home health care

Leading Home Healthcare Franchise Pairs Franchise Growth with National Quality Recognition, New Leadership, and Expanded Clinical Support

CHICAGO — BrightStar Care, the leading provider of nurse-led home healthcare, skilled care and medical staffing, is heading into the second half of 2026 with sustained momentum across franchise development, quality recognition, and technology. The brand signed more than 20 franchise agreements and opened 19 new locations in the first six months of the year, building a strong foundation for a year marked by national recognition, new leadership and expanded clinical support.

Rising Home Care Demand Fuels Franchise Growth

Growth in 2026 continues to reflect rising demand for in-home care, which is raising awareness of the opportunity among prospective owners. With multiple revenue streams available to franchise owners, BrightStar Care stands apart from competitors with the full continuum of care owners can deliver, from companion care, medical care, and skilled care to medical staffing solutions for corporate partners.

“Demand for in-home care is creating real opportunity, and our job is to help owners capture it,” said Pete First, Chief Development Officer at BrightStar Care. “Prospective owners are drawn to a model that combines purpose, community impact, and multiple revenue streams, and the momentum we are seeing at the midpoint of 2026 reflects that pull. With roughly half of our territories still open for development, there is meaningful room to grow.”

The pace of the brand’s development reflects that demand. BrightStar Care has signed 60 franchise agreements over the last 18 months, a sign of sustained interest from operators inside and outside of healthcare.

National Recognition for Quality and Franchise Strength

BrightStar Care entered the second half of the year with a wave of national honors spanning quality, senior care, and franchising:

• Named an Enterprise Champion for Quality by The Joint Commission for the 14th consecutive year, the only home care company to earn this recognition
• Ranked No. 3 in the Senior Care category in Entrepreneur Magazine’s inaugural Top 10 Franchise Industry Rankings in June 2026
• Ranked No. 159 on the 2026 Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list, climbing nearly 30 positions from the prior year for its 16th consecutive year on the list

Investing in Leadership and Clinical Support

BrightStar Care strengthened its leadership team in the first half of the year, naming Josh Wall as CEO. Wall succeeds Andy Ray, who transitioned to an advisory role with the brand. Wall most recently served as COO of Unleashed Brands and brings more than two decades of franchise leadership experience, with a track record of strengthening franchise systems and guiding brands through periods of rapid expansion.

The brand also invested in its clinical team during the first half of the year, adding support for franchise owners and the clients they serve and reinforcing the nurse-led model at the center of every care plan.

Advancing Technology for Owners

BrightStar Care continued to invest in technology designed to strengthen the owner experience. The brand introduced new tools powered by AI across scheduling, sales and marketing, and daily operations. The tools are designed to take friction out of everyday operations while maintaining care quality.

“Our model is built around hands-on care, clinical oversight and trust, which makes it resilient even as AI reshapes other industries,” said First. “We are investing in technology that removes friction from everyday operations for our owners and the clients they serve, so their teams can spend more time on what matters most, the people in their care.”

With more than 420 locations nationwide, BrightStar Care continues to expand into communities where the need for dependable, nurse-led care is clear. While the brand has been franchising for more than 20 years, significant whitespace remains, and BrightStar Care is focused on placing the right owners in open territories through the second half of 2026.

To learn more about franchise opportunities, visit www.brightstarfranchising.com.

Seasoned Franchise Executive to Build on Brand’s Commitment to Clinical Excellence, Franchisee Support and Exceptional Client Experience

CHICAGO — BrightStar Care, a leading provider of nurse-led home care, skilled care and medical staffing services, today announced the appointment of Josh Wall as Chief Executive Officer. Wall succeeds Andy Ray and will lead the company’s next phase of growth by strengthening franchisee success, expanding strategic healthcare partnerships, investing in innovation and technology, and building on BrightStar Care’s long-standing reputation for clinical excellence and exceptional client experience.

