Category: News

Dovida Enters U.S. Market With Acquisition of A Place At Home

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.

# # #

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

Transforming Dementia Care: Our Partnership with PocketRN’s Revolutionary GUIDE Program

Bringing 24/7 virtual nursing support and respite care to families at no cost through Medicare’s groundbreaking dementia care initiative

Supporting Families Through Every Step of the Dementia Journey

At A Place At Home, we understand that caring for a loved one with dementia can feel overwhelming, isolating, and exhausting. That’s why we’re proud to announce our strategic partnership with PocketRN, a leading virtual nursing platform that’s revolutionizing dementia care through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) GUIDE program.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in our commitment to providing comprehensive, compassionate care that keeps families together, ensuring no one faces the challenges of dementia alone.

What Makes This Partnership Groundbreaking

The Power of the CMS GUIDE Model

The Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model is a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS)-backed initiative that began on July 1, 2024, and will operate for eight years. This groundbreaking initiative is designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals with dementia and alleviate the burden on their caregivers.

As one of approximately 400 participants nationwide, PocketRN brings its innovative Nurse for Life approach to families dealing with dementia, offering comprehensive support at no cost to eligible Medicare beneficiaries.

Comprehensive Care That Goes Beyond Traditional Services

Through our partnership, families gain access to a comprehensive suite of dementia care services that address both immediate needs and long-term support:

24/7 Virtual Nursing Access PocketRN connects families directly with experienced nurses through a secure, user-friendly interface, providing clinical guidance, emotional support, and help answering questions that arise during dementia care. Once matched with a nurse, they remain a consistent presence—following your family’s care journey and providing personalized support through every step.

Personalized In-Home Respite Care Families who qualify for the respite benefit receive up to 72 hours of in-home care per year, delivered by our trained A Place At Home caregivers. This vital service provides family caregivers with the time they need to rest, recharge, and attend to their own well-being.

Ongoing Care Coordination The program includes comprehensive care coordination with existing doctors, specialists, and medical equipment suppliers, ensuring seamless communication across all aspects of your loved one’s care.

Addressing the Critical Need for Dementia Care Support

The Reality of Family Caregiving

According to a recent AARP study, over 84% of family caregivers report that caregiving had a moderate or high impact on the stress they feel daily. Dementia care presents unique challenges that can lead to caregiver burnout, social isolation, and financial strain.

The anticipated outcomes of the GUIDE Model include increased caregiver empowerment and a reduction in Medicare and Medicaid expenditures—primarily achieved by preventing or delaying the need for long-term nursing home stays.

Breaking Down Barriers to Quality Care

Traditional dementia care options have often been fragmented, expensive, and difficult to access. Our partnership with PocketRN through the GUIDE program removes these barriers by providing:

Zero cost to eligible Medicare beneficiaries
Immediate virtual access to dementia-trained nurses
Consistent care relationships that build trust over time
Flexible support available when and where families need it most

How the Partnership Works

Seamless Integration of Services

Our collaboration creates a seamless care experience that combines the best of both organizations:

Initial Assessment: PocketRN conducts comprehensive virtual assessments in alignment with CMS requirements
Home Safety Evaluation: Our A Place At Home team performs thorough home safety assessments
Ongoing Support: Families receive continuous virtual nursing support and regular in-home respite care
Care Coordination: Both teams work together to ensure all aspects of care are coordinated and optimized

Technology That Connects, Not Complicates

Families can video chat with their nurse anytime, anywhere—24/7 virtual access makes it easy to get support when it’s needed most. The platform is designed to be user-friendly and accessible through smartphones, tablets, or computers.

The Impact on Families and Communities

Real Support for Real Challenges

As Jennifer Axelrod, National Accounts and Growth Strategist at A Place At Home, explains: “Caregiving for a loved one, especially one with dementia, can be overwhelming physically, emotionally, and financially. This partnership gives families a lifeline. By combining Medicare-covered respite hours with 24/7 access to trained nurses, we’re not only expanding care, but we’re also helping caregivers breathe, reset, and know they’re not alone.”

