Global home care provider expands to North America, bringing its person-centered care model to U.S. families 

OMAHA, Neb., (February 25, 2026) — Dovida, a global provider of person-centered home care services operating across six international markets, has officially entered the United States through its acquisition of A Place At Home, an established home care franchise network serving communities nationwide.  

With millions of hours of care delivered annually across Australia, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Switzerland, Dovida brings a proven care model grounded in dignity, independence, and relationship-based support.  

The acquisition marks the company’s expansion into its seventh market and its first in North America.  

A Strategic Expansion 

A Place At Home, known for providing high-quality, relationship-led home care, shares Dovida’s values of compassion, integrity, and mission-driven service, making it a natural fit.  

“At its core, Dovida represents continuity with purpose,” said Paul Fritz, Global CEO of Dovida. “We were drawn to A Place At Home because of the quality of care they deliver and the values that guide their work. Together, we are building on that foundation while strengthening our ability to support clients, families and caregivers for the future.”  

Commitment to Caregivers and Local Franchise Owners 

“Dovida’s focus is on delivering high-quality, person-centered home care while supporting the caregivers and local franchise teams who make that possible,” said Mike Boyer, CEO of Dovida North America. “A Place At Home has built a strong organization rooted in service and integrity. Under the Dovida brand, that foundation remains.”  

A Place At Home’s leadership, including its founders and executive team, will continue guiding the organization to ensure continuity for franchise owners, caregivers, and the families they serve.  

Leadership Perspectives From A Place At Home 

“This decision was about honoring our mission and expanding what’s possible for our franchise owners, caregivers, and the families we serve,” said Dustin Distefano, CEO and Co-Founder of A Place At Home. “Dovida’s experience and shared values make them the right partner to support our continued growth.”  

“Growth has always been part of our vision,” added Jerod Evanich, President and Co-Founder of A Place At Home. “Dovida’s global experience strengthens our franchise network and expands our ability to serve more families, while preserving the relationships that define our organization.”  

A Global Model With Local Impact 

Dovida’s expansion into the U.S. comes at a critical moment, as the nation’s rapidly growing older adult population drives demand for high-quality in-home care and family support services.  

The company aims to bring its globally trusted model to local communities while preserving personal relationships at the heart of great care.  

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About Dovida  

Dovida is a global provider of person-centered home care with millions of hours of care delivered annually across six countries: Australia, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand , and Switzerland. Its mission is to support, empower and uplift people by putting them at the heart of everything it does. With a global presence and a local touch, Dovida delivers care that’s personal, empowering, and impactful.  

Following its acquisition of A Place At Home, Dovida is expanding its presence into a seventh market, the United States.  

More information is available at www.dovida.com. 

Media Contact 

Mike Boyer 

CEO, Dovida North America 

+1 571-344-4555

Mike.Boyer@dovida.com  

Tammy Delgado  

Tidehouse Agency 

+1 954-829-9189 

tdelgado@tidehouseagency.com 

A Place At Home Builds Momentum in First Half of 2025 

Senior-focused care franchise expands to new states, celebrates national rankings, and strengthens support for owners    

OMAHA, Neb. – (Aug. 1, 2025) – A Place At Home, a senior-focused home care provider franchise, 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. In the first half of the year, the in-home senior care franchise awarded seven new territories, opened four new locations, and prepared to launch five more. 

“2025 has been a year of purposeful growth for A Place At Home,” said Jerod Evanich, co-founder and president of A Place At Home. “We’re welcoming new franchise owners who share our passion for senior care, while continuing to invest in the systems, people, and processes that set our brand up for long-term success.” 

Franchise Growth 

In addition to the 16 new locations opened, currently launching, or awarded, A Place At Home continues to expand its national presence, entering five new states: Connecticut, Maryland, North Carolina, Washington, and Nevada. The senior care franchise now has a total of 57 units and aims to reach 75 locations by the end of this year. 

