senior care

– Leading senior care franchise shares what caregivers need to know to help protect seniors –

ROSEVILLE, Calif. — In these peak summer months, Always Best Care franchise teams nationwide are encouraging seniors and their families to take skin cancer awareness seriously. As leading providers of non-medical in-home care and senior living referral services, Always Best Care professionals know caregivers can play a crucial role in monitoring seniors for any concerning skin changes and helping them get prompt medical attention when needed.

Sonya Meade-Settles, BSHSM, NA is the owner of Always Best Care in Norfolk, Virginia. She believes that caregivers, who often assist with activities of daily living like bathing, are in a unique position to support seniors in maintaining skin health. In fact, a member of her team noticed a discolored spot on a client’s chest that turned out to be skin cancer. “Our professional caregivers at Always Best Care know that small changes in skin condition can evolve quickly, so they are trained to report any changes right away in case a doctor referral is needed. Without this care team member’s careful attention to detail and persistence in reporting what she observed, our client would not have received medical care.”

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, and seniors are particularly at risk due to past sun exposure and fragile skin that can be easily overexposed to damaging UV rays. Caregivers can help by encouraging them to wear sunscreen, stay in the shade as much as possible, wear UV-protective clothing and use accessories such as wide-brimmed hats and umbrellas to shield themselves when they are outside.

“Early detection is critical in improving the outcome of skin cancer treatment, and Always Best Care in-home care teams have an important role to play in helping clients with their routine skin checks and overall sun-safe behaviors,” said Jake Brown, President and CEO of Always Best Care. “Our franchise owners across 29 states and Canada have built a network of referral partners in their local territories to offer their clients a continuum of care when specialists or additional consultations are needed. We urge all seniors and their families to focus on their skin health this summer and throughout the year to reduce the risk and impact of skin cancer.”

Meade-Settles also wants people to know that skin cancer does not discriminate. “Skin cancer can affect anyone regardless of skin color, age, or gender,” she said. “That is why it’s so important to schedule routine skin checks with a dermatologist, in addition to watching for any changes in the skin at home. We tell our caregivers to monitor the skin for any new or changing moles, lesions, or patches, including something that may just look like a scratch or sore. If they see discoloration, bleeding, crusting or any type of change, they know how important it is to speak up so that senior can be evaluated. Early detection really does save lives!”

Always Best Care recommends the following tips for seniors and their caregivers to promote skin safety:

1. Educate seniors about how important it is for them to have regular skin examinations and protect themselves from the sun.
2. Encourage them to wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, stay in the shade and wear protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats and long-sleeve shirts. Caregivers may also need to help with application of sunscreen and reminders to reapply.
3. Perform Regular Skin Checks: Assist seniors in monitoring their skin for any changes and reporting any suspicious findings to their healthcare provider in a timely manner.
4. Schedule routine dermatology appointments for seniors, especially for those who have a history of sun exposure or skin cancer.

Always Best Care is one of the nation’s leading providers of non-medical in-home care and senior living referral services, with skilled home health care in limited markets. The company delivers its services through an international network of more than 250 independently owned and operated franchise territories throughout the United States and Canada. By working with case managers, social workers, discharge planners, doctors, and families, Always Best Care franchise owners provide affordable, comprehensive solutions that can be specifically matched to meet a client’s particular physical or social needs.

For more information on available territories and franchising with Always Best Care, contact Sean Hart at rshart@abc-seniors.com, call 916-545-2786 or visit www.alwaysbestcare.com/franchising.

U.S. Air Force Retiree from Hurlburt Field Opens Franchise Business to Answer Local Demand for In-Home Care and Senior Living Referral Services

ROSEVILLE, Calif. — Always Best Care Senior Services, one of the leading senior care franchise systems in the United States, announced today the opening of its first location in the Florida Panhandle. Always Best Care of Shalimar is owned and operated by local resident and military veteran Jeremy Meng, who is now providing award-winning in-home senior care and senior living referral services throughout Shalimar and surrounding areas such as Crestview, Niceville, Milton and Eglin Air Force Base.