Wall joins BrightStar Care with more than two decades of experience helping franchise owners build stronger, more profitable businesses, developing high-performing teams and leading franchise organizations through periods of rapid expansion. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for strengthening franchise systems, empowering franchisees and creating meaningful impact in the communities they serve.

“I’m honored to join BrightStar Care at such an exciting time for both the company and the home care industry,” said Wall. “BrightStar Care brings together two things I’m deeply passionate about: helping franchise owners build successful businesses and delivering exceptional care to families. I look forward to partnering with our franchisees, caregivers, nurses and team members to build on the strong foundation that’s already in place while continuing to innovate, grow and create even greater value across the network.”

“I also want to thank Andy Ray for his leadership and the organization he helped build. His contributions have positioned BrightStar Care for continued success, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help lead the company’s next chapter,” added Wall.

Josh Wall: A Proven Franchise Leader

Wall most recently served as Chief Operating Officer of Unleashed Brands, the world’s largest youth enrichment franchise platform. In that role, he oversaw franchise operations, franchise development, franchisee support and mergers and acquisitions across a portfolio of industry-leading brands, including Urban Air Adventure Park, Sylvan Learning, The Little Gym, Water Wings Swim School, Snapology, Premier Martial Arts and Class 101.

As a member of the executive leadership team, Wall played a key role in driving enterprise growth, integrating acquisitions and strengthening franchisee performance across more than 1,500 locations nationwide, serving over 20 million children annually.

Previously, Wall served as Chief Growth Officer for Unleashed Brands and Chief Franchise Officer for Urban Air Adventure Park. Earlier in his career, he spent 16 years with Christian Brothers Automotive, ultimately serving as Partner and Chief Development Officer, where he helped grow the brand from 21 locations to more than 350 locations while building one of the franchise industry’s strongest records for Average Unit Volume (AUV) and Total Owner Benefit (TOB).

Wall’s experience scaling franchise brands, partnering closely with franchise owners and leading organizations through transformational growth makes him uniquely positioned to lead BrightStar Care into its next chapter.

How BrightStar Care is Positioned for the Future

Wall joins BrightStar Care at a pivotal time for both the company and the home healthcare industry. Demand for high-quality, home-based care continues to accelerate as the nation’s aging population grows, healthcare increasingly shifts into the home and families seek trusted care partners. According to Fortune Business Insights, the U.S. home healthcare services market was valued at $100.95 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $176.30 billion by 2032.

BrightStar Care is well positioned to capitalize on that demand. Over the past 18 months, the company has signed more than 60 franchise agreements for new territories, including 20 in 2026 alone, while continuing to build a strong pipeline of both prospective franchise owners and existing owners looking to expand.

As CEO, Wall will focus on helping franchise owners grow successful businesses, expand BrightStar Care’s national footprint, strengthen strategic healthcare partnerships and invest in innovative technologies that enhance the experience for franchise owners, caregivers and clients alike. He will also build on the company’s leadership in nurse-led home care and its commitment to clinical excellence.

“Josh brings a unique combination of franchise expertise, operational excellence, strategic vision and servant leadership,” said Spencer Moore, BrightStar Care Board Member. “His passion for supporting franchisees, developing people and building scalable organizations aligns perfectly with BrightStar Care’s mission and long-term growth strategy. We are excited to welcome Josh and look forward to the future under his leadership.”

With more than 420 franchised locations nationwide, BrightStar Care serves clients of all ages, from infants to seniors, offering the full continuum of care, including companion care, personal care, skilled care, healthcare staffing services and support for more than 180 national accounts. The brand continues to differentiate itself through its nurse-led care model, Joint Commission accreditation and unwavering commitment to delivering A Higher Standard® of care.

Leading Home Care Franchise Recognized Among Top Brands on Inaugural List

CHICAGO — BrightStar Care, the leading provider of nurse-led in-home care, skilled care and medical staffing, is proud to have been ranked the No. 3 franchise in the Senior Care category in Entrepreneur Magazine’s inaugural Top 10 Industry Franchise Rankings. This recognition places BrightStar Care among the highest-performing senior care franchise brands in the country and reinforces its position as a leader in the home care franchise sector.

