A Place At Home Named Franchise Journal Top Brand of 2021

Franchise Journal Top Brands 2021

A Place At Home, an in-home senior care franchise, made some great strides in 2021! Our development team awarded seven new territories expanding to four new states. Five new territories opened their doors and serviced 15,492.34 hours with the support of our experienced operations team. The corporate operations and marketing support team grew by 40%, too. Franchise Journal Magazine recognized our growing brand as one of the Franchise Journal Top Brands for two consecutive years!

Owning your own A Place At Home franchise gives you the opportunity to positively change your life as well as the lives around you. Senior care is one of the most impactful businesses a community can have. This pandemic and recession-proof business gives you the opportunity for recurring revenue and steady demand while providing care and compassion for those who need it most. You don’t need to take our word for it. Visit our YouTube channel for weekly videos from our franchisees about their experiences in opening and operating an in-home senior care franchise.

A Place At Home is positioned for explosive growth in 2022 while celebrating its 10 year anniversary. We hope you join our franchise community for this exciting next year of growth!

Does this sound like something you’d like to be a part of? Reach out to Mitch Benson to start talking about your potential.

Third Annual Franchise Convention Brought Franchisees Back Together

After hosting the APAH Franchise Convention virtually last year, it was an amazing experience to bring everyone back together. The Third Annual Franchise Convention was held on September 15-17, 2021 in Omaha, Nebraska. With so many businesses facing hiring and retention challenges, this year’s theme and topics surrounded – “Elevate Your Team.” The speakers and roundtable discussions fostered an environment of learning, ideas, and discussion for how A Place At Home can best serve our caregivers as we move toward 2022.

This year’s keynote speaker and Recruiter.com’s “Top 10 Company Culture Experts to Watch”, was Cara Silletto. Silletto brought her expertise as a retention expert. She closed out the first day of the franchise convention with an engaging and inspiring presentation. She discussed the evolution of the workforce, and how leaders can evolve with their employees.

A Time to Connect

The franchise convention provided a wealth of knowledge and resources for franchisees. It also provided time for owners to connect with each other, some for the first time. Dina Jenney of A Place At Home – Philadelphia West, spotted Gary Lafreniere of A Place At Home – Merrimack Valley, across the room of Beacon Hills the first evening. The two opened around the same time during the pandemic and communicated virtually in their first months open. They met in person for the first time, as everyone gathered at the Welcome Reception. Home Care Pulse and KreativElement sponsored the reception. 

The next night the team enjoyed a cocktail hour at Spirit World. There were two custom, APAH-branded drinks created for the event. The evening, sponsored by Bookkeeping Express, CareAcademy, Commercial Interior Solutions, Franchise Resources, LLC, HR Systems, and Paradigm Senior Services, was another opportunity for everyone to discuss their ideas and bond further as business owners. The guests enjoyed a live jam session after dinner. Platinum Sponsor and long-time vendor, Bob Volpe, joined our own Franchise Development Coordinator, Mitch Benson, for a guitar duo. 

Franchisee Awards Ceremony

Our headquarters had an extra surprise for those attending. We flew Molina Schebell, National Caregiver of the Year, in from Florida. She spent the day at the spa before her surprise arrival at the awards ceremony. There she accepted her plaque and check for her outstanding care and devotion to her clients. Orange Park franchisees said, “Molina makes you feel like home.” It was obvious upon meeting her why she was such a strong candidate for the award.

Franchisees grew together through two days of meetings. They had fun together at the social events. Then it all concluded with a team event and awards ceremony at TopGolf. Volpe Consulting, Ideal Payroll Service, ClearCare, AgingCare, and INSPRO sponsored the ceremony. 

In our short 4 years as a franchise family, we have navigated major historical moments with determination and fortitude. The obstacles over the last year inspired us to innovate, adapt, and grow. Witnessing the franchisees continue to protect our nation’s seniors is a source of pride for us and them. The franchisor team was honored to recognize them with the following awards: 

And the Winner is…

Rookie of the Year: A Place At Home – Orange Park: In recognition of the top-performing franchisee in their first full year with A Place at Home.