Broader Healthcare Benefits

The program aims to bring about a secondary reduction in hospital, emergency department, and post-acute care utilization, creating positive ripple effects throughout the healthcare system while keeping families together at home.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Dementia Care

Expanding Access to Quality Care

PocketRN will utilize its national network of expert nurses to dramatically expand access to care for dementia patients and their families who may otherwise go without it. This eight-year initiative represents a fundamental shift toward more accessible, equitable, and effective dementia care.

Getting Started: How Families Can Access These Services

Eligibility and Enrollment

To qualify for the GUIDE program benefits:

Has dementia (a diagnosis can be provided)
Is enrolled in Traditional Medicare Parts A & B
Lives at home or in independent/assisted living
Is NOT currently in hospice or a skilled nursing care resident (short-term stays are OK)

To qualify for RESPITE benefits:

Has moderate to severe dementia
Has a family member or unpaid caregiver (does not need to live with the individual with dementia)

Contact Information

Families interested in learning more about our PocketRN partnership can:

Call PocketRN directly at (872) 233-4490
Contact your local A Place At Home to discuss how our services integrate with the GUIDE program benefits

Our Commitment to Comprehensive Care

This partnership with PocketRN reinforces our fundamental belief that every family deserves access to high-quality, compassionate care for individuals with dementia. By combining our expertise in in-home care with PocketRN’s innovative virtual nursing platform, we’re creating a new standard of care that truly puts families first.

As PocketRN CEO Jenna Morgenstern-Gaines states: “With PocketRN, patients and families get unwavering support from a dedicated, trusted nurse as they navigate the complexities of managing dementia at NO cost to them.”

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.

A Place At Home Franchise Recognized Among Franchise Business Review’s Most Profitable Franchises for 2025

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.

Strong Growth Fuels 2025

Home care healthcare professional hugging senior patient

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.

### 

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.  

Remembering Dina Jenney: A Legacy of Love, Leadership, and Unshakable Compassion

On May 3rd, 2025, our A Place at Home family suffered a heartbreaking loss. Dina Jenney, franchise owner of A Place at Home – Philadelphia West, passed away far too soon. She was 55 years old, and while her time with us was cut short, her impact will live on forever—in the lives she changed, the business she built, and the legacy she leaves behind for her family.

Dina was more than a franchise owner; she was the embodiment of our CARE values—Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Ethics. From the moment she joined A Place at Home, Dina poured herself into the mission. She didn’t just operate a home care agency; she created a sanctuary of comfort and dignity for the seniors in her community. Every detail mattered to her because every person mattered to her.

Her journey to home care came after decades of serving others in the hospitality industry. Alongside her husband and best friend, Paul Jenney, she brought her gifts of leadership, empathy, and boldness into a new calling that would ultimately transform lives. Together, they built A Place at Home – Philadelphia West from the ground up, driven by compassion and a commitment to do good in the world.

Dina’s greatest joy, however, was her family. She was a devoted wife to Paul, and a fiercely loving mother to five children: Celia Kelley (Alex), Hillary Jenney, Paul Jenney Jr., Isabella Jenney, and Patrick Jenney. Her family was her anchor, her “why”, and her constant source of pride. She is also survived by her mother, Miriam Passarella, her sister Nicole Passarella, her cherished pets Percy, Luna, and Madison, and a community of friends who were like family. She is now reunited with her beloved father, Richard “Big Dick” Passarella, and her brother Richard.

Dina had a magnetic personality. She was as real as they come—equal parts badass and big-hearted. She told it like it was and loved with everything she had. Whether she was mentoring fellow franchisees, jamming to Maroon 5 with the top down, or staying up late at convention to pour into others, Dina lived fully and unapologetically.

She once said A Place at Home filled a cup she didn’t know she had. In truth, she filled countless cups—of clients, caregivers, peers, and friends. Her legacy is fierce compassion, community, and leadership that lives on through her family and everyone who had the honor of knowing her.

As an organ donor through the Gift of Life program, Dina’s selflessness didn’t end with her passing. Even now, she is saving lives. She would be proud of that, and we are proud to have called her one of our own.

A Message from Dustin Distefano, CEO & Co-Founder of A Place at Home

First and foremost, this is probably the hardest loss I’ve experienced personally.