“We are thrilled to have Jeremy expanding Always Best Care’s reach in Florida, where we now have six locations throughout the state providing the highest level of personal care to seniors and their families,” said Jake Brown, President and CEO of Always Best Care. “With the demand for quality senior care growing, it’s more important than ever to have passionate entrepreneurs like Jeremy who can pair their experience in managing people and processes with a commitment to helping others. We look forward to watching him grow and make a difference in his community.”

Jeremy Meng served in the United States Air Force for 20 years, retiring from Hurlburt Field as the Superintendent/Special Agent of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations Detachment in 2018. Although his federal service is complete, he is continuing to help his local community by providing daily life services for in-need individuals and their families.

“I have had the pleasure of living in the Shalimar area for the past eight years and know there is a large group of retirees here who want to stay as independent as possible as they age,” said Jeremy Meng, owner of Always Best Care of Shalimar. “Along with my team of professional caregivers, I look forward to providing trusted companionship, personalized care plans, and comfort to them right in their home.”

For those who are ready to transition to senior living, Always Best Care of Shalimar helps them find the ideal community to meet their financial, geographical and cultural needs. “We provide full-service guidance to seniors and their families, scheduling tours and accompanying them during the facility tours. We ask the questions clients may not know they need to ask,” Meng added.

Always Best Care is one of the nation’s leading providers of non-medical in-home care and senior living referral services, with skilled home health care in limited markets. The company delivers its services through an international network of more than 250 independently owned and operated franchise territories throughout the United States and Canada. By working with case managers, social workers, discharge planners, doctors, and families, Always Best Care franchise owners provide affordable, comprehensive solutions that can be specifically matched to meet a client’s particular physical or social needs.

Always Best Care of Shalimar is located at 60 2^nd Street, Suite C-1. For additional information or to schedule a care consultation, call 850-797-8710 or visit alwaysbestcare.com/shalimar.

– Leading senior care franchise encourages families to plan ahead for trips with aging relatives –

ROSEVILLE, Calif. — The summer travel season has arrived, and the caregivers at Always Best Care Senior Services are sharing tips to help seniors and their families plan an enjoyable, memorable trip for everyone. Experts with the leading in-home senior care franchise system in the United States know that traveling with aging loved ones can require special considerations.

“Always Best Care currently serves seniors in 29 states and Canada, and demand is only increasing with new territories under development or opening this year in Alabama, Maryland, North Carolina, Texas and Canada. Our caregiving teams work every day with seniors, and additionally, our teams can prepare seniors planning to visit with family, or travel to new or favorite places to experience a change of scenery,” said Jake Brown, President and CEO of Always Best Care. “With summer upon us, they know it will be important for families to plan ahead for travel with their senior members to reduce stress, enhance safety and make the most of the trip. Just as we help seniors make their day-to-day more comfortable at home, our caregiving teams can assist seniors to be prepared for travel as well.”

If you are planning a family getaway with seniors, the following are a few tips to keep in mind that can make the process run more smoothly:

• Mind their mobility. Seniors in wheelchairs or who use a cane or walker may need special assistance with air or car travel, including entry/exit and stowing their equipment. Research ahead of time when booking activities to ensure the places you plan to visit are accessible, especially for those who have trouble navigating stairs or narrow places. Large crowds, excessive noise and stimulation can also be tough to handle, so think about their vision and hearing capabilities and plan activities that everyone can enjoy and access.
• Build in breaks. Riding in the car can be hard on seniors’ backs and hips. Plan on periodic stops – including bathroom visits – and break up the travel as much as possible. Plenty of water and snacks will help as well. While travelers typically want to see as many sights and activities as they can, be realistic about your group’s time and abilities. Seniors most likely require a slower pace that won’t overwhelm them with too much walking or activity.
• Give packing assistance. Seniors may have difficulty picking weather-appropriate clothing or remembering everything that should be on their list. Make that list together and help them choose outfits that are both appropriate and comfortable. Layers are always a good idea in case they get cold or hot.
• Remember the medications. Bring enough medication for the trip and a few days extra in case of delays, and pack in a carry-on rather than checked luggage. To avoid confusion, it’s best to leave medications in their original packaging. It is also a good idea to keep a list of important medical information, including proper documentation for medication and any health conditions your loved one may have. If they need to go to an urgent care or hospital, you want to have necessary information readily available.
• Ask for their input in planning. Ask your senior what they want to do and what they think they can reasonably handle. Cruises and tours have a lot of appeal because they offer many pre-planned options for all ages. You can work out any accessibility needs or special considerations ahead of time, and you may also be able to pick and choose from different activities to create a schedule that works for everyone.