Most Improved of the Year: A Place At Home – Little Rock: In recognition of the highest YTD growth rate from the previous year. 

Top Caregiver Satisfaction Retention of the Year: A Place At Home – South Portland: In recognition of the franchisee with the top caregiver satisfaction scores and retention.

Top Client Satisfaction of the Year: A Place At Home – South Portland: In recognition of the franchisee with the top client satisfaction scores in Home Care Pulse.

Brand Ambassador of the Year: A Place At Home – Little Rock: In recognition of the franchisee who consistently represents the A Place at Home brand, generating positive social reviews and engagement and fields validation calls.

Innovator of the Year: A Place At Home – Orlando: Recognizing excellence in proven creative strategies to collaborate with partners in order to support the overall A Place at Home strategic business objectives.

Top Performer of the Year: A Place At Home – Omaha: In recognition of the franchisee with the highest revenue in the past year.

Top Producer of the Year: Alex Caudill: In recognition of the owner with the highest revenue in the system.

Founders Cup Award: A Place At Home – Little Rock: One distinguished franchisee who has made major contributions to the brand. They play a significant role in the organization’s success receives this highly prestigious award.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

We want to recognize the many great sponsors who continue to partner with us to support our convention. Your attendance was a testament to your commitment to our APAH Franchise system. We all worked together through this challenging time. We’ll continue to use it as an opportunity to build an even stronger brand. We look forward to seeing you all in 2022. Not only for the our 4th Annual Franchise Convention, but also for the 10-year anniversary of A Place At Home.

A Place At Home Bringing Senior Care Franchise to Illinois

A Place At Home Metro East Owner

A Place At Home, which offers in-home senior care and other services designed to help seniors age in place with dignity and respect, is excited to announce its first franchise in Illinois. The new A Place At Home – Metro East location is at 2105 Vandalia St. (Hwy. 159), Suite 10, Collinsville, IL 62234.

An Impressive Addition to Our Team

Britt Robertson was awarded an A Place At Home senior care franchise because he brings an impressive set of skills, experience, and passion to the business. He earned his master’s degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Following his degree, he spent most of his career helping Fortune 500 clients measure and improve their customer experience. This background will help him ensure that his clients at A Place At Home have the best possible experience. He knows how to meet their needs in a professional and caring manner.

For the past 5 years, Britt led the marketing team for a large insurance company. This company was focused on expanding its Medicare Advantage product. He saw the need for seniors to have access to professional, high-quality care allowing them to stay in their homes.

In addition, he has also personally seen the challenges that loved ones face in providing care a senior needs. Everyone tries to do their best, but the situation puts a great deal of strain on everyone. As they struggle to balance the demands of their own lives alongside their loved one’s need for care, they often struggle with determining what type of care is needed and how to get it.

A Partnership Based on Core Values

After researching the best senior care franchise options, Britt decided to partner with A Place At Home. The company’s core values of providing dignified, professional, and compassionate care that helps seniors live as independently as possible at home perfectly match his own beliefs. 

A Place At Home’s core values correspond to the acronym CARE. CARE represents their commitment to being Compassionate, Accountable, Respectful, and Ethical. Each of their franchises operates with these values at the center of everything they do. Furthermore, that enables them to provide the help seniors and their families need during a challenging time.

The need for this kind of care was highlighted through Britt’s conversations with seniors while conducting market research for his previous employer. “Seniors want to stay home, and I want to help them do exactly that,” he explains. “At A Place At Home – Metro East, we strive every day to provide in-home senior care services that help clients feel safe, comfortable, well cared for, respected, and valued.”

To Find Out More

For more information about A Place At Home’s services or becoming a caregiver, visit aplaceathome.com. To learn about becoming a franchisee, inquire now.

