Approximately 90% of adults over 65 would prefer to age at home than in a facility, according to a report published by the AARP Public Policy Institute. For those who want to receive nonmedical care in the safety and comfort of their own home, Caring Senior Service provides the solution. By Brianna Bohn
Approximately 90% of adults over 65 would prefer to age at home than in a facility, according to a report published by the AARP Public Policy Institute. For those who want to receive nonmedical care in the safety and comfort of their own home, Caring Senior Service provides the solution. The brand’s proven system also supports families who want to build a legacy with a life-changing franchise.
“We have numerous franchisees who entered the home-care industry because they have had a family member who wants to age at home or have had negative experiences with facilities. As a result, many of our owners want to build a legacy that the generations before them would be proud of and that generations to come can continue to build,” explained Ian Klaes, vice president of Caring Senior Service.
In addition to being on the brand’s leadership team, Ian co-owns two Caring Senior Service locations with his wife, Lisa, in El Paso, Texas, and Galesburg, Illinois. While the Klaeses had prior experience in related healthcare services, neither had business management experience. Caring Senior Service’s easy-to-follow model allowed them to pursue their dream of helping others while building a business that truly gives back to their community.
“Caring Senior Service was a great fit for us because the business model is so well-defined and developed,” he said. “It has allowed us to expand to multiple locations – even different states – and have employees run the businesses day to day. As our children get older, we can involve them more in the business and determine if someday they may want to get involved at an ownership level.”
Husband-and-wife team Mike and Adie Walls felt moved to invest in a Caring Senior Service franchise for a similar reason. When their grandparents’ health started to decline, the Wallses decided to move closer to their family and open their Lake Jackson, Texas, location. Mike had been working in the corporate office at Caring Senior Service, which helped guide him to fulfilling his and his wife’s passion for helping the elderly.
“I knew I loved my grandparents, and I wanted to do what I could to help them. In our initial week-long corporate training and discussions at quarterly conferences with the team and fellow owners, we soaked up lots of knowledge. The Caring Support Team is always just a phone call away for questions that arise even now – almost nine years later,” explained Adie.
While the Wallses are thankful for the freedom and flexibility that the franchise has offered them, they also understand that, at times, it can be a balancing act between taking care of their grandparents, attending midday school events for their children and, of course, running a business. Even with this in mind, Adie explained that she wouldn’t change it for the world, especially because she has her family by her side.
“I definitely wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else. My family has been supportive and understanding when last-minute emergencies come up. If clients need us, I may have to leave dinner or pick up pizza instead of cooking,” she said.
With the leadership team’s support and the brand’s innovative tablet-based business model, Tendio, the Wallses have found great success. In 2018, they won the Hedgehog Award, the brand’s annual franchisee of the year award.
“I started this company to help my grandparents, and winning that award meant I had done a good job, not only for them but other families too,” she said.
Brianna Bohn