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!

As the U.S. population ages, demand for in-home senior care is soaring, making it a prime opportunity for savvy entrepreneurs. Seniors who pay out-of-pocket offer the potential for greater profitability and long-term growth. Learn how to get private-pay home care clients by building strong connections with seniors and their families.

Who is a Private-Pay Home Care Client?

Private-pay home care clients pay out-of-pocket for their care services, rather than using government programs like Medicaid and Medicare, or insurance. These seniors and their families rely on savings and existing assets to pay for services. They demand high-quality, personalized care, which can be a key factor in building a profitable senior care business. Self-paying clients choose their caregivers, types of services, and care schedules.

Self-paying clients are a crucial component of any non-medical home care business. Here are the benefits of targeting these types of clients:

• High-profit margins: You can set your own rate for self-paying clients without insurance or government restrictions, increasing your profit potential. Nearly 90% of older adults strongly desire to remain in the comfort of their homes for as long as possible, and many rely on savings to pay for the care they need.
• Improve cash flow: The client pays you directly. You won’t need to wait for insurance or Medicare to foot the bill, resulting in consistent cash flow.
• Less administrative requirements: Complying with insurance guidelines requires a lot of red tape. Private-pay clients are easier to manage, which enables you to focus on building your business.
• Personalized care plans: The personalized care plans of self-paying clients are not hampered by insurance restrictions, allowing you to offer premium services.

4 Tips to Attract Private-Pay Home Care Clients

Attracting private-pay clients requires implementing an omnichannel lead-generation strategy. A Place At Home has more than a decade of experience helping local owners build successful senior care businesses. Aside from traditional advertising, such as direct mail, we’ve learned how to get private-pay home care clients to help you succeed:

1. Build a Strong Online Presence

Start by developing a professional, user-friendly website that’s easy to navigate. It should provide a list of the services you offer, as well as your company’s mission and caregiving philosophy. Then, turn to social media to increase engagement and tell your success stories.

2. Utilize Referral Marketing

Partnering with healthcare professionals, senior living communities, and rehabilitation centers can help you receive referrals for private-pay clients. Encourage your current clients to tell people about your business or write online reviews. According to BrightLocal, at least 96% of customers are open to writing a review about your business—you just need to ask!

3. Be a Senior Care Resource

Providing free education resources can generate client leads. Host webinars and community events to showcase your expertise and offer free information sessions about your services.

4. Conduct Community Outreach

You can drive leads by being an active member of the community. Join senior-focused networking groups and business associations. Veteran organizations and community centers can be great resources. Signing up to sponsor local events is another way to raise brand awareness.

The A Place At Home Opportunity

A Place At Home is a leader in the senior care industry. We provide the tools, training, and guidance on how to start a non-medical home care business. Our franchise owners attend a robust training program designed to put you on a path to succeed as a senior care franchise owner. We have proven strategies and operational procedures to help you build a solid client base. We can also ensure you’re prepared to accept insurance and payment from government programs.

Fill out our franchise inquiry form to learn more about how partnering with a franchise can help you navigate the senior care industry.

TOWSON, Md. – (Feb. 13, 2025) – A Place At Home, a senior-focused home care provider franchise, is proud to announce the opening of its first Maryland location in Towson. Franchise owners Yemi Adebisi and Adedayo Ojo, both first-generation Nigerian Americans, are leading this milestone expansion during Black History Month.

Adebisi and Ojo’s personal experiences with aging loved ones fuel their commitment to non-medical in-home care. Ojo remembers the stark contrast between his parents’ experiences—his father’s health declined rapidly, leading to his passing. While his mother, despite a terminal pancreatic cancer diagnosis, lived six unexpected years beyond her prognosis. He credits the quality home care she received for that extended time.

“Seeing how my mother lived those extra years with proper care and support from family and caregivers opened my eyes to how essential home care is,” Ojo said. “You have to do all you can so your loved ones receive the care and dignity they deserve.”

Additionally, Adebisi’s grandmother lived until she was 102 with the help of professional and family care, reinforcing Adebisi’s understanding of the importance of aging in place.

A Place At Home – Towson will provide comprehensive senior-focused care services, including in-home care, care coordination, assistance finding senior living alternatives, and staffing solutions for senior care facilities. These services allow seniors to maintain independence and improve their quality of life. The new location will open this month and serve Towson, Cockeysville, Parkville, Nottingham, and the surrounding communities.