New In-Home Care Option Coming to Albuquerque

Albuquerque franchise

A Place At Home, which offers in-home senior care and other services designed to help seniors age with dignity and respect, is pleased to bring a new in-home care option to Albuquerque. We’re opening a new franchise in the Northeast Heights area of Albuquerque at 3620 Wyoming Blvd., Suite 226.

Rachel Wommack, who has served as a Registered Nurse for 14 years – 11 of which have been in Elder Care and Care Management – has been awarded the new Albuquerque franchise. Her years in health care have given her a unique perspective on seniors’ needs and their families’ challenges as they try to ensure the best possible care for their loved ones.

Providing the Highest Level of Care

That’s why Rachel has decided to become an A Place At Home franchisee. She and the Franchise believe that each senior needs and deserves the highest level of individualized care. This enables them to preserve their quality of life. They will have the support they need to remain independent for as long as possible.

“Families need access to exceptional care in order to keep their loved ones in the place they love the most for as long as possible. I want to make the aging process easier for as many people as I can,” she explains.

Thus, she chose to partner with A Place At Home in order to fulfill this mission.

Core Values of being Compassionate, Accountable, Respectful, and Ethical

“This Company represents the values that I believe in. It was started with the same goals in mind: to provide a better service to those who are vulnerable and deserve excellent care,” she explains.

A Place At Home’s core values are expressed through the acronym CARE, which stands for being Compassionate, Accountable, Respectful, and Ethical. We understand that finding the best possible care for yourself or a loved one can be confusing and overwhelming, and we’re here to offer the help you need. Our senior-focused model of care provides a continuum of in-home care, care coordination, community placement, and staffing services. From an initial meeting, assessment, and development of a care plan to monitoring and evaluating the care you or your loved one receives, we’re here for you every step of the way.

A Perfect Fit

Our franchisees have a passion for providing this type of care. Wommack’s professional experience and compassion make her a perfect fit. Jerod Evanich, President and Co-Founder of A Place At Home, is excited to welcome her to the franchise family. He looks forward to seeing her contributions to her new in-home care option in Albuquerque.

“Rachel’s professional experience makes her a perfect addition to our Company. She brings a drive to provide seniors with the highest level of care, and with her passion and determination, is sure to succeed. And equally as important, Rachel lives and embodies our values of being Compassionate, Accountable, Respectful, and Ethical,” Evanich says.

To Find Out More

For more information about our services or becoming a caregiver with us, visit aplaceathome.com. To learn about becoming a franchisee, inquire now.

A Place At Home Opens Third Location in Texas

A Place At Home, which offers in-home senior care and other services designed to help seniors age with dignity and respect, is pleased to announce the opening of our third location in Texas.
The new franchise is located at 2001 Timberloch Place, Suite 551K, The Woodlands, TX 77380 and serves The Woodlands as well as surrounding communities of Conroe, Spring, Magnolia, Montgomery, Willis, Pinehurst, Shenandoah, Oak Ridge North, Rayford, Tamina, Panorama Village, Egypt, Chateau Woods, Sleepy Hollow, Decker Prairie, Stagecoach, Karen, Dobbin, and Bobville.

How we help

We understand that navigating care for yourself or a loved one can be confusing and overwhelming, and we’re here to offer compassionate, experienced help. From an initial meeting, assessment, and development of a care plan to monitoring and evaluating the care you or your loved one receives, we’re here to help every step of the way.

Adam and Trista Johnson are the owners of the new Texas location, and they bring a caring and professional background to the company and take pride in the mission of helping seniors to maintain their independence. The couple has two sons, Hayden and Gavin, and they’re pleased to be closer to Trista’s family in southern Texas after moving to the area.

A personal connection

Adam credits growing up on a farm in Minnesota with teaching him the value of a hard day’s work. He earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational communication and has a background in disability insurance.

“I began my career in retail management, but after several years was drawn into the disability insurance space where I worked as a manager and consultant,” he explained. “I enjoy helping people and look forward to making a positive difference in my community. My wife and I are excited to tackle this fulfilling new challenge!”

