Four years ago, Valerie and Doug Shaw got the opportunity of a lifetime, to own an Assisting Hands® Home Care business, which Valerie had helped launch and grow. By Elice Morgenson

Four years ago, Valerie and Doug Shaw got the opportunity of a lifetime, to own an Assisting Hands® Home Care business, which Valerie had helped launch and grow.

It happened when Terry Madden, the owner of the Scottsdale, Arizona, location, told the Shaws she was ready to sell, and asked if they wanted to buy her out. Valerie, while working for Assisting Hands Home Care founder Gail Silverstein, had helped Madden learn about and grow her business, which was one of the brand’s first franchises. “She asked me once if I ever thought I would own the business I helped to grow,” Valerie recalls. “I said, Never in a million years!”

Madden’s question back then might have been hypothetical, but when she seriously approached Valerie and Doug about buying the business, the Shaws knew they couldn’t pass up the opportunity. “She did not want to sell her business to just anyone. She wanted someone she could trust to take care of her clients and employees,” Valerie said.

Maintaining an effective staff is essential to the success of a home-care business. “You have to be caring and compassionate and be able to put clients and caregivers first. Think about things from someone else’s perspective and keep an open mind,” Valerie said.

Her compassion contributes to her employees’ passion for their work. “I like to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes – figure out how does this system work, what does this issue look like,” Valerie said. Learning the strengths and weaknesses of each employee creates a stronger and more unified team that can face unforeseen challenges with confidence.

The demand for home care has increased because of several factors including an increase in aging clients, affordability compared with living facilities, clients’ preference for aging in their homes, convenience of care options, and safety from breakouts in illness. Valerie hopes the public can be further educated about the home-care industry and that more caregivers are drawn to the business. “People do not realize what the needs are in this community. We need more public education about what home care is.”

If you are looking for an in-home care franchise, one of the fastest growing markets today, visit assistinghands.com/franchise.

– Elice Morgenson