“This is more than a business for us—it’s our passion to serve the community and enhance the lives of seniors,” said Adebisi. “Our goal is to provide the same level of care we would want for our own loved ones, ensuring they age with dignity, comfort, and the support they deserve.”

Adebisi and Ojo recognize the disparities in care for the Black community and hope to bridge that gap. Recent research shows that home care services and aging in place allow for earlier detection of illness, faster treatment, and better care, leading to longer, healthier lives for seniors. Studies also indicate that home care services significantly improve the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of older adults.

“Yemi and Adedayo embody the values that drive our franchise—compassion, professionalism, and a deep commitment to serving their community,” said Jerod Evanich, co-founder and president of A Place At Home. “Their leadership will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on seniors and their families in the Towson area and beyond.”

For more information about franchising 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.

Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. There are nearly 35 million small businesses in the U.S., generating 43.5% of the nation’s gross domestic product. If you want to write your own success story by opening a business, check out A Place At Home’s tips on how to become a successful entrepreneur.

According to Gallup, more than 60% of Americans want to open a business. The desire to pursue entrepreneurship is spurred by the potential for higher pay and autonomy. A flexible schedule, making a positive impact, and pursuing your passion are other top drivers for launching a business.

In 2024, the U.S. saw an average of 430,000 new business applications each month—a 50% increase compared to 2019. Easier access to tools and resources to start and scale businesses and the growing number of franchise opportunities are helping fuel entrepreneurial growth.

Despite the popularity of entrepreneurship, only about half of independent businesses survive the first five years. To increase your chances of success, here are some tips:

1. Develop a clear vision: It’s vital to set goals and have a solid financial roadmap for your business.
2. Research the market: Understanding industry trends and your target demographic will enable you to gain a foothold in the market.
3. Build a strong network: Having a mentor can help guide you on your business journey. They can provide valuable advice and offer a listening ear when you face challenges. Joining a business networking group helps generate business leads and establish your reputation.
4. Manage risk: Starting a business can be risky. To ensure your business thrives, it’s important to balance risk by making calculated decisions.
5. Leverage technology: Digital tools can streamline operations. A customer relationship management system’s ability to track sales and handle customer relationships improves efficiency and strategic planning.
6. Be resilient: The best entrepreneurs are nimble and can cope with adversity. Following the pandemic, restaurateurs who quickly ramped up curbside pickup and delivery were able to stay afloat when dining rooms were shuttered.

Franchising Powers Entrepreneurship

How can I become an entrepreneur? Franchising provides a gateway to business ownership with an established brand that has a proven history of success. There are more than 4,000 franchise brands in the U.S., covering everything from foodservice and home services to senior care.

As a franchise owner, you’ll receive training and ongoing support to enhance your ability to build a thriving business. A franchise offers a turnkey business with the technology you need to run efficiently. If you want to be your own boss with less risk, franchising is the answer. Around 95% of franchise locations with an initial investment of at least $25,000 are still in business after five years, Entrepreneur reports.

The Senior Care Advantage

A Place At Home is a recognized franchise in a high-demand industry. The U.S. population is aging. By 2040, nearly one in four Americans will be 65 or older. A Place At Home caters to this growing demographic by offering a range of personalized services, including in-home care, care coordination, and staffing solutions. Having multiple revenue streams allows you to diversify your portfolio to increase profits. It also enables you to provide reliable and consistent services to help seniors to age gracefully.

You do not need experience in senior care to succeed as an A Place At Home franchisee. We provide the training and support you need to build your business. Our dedicated coaches guide new owners as they set up their businesses, evaluate potential office locations, obtain state licensing processes, and more. You’ll receive five days of intensive training onsite at our headquarters.

Partner with A Place At Home

Starting a business can lead you to self-sufficiency and financial freedom. Fill out our franchise inquiry form to learn more about partnering with A Place At Home to launch a senior care business in your community.

5 Industries That Do Well in a Recession

To build a business that withstands the test of time, discover five industries that do well in a recession.