Trista earned a law degree from the University of North Dakota and has enjoyed helping clients navigate complex issues and finding solutions that help them reach their goals. She and Adam were looking for an opportunity to help people and to make a positive difference in their community, so they chose A Place At Home.

Her personal experience with coordinating care for her parents, both of whom have health challenges, also served as a catalyst. Her father suffered a stroke over five years ago when Trista lived out of state, and ultimately, she and Adam decided to move to Texas to be closer to her parents. Since then, her mother has been diagnosed with breast cancer, and her father has been diagnosed with leukemia.

“I am so grateful to be close now to help them get to their appointments and coordinate care. I want to help others do the same and make sure our seniors’ needs are being met,” she said.

The clear choice

The couple chose A Place At Home because it’s quickly becoming a national leader in in-home senior-focused care. The robust offering of services provided, along with their ‘We are CARE’ philosophy and the organization’s overall mission, made A Place At Home a clear choice, the couple added. CARE refers to the company’s core values of being Compassionate, Accountable, Respectful, and Ethical.

“Finding passionate entrepreneurs like Trista and Adam that also share our same CARE values is the exact reason why we started franchising A Place At Home. We not only feel rewarded being able to bring a higher standard of care to communities across the nation but also helping great people reach their goals of business ownership,” said Jerod Evanich, President and Co-Founder of A Place At Home.

For more information about our company or our new Texas location, A Place At Home – Conroe, visit aplaceathome.com.

The Women of A Place At Home Franchise

Women of A Place At Home Franchise

For much of history, women were excluded from the business world.

It wasn’t until 1988 that Congress passed the Women’s Business Ownership Act, which promoted the development of female business entrepreneurs. Nearly 3 decades later, between 2014 and 2019 the number of women-owned businesses climbed 21%, more than double that of all businesses.

Since 2017, A Place At Home has proudly been a piece of that growth when they began franchising their in-home senior-focused care business model. Nearly 50% of A Place At Home franchises are either owned or co-owned by entrepreneurs that are women. 

“I’m proud to say we have a diverse group of compassionate entrepreneurs out there making an impact and living our ‘We are CARE’ philosophy by being Compassionate, Accountable, Respectful, and Ethical,” said Jerod Evanich, President and Co-Founder.

One of the early adopters of A Place At Home’s business model was Natalie Watts of Little Rock. Natalie had a successful corporate career when she decided it was time for a change.

“I was at a point in my life where I had the opportunity to do something for myself. A consultant helped to narrow down the opportunities to companies that best suited my goals. I chose A Place At Home because their mission and core values aligned with mine personally and professionally.  I love being a part of a growing brand. I get the support I need to be successful as well as the opportunity to give feedback or best practices and lessons learned to strengthen not only my business but the brand as a whole.”

All business owners still face obstacles in trying to start and run a business. On top of those obstacles, COVID-19 abruptly changed the landscape of our economy. Small business owners, like Kris Perkins of Omaha/Papillion, were able to look to the franchisor for resources and advice to help them navigate the disruption and persevere.

“We are considered an essential business but we still had to carefully navigate these uncertain waters to keep our team and clients safe. One thing I’m incredibly proud of is that my husband, Rick, and I hosted the first-ever A Place At Home National Caregiver Convention. We went to the founders with the idea and they helped us put it together for all franchisees to give our caregivers valuable training and bring our network of caregivers together virtually,” said Kris.

Through seemingly impossible obstacles, Dina Jenney of Philadelphia West was determined to open her doors and achieve something great despite the hit on the economy.

“I’ve been in management roles for the majority of my career, but I have always wanted to work for myself. It’s so much more meaningful. There is a lack of quality care available, and now more than ever it’s needed. We hope to provide care as if our clients were our own family, not our clients.”

These entrepreneurs of A Place At Home come from a variety of backgrounds, bringing varied experiences to the A Place At Home franchise system. Aside from their differences or what’s happening outside of their control in the world today, they are all focused on doing the right thing and helping those in need.