When Dina and I first met, I was her “micro-manager”—her words, not mine. She always joked about it. But from day one, she held me accountable, too. She’d call me out on my bullshit in the most loving way possible. What started as a transactional relationship between franchisor and franchisee grew into much more. Over time, she became one of my best friends.

This loss feels like losing family.

When I started A Place at Home, I had a personal “why” behind it. Dina added to that “why.” Why do I franchise? Why do I love franchising? Because of people like Dina Jenney. She loved this brand. She wore it on her sleeve and carried it in her heart.

One of my last conversations with her was at our recent convention. She had a few cocktails in her and was feeling emotional—classic Dina. She pulled me aside and said, “Dustin, I know this is going to inflate your ego even more, but I want to tell you that the day I met you and this brand, you changed my life forever.”

Of course, I gave her the expected response: “I know, Dina.” She rolled her eyes, laughed, and called me out—“You fuck.” But then she got serious and said, “No, for real. You changed my life in a way you’ll never understand.”

Today, I look back and want to say: Dina, you changed my life too.

You’re one of the reasons I give 100% of myself to this brand every single day. You’re what drives me to grow A Place at Home into a nationally recognized name. Moving forward without our weekly chats about life is going to be hard. You were a ride-or-die APAH’r, and you are irreplaceable in my heart.

My “why” now includes you. I will lead with you in mind and in my heart—through every challenge and every win. And when my time in this career is done, I hope you’re up there waiting for me, smiling, saying, “Fuck man, you did it.”

Thank you, Dina.

I love you. I miss you. And I will never forget you.

Reflections from the A Place at Home Family

“She was truly a force—fierce, compassionate, and capable of commanding any room with her presence. She embodied the spirit of our brand and lived our CARE values in every sense.” — Jerod Evanich, President & Co-Founder

“You could always feel her presence in the room; it was truly unforgettable.” — Dani Sloan, Franchise Operations Coach

“She was the life of the party and a friend to all of us.” — Jennifer Axelrod, Franchise Business Coach

“What an incredible woman. We are all so lucky to have gotten to share a piece of her light.” – Ashley Myers, Director of Franchise Marketing

“Her love wrapped around you without needing words.” — Shane Thompson, Director of Franchise Operations

“She truly mattered and left a legacy in this brand.” — Mitch Benson, Franchise Development Manager

“Her last words to me were, ‘Don’t forget, you are never just a nurse!’” — Brianne Gerron, RN Education Support Specialist

“She was the first owner we spoke to and connected with. She sold us on APAH.” — Dan Dumas, Arlington & Alexandria, VA

“Her passion, warmth, and genuine care were evident in every interaction… she lived with deep purpose and heart.” — Vasily Mozgovoy, North Raleigh & Wake Forest, NC

“Dina’s spirit and leadership left a mark on so many of us. Her warmth and integrity came through in all that she did.” — Yemi Adebisi, Bowie, MD

“She was so full of life, funny, and vivacious. I can’t comprehend this.” — Tania Pagan-Rosario, Montclair, NJ

“Having a drink and crying sharing stories.” — Kris Perkins, Omaha, NE

“If love alone would be enough, you would be here. You stole all our hearts at convention.” — Fatema Kapasi, Dublin, OH

“Dina, you have left behind an irreplaceable legacy and will be truly missed.” — Joscelyn Perez-Van Valzah, Encinitas, CA

“Dina was the very person whose testimony inspired me to sign on with A Place At Home.” — Sean Hahn, Westwood, NJ

“She was a leader and spread positive impact everywhere she went.” — Neil Patel, Sugar Land, TX

“Dina spread joy and sparkle dust among us. Let’s continue to live her legacy.” — Charletta Thomas, Louisiana

“She was the keystone of this group.” — Perrin Hamilton, Fairfield South, CT

“She was a true friend who encouraged and lifted others always.” — Chioma Iwuoha, Langhorne, PA

“Dina was every bit as punky in person as she was online. Her joy and love for life were contagious.” — Marc Morris, Cypress, TX

“She cared for everyone in her path and did all she could to raise us all up.” — Stacey Eisenberg, North Austin, TX

“She had a way of making others feel seen and appreciated, even me who’s just working remotely and quietly behind the scenes. She made sure to acknowledge my contributions and made me feel part of the APAH family. Thank you, Dina, for your warmth and kindness!” — Marianne Maravilla, Franchise Marketing & Support Specialist, Philippines

Empowered by Purpose: Jessica Dale’s Journey to A Place At Home Franchise Ownership

At A Place At Home, we believe that franchise ownership is about more than just running a business—it’s about making a meaningful impact in your community. One of our inspiring franchisees, A Place At Home – Somerville Owner, Jessica Dale, embodies this mission wholeheartedly. Her journey to business ownership is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the power of compassionate care.