A recession is characterized by decreased consumer spending, rising unemployment, and a prolonged dip in the stock market. The last U.S. recession was in 2008. The Great Recession was spurred by a housing market bubble, financial deregulation, and a banking crisis. During this time, the U.S. domestic product dropped 4.3%, and the unemployment rate doubled. Sluggish sales and economic uncertainty had a major impact on small businesses. Fewer small businesses opened during the Great Recession, and many struggled to stay afloat.

Operating a business during a recession can be challenging, especially if you don’t provide an essential service. During a recession, customers historically cut spending on non-essential items to trim their budgets, sending sales in these industries on a downward spiral.

Fortunately, many industries are essential and continue to perform well despite economic fluctuations. Here are a few of our top picks of industries that do well in a recession:

1. Pet services: Most pet owners consider furry friends official family members. Even when money is tight, pet parents do not scrimp on care. During the 2008 recession, pet industry sales climbed 5.1%.
2. Coffee shops: It may seem counterintuitive for customers to spend money on specialty coffees on a budget. But a daily “cup of joe” is often seen as an “affordable indulgence.” After cutting travel plans, delaying a new car purchase, or eating more meals at home, customers indulge in budget-friendly treats—like a latte or cold brew.
3. Urgent care: More than 200 million patients visit urgent care annually. Whether patients need vaccinations, prescription refills, or are ill, urgent care locations offer same-day and after-hours healthcare services. Patients turn to urgent care as an alternative to crowded emergency rooms for non-life-threatening concerns. People continue to prioritize their health, even when the economy is down, and demand is expected to continue to surge for this convenient healthcare service. New urgent care centers are opening at a growth rate of 7%.
4. Auto repair: We rely on cars to live, work, and play, and auto repair shops provide a valuable service. Americans spend an average of more than 25 minutes on their daily commute, and as the average age of cars on the road hits 12.6 years, repairs are inevitable. An auto repair shop can be a lucrative opportunity for car aficionados and savvy entrepreneurs.
5. Senior services: Securing high-quality, compassionate care for aging loved ones is necessary for many families. Aging in place is an important goal for 95% of Americans, a survey conducted by U.S. News & World Report revealed. In-home senior care services are an essential, recession-resistant solution designed to improve seniors’ quality of life.

A Place At Home: A Senior Care Leader

A Place At Home co-founders and childhood friends Dustin Distefano and Jerod Evanich were inspired to launch a business in the senior care industry to deliver the same level of care they’d provided their grandparents to seniors nationwide. The senior care franchise’s focus on compassionate care and multiple revenue streams has helped it grow to 34 locations.

With an initial investment starting near $90,000*, A Place At Home offers entrepreneurs a turnkey senior care business in a recession resistant industry with the training and support they need to thrive. If you want to own a recession-resistant business that makes a difference in the lives of families in your community, A Place At Home is ready to help you get started.

Fill out our franchise inquiry form to learn more about launching a senior-focused business in your community today!

 *See FDD for details.

A Place At Home was recently featured by Franchising USA Magazine, a national monthly publication highlighting the franchise world’s opportunities and achievements. Experts in the franchising industry, they featured our three newest A Place at Home franchisees – two in New Jersey and one in the Los Angeles metro area. These three new locations elevate our brand to 31 locations nationwide, reflecting our continuous growth and commitment to quality care.

Each of our new franchisees brings invaluable personal experience in caring for a senior loved one to their new business. In Northridge, California, Jerry Shin, who his grandmother raised, opened A Place At Home – Northwest Valley. In New Jersey, Tania and Arturo Rosario have launched A Place At Home – Montclair, drawing on their extensive experience in the tech side of the healthcare industry. Lastly, Essa and Sabrina Bangura’s opening of A Place at Home – Eatontown will serve the senior population, which makes up nearly 20% of Monmouth County, New Jersey.

“We’re thrilled to see our network grow with franchisees who are committed to our mission of providing compassionate, accountable, respectful, and ethical care,” said Dustin Distefano, CEO and co-founder of A Place At Home. “Their unique backgrounds and personal stories make them the perfect addition to our franchise family.”

A Place At Home offers a comprehensive range of senior-focused care services. These include in-home care, care coordination, senior living alternatives, and staffing solutions. Our brand is dedicated to providing consistent and continuous care throughout the aging journey, ensuring that seniors receive the best possible support at every stage of life.

Use our Location Finder to find an A Place at Home team near you.