Franchisee’s Receive Best of Home Care–Employer of Choice Awards

Employer of Choice Award

A Place At Home – Omaha and South Portland received the 2021 Best of Home Care – Employer of Choice Award from Home Care Pulse. The Employer of Choice Award is granted only to the top-ranking home care providers, based on caregiver satisfaction scores gathered by Home Care Pulse, an independent satisfaction research firm for home care. These locations are now ranked among the best employers of in-home caregivers in the region.

“We’re excited to congratulate A Place At Home – Omaha and South Portland for their well-deserved achievements on earning the Best of Home Care – Employer of Choice Award,” says Erik Madsen, CEO of Home Care Pulse. “Since this award is based on employee feedback, it shows the dedication A Place At Home – Omaha and South Portland have to providing their employees with a great working experience, while ensuring clients have well-trained, compassionate caregivers.” 

Best of Home Care – Employer of Choice award-winning providers work with Home Care Pulse to gather feedback from their caregivers via live phone interviews each month. Because Home Care Pulse is an independent company, it is able to collect honest and unbiased feedback.

“Our franchisees work hard to keep a positive working culture and this award demonstrates their commitment to our ‘We are CARE‘ philosophy, not only in regards to their clients but also their caregivers.  We are extremely proud that the Omaha and South Portland franchisees were recognized for their dedication to providing excellent in-home care with professional caregivers,” says Dustin Distefano, CEO of A Place At Home Franchise.

“At Home Care Pulse, our mission is to help home care businesses create an experience that goes beyond client and caregiver expectations,” says Erik Madsen, CEO of Home Care Pulse. “When we see agencies like A Place At Home – Omaha and South Portland that have made an effort to provide an outstanding employment experience, we know we’re on the right track. A Place At Home – Omaha and South Portland have worked extremely hard to provide high-quality care and employment, and their work hasn’t gone unnoticed. This award allows them to provide proof of quality to potential and new clients and caregivers.” 

A Place At Home Opens First Location in Massachusetts

A Place At Home Franchisee Owners

A Place At Home, the leading provider in in-home senior care services, is bringing in-home care services to its first location in Massachusetts.

APAH’s new location franchisees are a dedicated team of family members passionate and committed to offering the best caregiving services in the Merrimack Valley. This first location in Massachusetts is part of APAH‘s plan to meet the rising demand for such services.

A Place At Home’s New Location

APAH’s new franchise in Merrimack Valley is located at 73 Princeton Street, Suite 308, North Chelmsford, MA 01863. The care team for APAH’s new home includes Gary Lafreniere, Arianna Lafreniere, and their daughter Liv Lafreniere.

Gary steps in with over 20 years of management experience as a founder and COO of a software company recognized for its award-winning customer service. His wife, Arianna, has worked for over 20 years in the finance industry. She has devoted the last ten years to the Home Care industry.

Their daughter, Liv, is very passionate about caregiving. She’s committed to taking it a notch further by studying early childhood development and psychology in college.

The Why

Speaking of why he chose to provide in-home senior care, Gary says, it’s the easiest question you could ever ask him.

“This is personal for my family and when it is personal then you are passionate and driven,” Gary Said.

Nana Lafreniere’s end of life journey and struggle with dementia touched Gary’s family in 2020, and he remembers the countless challenging experiences they went through in the past four years trying to give her the best care they possibly could.

That experience inspired the Lafreniere’s, who unanimously agreed the purpose of their next venture should be to help other families easily navigate similar challenges in the Merrimack Valley area, giving their loved ones better care.

“As a family, we knew the purpose of our next venture was to help other families navigate these challenges by making sure their loved one is comfortable, cared for, and happy,” Gary said.
“The stress you can relieve from a family and loved one by providing the services they need and plan every step of the way is priceless.”