A Lifelong Commitment to Helping Others

Jessica’s story begins with strong roots in resilience and entrepreneurship. Raised by a hardworking single mother in Peru, she learned early on the value of determination and dedication. Her professional background in the nonprofit sector reflects her deep commitment to serving others, but she longed for an opportunity to make a direct, hands-on difference.

Discovering A Place At Home

When Jessica began exploring franchise opportunities, she sought a business that aligned with her core values—family, community, and service. She discovered A Place At Home and was drawn to our commitment to senior care and our ‘We Are CARE’ philosophy, which emphasizes Compassionate, Accountable, Respectful, and Ethical care for both clients and employees.

Overcoming Challenges to Achieve Her Dream

Like many entrepreneurs, Jessica faced financial hurdles on her path to business ownership. However, through perseverance, strategic partnerships, and a clear vision, she successfully secured the funding necessary to launch her franchise in New Jersey. Her ability to build strong relationships has been a key factor in her success, allowing her to connect with families and establish trust in the community.

Making an Impact on Senior Care

Now, as a proud franchise owner, Jessica is making a tangible difference in the lives of seniors and their families. Her journey showcases the power of aligning personal values with professional ambitions, proving that business ownership can be both financially and emotionally rewarding.

Join Our Growing Network of Franchise Owners

Jessica’s success story is just one of many at A Place At Home. If you’re passionate about senior care and looking for a franchise opportunity backed by a strong support system, we invite you to explore the possibilities with us.

To read more about Jessica’s journey, check out the full article featured by Franchise Business Review.

Ready to take the next step? Learn more about franchise ownership with A Place At Home today!

2024 Franchisee of the Year

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!

Arbor Day – Love For Our Planet and Those We Hold Close

Arbor Day – it’s one of those holidays that we don’t take off work for, or exchange gifts. But for our planet, it’s one of the most important holidays of the year. The founder of Arbor Day, Julius Sterling Morton, had a passion for nature, and trees in particular. Originally from New York, Morton settled down in the Midwest, founding this holiday dedicated to trees in Nebraska, the same state A Place At Home was founded. It is estimated that one million trees were planted in Nebraska at the first Arbor Day celebration in 1872.

Impact on our Health and Environment

Trees have a major impact on our environment, and our health. Most people know that trees clean the air. But did you know that each year they remove over 46 million tons of air pollution, just in the United States? In the same amount of time, one mature tree will absorb more than 48 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. In exchange, it releases oxygen. It’s no wonder then, that 20 percent of the earth’s oxygen overall is produced in the Amazon Rainforest. And trees don’t just affect our air quality. Studies have shown that just being able to see a tree significantly reduces stress levels and improves quality of life.

Impact on our Heart

Traditionally, people across the world celebrate Arbor Day by planting trees. Not just to be kind to the environment, but to honor loved ones who have passed away. It’s for this reason that Arbor Day, and the Arbor Day Foundation, is near and dear to our hearts. At A Place At Home, trees represent powerful meaning. Like others, we think of trees as the symbol of the vitality of life, and those that came before us, and those that will carry on after we are gone. It stands for families and ancestors. It stands for strength, stability, and nourishment.

Rooted in Care

For every client we have been honored to care for that passes away, A Place At Home plants trees in their memory. Since 2014, A Place At Home franchise network has planted almost 2,000 trees. Memorials to our clients are growing in Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Superior National Forest, Chippewa National Forest, Custer-Gallatin National Forest, and Klamath National Forest. Each tree we plant reminds us of how grateful we are to have been touched by the lives of those families and clients.

