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.

New Franchise Now Serving Seniors in Orlando

New In Home Care Franchise Owner Stephen Sherbin

A Place At Home has awarded a new franchise in Orlando. Stephen Sherbin and Nicky Sherbin are the new owners that will help fulfill A Place At Home’s larger strategy to help seniors age with dignity through personalized care. 

The Population Reference Bureau predicts that by 2060 close to 100 million Americans will be aged 65 and older. Only 3 percent of the elderly prefer nursing homes. The remainder chooses in-home care support. There is, therefore, a corresponding growing demand for quality in-home care services which led A Place At Home to franchise it’s successful model. 

A Place At Home is set to serve over 22 areas in Orlando, Florida, from Bay Hill to Pine Castle and Pine Hills through the stewardship of Stephen Sherbin & Nicky Sherbin. The owners have extensive experience in healthcare. They will be operating from a centrally located office at Hoffner Center, Suite #234. 

“We happily welcome Stephen and Nicky to the A Place At Home family,” said Co-Founder Dustin Distefano. “They bring vast business and care experience that embodies our spirit of CARE. We believe that they are the perfect people to help us grow and serve seniors throughout Orlando.” 

About The Owners

Stephen is the president-elect of the Florida Hearing Society. He has 18 years of executive-level experience in the hearing aid industry. He is also a former member of the Economic Development Council for Brevard County and a former chair of the Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce. 

His business partner, Nicky Sherbin, is a Radiation Oncology Registered Nurse Manager in Winter Park. She has been providing care for those in her community for more than 25 years. Nicky was also a Spring Training nurse for the Washington Nationals, Montreal Expos, and Florida Marlins. She was also the nurse for the LPGA and helped launch the Sports Medicine Institute in Melbourne, Florida. Both she and Stephen are very experienced in handling VIP clients. 

Why A Place At Home Franchise?

The senior care entrepreneurs chose A Place At Home for its new franchise model and inspiring philosophy. “A Place At Home has given us the ability to offer the complete range of services including in-home companion care and in-home private care,” said Stephen. “We have also started a referral service that transitions patients to the right assisted living facilities that can meet their needs.” 

Stephen praised A Place At Home for its nurturing franchisee relations. “The agency employs its care staff in a supporting, responsible, and traditional way. Their comprehensive training program allowed us to hit the ground running.” 

The US Census Bureau confirms that Florida has the highest percentage of seniors, standing at 19%. The weather, the tax system and the vibrant community of elders are the contributing factors. Stephen and Nicky have a great opportunity to make a difference in the quality of elderly care in the state. 

“Having started my nursing career in hospice and home care and working in radiation oncology for the past 14 years, I have personally seen the life-changing results achieved by competent home care professionals,” says Nicky. “We are thrilled for the chance to make an impact in our local community filled with family and friends.” 

Stephen adds, “Success requires passion. Our passion comes from our family that is going through the same challenges as our patients’ families. We understand the strong need to provide high-quality care for those we love. We also understand the feeling of being trapped by having to work but wanting to be a caring son or daughter. Providing solutions to those problems through our new franchise is incredibly rewarding.” 

About A Place At Home

A Place At Home aims to be agile to the dynamics of the aging process through the provision of personalized services tuned to the unique and changing needs of each patient. The service model is dubbed C.A.R.E, which stands for Compassionate, Accountable, Respectful, and Ethical. A Place At Home helps seniors stay at home for longer with support and a degree of independence they desire. When the patients must move to senior care facilities, free placement services are offered. 

Visit www.aplaceathome.com to learn more about the services we offer and www.aplaceathomefranchise.com to learn about franchising opportunities. 

CONTACT: 

Jerod Evanich, MBA Co-Founder and Head of Development
O: 888-502-6310 x 101
F: 402-281-0738
E: jerod.evanich(at)aplaceathome(dot)com

Metro Detroit Gains New A Place at Home Franchise

DETROIT, MI – JUNE 26, 2018

Earlier this month, local entrepreneurs Melissa Shevela and Michael Shevela were awarded the first A Place at Home Franchise in Michigan. The Shevelas have obtained exclusive rights to offer the unique APAH model to seniors in the southeast Michigan, metro Detroit region. Their office will be headquartered in Warren and will also serve the greater Macomb County.

Melissa Shevela will serve as the new franchise’s President. She spent 13 years as the owner-operator of a business in the automotive industry. She guided that business through an exponential growth period, increasing sales eightfold during her time there. She has been in the community for 47 years, and has held many volunteer leadership positions as well. She served as the Coordinator for a Salvation Army Soup Kitchen, for example, and remains active at St. Louis Church. She has a B.A. in Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations from Central Michigan University.

Michael Shevela will serve as the new franchise’s Operations Manager. He has 30 years of experience leading professionals in the automotive industry. He spent 13 years working side-by-side with Melissa on their automotive business. He is known for being a consummate problem-solver who relentlessly follows industry standards. He is a lifelong resident of the southeastern Michigan community.

“After caring for my mother during her battle with cancer, and after caring for my father-in-law during his end-of-life stages,” says Ms. Shevela, “I came to understand the struggles inherent to finding good in-home care. I wished it could have been better for our loved ones. But now, we have an opportunity to make things better for other people’s loved ones. Seniors deserve respect, compassion, and high-quality care during their golden years. A Place at Home puts emphasis on high-quality care-giving and on ensuring seniors can thrive in a safe, happy environment.”

Mr. Shevela agrees, and notes, “A Place at Home stood out as being well-prepared to handle different levels of senior-care needs. We were impressed both by the quality of care they offer and by the company’s commitment to employee development. We align strongly with A Place at Home’s core values.”

A Place at Home follows four core values. Its founders, franchisees and employees all pledge to be “compassionate, accountable, respectful and ethical.” They call it the CARE model.

Mr. Shevela adds, “We promise to uphold the CARE core values for both our clients and employees, no exceptions.”
Company co-founders Jerod Evanich and Dustin Distefano hope to see the APAH “We are CARE” model offered coast-to-coast.

“We truly believe the best way to ensure seniors throughout the nation receive the best care is through franchising,” says Evanich. “Partnering with passionate-minded business professionals who align with our values and who are committed to sharing the Senior-Focused Care model will help complete our Mission ‘to be Passionate Professionals Providing the Compassionate Care Solutions You Need, Where and When You Need Us’.”

Evanich and Distefano launched APAH in 2012. They began franchising in 2017 after experiencing exponential growth.
Evanich and Distefano make it clear anyone hoping to start an APAH franchise should first examine themselves to ensure they can say they are already shining examples of the CARE philosophy.

“If we can see those qualities in a person we will gladly help them parlay their professional background and acumen into running a successful APAH business,” adds Distefano.

Fortunately for seniors in the Detroit metro area, the Shevelas have successfully risen to the challenge.