“Making a difference in somebody’s life by caring and being compassionate is the ultimate reward. My wife and I can’t wait to wake up every day and work alongside our caregivers to support and care for those in need,” Gary says.

Why A Place At Home?

Like other care teams who have partnered with APAH before, Gary’s family chose APAH as their new franchise for its team culture and philosophy.

“Reading the literature, watching testimonials, and visiting the website was what piqued my interest in APAH,” Gary said. “First we connected to the management team on a personal level. Next, we spoke to the people who worked for Dustin and Jerod.”

In his own words, Gary says, “There are plenty of competitive franchises. None of them can compare when it comes to the philosophy and the people that stand behind it.” He was explicitly awed by speaking to APAH’s management team, and several franchisees. Right off the bat wanted to be part of the team, bringing the first location to Massachusetts.

“At first, you might think it is all marketing speak. But after talking to the management team, people who work for management, and many franchisees,” Gary said, “I knew APAH was different and we had to be a part of it. Arianna and I then had some heart to heart discussions with other franchisees and our search ended. A Place At Home – Merrimack Valley was our new home.”

About A Place At Home

Founded in 2012 by Dustin Distefano and Jerod Evanich in Omaha, APAH is dedicated to providing the best in-home senior care services with its strong ‘We Are Care’ philosophy. APAH invites you to join its fast-growing network of franchisees with strong support and training resources.

A Place At Home Signs New Franchise Location in Pennsylvania

A Place At Home - Philadelphia West - Franchisee Dina Jenney

A Place At Home (APAH), an award-winning senior care franchise, has signed a new franchise location in Pennsylvania. The new owners, Dina Jenney and her business partner, are excited to help APAH fulfill its goals of assisting seniors to live comfortable lives in their own homes.

The new franchise location called A Place At Home – Philadelphia West will be at 1055 Westlakes Drive, Suite 300, Berwyn, PA 19312. They will serve the surging demand for in-home senior care services in the area. Jenney and her business partner plan to serve the surrounding communities in the western suburbs of Philadelphia, including the Main Line, King of Prussia, Phoenixville, Exton, and Conshohocken.

Jenney has experience providing home care services for family members. She is passionate about the need for quality care for the senior population. “We have seen firsthand the importance of quality care and the lack of compassionate services available to the senior population,” says Jenney. “Our background coupled with a passion for excellent care will result in quality services to the seniors here.”

Jenney goes on to say that she and her business partner were very impressed by APAH’s CARE philosophy. ‘We are CARE’ stands for Compassionate, Accountable, Respectful, and Ethical. “We researched many agencies. It was clear that A Place At Home is an unmatched level of service and quality. From the founders to everyone on the staff, we know that everyone truly cares about this industry and the seniors we serve. We were especially impressed by the ‘We Are Care’ foundation.”

She goes on to say, “APAH’s ‘We Are Care’ model, coupled with our background and experience of caring for loved ones makes us the perfect combination. In other words, we bring compassionate care and a hard work ethic. Above all, the ‘We Are Care’ model is unparalleled in the industry. It exemplifies everything we want to provide to our clients and team members.”

Jenney comes to APAH with a background in Human Resources, Accounting, and Office Management. This has equipped her with a well-rounded skill set for the operational success of a new franchise.

“Dina brings a high level of energy and passion to the table. This shows us she has what it takes to provide exceptional care to the seniors in her community. We are excited to see them in action,” said Jerod Evanich, President and Co-Founder of A Place At Home.

About A Place At Home

APAH was launched in 2012 in Omaha. The co-founders Dustin Distefano and Jerod Evanich are passionate about providing compassionate customized care solutions for seniors. The company has since experienced explosive growth resulting in franchises across the country. APAH provides personalized in-home care services specific to the needs of each client.

There are open franchise locations coast to coast for entrepreneurs considering a senior care franchise. Most importantly, when you join this dynamic group as a franchisee you’ll have access to valuable training, business resources, and strong support.

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

2020 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.

“At the end of the day, I lay my head on my pillow, and I know I made a difference.”