Believe it or not, the rise of the home care industry dates back more than 75 years, way before there actually was a home care industry. That’s because home care is growing and maturing in step with the aging Baby Boomer population. Just as they have done at every phase of their lives, those born between 1946-1964 have redefined American life–and they are doing it again as they approach aging and retirement.
The oldest Boomers are now 77 years old, and 10,000 more turn 65 each day. In just a few short years, more than 70 million Americans will be aged 65 or over. Not only are they retiring to new locales with a desire to be near their children and grandchildren, but they have brought about the phenomenon of ‘aging-in-place’. AARP reports that nearly 90% of those aged 65+ want to remain in the comfort of their own homes as they age. This creates an ever-growing demand for home care solutions, accompanied by increased societal awareness and appreciation of caregiving.
In fact, President Biden recently proclaimed April 2023 National Care Workers Month and encouraged Americans to celebrate the many contributions of care workers to our country.
“Across America, care workers help raise our children, assist seniors as they age with dignity, and support people with disabilities — giving families peace of mind and making it possible for millions of Americans to earn a paycheck while their loved ones are safe and secure,” said President Biden. “These unsung heroes strengthen our communities and form the backbone of our nation’s economy.”
SYNERGY HomeCare, a leader in the home care industry’s growth and evolution, is well positioned to meet these growing needs. Based in Tempe, AZ, the company has been the fastest growing national franchisor in home care for the past three years running, with more than 210 franchisees operating in more than 450 territories across the U.S.
The brand was recently recognized as one of Entrepreneur’s Fastest Growing Franchises. The ranking identifies the franchisors with the greatest unit growth in the U.S. and Canada. The fastest-growing accolade follows the home care franchisor’s inclusion on the 44th annual Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 in January 2023.
“Earning a spot on both Entrepreneur rankings is a highly sought-after honor in the franchise industry because it recognizes outstanding performance including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power,” said Charlie Young, SYNERGY HomeCare CEO. “Ranking amongst the fastest growing enterprises across all franchise industries reflects how we have built a compelling and highly competitive value proposition for franchisees.
“Growing a franchise system is rooted in attracting strong franchisees, but it’s also about the marketing, training, collaboration and partnerships we provide that help our local franchisees succeed and grow,” Young said. “We have all of that, plus a unique operating platform where our franchisees have access to technology and up-to-the minute information that allows them to hire outstanding caregivers, grow their client base, and enhance relationships with local referral partners.”
SYNERGY HomeCare was founded in 1999 and was among the first to offer services to those in need, regardless of age or ability, as well as to do pre-employment background checks on each and every in-home caregiver. The company began franchising in 2003. Young joined in 2020 to lead the company in the next chapter of accelerated growth.
“Charlie brings invaluable experience leading other large franchisors across all facets of the business, from operations and marketing, to recruiting, retention and training,” said Mike Steed, Chief Growth Officer for SYNERGY HomeCare. “We are attracting high-quality, compassionate entrepreneurs that are excited to enrich their own lives as much as those they serve in their local communities,” he added.
Jenn Chasteen, Chief Marketing Officer at SYNERGY Home Care, dubs this impact ‘the SYNERGY Effect,’ which is the focus of the brand’s integrated national marketing campaign.
“Our franchisees and their care teams make a positive impact and are propelling lives forward in so many ways, including those of our clients, their families, and our professional caregivers. It’s a ripple effect and we’re proud to see it grow every day,” shared Chasteen.
SYNERGY HomeCare Chief Partnership Officer Rich Paul noted that SYNERGY HomeCare is taking a leadership role within the home care industry by rolling out dedicated programming to address the evolving needs of the nation’s aging population. This includes a variety of education and outreach efforts supporting family caregivers on topics including:
- Veterans Care: The vast majority of SYNERGY HomeCare franchises are contracted with the VA, allowing veterans to use their VA benefits to gain access to the highest quality home care.
- Hospital-to-Home Care: Quality care following discharge from a hospital, rehabilitation center, or other care setting is crucial for a smooth transition and successful recovery, and having a good in-home support system can help make that possible.
- Memory Care: Over six million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, a figure that is expected to double by 2050. SYNERGY HomeCare offers a differentiated, person-centered approach to memory care, which combines industry best practices, technology solutions, and specially trained professional caregivers.
“It’s been incredible to see our industry change over time,” said Paul. “Home care is now recognized as a critical part of the continuum of care. At the same time, we have seen a growing need for specific programming. Growing older is not the same journey for everyone. The same holds true for those who need specialized care. We are pleased to evolve our offerings along with the needs of the clients we serve.”
“Our memory care program is a great example,” Paul added. “The pandemic led to an increase in diagnoses and needed support. We recognize that clients living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or memory loss need specialized services to live more joyfully in the comfort of their own homes. SYNERGY Home Care caregivers who work in their home need to be properly trained and understand emerging ways to support their clients. Together we are really making a difference in people’s lives.”
SYNERGY HomeCare is poised for continued growth and those interested in learning more should visit SYNERGYHomeCarefranchise.com.