Bridge to Better Living franchisees take pride in working directly with clients one-on-one. Clients appreciate the personal touch, highly recommend these services to others and often return for assistance themselves when more care is needed. By Cindy Charette
Mary Ann Stallings was very close to her grandparents as she grew up. As her grandfather aged, he eventually needed placement in a nursing home. Stallings visited him often but recalls how many other nursing home residents had no visitors, so she took it upon herself to play the piano for them and talk to those who were alone. Stallings’ early passion for seniors and their care was a seed that ultimately grew into a career.
As an adult, Stallings and her husband searched for the right retirement home for his parents, aunt and uncle, and eventually for her own mother. The process left the couple frustrated. They didn’t know where to turn, or what questions to ask and ended up wasting time and effort with less than acceptable results.
After retiring as a teacher of 28 years, Stallings wanted to start her own business helping others. Looking back, she remembered the challenges she faced when trying to find quality senior care meeting the needs of her family members. She knew other families had faced the same difficulties. So, in 2010, Stallings founded Bridge to Better Living, offering no-cost, personal assistance to seniors and their families with placement in Independent, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Long-Term Care communities.
Bridge to Better Living franchisees consider many factors when determining the best placement options. These include their client’s social, physical, medical and financial needs. Franchisees also do extensive research into the communities and recommend only those meeting the clients’ and communities’ criteria. After presenting the various options to family members, franchisees arrange for tours of chosen living communities.
Bridge to Better Living franchisees take pride in working directly with clients one-on-one. Clients appreciate the personal touch, highly recommend these services to others and often return for assistance themselves when more care is needed.
Generous geographical areas of 300,000 population are awarded to franchisees, and family members outside of the franchisee’s area seeking services for loved ones within the territory may still work with Bridge to Better Living via virtual consultations and tours.
Stallings says the best part of the business is the gratitude and appreciation she hears from seniors and their family members. “This is a very emotional time for people, so we are here to help put smiles on the families’ faces when they find the communities matching their loved ones’ personalities and also meeting their personal needs,” she says.
“It’s hard to even call this a job,” Stallings said. “This is the last transition for many of our clients. We want them to have the quality of life they so deserve, and to help them find it has been so rewarding.”
A Bridge to Better Living franchise is an excellent, sustainable business opportunity to serve the quickly growing demands of an aging population. In fact, 10,000 people will turn 65 every day until the year 2030, explained Kristine Dykeman-Schoening, director of development for Bridge to Better Living. This means that by 2030, there will be 72 million people over age 65.
– Cindy Charette