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C)

Medicare Advantage Plans are an alternative way to receive your Medicare benefits. These plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare and must cover everything Original Medicare covers—but they often include additional benefits like:

• Prescription drug coverage (Part D)
• Vision, dental, and hearing services
• Fitness programs and wellness benefits
• Care coordination services

The trade-off? Medicare Advantage plans typically require you to use a network of providers (HMO or PPO) and may require referrals to see specialists.

Key Difference for GUIDE Model Eligibility

Here’s what matters most for dementia care: Original Medicare (Parts A & B) beneficiaries are eligible for the GUIDE Model, while those enrolled in Medicare Advantage Plans are not currently eligible.

This is because GUIDE is a CMS Innovation Center model designed specifically for Original Medicare beneficiaries. Medicare Advantage plans have their own care management structures and are administered differently.

Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Original Medicare	Medicare Advantage
GUIDE Model Eligibility	✓ Eligible	✗ Not Eligible
Provider Network	Any Medicare-accepting provider	Network restrictions (HMO/PPO)
Additional Benefits	Limited	Often includes vision, dental, hearing
Prescription Coverage	Requires separate Part D	Usually included
Managed by	Federal government (CMS)	Private insurance companies
Referrals Required	No	Often yes
Care Coordination	Through GUIDE Model	Through plan’s own system

Who Qualifies for the GUIDE Model?

To be eligible for the GUIDE Model dementia care program, you must:

1. Be enrolled in Original Medicare Parts A and B (not Medicare Advantage)
2. Have a qualifying dementia diagnosis (Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia)
3. Live in a participating state or region where GUIDE services are available
4. Reside in the community (not in a nursing home at time of enrollment)

According to recent CMS data, millions of Americans with Original Medicare could benefit from the GUIDE Model’s comprehensive care coordination, caregiver support, and 24/7 access to care navigators.

How to Check Your Medicare Coverage Type

Not sure which type of Medicare you have? Here’s how to find out:

Check Your Medicare Card:

• If your card says “Medicare Advantage” or has a private insurance company name, you have Medicare Advantage
• If your card only shows “Medicare” with Parts A and B listed, you have Original Medicare

Review Your Monthly Statements:

• Original Medicare beneficiaries receive statements from Medicare
• Medicare Advantage members receive statements from their private insurance company

Call Medicare Directly:

• Contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
• They can confirm your coverage type and explain your options

Can You Switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare?

Yes! If you’re currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan but want to access the GUIDE Model, you can switch to Original Medicare during specific enrollment periods:

Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7): You can switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare, with changes taking effect January 1.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31): You can drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare.

Special Enrollment Periods: Certain circumstances may qualify you for a special enrollment period to make changes outside these windows.

Once you switch to Original Medicare, you’ll be eligible to enroll in the GUIDE Model if you meet the other eligibility requirements.

Why the GUIDE Model Requires Original Medicare

The GUIDE Model is part of the CMS Innovation Center’s mission to test new payment and service delivery models. It was specifically designed to work within the Original Medicare framework to:

• Provide standardized dementia care across participating providers
• Coordinate care across multiple healthcare settings
• Test innovative payment models for comprehensive dementia support
• Generate data on best practices for dementia care management

Medicare Advantage plans, while offering valuable benefits, operate under different regulatory and payment structures. They already include care coordination services specific to their networks, which is why the GUIDE Model focuses on filling gaps in Original Medicare coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare and GUIDE

Q: What if I have both Medicare and Medicaid?

If you have both Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligible), you can still participate in the GUIDE Model as long as you’re enrolled in Original Medicare Parts A and B rather than a Medicare Advantage plan.

Q: Will I lose any of my current Medicare benefits if I join GUIDE?

No. The GUIDE Model adds benefits and care coordination services on top of your existing Original Medicare coverage. You won’t lose any benefits you currently have.

Q: Does the GUIDE Model cost anything?

There is no additional cost to beneficiaries for GUIDE Model services. Care coordination, caregiver support, and 24/7 navigation services are provided at no charge to eligible Medicare beneficiaries.

Q: Can I keep my current doctors if I enroll in GUIDE?

Yes! Since GUIDE works within Original Medicare, you can continue seeing any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare. The GUIDE Model simply adds an extra layer of coordination and support.

Q: How long does it take to switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare?

Changes typically take effect at the beginning of the month following your enrollment period. During Annual Enrollment (Oct 15 – Dec 7), changes take effect January 1. Planning ahead is important if you want to access GUIDE services.

Q: Is the GUIDE Model available in my state?

The GUIDE Model is expanding to participating states and regions. Check your eligibility or contact our team to find out if GUIDE services are available in your area.

Next Steps: Getting Started with GUIDE

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with dementia and you have Original Medicare, accessing the comprehensive support of the GUIDE Model is straightforward:

Step 1: Verify Your Coverage Confirm you’re enrolled in Original Medicare Parts A and B (not Medicare Advantage).

Step 2: Check Your Eligibility Use our online eligibility checker or speak with a care coordinator to determine if you qualify for the GUIDE Model.

Step 3: Connect with Our Team Through our partnership with PocketRN, we make enrollment simple and provide ongoing support throughout your GUIDE journey.

Step 4: Begin Your Care Journey Once enrolled, you’ll be paired with a dedicated care team who will develop a personalized care plan and provide the support your family needs.

How Our Partnership with PocketRN Makes GUIDE Access Easier

At A Place At Home, we’ve partnered with PocketRN to streamline access to the GUIDE Model for families facing dementia. Our partnership ensures:

• Simplified Enrollment: We handle the paperwork and coordination
• Comprehensive Support: 24/7 access to experienced care navigators
• Personalized Care Plans: Tailored to your unique situation and needs
• Caregiver Resources: Education, respite care coordination, and emotional support
• Seamless Coordination: We work with your existing healthcare providers

We understand that navigating Medicare and dementia care is challenging enough—you shouldn’t have to do it alone.

Find Out If You’re Eligible for GUIDE

Understanding the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage is the first step toward accessing the groundbreaking dementia care provided through the GUIDE Model. If you have Original Medicare and are facing a dementia diagnosis—either for yourself or a loved one—you may be eligible for comprehensive support at no additional cost.

Don’t navigate this journey alone. Let us help you access the comprehensive dementia care and support your family deserves.

Ready to learn more about how our partnership with PocketRN can support your family? Find your local A Place At Home location using our website, or visit aplaceathome.com/pocketrn to discover how the GUIDE program can provide the comprehensive dementia care support you need, when you need it most.

This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals and Medicare counselors for guidance specific to your situation.