Awards & Recognition 

The first half of the year has brought industry-wide recognition to A Place At Home and its franchise owners:  

• Debut on the 2025 Entrepreneur Franchise 500® 
• Named to Entrepreneur’s 2025 Top Franchises for Less Than $100,000 
• FranServe’s FRAN-TASTIC BRANDS 2025 list 
• Franchise Business Review Awards: 
• Top Franchise 
• Top Low-Cost Franchise 
• Top Franchises for Women 
• Top Recession-Resistant Franchise 
• Top Franchises for Culture 
• Franchise Rock Star: Jerome Philips in Giving Back Category 
• 11 locations earned 2025 Best of Home Care Awards® from Home Care Pulse, in the following categories: 
• Provider of Choice 
• Employer of Choice 
• Leader in Training 
• Leader in Experience 
• Top 100 Leader in Experience 

Team Development & Partnerships 

To support its growing network of franchise owners, A Place At Home has strengthened its internal team with several key promotions and hires: 

• Jennifer Axelrod, promoted to National Accounts & Growth Strategist 
• Dani Sloan, promoted to Business Operations Coach 
• Mitch Benson, promoted to Director of Franchise Development 
• Tayler Wickham, hired as Onboarding & Training Coordinator

The brand has also broadened its national partnerships to offer more resources to franchisees and their clients. Notable partnerships include PocketRN, Uniper, and more to be announced. 

A Place At Home also celebrated the return of its annual franchise conference for the first time since 2023. The event, held in Omaha, brought franchisees together to celebrate shared successes and reinforce A Place At Home’s culture of collaboration and care. 

With its foundation strengthened and franchise interest growing, A Place At Home is well-positioned for continued success in the second half of 2025.

“As we expand, we remain deeply committed to our core mission—providing compassionate, personalized care to seniors and supporting franchisees in delivering that care with excellence,” Dustin Distefano, co-founder and CEO of A Place At Home. “The recognition we’ve received this year is a reflection of the passion and dedication of our entire team.” 

To learn more about franchising opportunities with A Place At Home, visit aplaceathomefranchise.com. 

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About A Place At Home   

A Place At Home offers a range of customized senior-focused care services, including in-home care, care coordination, and assistance in identifying and transitioning to senior living alternatives. The company is dedicated to preserving the quality of life for seniors by giving them the support they need to stay as independent as possible for as long as possible. Visit aplaceathome.com for more information.   

We are thrilled to announce that Neelima Gaikwad, owner of A Place At Home – Schaumburg, has been honored with the prestigious International Franchise Association (IFA) Franchisee of the Year Award. This accolade recognizes Neelima’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional in-home senior care services in Schaumburg, Wood Dale, and the surrounding communities.

A Journey of Dedication and Expertise

With over two decades of experience as a healthcare professional, Neelima’s journey is marked by a profound dedication to enhancing the lives of seniors. She holds a Bachelor’s in Occupational Therapy from India, a Master’s in Occupational Therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from the University of Illinois-Chicago. Her career began as a pediatric occupational therapist, eventually leading her to become a lead therapist specializing in senior care. This extensive background has equipped Neelima with the expertise to address the unique needs of the elderly population.

Elevating Senior Care in Schaumburg

Under Neelima’s leadership, A Place At Home – Schaumburg has become a beacon of compassionate and professional in-home senior care. The services offered are comprehensive, ranging from non-medical in-home care to specialized programs tailored to individual needs. Key offerings include:

• Companion Care: Providing socialization and emotional support to combat loneliness and isolation.
  
• Lifestyle Care: Assisting with daily activities such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, and laundry to ensure a comfortable living environment.
• Personal Care: Offering support with activities of daily living, including bathing, grooming, dressing, and mobility assistance.
• Senior Living Alternatives: Guiding families through the transition process when in-home care is no longer viable, ensuring a smooth move to trusted senior living communities.

These services are designed to help seniors maintain their independence and dignity while receiving the support they need in the comfort of their own homes.

A Philosophy Rooted in CARE

The foundation of A Place At Home is built upon the philosophy of CARE, emphasizing:

• Compassionate: Understanding and addressing the emotional and physical needs of seniors.
• Accountable: Ensuring reliable and consistent care delivery.
• Respectful: Honoring the dignity and preferences of each individual.
• Ethical: Upholding the highest standards of integrity in all interactions.

This philosophy permeates every aspect of the services provided, ensuring that seniors receive professional care, genuine compassion, and respect.

Join Us in Celebrating Excellence in Senior Care

Neelima Gaikwad’s recognition as the IFA Franchisee of the Year is a testament to her dedication, expertise, and the exceptional services offered at A Place At Home – Schaumburg. We invite you to learn more about how our team can support you and your loved ones in achieving a higher quality of life through personalized in-home senior care.

Are you or a loved one in need of care? Find out more about the location nearest you!