“In-home caregivers have experience helping seniors with planning and packing to make sure they have everything they need,” said Sheila Davis, senior vice president of area operations for Always Best Care. “A caregiver can also take them on errands and outings around town and help them think of activities they might like to do this summer.”

Always Best Care is one of the nation’s leading providers of non-medical in-home care and senior living referral services, with skilled home health care in limited markets. The company delivers its services through an international network of more than 250 independently owned and operated franchise territories throughout the United States and Canada. By working with case managers, social workers, discharge planners, doctors, and families, Always Best Care franchise owners provide affordable, comprehensive solutions that can be specifically matched to meet a client’s particular physical or social needs.

For more information on available territories and franchising with Always Best Care, contact Sean Hart at rshart@abc-seniors.com, call 916-545-2786 or visit www.alwaysbestcare.com/franchising.

“Always In Touch” Service One of Many Ways to Boost Mental Health for Seniors

ROSEVILLE, Calif. — Always Best Care Senior Services, one of the leading senior care franchise systems in the United States, works with thousands of individuals and their families to provide personalized care plans that allow seniors to age in place at home. During Mental Health Awareness Month this May, the company is encouraging seniors to make socialization part of their daily routine. One service that has become increasingly popular since its launch over 12 years ago is Always Best Care’s complimentary telephone reassurance program, which gives the companionship of a friendly voice to seniors and disabled adults and helps combat the isolation and loneliness that can take a toll on physical, mental and emotional health.

Always in Touch offers daily check-ins or weekly socialization calls to Always Best Care clients, providing a sense of security that the senior is not alone. This may be temporary while recuperating from an illness or surgery, or it may be a more permanent situation for someone who is isolated, living alone, or in need of daily contact. Always Best Care is one of the few senior care organizations to provide this kind of program to its clients.

“Independence and the ability to age in place is a goal for many seniors, and Always Best Care provides the in-home care solutions that can help them do that. The older adults our franchise offices work with are more likely to live alone, have a chronic illness or hearing loss, or to be experiencing the loss of family and friends. All of these factors increase their risk for loneliness and social isolation, which is why it is so important to offer them opportunities for companionship,” said Jake Brown, President and CEO of Always Best Care.

In-home caregivers provide companionship in addition to helping with activities of daily living and tasks around the house. During a caregiver visit, seniors have someone to discuss current events with them, listen to stories about grandkids or happy family memories and play games or cards. A caregiver is also able to escort seniors on errands, to the movies, or out to lunch.

In addition to hiring an in-home caregiver, other tips Always Best Care recommends for seniors to explore more social interaction and a healthier mental state include:

• Seek out a relationship with neighbors who may be interested in going for a walk, taking a coffee break together or checking in on each other from time to time.
• Get family visits or regular phone/video calls on the calendar so you have them to look forward to.
• Volunteer for an important cause in the community. You’ll have the opportunity to socialize and meet new people while helping an organization that needs your time and talent.
• Join a club, attend exercise classes or pick up a new/old hobby. Mental and physical activity is key.
• Arrange transportation to remove the stress or obstacle of driving where you want to go. Some senior agencies offer pick-up and drop-off services, or there may be carpool options with friends.