If you’d like to celebrate this Arbor Day by planting a tree, why not go the extra mile and become a member of the Arbor Day Foundation. First time members get 10 trees free and you can sign up here.

If you or someone you know can benefit from extra support in the home, please reach out to us to see how we can help.

2021 National Caregiver of the Year: Molina Schebell

At A Place At Home, we believe that our caregivers are the most essential part of our business – after all, they are the reason we’re able to provide professional, compassionate care to seniors in their homes across the country. Each year, we receive nominations for caregivers across our system to be awarded as our National Caregiver of the Year. This year, that award went to Molina Schebell, a caregiver for A Place At Home – Orange Park.

To be considered for the award, the caregiver must consistently demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to delivering care to clients, as well as their families. On top of that, candidates must continually operate within A Place At Home’s core values of C.A.R.E. They must be Compassionate, Accountable, Respectful, and Ethical in all of their actions and interactions at all times. According to Chris Adams, owner of A Place At Home- Orange Park, Molina not only fits within these parameters, but she also goes above and beyond at all times, personally driven to devote her time to helping those in need.

“She’s a wonderful person to work with because she changes people’s lives the way she treats them and approaches them.”

In Chris’s submission letter, he spoke of the positive response Molina receives from clients from the moment she first walks in their door – they immediately trust her because she exudes peace and comfort. We were fortunate to meet Molina in person and experience first-hand the truth of Chris’s words. To receive her award as National Caregiver of the Year, Molina was flown to Omaha, Nebraska, to attend our annual award ceremony, which happens once a year at our annual convention. Her all-expenses-paid trip included a spa day, as well as a plaque and a check for $1,000. She was interviewed about being selected while in Omaha, and her empathy was evident in every interaction with her. When asked how she felt about winning, she said it came as a complete shock. Winning the award genuinely humbled her.

“The closer it got to me flying to Omaha, it really sank in that I had won this award for just being myself.”

When she says, “just for being myself,” she means it. For Molina, caring for others comes naturally; winning an award for something she does effortlessly seems surreal to her. She says she’s always been the sort of person to give of herself when others have a need. Unbeknownst to her at the time, that mindset is what set her on her path to caring for others professionally. About 13 years ago, her grandmother was diagnosed with dementia. At the time, Molina had never been a caregiver in any official way. At this point in her career, she was the manager of a busy auto shop. Molina enjoyed the job, but her love for her nana and her own empathetic nature kicked into high gear. She decided to resign from her position. She moved in with her grandmother to care for her full time. She wanted to keep her from moving from her home and into a nursing home. She was determined to ensure her nana had the best quality of life and care.

She immediately started learning everything she could about dementia and how to give the best possible care to someone living with the disease.

Over the next five years, Molina was her grandmother’s primary caregiver. Through the state of Florida, her grandmother qualified to receive respite care. A professional caregiver came in three days a week for four hours a day. Those hours were the only time that Molina had for herself. She was the full-time caregiver the rest of the time, seven days a week. It was far from easy for either of them. Molina put her life on hold during that time, and her grandmother suffered from every possible complication that could occur with dementia. On three separate occasions, Molina had to resuscitate her grandmother, who would then have to be life-flighted to a hospital where she would stay for a month, only to return home and go through it again. Even still, Molina wouldn’t trade that time for anything in the world. She was so grateful to be able to be there with her and for her.

“We had the best memories. For five years, we had memories that nobody can take.”

While caring for her grandmother, Molina realized that something that comes naturally to her – caring for others – had become a passion. After her grandmother passed away, she knew that caregiving was her calling. Her experience served to deepen her understanding of what others go through when a loved one is diagnosed with dementia and expanded her empathy to encompass their family, as well. She says, “From the outside, you can’t really see what’s going on behind closed doors, the struggles that family members go through.” This perspective allows her caring nature to reach beyond her clients to the spouses, children, and siblings that love and care for someone with dementia. Molina knows first-hand – she was both the granddaughter and the caregiver. The gravity of being a family member and a caregiver is something that she doesn’t take lightly.

“It’s hard for everybody, not just the individual.”