The inaugural industry rankings were developed from Entrepreneur’s prestigious Franchise 500® list, where BrightStar Care was ranked No. 159 overall, rising nearly 30 spots from the previous year. The rankings were based on more than 150 data points, including growth, franchisee support, brand strength, financial stability, and operational performance.

“This recognition reflects the strength of the BrightStar Care franchise system, our commitment to delivering a higher standard of care and the dedication of franchise owners and caregivers who bring our mission to life every day,” said Andy Ray, CEO of BrightStar Care. “This ranking is a testament to the trust families place in our brand and the meaningful opportunity ahead for franchise owners in the home care space.”

The ranking comes as demand for home-based care continues to grow nationwide. According to Fortune Business Insights, the U.S. home healthcare services market was valued at $100.95 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $176.30 billion by 2032, driven by the country’s aging population, rising prevalence of chronic diseases and increasing demand for skilled nursing care at home.

The BrightStar Care franchise model provides the full continuum of care, from infants to seniors, including companion care, personal care, skilled care, staffing and 180+ national accounts. This allows franchise owners to support families, clients and healthcare organizations across a wide range of care needs. With more than 420 franchised locations nationwide, the brand continues to differentiate itself through its clinical standards, Joint Commission accreditation and commitment to delivering high-quality care in the home setting.

Expanded Clinical Capabilities & Strong Franchise Performance Drive Momentum Into 2026

BANNOCKBURN, Ill. — BrightStar Care, a leading provider of in-home care, medical staffing, and senior living solutions, announced a milestone year marked by strategic investment, accelerated franchise growth, and record-setting performance across its national network. In 2025, BrightStar Care opened more than 30 new locations, welcomed 20 new franchise owners, and saw existing owners expand into 21 additional markets. This momentum reflects the strength of the company’s nurse-led care model and its differentiated structure of five revenue streams: companion care, personal care, skilled care, staffing, and national accounts.

For the 13th consecutive year, BrightStar Care earned the Joint Commission Enterprise Champion for Quality Award, highlighting its commitment to the highest standard of care. BrightStar Care’s multiple revenue streams provide franchisees the opportunity to grow their business beyond traditional companion and personal care, which drives greater market penetration. Franchisees also continued to achieve strong financial performance.

“Demand for home-based care continues to grow, and BrightStar Care is well-positioned to support franchise expansion,” said Pete First, Chief Development Officer at BrightStar Care. “Our nurse-led model, diverse revenue streams, and ongoing investments in technology give entrepreneurs a strong foundation to build high-performing businesses. Looking ahead to 2026, our focus remains on expanding our footprint while helping franchise owners meet the evolving needs of families in their local communities.”

The company’s new partnership with a leading middle-market private equity firm marks a new era of innovation, operational support, and long-term growth, enabling investments in technology, expanded clinical resources, and enhanced systems designed to strengthen franchise support and elevate the client experience.

As care continues moving into the home, BrightStar Care enters 2026 ready for continued expansion and innovation. These strategic investments, strengthened clinical capabilities, and a growing franchise network position the company to further its mission to deliver exceptional nurse-led care across the country. BrightStar Care remains committed to raising industry standards, supporting franchise owners, and leading the future of home-based healthcare.

The Brand Earns #159 Ranking After Year of Accelerated Expansion and Strong Franchisee Performance

BANNOCKBURN, Ill. — BrightStar Care, a leading provider of in-home care and medical staffing, has been recognized, for the 16th year in a row, as one of the top 500 franchises in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500®, BrightStar Care jumped nearly 30 positions from the previous year, now ranking as #159 for its outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power.

“As demand for home-based care continues to rise, BrightStar Care’s continued momentum in the Franchise 500® reflects the strength of our franchise model,” said Pete First, Chief Development Officer at BrightStar Care. “We’re proud to offer franchise owners a model that delivers strong financial results while making a meaningful impact for families, caregivers, and healthcare partners nationwide.”