Always Best Care is one of the nation’s leading providers of non-medical in-home care and senior living referral services, with skilled home health care in limited markets. The company delivers its services through an international network of more than 250 independently owned and operated franchise territories throughout the United States and Canada. By working with case managers, social workers, discharge planners, doctors, and families, Always Best Care franchise owners provide affordable, comprehensive solutions that can be specifically matched to meet a client’s particular physical or social needs.

Local Couple Opens Franchise Business to Answer Community Demand for In-Home Care Options

ROSEVILLE, Calif. — Always Best Care Senior Services, one of the leading senior care franchise systems in the United States, announced today it is expanding in the Houston market. Cypress residents Tunisha and Meyahnwi Che have opened Always Best Care of Cypress, providing award-winning senior care services throughout Cypress, Houston, Hockley, Tomball and Katy. This is the sixth Always Best Care office to open in the Houston area, where the 65-plus population has increased 58 percent over the past decade.

“Always Best Care has been providing the highest level of personal care to seniors and their families in the greater Houston area for over 14 years,” said Jake Brown, President and CEO of Always Best Care. “By expanding our reach in the Cypress area in the Houston market, Tunisha and Meyahnwi Che join a dedicated group of professionals and caregivers who are making a difference in their local communities. Their personal and professional focus on service will serve them and their clients very well.”

Originally from New Orleans, Tunisha Che earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Xavier University of Louisiana and has been a community pharmacy manager for more than 20 years. She and her husband, Meyahnwi discovered the need for quality caregiving services after providing personal care for their own aging parents and knew it was the business opportunity they had been seeking.

“Cypress is one of the fastest growing areas in Houston with many age groups recognizing it as a great place to raise a family as well as to retire. Seniors increasingly want to age at home, so there is a mounting need in our community for trusted professionals to provide companionship, personal care and comfort to them right where they are,” said Tunisha Che, co-owner of Always Best Care of Cypress. “Throughout my years as a pharmacist, I’ve had the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with families and skilled caregivers, understanding the needs and challenges that come with patient care and team leadership. Together with our team of compassionate caregivers, Meyahnwi and I look forward to helping our neighbors age with dignity and a personalized care plan.”

Always Best Care is one of the nation’s leading providers of non-medical in-home care and senior living referral services, with skilled home health care in limited markets. The company delivers its services through an international network of more than 250 independently owned and operated franchise territories throughout the United States and Canada. By working with case managers, social workers, discharge planners, doctors, and families, Always Best Care franchise owners provide affordable, comprehensive solutions that can be specifically matched to meet a client’s particular physical or social needs.

Always Best Care of Cypress is located at 17840 Mound Road, Suite B. For additional information or to schedule a care consultation, call 281-246-0080 or visit alwaysbestcare.com/cypress.

Senior Care Franchise Owner Expands His Territory, Opening Second Office to Meet Growing Demand for In-Home Care

ROSEVILLE, Calif. — Always Best Care Senior Services, one of the leading senior care franchise systems in the United States, announced today that franchise owner Shawn Cothran has opened a second location to meet the demand of a growing senior population in North Carolina. Cothran acquired Always Best Care of Wake Forest-North Raleigh in October 2022, providing non-medical in-home care and senior living referral services throughout Wake County. A little over a year later, he has expanded his territory, opening Always Best Care of Wilmington. He and his team of local caregivers now assist seniors throughout Leland and the surrounding communities, including Southport, Rocky Point, Hampstead, Carolina Beach and Castle Hayne.

“Wilmington is a beautiful area that has always held a special place in my beach-loving heart,” said Shawn Cothran, owner of Always Best Care of Wilmington. “It’s no wonder that retirees flock here and counties like Brunswick and New Hanover are projecting substantial growth of the 65+ population in the coming years. We have a wonderful opportunity to help these seniors age in place, continually adjusting their individualized plans to suit their needs and provide professional, compassionate care through all stages.”

