Those in search of an opportunity to run their own business, who also have a desire to give back to society, may want to consider working with Seniors Helping Seniors. The company offers companion care to seniors, provided by their peers. Those working with Seniors Helping Seniors believe it is often easier for seniors to accept help from their peers, and instead of feeling as if they are a burden on their family and loved ones, they can rely on the regular services of fellow seniors to help them with their daily lives. The company, founded in Reading, Pennsylvania, by Kiran Yocom, has recently begun its spread across the United States. Yocom found that seniors were sometimes placed in assisted living or nursing facilities out of convenience. This was vastly different than what she was used to in her home country of India. Realizing many of these seniors would have been more comfortable in their own homes, she sought a way to enhance their quality of life by offering them the opportunity to remain in comfortable surroundings.
Many seniors find themselves in situations where their ability to live alone hinges on only one or two factors. Because they are unable to drive to their weekly appointments, or handle the exterior maintenance on their homes, they may be encouraged by their loved ones to consider assisted living. While they are healthy and happy in their lifelong homes, they struggle with issues all seniors face. Their families may have a desire to help, but if they are caring for their children and their own homes, while balancing full-time employment, there may just not be time left to manage the few chores their parents or loved ones need assistance with. Seniors may also feel it is a burden to ask for their loved one’s assistance, so they consider more drastic options that would allow them to avoid the guilt of relying on their relatives. Unfortunately, they do not realize opportunities exist that will allow them to stay in their home and cope with the responsibilities of living on their own. Seniors Helping Seniors offers a way to put their minds at ease and allow them to continue their independent way of living.
Retirees may find their days are not as full as they would like, and they may choose to help others as a way to stay busy and remain social. Many seniors working with Seniors Helping Seniors were originally seeking volunteer opportunities when they learned about the company. They love their work because it offers them the flexibility and selflessness of volunteering, but provides a bit of supplemental income. Ed Cotter, owner and operator of Seniors Helping Seniors Southwest, likes to point out that the people he hires are those who would be doing the work regardless of the company. He simply provides them contact with seniors and a chance to supplement their retirement income. Many helpers are independent contractors, unless their state of residence does not allow this. Helpers are thrilled to have an organized, safe, and flexible means by which to share their time with seniors who rely on their care.
As the senior population continues to grow, chances to work with seniors will also expand. Seniors Helping Seniors Master License Holders are seeking people in their territories with an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to operate a business that provides a caring, compassionate service. Cotter explains the search is “… a well-determined process, and the business model is established. While someone is determining if franchise ownership is for them and if there is a market in their area, the Master License Holder is determining if this person would make a good partner for Seniors Helping Seniors. They ask if they at a time in their life when they have the resources and the desire to do this? Do they embrace the mission?” This ensures that all Seniors Helping Seniors franchise owners have a desire to provide the services the company offers, as well as the financial means to do so. If you are looking for an opportunity to run a business that offers a valuable service, and you are willing to dedicate yourself to staffing your company with compassionate, caring individuals, owning a Seniors Helping Seniors franchise may be the right opportunity for you. Speak with a Master License Holder about determining the need in your community, and exploring franchise opportunities near you.