In 2025, BrightStar Care opened more than 30 new locations, welcomed 20 new franchise owners, and saw existing owners expand into 21 additional markets. BrightStar Care’s multiple revenue streams provide franchisees the opportunity to grow their business beyond traditional companion and personal care, which drives greater market penetration and strong financial performance.

“For 47 years, the Franchise 500 has been the gold standard for identifying franchise excellence. This year’s ranking proves that the best brands don’t just survive changing markets; they thrive in them,” says Jason Feifer, Entrepreneur magazine’s editor in chief.

As part of Entrepreneur’s ongoing commitment to evaluating the constantly evolving franchise landscape, the editorial team conducts in-depth research across a wide range of criteria, including costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and overall financial stability.

BANNOCKBURN, ILL — BrightStar Care, a leading franchiser of home care services providing premium home health care and medical staffing with a higher standard of clinical excellence and compassion, announced today its winners for the company’s Best & Brightest Nurse of the Year and Caregiver of the Year Awards. These awards honor exceptional nurses and caregivers on a regional and national level who exemplify a commitment to client care and embody BrightStar’s core values, including compassion, integrity, excellence, trustworthiness, accountability and reliability.

Every year, BrightStar Care invites clients, family members and fellow employees who have been positively impacted by the company’s dedicated nurses and caregivers across the country to share their stories and nominate these professionals for this prestigious award. These awards recognize the commitment and compassion of BrightStar Care’s professional caregivers, while also showcasing the company’s dedication to honoring and supporting its care team.

Hundreds of nominations are submitted for the awards annually and this year, BrightStar Care is recognizing eight individuals that represent excellence in the West, Midwest, Northeast and Southeast regions. Each winner will receive a $5,000 prize in recognition of the true impact they have made on individuals and their families by going above and beyond to ensure they are providing a higher standard of home care through compassion and clinical excellence. Out of this remarkable group of regional winners, Gabiola Jean from Norwalk, CT and Christina Roddy from Aurora, CO, were also selected as BrightStar Care’s national caregiver and nurse of the year, respectively.

“At BrightStar Care, our caregivers are at the heart of everything we do. Each year, these awards give us the opportunity to honor the nurses and caregivers within our network who truly go above and beyond,” said Andy Ray, CEO of BrightStar Care. “Recognizing their dedication reinforces appreciation for their work and reflects the company’s unwavering commitment to supporting and celebrating the people who make a tangible difference every single day.”

Best & Brightest Award Winners

Gabiola Jean, also known as Gabby, was awarded caregiver of the year for her genuine compassion and overall calming presence. Gabby’s nominator detailed how, over the course of nearly two years, she has become not just a caregiver, but a trusted friend and confidant for her patient in Norwalk, Connecticut. She has significantly improved said patient’s quality of life by encouraging them to do what brings them joy, from outdoor activities and woodworking to cornhole, live music, and bocce ball, all from the comfort of their wheelchair.

In Aurora, CO, Christina Roddy was selected as nurse of the year for helping her patients rediscover parts of themselves they thought were lost. Her nominator included powerful and deeply moving words in their submission: “Christina is more than a nurse – she is the reason I’m still here.” This patient went on to detail how Christina never treated them as a task, but as someone truly worth fighting for. She became their advocate, pushed for better treatment, and spoke up when things didn’t seem right, exemplifying what it means to provide excellent medical care with empathy and kindness.

Regional winners awarded for their outstanding attention to their patients include: Julia Allen (Asheville, NC), Nasteho Omar (Burnsville / South St. Paul, MN), Natasha Thibodeau (Carlsbad, CA), Madelyn Leader (York, PA), Landon Carson (Charlottesville, VA) and Ainsley Burlingam (Centerville / South Dayton, OH). To find out more about the 2025 Best and Brightest Winners, please visit www.brightstarcare.com.