An Apex native, Cothran had 18 years of experience in senior care before he came to Always Best Care’s Wake Forest office as an employee in 2021. His background included working in dining services and then as an executive director for several assisted living communities, giving him a valuable vantage point to truly understand the unique hospitality and service needs of seniors and their families.

Always Best Care is one of the nation’s leading providers of non-medical in-home care and senior living referral services, with skilled home health care in limited markets. The company delivers its services through an international network of more than 250 independently owned and operated franchise territories throughout the United States and Canada. By working with case managers, social workers, discharge planners, doctors, and families, Always Best Care franchise owners provide affordable, comprehensive solutions that can be specifically matched to meet a client’s particular physical or social needs.

For additional information on services available through Always Best Care of Wilmington, call 910-213-3800 or visit alwaysbestcare.com/leland.

-Leading Senior Care Franchise System Signs Three New Territory Agreements with Long-Time Owners, 
Growing Service Areas in Alabama, Maryland and North Carolina –

ROSEVILLE, Calif. — Always Best Care Senior Services, one of the leading senior care franchise systems in the United States, announced today that three franchise owners in Alabama, Maryland and North Carolina have expanded their territories, growing existing coverage areas to help even more families. These entrepreneurs have been serving seniors in their communities for many years and are seizing an opportunity to reinvest in the Always Best Care brand as demand for non-medical in-home care and senior living referral services surges across the country.

“Always Best Care franchise owners are passionate about helping people maintain a safe, independent and dignified lifestyle throughout the various transitions of life,” said Jake Brown, President & CEO of Always Best Care. “These motivated professionals who have chosen to grow with us also stand out in their communities for the continuum of care they provide, from exceptional in-home care to helping with senior living referrals when that time comes. We are thrilled to see them expand their businesses and continue to capitalize on the multiple revenue streams available to them as franchise owners in our system.”

The franchise owners who have recently signed for additional territories with Always Best Care include:

Always Best Care of Birmingham, Alabama, has been serving the area since 2013 with Jennifer Mancuso at the helm. After many years as a senior manager with leading clinical and health management service companies, she was ready for a new chapter. Her franchise location is the only homecare company in Alabama accredited by the Accreditation Commission of Healthcare (ACHC) for companion and aide services. Mancuso added an additional territory to serve five more cities in her area. She and her team are now available to help families in Hoover, Homewood, Lake Purdy, Shoal Creek and Indian Springs Village.

Robin Henoch has owned Always Best Care of Rockville in Maryland since November 2014, when she ended a 24-year career with an investment consulting firm and pursued her passion of helping others. Throughout her career in senior care, she has become a leader in the community. Henoch received the Debra Levy Humanitarian award for working above and beyond to enrich and improve the lives of Montgomery County seniors. She was also featured in Montgomery Magazine as a Woman of Strength. By widening her service area, she and her team now service all of Montgomery County, Maryland.

Always Best Care of Winston-Salem co-owner Joanne Pizzuto had over 25 years of experience working with seniors in a variety of assisted living community and long-term care facility settings before opening her first Always Best Care office in North Carolina in 2011. In 2021, she brought the business to the greater Winston-Salem market. She now has 19 new cities, with the newest expansion adding Lexington, King, Rural Hall, Advance, Mocksville and Thomasville to the list of cities she serves.

Always Best Care is one of the nation’s leading providers of non-medical in-home care and senior living referral services, with skilled home health care in limited markets. The company delivers its services through an international network of more than 250 independently owned and operated franchise territories throughout the United States and Canada. By working with case managers, social workers, discharge planners, doctors, and families, Always Best Care franchise owners provide affordable, comprehensive solutions that can be specifically matched to meet a client’s particular physical or social needs.

Franchise opportunities are available in many new territories for individuals interested in leveraging Always Best Care’s clear strategy and proven track record for delivering affordable, dependable service to seniors in their local areas. Markets open for development include key cities in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Ohio, Michigan, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Indiana, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Southern California, Oregon and Washington state.