Now, years later, the ripple effect of realizing her calling through the experience with her grandmother is ongoing. Molina’s compassion and empathy have allowed her to gain the trust of the individuals and families in the Orange Park community. “This is what I’m supposed to do. This is what I get up for, and it’s something I’m excited about.”

Since she started working with A Place At Home, Molina has participated in specialized training to become CARE Certified in Dementia and Fall Recovery. In the future, Molina plans on furthering her career in the medical field, specializing in Alzheimer’s and dementia, though she says she’ll always work and care for people in their homes. She believes that when people receive care in their home instead of a senior living community, it’s a better experience for them. And, she can’t really imagine doing anything else.

“I think this comes naturally to me – to care for people. It makes me feel happy to know that I’m providing for somebody how I would want my family to be cared for.”

At A Place At Home – we take our C.A.R.E. standards seriously. If you’re a caregiver – or are intrigued by the idea of a career that directly improves the lives of others – apply to work with us today. And if you or someone you know needs compassionate, professional care, we can help.

A Place At Home Honors First-Ever National Caregiver of the Year

The 2020 Caregiver of the Year went the extra mile in providing exceptional care.

The 2nd Annual A Place At Home Franchise Convention was held in late September. This event marks a time for franchisees to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the past year. This year also marked the first-ever recognition of the National A Place At Home Caregiver of the Year. Franchisee’s submitted nominations from all over the country for one caregiver that went above and beyond the call of duty, demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to delivering quality care to clients and their families and lives the “We are CARE” philosophy.

“We received many nominations from all over the country and each one was inspiring. It was difficult to choose just one winner,” said Jerod Evanich, President and Co-Founder of A Place At Home.

However, there was one nomination that painted a detailed picture of how one person went above and beyond the call of duty. The nomination read:

“Dave came on with A Place At Home after decades of working in the insurance business. He wanted to do something more “rewarding” in his 60s. He got his CNA/CMA and began working to make people’s lives better.
Dave treats all clients like family. He creates a unique bond with each client he works with. He is always on time, never calls out, and makes sure everything is done to his best ability.
Dave has worked for the past year with a very high acuity client. He instantly bonded with the young client (49) who due to a rare set of circumstances went from a successful businessman to a barely communicative paraplegic overnight.
He has spent countless hours working as the main caregiver for this client and his family. Not only does he transport the client to his MANY weekly therapy appointments but works one on one with him in his home. Dave is consistently cheering this client on to make his next personal best in his daily bike exercises and always makes notes when a personal best has been reached.
Dave has worked with therapists at Madonna to learn this client’s individual therapies and continues them at home as well as trains other caregivers working there in how they can help him gain strides.
When he heard their anniversary was approaching, he took it upon himself to plan a romantic dinner out so the client could surprise his wife. He took the client out to get a card, made reservations at a nice restaurant, planned for a special dessert, and took time out of his off time to transport them over there in the client’s wheelchair van so they could surprise the wife.
Dave does everything he can to try to relieve some stress off the wife who is also a mother of four and a doctor. Life for her is crazy and Dave makes sure there is always one less thing for her to worry about in his care for the client. Dave’s level of commitment to not only the client but also to our company goes above and beyond anyone I have ever seen.”

Dave walked into A Place At Home – Papillion shortly after they opened their doors in 2019. Dave interviewed for a CNA position and said he was looking for something that would fill his heart. He had retired from insurance and was now searching to do something more meaningful with his time.

“I remember thinking where the heck did this guy fall out of the sky from?” said Rick Perkins, Owner of A Place At Home – Papillion.

Dave was placed with Don in August of 2019 and the two found an instant connection. They not only share common interests but are also from the same town and attended the same college. It was an unfortunate set of circumstances that brought these two together. But citing six degrees of separation, Dave said, “There are no coincidences. I’m blessed to be a part of Don’s life.”

As blessed as Dave feels, Don and the A Place At Home team consider themselves equally fortunate to have Dave fulfilling his personal mission: to touch as many lives as possible as a caregiver.

Dave is firm in his belief that you must have a servant’s heart to work in this industry; you must have empathy, and be able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. It’s this mindset that awarded Dave Caregiver of the Year. While he was happy to be awarded this honor, it’s his internal compass that drives his actions.